The 5 Best Insect Repellents for Kids

Effective Ingredient: 20% Picaridin | Application Method: Spray

Sawyer Insect Repellent is a versatile 20% Picaridin spray that is easy to use and comes in a handy-sized bottle for transporting. We like the smell, which disappears when dry, and the insects it is effective on are vast. We find Sawyer effective against most creepy crawlies and suitable for skin and gear. It has a double-lid system container to help prevent leaks, and the smaller bottle fits almost anywhere, such as a cup holder or backpack.

This bottle has two lids to prevent leaks, but two tops are somewhat annoying to keep track of, and we suspect kids will lose at least one of them before the bottle is empty (we did). The smaller bottle also won't last as long as the larger competition if you use it regularly for the whole family. While it comes in a two-pack, getting a little more repellent for your money or at least larger bottles would be nice so you don't need to tote multiple bottles. Despite our gripe with the bottle size, we like this effective spray that leaves no strange feel or scent. Plus, we see how a smaller bottle might be good for backpacks and car cup holders, so we are willing to work with the smaller bottle and dual cap to get the best protection. For frequent use, a bigger bottle like the OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent may suit your family's needs more. You can often score a good deal on a multi-pack, too, but remember it is scented.

Effective Ingredient: 7% DEET | Application Method: Spray

OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent is a lightly scented repellant that many of our testers loved. The bottle is easy to hold and spray even with slick, sunscreen-covered hands, and it has an easy-to-use spray top with a palm-sized lid. The low-percentage DEET formula is deemed safe by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and it didn't leave our skin feeling tight and dry like some competing DEET products we tested. If you like this product, you can often find it in multi-packs for more savings!

DEET can leave skin feeling strange initially, and some users dislike the smell. While our testers prefer it over most of the competition, any fragrance translates to more chemicals that the manufacturer isn't required to divulge, which means an increased chance for potential irritants or allergens. Overall, this multi-pack of repellent works well and travels without leaks, making it one to consider if don't mind scents. But if the odd feeling dissuades you, consider the Sawyer Insect Repellent. We found the smell quickly evaporated and didn't leave our skin feeling strange.

Effective Ingredient: 7% DEET | Application Method: Spray

Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent has a colorful bottle and an easy-to-open top. The spray bottle is narrow, and it has a pleasant smell most of our testers enjoyed. It seemed effective against most bugs in our tests, though we didn't encounter ticks on our adventures. We like that the low percentage of DEET is listed as safe by the CDC, and we love how the bottle fits easily in a cup holder or backpack. This spray works on skin or gear, and the added aloe can help relieve bites you might already have with a cool feeling.

We experienced some leaking with our bottle when the lid was off and in our backpack where the lid fell off. The smell might be offensive to some, and unlike the Picaridin-containing products, it doesn't disappear very quickly. Also, fragrance means more potential for added chemical irritants, so you may want to spot-check this product before spraying it all over. Manufacturers don't have to list fragrance ingredients, so this is something else to consider if you want to know what's inside. Overall, we think this repellent is a winner and seems similar to the OFF! formulation. It suits families who want a family-friendly spray that most members can use without complaint. Still, some may dislike the smell. If this includes you, try the picaridin-based Sawyer Insect Repellent, which has an evaporating scent that is light to begin with and then disappears.

Effective Ingredient: Picaridin | Application Method: Wipe

Natrapel Repellent Wipes is similar in look and feel to a moist towelette you might get with BBQ food (minus the delicious food). But, these towelettes contain bug repellent instead of a lemon-scented cleaner. This useful, travel-sized wipe won't leak in your pack and can be used anywhere as it isn't airborne and won't annoy innocent bystanders. This feature is a plus for anyone with breathing issues or spray sensitivities. We like the simplicity of the design and found that one wipe will work for the average person wearing shorts and a T-shirt. The packets can be tucked in your pocket, and children will definitely find them useful at camp or in situations where they need to care for themselves.

Unfortunately, these wipes won't work for all situations. They can only be used once, so they can run out quickly, leaving you with no protection. Plus, they create more trash, as each is individually wrapped. They also can't be used on gear like some sprays, and the design means you're spending more money per application than more traditional repellents. However, we believe there is potentially a time and place for this unique product, like camp or places where kids might find a wip[ useful and mess-free. And the useful wipe application makes travel a breeze. So, while likely not your main repellent, this wipe could be an excellent backup or situational solution when a bottle or spray is unsuitable. If you need an insect repellent for gear and clothing, the Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is an effective option. Just note that it's toxic to cats.

Effective Ingredient: 40% DEET | Application Method: Spray

Repel Sportsmen Max Formula can be considered a must-have product if you want to layer your levels of protection (and you should, If possible). This higher percentage of DEET is not traditionally recommended for use on the skin or with children. However, you can apply it to clothing and gear to create an extra layer of protection from pesky insects. We believe the ability to layer and increase your protection without upping your skin's chemical load is a very good thing. During testing, layering our protection by spraying our gear did, in fact, decrease the number of bugs and bug-related bites we encountered. We like that this product sprays evenly and is straightforward to use.

We think this is one of the worst-smelling options in the test group, and it lingered longer than we suspect anyone would want. However, the smell's impact significantly decreases if you are pre-treating your gear and letting it air dry before use (as directed). If you are going somewhere with known insect-related concerns or a high level of insect-borne illnesses, then utilizing a higher concentration of DEET might be necessary, and you'll be glad you're packing this product. While the odor may not be your favorite smell, it is certainly better than dealing with an insect-borne illness. Another DEET option you should consider is the OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent. It is lightly scented and effective.

Effective Ingredient: Permethrin | Application Method: Spray

Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is a gear and clothing insect repellent you shouldn't use on your skin. This formulation is suitable for most of the gear you take outdoors to provide an additional layer of protection from the creepy crawly and flying pests you find while on adventures. This spray is easy to use, comes in a large bottle, and has a wide spray for quick, even coverage. The label claims efficacy for up to 6 weeks and through 6 washes.

Unfortunately, this product can be toxic and fatal to the feline family, so it isn't a good choice for families with cats. It can also melt certain kinds of plastics (similar to high percentage DEET), so it is best to test plastics before spraying. Some testers also report it can stain some fabrics, so spot-checking your clothes is in order if you care about stains on your adventure gear. You may not care if your tent gets stained if it means fewer ticks, but you might care about your favorite windbreaker. Overall, we like the idea of layered protection, and this spray can be useful for upping your protection game. Still, it might also be overkill for areas with fewer bugs or unknown levels of insect-borne diseases where you are at lower risk — so knowing where you are going, and the associated risks can help you determine if you need this clothing option. If you prefer natural ingredients you can use on your skin, the REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent has a nice scent but isn't as effective and might not be a good fit for bug-infested areas.

Effective Ingredient: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil | Application Method: Spray

REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is marketed as a more natural option that relies on lemon eucalyptus oil to stop bothersome bugs. The spray smells nicer than the DEET competition, and the bottle didn't leak in our tests.

While studies indicate this kind of repellent can work on some bugs to a certain degree, it doesn't appear to work well enough to risk your health in an area known for ticks and mosquitoes. In our tests, it disappointed keeping mosquitoes and biting flies from being a problem. Also, the oil can irritate some users and is not recommended for children under the age of 3 as it can cause rashes that resemble burns. This product might be suitable for minimum bugs at a backyard barbeque, but it isn't a go-to choice for the woods or places known for disease-carrying bugs where the risks are higher. For an effective spray that's more soothing to the skin, check out the Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent.

Effective Ingredient: 20% DEET | Application Method: Lotion

Sawyer Controlled Release Lotion is the only lotion in our lineup and comes in a nice-sized bottle that should last for some time. We liked the feel of this lotion, and it spread and absorbed quickly and easily during testing. The higher level of DEET is suitable for areas with an increased prevalence of tick and mosquito activity. We like that the time-release formula means fewer re-applications and less exposure to the chemicals overall.

This lotion needs significant shaking before use, or you'll end up with a separated oily mess. It also isn't suitable for prepping gear or use on clothing, as applying it to porous surfaces is impossible. Also, a higher percentage of DEET is not recommended for areas with less insect activity, and the bottle could create a huge mess should it leak or burst in your backpack. However, we think it has a place in your arsenal if you frequent areas with higher bug activity or want to layer your protection with lotion on the skin and spray on your clothing. For gear and clothing, choose a more suitable option like the Repel Sportsmen Max Formula.

Effective Ingredient: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil | Application Method: Spray

Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is similar in formulation to the other lemon eucalyptus oil product in our lineup and has a similarly strong but fairly present scent. This option doesn't contain DEET or other chemicals you might be trying to avoid, making it an intriguing choice if you are trying to decrease your exposure to certain chemicals.

While the bottle and spray are easy to use, the active ingredient's effectiveness is limited and not the right choice for heavy infestation areas. If you're hanging in your yard or playing outdoor games, this might be a contender depending on where you live, but overall, we think it offers insignificant protection. Plus, the oil can irritate some users' skin. Plus, it is not recommended for children under three years old, so it isn't suitable for families with young children. Those looking for an effective family-friendly spray should check out the Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent instead.

Effective Ingredient: Natural oils | Application Method: Spray

Babyganics Bug Spray is a unique blend of oils and natural ingredients exclusive to Babyganics. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle that is travel-sized and smells nice. In our tests, children liked the spray, and there was no fight when applying it. Unfortunately, none of the ingredients have been proven effective in preventing bug bites, and we didn't see much difference in our tests between using this spray and using nothing at all. Also, while the smell isn't offensive, it is somewhat strong and could be bothersome to some.

We worry the ingredients could be potential irritants or allergens to kiddos with sensitive skin, and doctors do not recommend any repellents for babies under six months old (yep, even this one). We think parents are better off using netting or clothing to keep bugs at bay for younger babies. We recommend older children use one of the ingredients the Centers for Disease Control recommends for their age group, mainly DEET at 7% or Picaridin. To us, this option feels more like a placebo to feel like you are doing something when it is unlikely that it does anything. For these reasons, we recommend considering other contenders like the effective and travel-friendly Sawyer Insect Repellent.

How We Test Insect Repellent

We used the repellents side-by-side during camping, hiking, horseback riding, and adventures at the lake to analyze how well they perform in the areas you're most likely to frequent for fun. In addition, Wendy did extensive investigation on repellent safety and recommendations with the CDC and WHO, and other sources to provide the latest information on keeping your family safe from insect-borne illness.

Why Trust GearLab

As an industry leader in testing baby gear, we are uniquely poised to offer insight into various baby products with more years of combined experience than any other organization. We've been buying and testing products hands-on with real families for eight years, providing you with the details you desire to find the best products for your family. Each repellent in this review was tested by Wendy Schmitz , Senior Review Editor, and her two children.

Analysis and Test Results

We purchased and used each repellent in this review, looking for effectiveness, safety, ease of application, and how it felt or smelled after application to determine which products are the best suited to various goals most families have in mind.

Effectiveness and Safety

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the number of cases of disease caused by mosquito, tick, and flea bites in the US has more than tripled from 2004 - 2016. While there might be a plethora of available bug repellents on the market, only a handful are proven safe and effective against these kinds of insects. Some are safe but not effective, and some are effective but not safe. Finding that sweet spot in the middle is where you want to be. This spot can depend on who you are, where you plan to be, and how long you plan to be there, as the recommendations vary based on the level of risk in your area and your physical status.

Things to consider in making your choice:

• Who do you want to protect?
• How old are they?
• How long will you need protection?
• Where will you be going (specifically)?
• Is the area a known hot spot for insects that carry disease?
• What activity will you be doing?

In general, there are three ingredients widely considered safe (in the right doses under the right conditions) and effective. Sometimes, the level of active ingredient recommendations changes if your risk of an insect-borne vector is high. Say if you live in an area known for Lyme Disease, then using a higher percentage of a deterrent ingredient might be merited as catching Lymes is far worse than the potential side effects of some repellents. So how do you know what to use and when? Answering these questions can get complicated, but there are some good rules of thumb to consider before you head down a deep dive into specifics.

The Top 3 Repellents

Each of the following ingredients has low-risk levels and effective coverage when used appropriately.

• DEET (max 10% on skin*)
• Picaridin (max 20% on skin)
• IR3535 (max 20% for children)

*If your child will be in an area with high levels of Lyme Disease bacteria or Zika outbreaks, it might be more appropriate to use DEET concentrations of 20-30% instead, as the risk from the disease outweighs concerns about the chemical deterrents, according to the CDC.

It is important to note that the concentration percentages of the active ingredient DEET in any product do not reflect effectiveness as much as they are about how often you may need to reapply the product. So, 40% DEET is not more effective at repelling bugs than 7%, but theoretically, it should keep bugs away for a longer time. Lower percentages are universally indicated because most outings and locations don't require higher concentrations. It is easier to reapply your protection if your trip is extended than removing repellent if it gets cut short.

Picaridin works on ticks, mosquitoes, and more and is generally considered less irritating to the skin and eyes than other active ingredients. In addition, it has what most believe to be a less offensive smell than DEET without sacrificing any of its effectiveness. Plus, the smell evaporates once the spray dries, so there is no lingering scent. Score!

IR3535 was developed in the 1970s and used in Europe for longer than in the US, introduced in 1999. This repellent can irritate eyes but has few other known safety concerns. We did not test any products with this ingredient in our review. The only options we could find included sunscreen, and we don't recommend combination products in general (more on this later).

We also chose a few “natural” products to include in our test group to give you the full scoop on the possibilities “out there” and to see for ourselves if they were effective or irritating. While not in the top 3 recommended ingredient lists, we didn't want our readers to wonder why we didn't include them and if perhaps we were unaware of their existence.

Our Recommendations

We found that Picaridin was the most effective and the least offensive to testers in our tests. DEET did the job, but some users complained about factors unrelated to effectiveness but which could still be important depending on your goals or needs. From the available information, it seems that Picaridin is the most often recommended option for almost everyone, from children to pregnant women and healthy adults, making it an excellent go-to for families of various ages or statuses. Our favorites for skin application include Sawyer Insect Repellent and the Natrapel Repellent Wipes. The wipes are useful for travel or keeping in a bag as they don't leak, and one wipe can cover the majority of exposed skin, depending on your size.

The DEET options were also useful, but they seemed to require a more frequent application in our tests to keep the same level of efficacy as Picaridin. OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent was a favorite for the areas where biting flies are common, and testers with horses felt it kept the flies from biting as frequently as they usually would, something not all products can boast (don't use on your horse). Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent seems to be virtually the same product as OFF! with a similar ability to keep bugs away, including nats and chiggers, making it a good choice for areas with high chigger populations.

If you plan to go to an area where there is a high risk of tick or mosquito-borne illnesses, you should consider a higher percentage of DEET as the illness and potential death are significantly more serious than the possible known side effects of DEET. We like the Sawyer Controlled Release Lotion for this use with a 20% DEET level in an easy-to-apply and slow-release formula lotion. According to the manufacturer, the lotion is effective for up to 14 hours, which means less need to reapply. In addition, it is easy to apply, absorbs fairly quickly, and doesn't leave a strange residue or stickiness behind.

The natural ingredient style repellents didn't do well and were unable to keep bugs at bay or worked well enough for some types of bugs and not others (the ones you really should worry about). In our tests, Babyganics Bug Spray helped with sand flies and biting flies but didn't seem to affect mosquitos at all. Also, the ingredients can be irritating to some and even cause a rash in others. The REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent and Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent also proved to be less effective in our tests. While better than the Babyganics option, some testers felt the smell attracted more bugs than they experienced compared to spraying, and some say the oil causes a rash worse than the bug bites they were trying to prevent. Natural products are also NOT a good idea if the area you plan to be in is known for bugs that carry disease. According to the CDC, using natural, less effective ingredients isn't worth the risk of getting a life-changing insect-borne disease; the symptoms and effects are worse than those you might experience using a more effective bug repellent.

Clothing and Gear Recomendations

To help keep bugs away, you might consider pre-treating your clothing or gear as the first line of defense before the bugs even get close to your skin. Higher levels of DEET or a completely different chemical, Permethrin, applied to clothing and gear before use can last for weeks. Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents says it works for up to 6 weeks and through 6 washing cycles. This product can be applied to your camping gear before you go, giving you an added layer of protection to up your bug repellent game. While considered safe for most materials, you'll want to do a spot check before dousing everything and everywhere. This chemical does not work for the skin as it breaks down in about 15 minutes on the skin, offering no long-term protection.

Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula is 40% DEET and not typically suitable for skin applications, but could be useful for clothing, tents, backpacks, hats, and more that can give you more protection over a skin repellent alone. It is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas, so you can see it would be useful as a tent, jacket, or hat spray.

Ease of Application

An easier application can help make bug repellent use easier to tolerate. You might already have a mental aversion to the chemicals in them or the smell and feel, so whether or not they are easy to apply shouldn't have to be another thing you factor into your decision-making. Repellents come in various application methods, including sprays, lotions, wipes, and aerosols. We chose a variety of application types for this review but intentionally chose not to include aerosols in our lineup. Why you might ask. Well, aerosolizing a liquid makes it smaller and easier to inhale than spraying it. The inhalation of these tiny particles into your body gives us pause and creates a whole new list of things to worry about. It is far easier to avoid aerosols than to determine how safe it is to inhale these potentially harmful chemicals. In this case, we like to err on the side of caution and chose sprays and lotions over aerosols.

Both sprays and lotions require a certain amount of rubbing into the skin to facilitate absorption and adequate coverage. Depending on how you feel about the “after feel,” you may be drawn to one product over another. A spray is far easier to use on clothing, hats, camp chairs, etc., but lotions might feel better or offer more complete coverage on the skin. When assisting children, we recommend spraying your hands before rubbing their skin to ensure proper coverage, so both methods require a hands-on approach. Sprays can help you get to hard-to-reach areas where you might have trouble with a lotion repellent but can more easily reach with a spray. In general, we prefer non-aerosol sprays for their versatility of uses. While lotion allows for even and sure coverage because you can see where you are putting it, the sprays allow for protection on clothing and gear, giving you layers of protection against bugs.

Odor and Feel

Most complaints about repellents typically involve smell and feel. Many people dislike the way DEET feels and smells. It has a strange after-feel that is challenging to describe, being dry and strangely sticky at the same time. Picaridin has less of a peculiar after-feel (though it can feel drying), and more testers prefer the odor-free experience of dry Picaridin over a scented DEET product. Also, the more natural products have what some consider to be “better smells.” However, in our opinion, they aren't the best (but hey, to each their own), and many testers found they attract bugs, and others indicate they can burn with contact on minor wounds or papercuts.

Overall, we think you should choose the most effective and appropriate repellent for your outdoor adventure and concern yourself less with odor or how it feels when you apply it. However, we know humans are more likely to use a product consistently and according to directions if it meets their needs and personal feelings, including the odor and skin feel. A repellant can't provide the best protection if you don't use it or fail to use it as directed. We also suspect that some users avoid using a repellant or reapplying as directed if it is offensive to the senses or causes a headache. Our favorites for smell and feel are the Sawyer Insect Repellent, which has an odor that disappears after drying, and the OFF! Family Care, which is lightly scented with a smell most testers found unoffensive.

Conclusion

Let's face it, constantly swatting bugs is no fun, making an outdoor adventure less enjoyable. Contracting some kind of insect-borne illness is even less enjoyable and potentially debilitating. On the plus side, finding and using an effective insect repellent can help keep the good outdoor times rolling with less annoyance and potential risk. To assist your search for the right insect repellent or chemical type for each family member and adventure, we've gathered an impressive list of competitors and included the details about each for efficacy, safety, and which products are the best choices for each situation and person.