Safer Insect Repellants
Cleaner repellents that still actually work when the bugs come out.
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As a pharmacist and a mom, I tend to prefer picaridin-based repellents for the family: they generally work well against mosquitoes and ticks without the greasy feel of older formulas. Mosquito and tick-borne illness is real, and a repellent that you’ll actually reapply matters more than a label that says natural.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion (20%, 4 oz)
Why I picked it. Picaridin in a lotion is my preferred fragrance-free cleaner repellent when bite risk is real and I want more control than a spray.
What it does well. 20 percent picaridin, which tends to be less greasy and lower-odor than DEET while still working well against mosquitoes and ticks.
Good for / not for. Commonly considered appropriate for kids over 6 months; check the label and do not use on infants under 6 months.
OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Aerosol with 20% Picaridin
Why I picked it. Picaridin is generally my preferred cleaner repellent when the risk of bites is real.
What it does well. 20 percent picaridin, which tends to be less greasy and lower-odor than DEET while still effective against mosquitoes and ticks.
Good for / not for. Commonly considered appropriate for kids over 6 months; follow label directions for reapplication.
Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion for Mosquitoes, Ticks & Flies
Why I picked it. A rub-on fragrance-free repellent lotion that is easier to control on a squirmy baby than a spray.
What it does well. Lotion format with 20 percent picaridin, which tends to be less greasy and lower-odor than DEET while still working well against mosquitoes and ticks.
Good for / not for. Check the active ingredient and minimum age before use on infants.
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray, Oil
Why I picked it. When families prefer a plant-based active ingredient, oil of lemon eucalyptus is the one with the most credible evidence.
What it does well. Uses oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is generally considered effective for shorter outdoor windows.
Good for / not for. Not recommended for children under 3 years per standard guidance; reapply more often than synthetic options.
Badger Bug Spray & Tick Spray Combo Pack, Family Friendly All
Why I picked it. A family-friendly combo for parents who want a gentler everyday option close to home.
What it does well. Plant-based bug and tick spray formulated for family use.
Good for / not for. Good for backyard and lighter exposure; for high tick or mosquito areas, a picaridin option may last longer.
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