Understanding Active Ingredients in Mosquito Repellents
You want the best possible protection against mosquitos, with the best possible ingredients for your family. From DEET sprays to natural insect repellent products, there are a variety of ways to keep mosquitoes away. So, how do you make sense of the different active ingredients in different personal insect repellents? We can help. Get outdoors with your family and protect them with an EPA-registered personal insect repellent made with one of these proven active ingredients:
DEET
DEET is an ingredient that has been used to keep mosquitoes away for more than 60 years. Recommended by the CDC for effective, long-lasting mosquito protection, DEET-based products are available in a wide variety of formulas, including aerosols, sprays and wipes.
A higher concentration of DEET means that it will work longer—not that it will work better. Depending on the percentage of DEET in an insect repellent, the product will provide mosquito protection from two to 10 hours. If you want longer protection, choose a repellent with a higher concentration of DEET.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an ingredient derived from oil from the leaves of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree. With natural mosquito repellent properties, lemon eucalyptus is the only plant-based active ingredient recommended by the CDC for mosquito protection.
This active ingredient lasts up to six hours and is approved for use on kids three years and older. If you’re looking for DEET-free* protection and plant-based ingredients, this natural insect repellent is a good choice. *not a safety claim
Picaridin
Picaridin is a relatively new synthetic repellent compound that mimics the effects of piperine, which is found in plants that produce black pepper. Picaridin-based formulas won’t damage plastics, like backpacks or sports equipment.
This picaridin insect repellent repels insects for up to ten hours. You should reapply this product no more than three times per day.
IR3535®*
Inspired by a naturally occurring amino acid, this synthetic ingredient has been used as a mosquito repellent in the United States for more than 20 years. IR3535®* - based insect repellents are odorless, non-greasy and feel light on the skin. Best of all, this product lasts up to eight hours. You should reapply this product no more than three times per day.
*IR3535 is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany or its affiliates