I love the outdoors — but every time I’m running, biking or even just sitting at the park, I somehow always seem to end the day with mosquito bites. It’s a pain most people are familiar with and, historically, the only solution was to cover yourself in a sticky bug spray.
Quite honestly, bug sprays were usually something I would usually skip in my summer skin care routine. I was never a fan of the strong fragrance and hated feeling sticky afterward. However, on the days I can bear to use one, I notice a real difference in how many bites I end the day with. So instead of suffering through summer and foregoing bug spray altogether, I decided to put a few to the test to see which ones balance the line between being both pleasant to use and effective.
Read on to find the ones I tested that actually work. Plus, two entomologists share what to look for in an effective formula and more valuable tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of the one you choose.
What should you look for in bug repellents?
According to an assistant professor at the University of Florida, Dr. Johnalyn Gordon, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of registered insect repellent ingredients that have undergone testing for human safety and effectiveness. “While DEET is one of the most widely used active ingredients in bug repellents, other active ingredients have been approved by the EPA and recommended by CDC, including picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-methane-diol (PMD) and 2-undecanone,” says Gordon.
Dr. Christopher Hayes, a researcher at Hayes Structural Pest Research Lab, emphasizes looking for bug repellents with a higher percentage of picaridin to increase your chances of not getting bit. He adds that synthetic and essential oil products are also great at repelling mosquitoes.
Best overall bug repellent
Effectiveness: 4.5/5 | Application: 4/5 | Skin feel: 5/5 | Overall average score: 4.5/5
Avon was my favorite from all the bug repellents I tested. While it doesn’t contain DEET or picaridin, it was still super effective at keeping the mosquitoes at bay. Its key ingredient is IR3535, which is known as a synthetic insect repellent modeled from the naturally occurring amino acid B-alanine that is widely regarded as being safe for both adults and children.
The lotion is lightweight, nearly odorless (it does have a subtle minty scent) and is easy to apply to the skin. It feels more like a regular body cream rather than a bug repellent. I love that it contains vitamin E and aloe to help soothe the skin while protecting against unwanted pests.
After using this lotion for eight hours, I inspected my skin and found it felt non-greasy even after reapplying. Overall, this is something I would wear over and over again for its gentle scent, moisturizing feel and protective results.
More bug repellents, tested by the author
Odorless formula:
Effectiveness: 5/5 | Application: 4/5 | Skin feel: 4/5 | Overall average score: 4.3/5
OFF! lived up to its name — it kept bugs completely off my skin. The aerosol is easy to use and delivers wide, even coverage, even when sprayed from a few inches away. One of the first things I noticed was its odorless, gentle formula; it doesn’t mask your natural scent or leave behind that typical pesticide smell.
I also found that it lives up to its claim of feeling good on skin. It dries quickly and leaves a light, refreshing feel. I would even go so far as to say my skin felt a bit hydrated after using it. Plus, it has no chemical smell which is a huge bonus.
While the nozzle was a bit stiff at first, it loosened up with use. I also liked that it didn’t stain my clothes, even with generous application. This would be my go-to second option when I need quick, no-fuss protection in seconds.
Best for outdoor runs:
Effectiveness: 5/5 | Application: 3.5/5 | Skin feel: 4/5 | Overall average score: 4.1/5
I found the spray mechanism on the Deep Woods Max to be a bit faulty. It tended to drip, and the coverage wasn’t as even as other OFF! formulas I’ve tried during this testing and beyond. But that’s where my qualms with it end.
After applying and rubbing it in to my skin, I didn’t feel sticky at all. It’s worth noting that the product does come out a bit more liquid-y than the Clean Feel formulation, so I’d prefer that one for daily use. The other difference between the two include protection time (10 hours for this one vs Clean Feel’s eight) and that this one is designed with a “gear-safe formula,” so it shouldn’t mess up your activewear, any plastics or painted surfaces.
That said, the scent is very light and it performs well for long periods outdoors, especially during activities like running. I wore it during a run at a park in Florida and didn’t notice any flies around me while using it. The formula is labeled as sweat-resistant and fragrance-free, and I found that my skin stayed relatively dry while wearing it.
Lightweight mist:
Effectiveness: 4/5 | Application: 4/5 | Skin feel: 4/5 | Overall average score: 4/5
The Ranger Ready formula was very effective at keeping mosquitoes away from my face, arms and legs. I appreciated that it could still be sprayed efficiently with the bottle upside down. I liked the smell and my skin didn’t feel greasy even after reapplication. This formula contains 20% picaridin, which is considered the minimum concentration for most brands.
I applied this spray generously before a bike ride and, after being outdoors for hours, I returned home without a single bite. Even after reapplying a third time, my skin still felt non-greasy and even stayed relatively sweat-free. This formula feels like you’re spraying a light fragrance, so you don’t really have to rub it in. I would definitely reach for this again.
Travel friendly:
Effectiveness: 4/5 | Application: 3.75/5 | Skin feel: 4/5 | Overall average score: 3.9/5
While I initially wasn’t fully convinced of these wipes’ effectiveness, I ultimately found they worked well for quick, bite-free protection outdoors. The formula has a natural, non-overpowering scent, which I appreciated.
I needed two wipes to fully coat my arms and legs so, even though it’s convenient, a pack of 20 may not last me very long. I used them on a day when I was sitting in a garden area at work, wearing a dress that had my legs out. Even though flies hovered nearby, they never came over to land on me.
I noticed that the product tends to linger on your hands after the application process, so I’d recommend washing your hands after use to avoid accidentally getting it near your eyes. I’d reach for these if they were readily available.
For low bug traffic areas:
Effectiveness: 3.5/5 | Application: 3.5/5 | Skin feel: 4/5 | Overall average score: 3.6/5
This natural bug repellent is effective, but you need to spray a good quantity (about 15 spritzes) to cover arms, chest and legs. After several trials, I can attest to its efficacy when surrounded by flies, as they didn’t come near me when I sprayed it on my skin. However, when faced with about 20+ mosquitoes, I found that it wasn’t as effective as some tried to bite me.
I had some issues spraying the product if I tilted it to spray my legs. Overall, I enjoy the light mist of this formula because it feels lightweight without being overpowering. Reapplying didn’t leave my skin feeling greasy and I even found that it didn’t clash with my sunscreen. But I would probably stick with this one for areas I know have lower bug traffic.
Kid friendly:
Effectiveness: 3/5 | Application: 5/5 | Skin feel: 3/5 | Overall average score: 3.6/5
While these bracelets were effective, they weren’t my preferred option. They’re a convenient choice for quick, on-the-go protection. But you’ll need to wear two to four on each exposed limb for better coverage. Since they don’t fully protect the skin, they function more as a light barrier rather than a comprehensive repellent.
I tested them at a festival and noticed mosquitoes nearby but not actually biting me while I was sitting on the grass. The biggest downside, however, was the scent. It’s quite strong and noticeable as soon as you open the package. While they’re handy in a pinch, I’d still opt for a spray or lotion for more reliable, full-body protection.
A compact option:
Effectiveness: 4/5 | Application: 3/5 | Skin feel: 3.5/5 | Overall average score: 3.5/5
This compact balm is travel-friendly and easy to use, though it does require a bit more time to apply thoroughly. Because of its small size, spreading it evenly can feel a bit tedious, especially across larger areas. While there’s no need to rub it in, I did have to swipe the bug repellent 5-10 times on my arm to cover it completely.
It performed best on targeted spots like the face, neck and hands where application felt more manageable. The formula feels effective after use since I barely experienced any bites when wearing it in the balmy weather of Miami, specifically on my patio and at the park. The scent is light, the texture feels smooth and it feels like a good product to carry in your purse for immediate use.
Frequently asked questions
Hayes says one of the most effective bug repellents is a cream or lotion formulation “because you’re covering all the areas outside of your clothing.”
Every bug repellent will contain a certain amount of the active ingredient, like DEET or picaridin. "The percentage means the amount of that active ingredient in that container doing the killing," says Hayes.
You should always follow the instructions on the label for application. In general, Hayes recommends using a sunscreen first and letting the SPF dry for 10-15 minutes before applying the bug repellent. "If you are reapplying sunscreen, you potentially could disrupt that repellent in some way," adds Hayes.
"To apply insect repellent safely to the face, the EPA recommends spraying it first on your hands and then applying it," says Gordon.
"In the real world, if you’re not getting bit, and not having mosquitoes land on you, that’s a good indication that the repellent is doing its job!" shares Gordon.
"Ideally, a bug repellent actually works when you don't get a bite. When you see mosquitoes trying to come and don't land on me, that's satisfying," adds Hayes.
How we tested bug repellents
I incorporated each bug repellent into my outdoor activities and tested them on clean, perfume-free skin. I applied sunscreen first and then waited about 20 minutes before application.
Once applied, I spent at least an hour outside to assess how well each formula performed. Once I returned indoors, I checked for any bites and noted whether I experienced any itching. I evaluated each bug repellent’s performance on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the worst, 5 being the best) in the following categories:
- Effectiveness: Did it work? Was I bit by bugs? Did a bug land on me at all?
- Application: Was it easy to apply? Are there any additional steps I had to follow for application?
- Skin feel: Does it leave my skin feeling greasy or sticky after application (the first or following times)?
Why trust Shop TODAY
Jannely Espinal has been a fashion and lifestyle journalist for the past 7 years. She has previously tested several other types of products for Shop TODAY’s Ranked series, including shower cleaners and white T-shirts. She’s well-versed in product sourcing, selection and testing, especially when it comes to the latest trends in home, style and beauty. Espinal combined her testing process with experts’ insight to select the best products for Shop TODAY’s audience.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Johnalyn Gordon is an assistant professor of urban entomology at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on the biology, behavior and control of structural pests.
- Dr. Christopher Hayes is a researcher with a focus on urban and public health entomology. He currently leads the Hayes Structural Pest Research Lab at NC State University, where he focuses on pest management and human well-being.
