Insect repellent prevents you from receiving itchy bites while spending time outdoors. Whether you're sitting in your yard, camping, or going for an evening stroll, insect repellent will keep you comfortable. Their effective topical formulas repel parasitic pests so that nature is enjoyable. Save yourself from discomfort with this roundup of the best insect repellent.
REPEL plant-based lemon eucalyptus insect repellent
Double the protection
This insect repellent two-pack is made from plant-based ingredients.
Pros:
- Made from plant-based ingredients
- Two-pack
- Repels insects for up to 6 hours
- Non-greasy formula
Cons:
- Can irritate sensitive skin
- Sweet scent
This natural insect repellent is great for use while outdoors. It is formulated from plant-based ingredients and dries with a non-greasy finish. The repellent fights off bugs for up to 6 hours, so spending the day or evening outside is nuisance-free. And, this purchase includes two bottles!
OFF! Deep Woods bug spray and mosquito repellent
Two effective aerosol-style spray bottles
This insect repellent works with all insects, including mosquitoes with Zika, Dengue, and West Nile virus.
Pros:
- Repels all insects
- Great for repelling mosquitoes with Zika, Dengue, and West Nile
- Non-oily formula
- Aerosol spray two-pack
Cons:
- Cans may be smaller than expected
- May leave a powdery residue
This all-purpose insect repellent has a non-oily formula that can be sprayed on skin, clothing, and more. It repels all types of insects including mosquitoes, gnats, chiggers, and more. This purchase includes two aerosol cans; keep one bottle in the car to ensure you're always protected.
Sawyer Products premium permethrin insect repellent
Perfect for camping
This insect repellent is designed to be sprayed on your clothes and more.
Pros:
- Great for garments, gear, and tents
- Perfect for camping
- Repels up to 55 kinds of insects
- Sticks to garments for up to 6 weeks
Cons:
- Can cause a bitter taste in mouth from residue
- Sprayer may leak
This insect repellent works to repel 55 insect types, great for extended time outdoors like camping. This spray is intended to be spritzed on garments, gear, tents, and more to keep bugs away on an outdoor adventure. The permethrin formula sticks to fabrics for up to 6 weeks or six machine-wash cycles.
Murphy's Naturals lemon eucalyptus oil insect repellent spray
Made from natural ingredients
This insect repellent is free of dyes, synthetic fragrances, and harmful chemicals.
Pros:
- Made from plant-based ingredients
- Free of dyes, synthetic fragrances, and harsh chemicals
- Provides up to 8 hours of protection
Cons:
- Strong scent
- May need a lot of product to be effective
Made from all-natural and plant-based ingredients, this insect repellent provides safe protection for up to 8 hours. The gentle formula contains no dyes, synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, or DEET. It also features an appealing lemon eucalyptus scent as 30-percent of its formula consists of the essential oil. The remaining 70 percent of the ingredients include a mixture of corn ethanol and distilled water.
Aunt Fannie's DEET-Free mosquito repellent spray
Keep bloodsuckers at bay
This insect repellent is specifically formulated for mosquitoes.
Pros:
- Repels mosquitoes for up to 4 hours
- Made without hard chemicals
- Safe for individuals ages 6 months and up
- Three-pack
Cons:
- May feel quite oily
- May not be the strongest formula
This insect repellent is formulated to repel mosquitoes for up to 4 hours. It is made with essential oils and without the use of harmful chemicals, so it's safe for use on adults and kids as young as 6 months. This insect repellent comes in a convenient three-pack.
The gist
Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best insect repellent protects your skin and body while enjoying the outdoors. The REPEL plant-based lemon eucalyptus insect repellent features a non-greasy formula that absorbs comfortably. It comes in a two-pack and keeps insects away for up to 6 hours.
The Sawyer Products premium permethrin insect repellent has a heavy-duty formula. It is designed for garments and other types of fabric application to chase away up to 55 different insect types. This spray sticks to your items, protecting them for up to 6 weeks.
Why trust us?
At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
