The 4 Best Bug Sprays for Kids

1

Best Overall Bug Spray for Kids

Sawyer Insect Repellent

$15 at Amazon

Effective Ingredient: 20% Picaridin | Application Method: Spray

REASONS TO BUY

Wide efficacy

Easy application

Evaporating odor

REASONS TO AVOID

Narrow spray stream

Dual lids are hard to keep track of

Sawyer Insect Repellent is a versatile picaridin spray recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as safe and effective for most people. Our testers liked the evaporating smell and how the spray feels once it dries. Our tests showed it was effective against various bugs, and testers thought it worked just as well on gear as it does on skin. It comes with two lids to help prevent accidental leaks, and the bottle is petite enough to fit almost anywhere.

While the dual lid design does stop leaking, it can be annoying to track two lids. Also, the smaller-sized bottle means you might need more than one for each trip. However, this is a multi-pack, so at least you will have a backup on hand. Sawyers is an effective and easy-to-use spray with no offensive smell and comprehensive coverage for every member of the family and most creepy crawlies.

2

Best Family Bug Spray on a Budget

OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent

$14 at Amazon

Effective Ingredient: 7% DEET | Application Method: Spray

REASONS TO BUY

Impressive efficacy

Friendly price

REASONS TO AVOID

Fragrance chemicals

Potential leaking

OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent is a pleasant-smelling product with a lower DEET % suitable for skin applications, as recommended by the CDC. The bottle is easy to use, has a larger lid, and sprays evenly with a fine mist for good coverage. In our tests, it was effective against various bugs, including biting flies around horses, and some users liked the smell.

DEET isn't known for its good smell or skin-friendly texture, and this option is no different, but the added fragrance was well-liked by testers or at least well-tolerated. However, fragrances equal more chemicals, so you'll want to spot-test it before use to ensure it doesn't include any chemicals that irritate your skin. Overall, this budget-priced spray is effective and works well.

3

Best for Skin Softness

Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent

$18 at Amazon

Effective Ingredient: 7% DEET | Application Method: Spray

REASONS TO BUY

Effective

Includes aloe & Vit E

Nicer smell

REASONS TO AVOID

Fragrances add chemicals

Bottle can leak

Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent is a skin-friendly choice with added aloe to soothe irritated skin. Our testers generally liked the smell and how it felt on the skin. The bottle is easy to use, and the spray pattern is even with no spitting. It seems effective against most bugs in our tests, though, in fairness, we didn't go to tick-infested areas during testing. This product contains the CDC-recommended safe percentage of DEET for skin, and you can use the spray on your gear for another layer of protection.

The bottle we purchased leaked during shipment and continued to leak during testing if transported without the lid. It also has an added scent that some testers liked while others felt was offensive. The smell adds more chemicals to the ingredient list, so you'll want to spot-check this spray to ensure your skin isn't irritated. Overall, we like this spray and think it is an effective solution for most people, especially if you are looking for something for dry skin or you dislike the DEET after-feel.

4

Good for Gear or Outbreak Areas

Repel Sportsmen Max Formula

$6 at Amazon

Effective Ingredient: 40% DEET | Application Method: Spray

REASONS TO BUY

Effective

Longer duration

Layering protection

REASONS TO AVOID

Not usually recommended for skin

Can melt some plastic

Repel Sportsmen Max Formula has a higher percentage of DEET indicated for use in areas with known insect outbreaks or for pre-treatment gear and clothing. This option is good for spraying hats, backpacks, shoes, socks, pants, etc. It can deter bugs from crawling up your shoes or dropping on your hair. It worked well in our tests, and we didn't experience any staining.

A higher percentage of DEET is generally not recommended for skin or children under typical circumstances. Plus, it smells more intense than much of the competition, so you'll want to "air out" your gear outdoors after treatment before you wear it. We believe layering insect protection is a good strategy for keeping bugs away. Treating your clothes can provide additional protection for you and your loved ones without increasing your skin's chemical load. If you're going out for adventures with known infestations or into an area with a history of outbreaks, you'll be glad you're packing this heavy hitter to keep insects away.

Effective Ingredient: Permethrin | Application Method: Spray

Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is a pre-treatment spray for clothing and other gear. Pre-treating your gear and clothing adds an additional layer of protection from insects by creating a first line of defense that doesn't require putting more chemicals directly on your skin. This spray bottle is large, has an even spray pattern, and is easy to apply. The manufacturer claims it is effective for up to 6 weeks of protection or six wash cycles.

Permethrin is a neurotoxin for cats and should not be used near pets or neighborhood cats to avoid health problems or death. Also, it can potentially melt certain plastics, so you should avoid spraying plastics. Testers also report staining on some materials, so you'll want to do a spot check before spraying all your gear if staining is a concern. Overall, an additional layer of protection is a bonus, especially if you're in areas with known risks or staying overnight. A repellent tent is an excellent first layer of defense against bugs while you sleep, and every layer increases your level of overall protection from insect-borne illness.

Effective Ingredient: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil | Application Method: Spray

REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is an oil-based repellent that uses lemon eucalyptus oil to combat bothersome bugs. It comes in a palm-size bottle that didn't leak during our tests, is brightly colored, and smells nice.

In our tests, this repellent didn't work that well, and most users didn't see any significant difference between using and not using it. Even if it offers some efficacy, it doesn't appear to be enough to provide adequate protection in areas with known insect-related illness outbreaks. Given the questionable efficacy, it is hard to recommend it for locations deep in the woods or Lymes and Zika territories. Also, some people with sensitive skin report getting rashes when using this oil as it is a known irritant, so you'll want to spot test before you go hog wild. Experts agree it should not be used on children under three years old for this reason. While you might consider this a potential contender for backyard fun, we don't see this as a real solution for adventures in insect-filled environments.

Effective Ingredient: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil | Application Method: Spray

Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is a lemon eucalyptus oil option with a strong smell. It doesn't contain DEET or picaridin, which are chemicals some people are trying to avoid. It comes in an easy-to-use bottle with an even spray and a cap to help prevent leaks. Our testers didn't mind the smell of this product but didn't feel it did much to detract bugs.

The lack of proven ability to repel bugs makes this option a no-go for areas with known outbreaks of insect-borne illnesses. It might be suitable for backyard barbeques, but even then, you risk bug bites and more, as we did in our tests. While protection is questionable, the oil is a known irritant for those with sensitive skin, and we recommend doing a spot test before you spray this everywhere just in case it causes a rash. It is not recommended for children under the age of 3, so parents should look elsewhere for younger children. We weren't impressed with this option, but we understand why some might consider it.

Effective Ingredient: Natural oils | Application Method: Spray

Babyganics Bug Spray is a formulation of oils and other natural ingredients that claims to deter bugs. It comes in a travel-sized bottle with an easy-to-use spray cap. This spray smells nice, and the bottle fits almost anywhere, even in your pocket.

Our tests did not see any efficacy using this spray, and some testers felt that it even attracted bugs. None of the ingredients have been shown effective against bugs, and some of the ingredients are known to cause skin irritation. If you are concerned with keeping your baby bug safe, experts recommend netting products over chemicals, even natural products.

Why You Should Trust Us

Before making product selections for this review, we did a lot of research on bug spray and insect repellants. It was really important to us that we understand which ingredients are safe and effective for each family member. We don't think there is a blanket solution for all outdoor bug needs, and we recommend you do your research as well. A strategy that works well for a 6-year-old will not be one you want to use for a 6-week-old. After much research, we settled on the products in this lineup. We assessed each spray side-by-side for feel, ease of use, smell, efficacy, and more to determine rank and award winners. Out award winners are those products that worked well at keeping bugs at bay and were well-received by wearers for smell and feel.

This bug spray review was led by Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz. Wendy has a degree in biological sciences with a concentration in chemistry. She is a mother of 2 and has been analyzing gear since 2014. The sprays chosen for this review were tested hands-on and side-by-side in various outdoor situations and adventures to determine how well they work with various insect types and outdoor conditions.

Analysis and Test Results

We purchased and tested the bug sprays in this review of impressive contenders. We considered metrics such as efficacy, safety, ease of applying, and how each feels and smells to determine the best options.

Effective & Safe

There are plenty of repellents for sale ranging from sprays and lotions to wristbands and personal air fans that create a bubble of repellent around you. Unfortunately, not all products are considered safe or effective. You might have many products to choose from, but some are virtually useless and others potentially unsafe. Which choice is right for you depends on where you plan to go, how long you plan to be there, and who needs protection from what. Not all products will repel every kind of bug all of the time, so we recommend having realistic expectations and practicing safe layering of deterrents when appropriate. Suppose your plans include areas with known insect-related issues. In that case, we recommend skin repellent (1st layer), pre-treated clothing (2nd layer), long sleeves and pants (limited access to the skin), hats (3rd layer), and possible netting protection (4th layer) to up your protection game.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other experts agree there are three bug repellent chemicals generally considered safe and effective. The recommended concentration of these ingredients changes depending on the area you plan to visit, and the stats of insect-borne illnesses found there. For instance, if visiting a site with high levels of tickborne illness like Lyme's Disease, you'll the recommendation includes a higher percentage concentration of deterrent as contracting Lymes can be more hazardous to your health than the potential concerns related to some repellents.

The Top Expert Recommended Repellents

These active ingredients exhibit low-risk levels combined with adequate coverage.

• DEET in concentrations typically under 10% in most locations*
• Picaridin in concentrations of 20% or less when used on the skin in most environments
• IR3535 in concentrations of no more than 20% for children

*According to the CDC, if you plan to be in an environment with more significant concerns for Lyme bacteria or Zika, it could be appropriate to use higher concentrations of DEET (20-30%) for maximum protection against illness, as the risks from the disease outweigh risks related to the deterrents.

In the past, there have been concerns about DEET and health, but recent studies indicate there is less risk than previously thought, and levels under 10% are generally considered safe for most people. Picaridin is typically viewed as less irritating to eyes and skin. It works on all the major insect offenders and has a smell that dissipates when the spray dries, making it a popular choice with outdoor enthusiasts. IR3535 can irritate the eyes but has fewer known safety concerns than DEET or Picaridin. Unfortunately, this ingredient is typically found in combination products paired with sunscreen, which we don't recommend as you need to reapply sunscreen more frequently than bug spray.

We included a handful of options with more natural ingredients for repellents. Many people have concerns about the health implications of certain chemicals and want to give these products a fair shake despite not being listed as effective by experts. Spoiler alert: they weren't very effective in our tests, and some report skin irritation and rashes after using the products.

Our Test Results

After testing, we felt Picaridin is the most effective on the broadest range of bug types while also being well-tolerated by users. DEET options were also effective but were often combined with strong scents or left skin feeling dry, and some testers resisted using them for these reasons. After extensive research, we found that Picaridin is recommended more often as a good option for almost everyone, making it an excellent product to keep on hand for families. Our favorite is Sawyer Insect Repellent, which has an even spray pattern, rubs in quickly, and doesn't smell once dry.

DEET products required re-application more frequently in our tests to keep bug activity under control. OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent seemed effective against biting flies around horses, and Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent appears to be the same as OFF! for efficacy, but it includes aloe for softer skin, and less of the dry feeling DEET can cause. Both options are scented and can seem intense at first, but most testers didn't think the odors were deal-breakers.

If your outing is in a tick-infested area or where illness rates are high, you'll want to consider products with higher concentrations of DEET. Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max has 40% DEET and should be used on gear or clothing or areas of great concern.

"Natural repellents" in our tests weren't very effective. Specifically, Babyganics Bug Spray wasn't effective on any bug of concern, and some felt the smell even attracted mosquitoes. The ingredients in all of the oil-based products could be irritating and potentially cause rashes and should not be used on children under three years old. In our tests, REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent and Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent were also less effective. While arguably more effective than Babyganics, users didn't see much difference between using the repellents and using nothing, with equal insect activity or bites. The CDC does not recommend using these options if you are going to areas with known risks of insect-borne diseases, as the risk is too high to go with unproven ingredients.

Clothing & Gear Pre-treatment

For more protection than you can get by applying the spray to the skin only, experts recommend treating clothing and gear to create another layer of protection. Treated clothing or equipment like hats, backpacks, and tents can help create a protective bubble of repellent that prevents bugs from landing on you or crawling over you to find open skin. It makes us think of the Peanuts cartoon character Pigpen and his cloud of dirt. Higher concentrations of DEET or Permethrin can be sprayed on items before your outing and can last longer than your adventure to help provide more layers of protection. While generally considered safe, both ingredients can melt certain plastics, so you'll want to avoid using on plastic, and we recommend spot-checking fabric to avoid staining. Though we think staining is preferable to bug bites and serious illnesses.

Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula is an excellent product for gear with a higher concentration of DEET (40%). While this percentage is not generally recommended for skin in most situations, it is helpful for your clothing and outdoor gear.

Ease of Application

Because bug spray is often necessary to avoid illness, you want something easy to apply, so you'll use it when needed. During testing, we found sprays are the most straightforward application for ease of use. Lotions can be difficult when trying to reach every body part, and aerosols can create a cloud with particles so small you can inhale them. We don't think it is a good idea to inhale aerosolized repellent chemicals, so we didn't select aerosol versions for this review. Given that every effective ingredient comes in a not aerosolized version, there is no need to worry about what you are inhaling, along with infectious bugs.

While sprays are usually easy to apply by spraying directly on your skin, they may still require rubbing in to ensure even coverage. For children, it is often easier to spray your hands first and then rub the repellent on your child for even coverage and to avoid getting the product in their eyes, nose, or mouth. Some sprays are also useful for treating clothing and gear, making them multi-purpose in a way that wipes and lotions can't manage. Alternatively, not all sprays are suitable for skin, so be sure to read the label before using any product to understand the uses and limitations fully. Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is one such product that is great for gear and pre-treating your clothing, but it isn't suitable for skin and is also toxic to cats. However, this chemical can provide a valuable layer of protection that lasts on equipment for up to 6 weeks and clothing through 6 wash cycles.

Odor and Feel

Outside of chemical-related safety concerns, some folks avoid repellents because they hate the way most products smell or feel on the skin when they dry. DEET, specifically, seems to annoy more users than other effective ingredients. Some manufacturers have responded by adding fragrances and skin moisturizers to their formulations, like Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent with aloe. Testers felt these were hit or miss, though most appreciated the effort. Picaridin typically feels better on the skin and has no smell when dry, making it an excellent choice for anyone sensitive to odors. Products with lemon eucalyptus oil have a stronger scent that lingers, and some testers thought bugs were more attracted to the spray than repelled by it. In our tests, it didn't seem to offer adequate protection from serious bug problems and isn't recommended by experts for areas with known insect-borne illnesses.

It is critical that you choose the most effective ingredient for your specific outing before you allow the smell or feel to impact your buying decisions. Protection from insect-borne diseases and staying itch-free should always factor higher in your final product selection than how a product smells or feels (minus an allergic reaction). Thankfully, 20% picaridin is effective for most insects, and it is generally considered safe for most people when used according to the manufacturer's directions. Plus, the odor related to picaridin evaporates when the product dries, so there is no lingering scent to contend with. This smell evaporation means products like Sawyer Insect Repellent are virtually smell-free. If you like a slight scent with your spray, our testers enjoyed the lighter smell of OFF! Family Care, which most testers described as pleasant or "not bad." Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent seems to have a more pungent scent (in our opinion), but many testers still felt it was less offensive than most of the competition.

Conclusion

Finding an effective and safe bug spray for your family shouldn't be a nit-picking experience (see what we did there?). We've done exhaustive research and hands-on testing to help you find the best options for your outdoor anti-bug needs and adventuring plans. Whether you're embarking on a hike deep into the forest or chilling by the water where mosquitoes love to breed, we've got an option in our lineup that can help keep bugs away. We purchased and tested some of the top repellents on the market. We also researched expert advice about ingredient efficacy and safety. We believe there is a spray for every family member and most outdoor adventures in this review.