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If you prefer to avoid aerosol sprays, Proven makes a great picaridin-based pump spray insect repellent. Picaridin is a synthetic compound derived from piperine, a chemical compound found in the family of plants that produce black pepper. It’s not as odorous as DEET, and according to some research, picaridin is equally as effective at repelling bugs as DEET.
The Proven picaridin pump spray is the only one I found to be truly odorless during my testing. I probably would have looked crazy to bystanders if they saw me smelling my skin and clothes to catch a whiff of this stuff. And for a pump spray, it doesn’t have a bad texture — plus, it goes on pretty light and I only had to rub it in a tiny bit. It absorbed quickly. Of all the bug sprays I’ve used in my life, this was my first time trying Proven, and I’ll likely buy it in the future.
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best natural insect repellent" description="
For those who want to avoid chemicals altogether, a lemon eucalyptus insect repellent is a gentler way to stave off bugs and their bites. I tried a few different lemon eucalyptus bug sprays, and Natrapel came out on top.
Lacking the two chemicals proven to repel insects, it’s natural to think this bug spray isn’t as effective as its DEET- or picaridin-containing counterparts. The CDC and EPA recognize lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective insect repellent. The Natrapel bottle does say it offers up to six hours of protection versus the typical eight to 12 in DEET and picaridin products.
Anyway, if you don’t mind applying more often, Natrapel’s aerosol or pump spray is a good option. Despite the fact that the active ingredient is an oil, this bug spray doesn’t feel as oily as you might expect. It is slightly tougher to rub in compared to DEET and picaridin sprays, but it’s not bad overall. Both bottles types are easy to spray. Plus, the smell is nice (if you like lemon eucalyptus).
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I’m obsessed with these permethrin insect repellents from Sawyer. I sprayed all of my fabric patio furniture and the tarp covering my home gym equipment. Permethrin is an insect repellent designed for clothes and gear — it is not to be used on the skin or on clothes while you’re wearing them. Seriously, heed the safety instructions.
The aerosol permethrin creates a nice wide, even, fast spray. I coated my outdoor furniture easily in a few seconds. The pump spray is less convenient but still good.
While the bottles say the product is odorless, I noticed a slight odor while using the sprays. It smelled similar to spray paint but far less potent. These bottles aren’t something I’d want to travel with — they’re rather large — so I would recommend spraying your gear before you head out for a camping trip or other outdoor adventure.
Sawyer’s permethrin spray lasts up to six weeks or through six washes.
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best insect repellent lotion" description="
Not a fan of sprays? Try Proven’s picaridin lotion. Like the Proven pump spray, the odorless lotion is truly odorless. The "gentle scent" lotion smells so nice I’d use it as regular lotion if I didn’t know it was an insect repellent! This lotion uses the same 20% picaridin formula as the Proven pump spray. And these bottles are conveniently sized for travel; the smaller bottle is even appropriate for air travel.
I think lotion is better for hiking and on backpacking trips because it absorbs into the skin better. I feel like I’m less likely to sweat it out on hot, active days.
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For extremely packable insect repellent, try wipes. I like Ben’s 30% DEET wipes because I know they’re effective and they’re easy for travel. You can take insect repellent wipes on planes, toss a few in your day bag for unexpected bugginess, and equip yourself with lightweight repellent for multiday outdoor excursions. On Amazon, you can get four packs of 12 wipes.
Wipes are also great if you don’t like spraying or rubbing lotion onto your skin — instead of rubbing dirt on your skin while applying a spray, these wipes actually clean your skin while adding bug protection. Wipes also make it easier to protect your skin while avoiding clothing damage. (At higher concentrations, DEET can leave marks on certain fabrics.)
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best DEET-free insect repellent wipes" description="
Natrapel strikes again with picaridin insect-repellent wipes. The formula contains 20% picaridin and is nearly odorless with protection of up to 12 hours. These wipes are slightly softer than the Ben’s wipes above, but still wipe away dirt effectively.
Also like the Ben’s wipes, these are extremely portable and can fit in just about any type of pack you plan on carrying. It’s a win-win all around.
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
