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Best Mosquito Repellent Lotions

  • By Karen
  • Last updated on

Mosquitoes are not only an annoyance but they can also be a danger to your health since they are carriers of many nasty viruses. So, you should always be wearing an insect repellent when you know you’re going to be visiting an area with large mosquito population. And if you don’t want to use one of the regular bug sprays there is another option for you – insect repellent lotions. So, in this article learn more about mosquito repellent lotions, when is it safe to use them and how to chose the best lotion for your needs. As well as see a list of some of the best bug repellent lotions currently available.

Mosquitoes are not only an annoyance but they can also be a danger to your health since they are carriers of many nasty viruses. So, you should always be wearing an insect repellent when you know you’re going to be visiting an area with large mosquito population. And if you don’t want to use one of the regular bug sprays there is another option for you – insect repellent lotions. So, in this article learn more about mosquito repellent lotions, when is it safe to use them and how to chose the best lotion for your needs. As well as see a list of some of the best bug repellent lotions currently available.

THE MOST POPULAR PICK

Sawyer Picaridin Lotion

This is a topical insect repellent lotion containing 20% Picaridin that will providing the longest-lasting protection.

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THE MULTI-PURPOSE CHOICE

Avon Bug Guard Plus

Combining insect repellent and sunscreen ingredients this lotion will work great both as bugs spray and sunblock.

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THE COMPACT OPTION

Repel Sportsmen Max

This product is going to ensure lasting protection against mosquitoes and a multitude of other biting insects.

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1

Sawyer Picaridin Lotion

THE MOST POPULAR PICK
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Because you have to wash your hands after use, your hands will be exposed to bites.

Review

It is no news then that because of Sawyer’s dedication to providing an insect free life for as many as possible, Sawyer has become became the number one choice for bug repellents in retail stores. And Sawyer is showing that same dedication to health and comfort with its Picaridin Repellent Lotion, setting a new standard for all topically applied insect repellents.

With 14 hours effectiveness against ticks and mosquitoes, and 8 hours effectiveness against chiggers, biting flies, sand flies, and gnats, you can finally spend evenings out on your patio in the summer without feeling like a buffet table for mosquitoes. You also get to happily miss the signature oily feel of DEET hanging over your skin. It’s fewer chemicals, and you don’t have to walk around smelling like a bug spray!

Unlike DEET which is very infamous for damaging gear, you can use the picaridin lotion in the backcountry, backpacking and do not have to worry about it doing any damage to your gear. Also, it’s not as toxic (you still don’t want to get it in your eyes or mouth though, it probably tastes awful) and picaridin has been shown to outperform even strong DEET products in tests.

If you live in a place where the heat is sweltering, the humidity; dangerous, and the mosquitoes; of different races, some just annoying, others as aggressive as yellow jackets, you don’t need to do some crazy experiment that leaves you with itchy red blotches over your arms and legs to find the right repellent, the Picaridin Lotion is most likely ‘the one’.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: 20% Picaridin
  • Target Insects: Mosquitoes, Ticks, Biting Flies, Gnats, Chiggers, and Sand Flies
  • Kid-safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: Consumer Reports’ top-rated pick for insect repellent
2

Avon Bug Guard Plus

THE MULTI-PURPOSE CHOICE
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • It is not water resistant.

Review

A brand that has the innate ability to constantly reinvent itself, Avon has been able to move with modern times. Its skincare and personal healthcare portfolios are now one of the best in the world. It makes use of innovation at its peak while paying intense attention to reliability and the needs of the market. And the Avon Skin-so-soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent Lotion is a prime example of that.

Dealing with insects and bugs in the outdoors is no mean feat. That is why you need an effective bug lotion. The Avon Skin-so-soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Insect Repellent Moisturizing lotion is a triple action mosquito repellent. It moisturizes your skin while protecting you from the sun and different bugs. Its SPF30 sunscreen protection is unmatched in the market and perfect for your soft skin.

Worried about protecting your children from bugs and the sun without causing damage to their skin? Then the Avon skin-so-soft Bug Guard is the product for you. With its highly potent active concentration, this product is effective against mosquitoes, gnats, black flies and biting midges. Its actives are also DEET-free and PaBa-free ensuring that your children will not be harmed in any way after making use of the product.

Lastly, the Avon Skin-so-soft Bug Guard moisturizes perfectly due to the presence of Aloe and Vitamin E. Despite being a moisturizer, it is not greasy and leaves your skin with the soft sensual smell of a gentle breeze. What more could you ask of a mosquito repellent?

Specifications:

  • Active Ingredients: Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate/Butyl Acetyllaminopropionic acid 7.5%
  • Target Insects: Mosquitoes, deer ticks, black flies, gnats, no-see-ums, and biting midges
  • Kid-safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: Non–greasy, contains vitamin E
3

Repel Sportsmen Max

THE COMPACT OPTION
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • For some users, the lotion is too potent.

Review

Repel is a company that focuses on the needs of outdoorsmen by producing insect repellents of all kinds and for all purposes. Its products are top quality and made to last, as is exemplified in the REPEL Sportsmen Max Formula Insect Repellent Lotion so that when you get out there, it would really be an adventure but in a positive way. Your happiness and comfort matter to it so relax, it has got you covered.

With this insect repellent, there is no need giving in to the demands of mosquitoes out there. Furthermore, it keeps a wide array of insects and bugs away from you, making you very unattractive them. If you are planning on embarking on a trip into the woods or high up into the mountains, you can rest assured that you are covered from bites from mosquitoes and other insects, along with all the accompanying sicknesses.

Not only does it keep the insects at bay for the moment, but it also keeps them off for as long as 8 hours without another application. You see, you do not have to keep stopping at intervals to reapply the lotion; the first application works for you for several hours. Use your valuable time to enjoy your trip instead of trying to keep the buggers off.

And unlike other insect repellents and even a sunscreen with bug repellent, this one does not leave a greasy feel to you. Most lotions tend to get sticky a little while after application but not this one. It would feel as if you did not even apply anything and it does not feel heavy on the skin. Just put a little amount on your palms and apply on just the exposed skin, not under clothes and you are good to go. It is a great feeling.

What’s more, it is safe to use on your children, as long as you apply it to their bodies yourself. You can use a sunscreen bug spray on them but you have to also use this lotion on them if you want to successfully keep them from getting bitten.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: 40% DEET
  • Target insects: Mosquitoes, chiggers, fleas, ticks, biting flies, gnats
  • Kid-safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: Not greasy, a little amount is enough

Other products to consider

4

Sawyer Ultra 30 Lotion

BEST FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • While people with sensitive skin can use this if overused for long periods the lotion could trigger an allergic reaction.

Review

Sawyer Products has been in homes and travel bags since inception in 1984. In all that time, it has never once failed to offer the very best, most innovative solution for guaranteed protection from the damaging rays of the sun, irksome bugs, and has even gone on to provide reliable first aid solutions. For a company like this that has the basic needs of consumers at heart, it is safe to assume that its Ultra 30 Insect Repellent is top notch bug repellent lotion.

Using a Liposome Base, this 30 percent DEET lotion is odorless, sweat-proof, non-greasy, non-staining, and very comfortable to use. To be able to provide such comfort, the Liposome works by enveloping the DEET which is slowly released through time, the protection of the lotion is thereby extended for up to 11 hours which is more than sufficient for a simple hiking trip. But since it comes in an easy to carry a bottle (3 ounces only), there really isn’t a reason to leave it behind anyway.

If you are after serious protection without the smelly oily residue, this is it! It looks and applies like sunscreen, dries in seconds, and is great for people with sensitive skin. While the lotion itself doesn’t contain sunscreen, it’s very easy to use a sunscreen with DEET lotions. First, apply your sunscreen, and then apply the bug lotion after 10 minutes and you are good to go. Actually, if you are planning to use a sunscreen, a controlled release insect repellent lotion (like Ultra 30) is the most compatible topical repellent you’ll find.

When you go on vacations, Sawyer wants you to be able to sit out on the patio in the evenings and rub your feet and ankles without all the cover-up and jumping through hoops just to sit outside for a few minutes.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: 30% DEET
  • Target Insects: Mosquitoes, Ticks, Flies, Chiggers, Fleas, No-see-ums
  • Kid-safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: Controlled release formula
5

Off! Botanical Lotion

A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • The otherwise pleasant smell may prove too strong for people with very sensitive noses.

Review

At 131 years old, you can be sure that SC Johnson has found its way into almost every home with its products. Because it believes that the goodwill of its consumers is the only legacy any business should strive for, SC Johnson buys people’s goodwill with products that work to build healthier, cleaner and better lives for consumers all over the world. And its Botanical Insect Repellent Lotion is a prime example of that.

For once we see a bug repellent lotion with a packaging that really does look like a lotion rather than some pesticide. Now if you love nothing else about this bug lotion, you just have to love the name, it’s like you win the right to scream in the teeny ears of those pesky little bugs what you’ve been aching to say since forever, ‘bug off!’ just by virtue of owning it.

If you live in a place with plenty of mosquitoes and the dreaded black flies, you know that they are not only annoying but are probably some of the most relentless insects on the planet. With this insect repellent, you could stop the harassment of black flies, they might buzz but they sure won’t bite and in the end, they’ll just have to leave you alone.

Now it’s true, bugs like mosquitoes, and ticks spread disease but most people fail to consider what the heavy chemical repellents will do to you if accumulated season after season. You can always use a DEET product if you are trekking the rainforest but for around the house during no-see-um season, it’s best to go for this botanical blend. As if that isn’t enough, OFF! Botanical Lotion is much kinder to your skin than other bug repellent lotions. Without using DEET, its unique plant-based formula uses a natural repellent found in the eucalyptus plant. Most times, you have to be careful when using a sunscreen with insect repellant but because of Off! Botanical is well, botanical, you don’t have to worry about this. You just need to apply your sunscreen as you normally would and apply your insect repellant a little while after.

While you enjoy the refreshing feel of the eucalyptus plant on your skin, Off! Botanical allows you to stay hidden from mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, black flies, and chiggers. It’s a wonderful feeling when you can confidently and successfully pull a ‘No-see-me’ on no-see-ums for a change.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: 10% p-Menthane-3,8-diol
  • Target Insects: Mosquitoes, Black flies, Gnats, Ticks, Chiggers, and No-see-ums
  • Kid-safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: Plant-based
6

Sunsect Repellent Sunscreen

BEST FOR THE BEACH
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • This product contains chemicals that might require a doctor’s approval before use.

Review

Iguana LLC recognizes that people’s lifestyles today puts a focus on comfort, protection, and convenience. As a first-hand observer of the harsh effects of the overexposure of the skin to the sun and insects due to its work with the military,  with its products, including the Sunsect Insect Repellent Sunscreen with DEET, Iguana made sure that their products are perfect for alleviating those issues. Recommended by dermatologists and health professionals around the globe, Iguana’s products are a reliable bet for optimum protection from insects and the elements.

It is hard to quantify the damage that mosquitoes and other insects wreck on your skin unchecked and unfettered. While outdoors, it is essential that you keep yourself fortified against mosquitos and other such insects. That is why you have to protect yourself using a good sunscreen with mosquito repellent. One of the best of such offerings is the Sunsect sunscreen bug repellent. An essential part of the average U.S. Soldier’s survival pack, this bug repellent sunscreen has already proven that it can work without fail in the harshest jungles of South America.

It makes use of DEET as its active ingredient and comes with a potent formula that makes it a nightmare for insects while protecting you adequately from the sun. This bug spray sunscreen is also soft on your skin and will protect you for hours without any inherent skin irritation. The percentage of DEET contained in the Sunsect Insect Repellent + Sunscreen is less than 30. This makes it safe for your children and even your pets.

Sometimes outdoor activities take place on water or in rainy areas. That is why this mosquito repellent has been designed to be water-resistant. It dries clearly without any residue and will work for hours at a time. It doesn’t irritate your skin or your nose as it is a hundred percent odorless; perfect for your adventuring and vacationing needs.

Specifications:

  • Active Ingredients: 20% DEET
  • Target Insects: Mosquitoes, Ticks, No-see-ums, Black flies, Sand gnats, Gnats, Chiggers, Chitras
  • Kid-safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Other Features: Water repellent, Non–greasy
7

Ultrathon Repellent Lotion

A LONG LASTING ALTERNATIVE
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • The 34% DEET content is unsafe for kids.

Review

Founded over 100 years ago, 3M is dedicated to using scientific breakthroughs to change the world. It is a brand that knows the challenges faced around the world and it gives its scientists and team of manufacturers the platform to solve them comprehensively and conclusively. Globally accepted, its products, among which is the Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion, have been used in the harshest conditions around the planet with excellent results.

The only thing needed to spoil a nice family vacation is a group of pesky bugs and insects out to ruin your day. A bug lotion and mosquito repellent are therefore very important to protect you and your family from sun damage, bug bites and other external factors. Of course, carrying sunscreen and bug spray around can be cumbersome, that is why you need a product with the revered sunscreen bug spray combo. 3M is offering you that and more in its Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion.

This mosquito repellent is one of the best on the market. Designed for military use, this product is definitely more than adequate to counter any bug you can encounter on your jolly adventures. Although it is primarily a mosquito repellent, it also takes care of biting flies, ticks, fleas, deer flies and gnats comfortably.

A very strong mosquito repellent, it contains 34.4% DEET which is more than adequate to take care of your insect repelling needs. It offers superb protection against any bug that has the fantasy of perching on your skin.

We often crave repellents which can work effectively throughout the whole day without needing repeated application. The 3M Ultrathon Mosquito Repellent lotion answers to that need effectively. It has an advanced controlled-release technology that is guaranteed to provide continuous protection for up to twelve hours after application. Most repellents are alcohol based and therefore lose their potency when the alcohol evaporates, the 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion is not one of such products.

Finally, it weighs a paltry two pounds meaning it can be easily carried around in a backpack without any encumbrances.

Specifications:

  • Active Ingredients: 34.34% DEET
  • Target Insects: mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and deer flies
  • Kid-safe: No
  • Residue: Yes
  • Other Features: Time-Release Technology
8

OFF! FamilyCare Lotion

BEST FOR FAMILIES
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Despite being kid-safe, it stills contains a bit of DEET therefore it's not a natural repellent.

Review

SC Johnson was established in 1886 and is still a global leader when it comes to household products. It has consistently and repeatedly offered products that customers love and respect. And the OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent is no exception.

It offers great protection when you just want to lounge in your backyard, do some work in your garden, or just play outside. You just need to spray this repellent on you and it’s almost like you become engulfed in some anti-insect shield. At least from the insects’ perspective.

The insect repellent lotion contains aloe vera which is good for moisturizing and softening the skin. So, while you are rubbing in this formula in a bid to ward off insects, you are doing something great for your skin too. That’s a win-win for the user all day. This spray will keep you protected for up to 2 hours. So, after that time elapses, you can reapply as convenient so you can enjoy non-stop protection.

This repellent spray contains 5% of DEET which makes it highly effective and that amount of DEET might not be enough to cause any serious damage to your skin. You can be sure that this repellent will keep off the mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus. This formula has a nice refreshing smell. It is not one of those that make humans, as well as mosquitoes, avoid staying close to you.

Even though this product contains a small amount of DEET, it still does not have residues and will not stain your fabrics. It is non-sticky and dries up quickly.

A few important notes: As always, keep this away from children so they don’t get a chance to play with it. Be careful how you spray to prevent it from getting into your nose and mouth. If you want to apply to the face, spray on your palms first and then rub it in. Be sure to keep it away from the eyes.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: 5% DEET
  • Target insects: Mosquitoes, Gnats, Flies, No-see-ums, and Chiggers
  • Kid-safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: Lovely tropical smell
9

R&R Lotion Repellent

GREAT FOR OUTDOOR WORKERS
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Does not contain sunscreen therefore this product isn't as versatile as others on this list.

Review

R&R Lotion is a brand that is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to create the best products for its customers. Since its inception, R&R has stayed true to this mission which is why it has continued to offer top quality and superior performance products year in year out. And its R&R Insect Repellent Lotion is at the top rung of the sunscreen and bug repellent performance ladder.

The active ingredient of this insect repellent lotion, 3-(N-Butyl-acetyl)-amino propionic acid ethyl ester (aka IR3535), is registered by the EPA as a bio-pesticide which means it is naturally derived. It is an organic plant-derived substance and not a synthetic chemical pesticide like Picardin and DEET. But is still quite effective at repelling insects.

This lotion is 99% biodegradable which shows that it is environment-friendly. It is non-flammable and will not damage clothing nor plastic. There are no toxic nor harsh chemicals in this lotion so it is safe on your skin and will not cause irritations or trigger allergies. With this lotion on your side, you can involve in as many outdoor activities as you want. Insects will only come close but will not be able to have a bite.

Some other products of this kind might make you feel sticky after use, but not this one as it is non-greasy. One application can last up to 8 hours offering superior protection against biting and blood-sucking insects. It is quite tough on insects but gentle on your skin. You can reapply this lotion for up to 3 times in 24 hours since it offers protection for long hours.

Whether you want to go camping, hunting, working in the garden, or your work requires you to spend time in an insect-infested area, a bottle of this lotion will keep you protected from becoming food to those annoying insects. You don’t need to bother about your sensitivity to smell because this lotion does not have any. It is completely fragrance-free and pleasant on your skin. You do not even need to wash it off your skin if you don’t want to.

As with every other insect repellent product, be sure to keep the content away from children, your eyes, and mouth. It is not expected to cause any skin irritation, but if it does, you should stop using immediately and consult a doctor.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: 10% IR3535
  • Target insects: Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, and Flies
  • Kid-safe: No
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: Non-greasy
10

Watkins Repellent Lotion

ANOTHER GREEN ALTERNATIVE
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Some users find it expensive.

Review

Watkins is a world leader in the manufacture of personal comfort and fitness products, with more than 30 years of service to its name. It keeps churning out innovative products that are designed with your wellness and comfort in mind. And one of such products is the Watkins Adults Insect Repellent Lotion.

The reason this insect repellent lotion is a top choice is that it goes beyond repelling mosquitoes, which is very welcome, to keeping several other insects at bay. If you have the problem of black flies, ticks and even stable flies in their droves, then you can comfortably use this repellent lotion and go about your duties without worries. You do not need to keep swatting at them or have them keep distracting you; we all know how pesky and irritating these insects can be, especially in their numbers.

This lotion goes beyond keeping insects from bugging you to even preventing the West Nile virus and Lyme disease from coming close to you through insect bites. The West Nile virus is naturally transmitted to human beings by mosquitoes and mosquitoes get infected with it by feeding on birds with the virus. Lyme disease is caused by being bitten by ticks. So you see that using this insect repellent lotion is one of the great ways of making sure you do not fall a victim to any of these infections, seeing as it effectively repels mosquitoes and ticks.

And if you need any more reason why this is a good insect repellent choice, you should also know that it has been trusted by the government of Canada and has been used by its law enforcement and military for three decades. If it were not highly effective, an entire government with its military would not keep relying on it.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: 28.55% DEET
  • Target insects: Mosquitoes, ticks, deer flies, black flies, stable flies
  • Kid-safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: Also repels a number of other insects, has been trusted for many years
11

Vermont Repellent Lotion

THE NATURAL RUNNER-UP
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • It doesn't repel as many types of insects as other products do.

Review

If you have been looking for a brand to help you repel insects without you running the risk of exposing your skin to harmful chemicals, Vermont Lotion Company is an ideal choice. After years of research, it came up with great products that help keep insects away naturally. And the Vermont All-Natural Insect Repellent is an ideal choice to stop getting bitten by blood-thirsty insects anytime you decide to go outside.

The pleasure of visiting the great outdoors is immense and refreshing, so no one should give that up just because of insects. This natural lotion will keep you protected for hours on end.

Not only is this lotion just going to keep insects away, but the natural essential oils that are the active ingredients will also moisturize and replenish your skin. That way, you are getting double value for the price of one. Such are the type of benefits you get when you patronize Vermont Lotion Company.

This product has EPA exemption which simply means there are no ingredients in this product, whether active or inactive, that pose risk to human use. This is one of the main benefits of using an all-natural product. You are free from the hazardous repercussions of coating your skin with layers of harsh chemicals in the name of repelling insects. This citrus-based lotion is also DEET free, which is a potent ingredient used in insecticides.

Insects will hate you for using this product to protect yourself as you will be depriving them of a juicy meal. This lotion remains effective on your skin for long, but you can re-apply as often as you want without bothering what adverse effects it might have on you.

The direction of use on the rear label says to shake the bottle before use. When applying this product to the face, be sure to avoid the eyes and the mouth. It might cause eye irritation and, in rare cases, skin irritation in which case you are advised to wash it off with soap and water. Keep this lotion away from the reach of children and it should not be used on kids younger than 3 years old.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: Oils of Castor, Soybean, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Thyme, Rosemary, Cinnamon
  • Target insects: Mosquitoes, Ticks, Gnats, Fleas, and Blackflies
  • Kid-safe: No
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: Citrus based
12

Babytime Mighty Shield

GREAT FOR KIDS
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • It does not seem to work on No-See-Ums.

Review

Babytime is a brand dedicated to skin care products formulated for kids. It uses natural ingredients that are ideal for babies. And most of its products, including the Babytime Mighty Shield Bug Repellent, are plant-based so you can rest assured that this an environmentally-aware brand.

This Mighty Shield Bug Repellent is one of the best mosquito repellent lotions out there. We all know the skin of a baby is delicate and do not have tolerance for those harsh chemicals. This is the main consideration of the makers of this product that made them commit to using all-natural ingredients.

The essential oils that this lotion contains combine to work with the skin’s natural defensive mechanism to keep it protected, moisturized, and healthy. So, with this lotion, you are not only protected. You are also helping your skin get the vital treatment it needs to perform optimally.

It can be used by both adults and children, even children that are not up to a year old. That is proof of how gentle this product is. However, it is only gentle on humans but quite effective against insects. This product is estimated to be as effective as other repellents with 20% DEET, only that this Babytime’s product does not contain DEET at all. With this lotion, it truly is ‘baby time’, as it will pamper your skin and keep you protected with all it has got.

Since this protective lotion is full of essential oils, there are no synthetic fragrances in it (but then it smells great). It gives off a delightful scent that will make you want to keep it on your skin all day. The effect of one application can last up to 90 minutes. After the time lapses, you can reapply as you want and then go another 90 minutes with no mosquitoes trespassing.

If you will be spending a lot of time outdoors under the sun, this lotion is safe to apply along with a sunscreen. This gives you a nice sunscreen bug spray combo that you can rely on.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: Castor, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Cedar, and Linseed oils
  • Target insects: Mosquitoes
  • Kid-safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Other features: DEET-free

About mosquito repellent lotions

Mosquitoes are one of the peskiest, if not the peskiest, of all insects and bugs. The most frightening part of it is that they just do not bite and leave you alone; they have the high potential of infecting you with malaria, filariasis and other debilitating diseases and illnesses. They do not just bite once and go away but keep on biting, two or three at the same time, leaving itchy spots all your skin.

These are why mosquito repellent lotions are absolutely necessary. You see, they are much easier to use and carry around than other mosquito repelling methods. If you are going on a camping trip with your family or on a hike with friends, you do not have to worry about mosquito bites, even if the place is infested with them. You are covered.

However, before we run ahead with the buying guide, let us look at when it is safe to use a mosquito repellent lotion and what types there are out there.

When is it safe to use a mosquito repellent lotion?

Mosquito repellent lotions are a thoughtful invention. They eliminate the problem of constantly using sprays and putting yourself and your family under the constant threat of illnesses that come with chemicals.

They are safer to use around children and pets while still keeping mosquitoes at bay. And even though they do not kill mosquitoes, they are good for us to keep you and your family safe and secure in a mosquito-infested area.

In the summertime, when the air is humid, mosquitoes tend to have a field day. Seeing as some sunscreens contain some form of bug repellent, some people would go for them in a bid to take care of two needs at once. But a sunscreen with bug repellent may not do the job as well as a mosquito repellent lotion. The former does not have to repel bugs as its main focus while the latter does. Even a sunscreen bug spray will not get the job done as well as a repellent lotion.

However, as fantastic as these lotions are and how much reprieve they offer, how safe are they and how often are you allowed to apply them? If you live in an area where mosquitoes abound and you have been looking for ways to keep them off your body, never mind the environment, mosquito repellent lotions would seem like the answer to all your prayers. Then, you would be tempted to go all out and use the lotion indiscriminately.

You should know, though, that a mosquito repellent lotion could contain chemicals which make them potent. If they are toxic and poisonous to mosquitoes, do you not think they could have a negative effect on you too, especially if you use them a lot? For example, DEET is a common ingredient in a lot of mosquito repellents and the human skin absorbs it fairly quickly but, even though it works like magic, it has been known to give deep skin irritation when the lotion is used in copious amounts. If your skin keeps absorbing the chemicals frequently, at some point, it is going to start reacting and the evidence could come in different ways.

Again, you have to know what you are allergic to. No matter how safe a repellent is touted to be, you still have to check with your dermatologist to be doubly sure, especially if you are prone to allergies. If you notice that you are reacting to the lotion, you need to stop immediately. This is why it is necessary to find out what your skin accepts first before you start on it. That your friend or neighbor is doing well with it does not give a guarantee that you would because all skin types are not the same.

In addition to the above, if you are pregnant, you really would need to consult your doctor before you use anything that contains chemicals unknown to you, in them. Anything your skin absorbs not only harms you but harms your baby more. If you have to use any mosquito repellent lotion, let your doctor recommend a safe one for you; otherwise, do not use anyone. Pregnant women are highly susceptible to harmful substances.

What to consider before choosing a mosquito repellent lotion

There is a myriad of mosquito repellent lotions available on the market, all claiming to work the most wonders. Most of them are effective, making you very unattractive as a buffet to mosquitoes. But before you settle for a choice of a mosquito repellent lotion, you need to note a few things:

If you are breastfeeding

Due to the fact that your baby would have to put its mouth on your skin before it can suck, applying a mosquito repellent is not a wise choice. Ingesting any chemical substance is harmful to adults, how much more for babies. Furthermore, while babies suck, they have the tendency to touch their mothers’ skin and may end up putting the same hands in their mouths. So even if you avoid applying it to your breasts, they could ingest it from sucking their fingers.

Active ingredients

Be mindful of mosquito repellent lotions that contain DEET because, even though your skin quickly absorbs it and it is highly effective in repelling mosquitoes, it has the potential of causing skin irritation.

And don’t apply any mosquito repellent which contains permethrin for a prolonged period because it could cause rashes and an intense irritation in the area where it is applied. Even if you have to use such a lotion, be sure to use it for a short period and consult your doctor.

It is safer to use repellents that contain plants like neem, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citronella along with other ingredients like marigold, lemongrass, and lemon oil. The human skin accepts them well and they are all natural and safe for the skin while remaining toxic to mosquitoes.

Allergies

If you have any allergies, you may need to check with your doctor before you commence using any mosquito repellent lotion, no matter how safe it is declared to be or how much natural ingredients it has. Seek professional advice and find out what you need to avoid so that you do not get rid of one problem only to start battling another.

If you are pregnant

Pregnancy restricts a lot of things. It is not safe to use mosquito repellent creams if you are pregnant, especially ones which have chemicals. Apart from looking to keep your baby safe, you need to keep yourself healthy. You become a lot more vulnerable when pregnant.

Everything you need to know about mosquito repellent lotions is not exhausted in this buying guide but the points raised in it would go a long way in helping you pick out the mosquito repellent lotion most suited for you.

To conclude

We hope we have increased your knowledge of mosquito repellents as well as what to look out for when choosing one for your need in the buying guide. We also gave you a list of mosquito repellent products you can rely on. All you have to do now is make up your mind and choose one that will meet your needs.

Karen

Karen

Main editor

Expert in mosquito control and the main website editor at InsectCop.net. Karen started InsectCop to help people get rid of mosquitoes. But now she gives advice an all things pest control.

1 Comments

James Simms

Reply

thank you for the information. My wife and I was wondering if there any mosquito repellent lotions made. Again thank you for the history , pros and cons and price comparing.

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