An insect repellent, or skin repellent, is a product applied to the skin or clothing to keep biting insects away. Unlike insecticides, which kill insects, it creates a sensory barrier that discourages insects from landing. Mosquitoes, ticks, black flies, and chiggers: each insect requires a specific active ingredient and strategy.
What is an insect repellent and what is it used for?
An insect repellent is a repellent-type biocidal product, distinct from an insecticide: it repels without killing. Its primary purpose is to prevent bites and vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue, Lyme disease, chikungunya, Zika). It is applied to exposed skin or clothing, with its duration of effectiveness varying depending on the active ingredient and concentration.
Which insect repellents work against which insects?
Different biting insects do not all respond in the same way to repellent active ingredients.
- Mosquitoes: DEET, icaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus— a wide selection of mosquito repellents
- Ticks: DEET and permethrin on clothing (not applied to the skin) — check for ticks after every outing in wooded areas
- Black flies and horseflies: High-concentration DEET, wear protective clothing
- Chiggers and grass lice: IR3535 or icaridin; treat areas prone to contact (ankles, under clothing)
DEET, icaridin, or natural repellents: which one should you choose?
The choice depends on the exposure context and individual profile.
- DEET: international standard, effective for up to 8 hours, recommended for high-risk tropical areas—concentrations of 20–50% depending on duration
- Icaridin: comparable effectiveness, better skin tolerance, recommended for pregnant women and children
- IR3535: well tolerated, broad-spectrum, slightly less effective in high-risk areas
- Natural repellents (lemon eucalyptus, citronella): short duration (1 to 2 hours), suitable for low-risk temperate regions
How do you apply insect repellent correctly?
Effectiveness depends directly on how well it is applied.
- Apply to all exposed areas of skin, including the ankles, the back of the neck, and the wrists
- Do not apply under clothing or on mucous membranes
- On the face: apply to your hands first, then spread it on, avoiding the eyes and mouth
- Reapply after sweating, swimming, or as indicated by the product’s duration of effectiveness
Is this insect repellent safe for pregnant women and children?
These groups require specially formulated products.
- Infants under 2 months: no topical repellents—use mosquito nets only
- Children 2 months–2 years: low-concentration icaridin or IR3535; apply to clothing if possible
- Pregnant women: Icaridin recommended by the WHO; DEET may be used under medical supervision—protection is essential in high-risk areas
- Check out our selection for babies and children
Insect Repellents and Ticks: What Protection Is Needed?
Tick prevention requires a strategy that goes beyond repellents alone.
- Apply a DEET or icaridin repellent to high-risk areas before every outing to the forest or grassy areas
- Treat clothing with permethrin (not for skin use) for enhanced protection against ticks
- Check your body after every outing: neck, armpits, behind the knees, and scalp
- If bitten, remove the tick with a tick remover without crushing it, and seek medical advice if redness persists
