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10 Best Insect Repellents for Kids in 2022 (Cutter, Repel, and More)

While playing outdoors, your kids can get bitten by all types of insects. An insect repellent for kids will come in handy to protect them from all of the annoying, itchy bug bites. But make sure to pay attention to the ingredients to ensure that they are gentle on your kids' sensitive skin! 


If you're confused about which kid's insect repellent to buy, our buying guide and top 10 products should help clear things up. But if you don't want to wait, we think Repel's Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is a solid choice that's great for children over three. It comes in a spray bottle and provides protection for up to six hours. Keep reading to see the rest of our list!

Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Insect Repellents For Kids

In order to help you choose a product that is safe for your kids and can provide them with optimal protection from bug bites, we created a list of crucial points to keep in mind. Just remember to consider the type of repellent as well as its ingredients while choosing a product to buy! 

1

Pay Attention to the Ingredients

An insect repellent is made from either chemical or natural ingredients. Typically, a chemical-based repellent can provide more hours of protection, but some people prefer to avoid those ingredients. Think about what you need, then choose a product accordingly! 

Approved Ingredients Provide Hours of Protection

Approved Ingredients Provide Hours of Protection

The most effective insect repellents contain ingredients that are approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, including DEET, picaridinIR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). With the exception of OLE, experts agree that these ingredients are safe for children two months and older. 


OLE should not be used on children under three. Since children have much more delicate skin than adults, you should pay attention to the concentration of these ingredients to ensure that they are not too harsh. Repellents typically contain anywhere from five to 30 percent of an active ingredient. 


Lower concentrations are less likely to cause irritation, but won't provide protection for as long. If you don't mind reapplying every few hours, a lower concentration may be a better choice for your child. However, if you're using repellent to fight off disease-carrying insects, the CDC recommends a concentration of at least 20 percent.

Non-Approved Ingredients are Less Effective

Non-Approved Ingredients are Less Effective

Natural repellents containing plant-based essential oils such as citronella, thyme, and peppermint oil have become increasingly popular, but are not approved by the CDC. Research shows that they do offer some protection, but it's not as long-lasting as formulas with approved ingredients.


In addition, essential oils are not regulated by any governmental agency. This means that manufacturers don't need to meet guidelines concerning the quality of the oil or the formulations of their natural bug sprays. This can make it more difficult to confirm claims of purity, effectiveness, and protection.


While some people find essential oils to be gentler on the skin, it's still possible for them to cause negative reactions, especially in children. It may be a good idea to choose a lower concentration and do a test on a small area of skin before using.

2

Decide Between Different Types of Repellents

Insect repellents come in various forms, including sprays, liquids, creams, sticks and even bracelets. Each type has its own pros and cons, so make sure you take these into consideration before making a purchase! 

Spray Repellents are Easy to Use

Spray Repellents are Easy to Use

Spray repellents are a popular option since they are easy to use and mess-free. Nevertheless, using a spray repellent can be wasteful, since some of the product will be dispersed into the air. 


While spraying, your children might squirm and inhale the solution, which might be harmful to their health. So make sure to avoid spraying the face and mouth areas! 


Instead, spray some product into your hands and then apply it to your child's face. Also, try to spray repellents in open areas to prevent your children from inhaling the spray. 

Cream or Lotion Repellents Allow More Control

Cream or Lotion Repellents Allow More Control

Cream or lotion is easy to spread, so you can distribute it evenly on the skin and are less likely to miss any spots. Furthermore, you can control the amount applied and won't waste any of the product.


However, a cream or lotion product might leave behind a residue or make your child feel greasy afterward. You should make sure that your kid's skin is completely dry before they start touching their eyes or mouth. 

Stick Repellents are Less Messy and Won't Get Onto Clothing

Stick Repellents are Less Messy and Won't Get Onto Clothing

Stick repellents are usually mixed with wax and are easy to apply. With a stick, it's easy for you to get full coverage without wasting any of the product. Furthermore, they are non-staining and won't damage your clothes. 


Be careful though, since stick repellents can melt in high temperatures. They tend to have a lower concentration of active ingredients as well, so they might not provide you with long-lasting protection. 

Insect Repellent Accessories are Easy to Wear

Insect Repellent Accessories are Easy to Wear

Aside from the topical forms of insect repellents like spray or lotion, there are also wristbands and bracelets. They're convenient to wear and mess-free. However, studies on their effectiveness are mixed, with some studies finding them to be ineffective and others finding that they offer some protection.


The downside to wristbands is that once the effects wear off, the repellent can't be reapplied. However, they may still be a good option if it's not feasible to use a topical repellent.

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10
Best Insect Repellents For Kids Ranking

Here are the best Insect Repellents For Kids, ranked according to 10 Best Insect Repellents for Kids (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Repel

Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent 1枚目

A Plant-Based Repellent That Protects for up to Six Hours

2

Sawyer Products

20 Percent Picaridin Insect Repellent

Sawyer Products 20 Percent Picaridin Insect Repellent 1枚目

Long Lasting Protection for Hours of Fun

3

Cutter

Family Mosquito Wipes

Cutter Family Mosquito Wipes 1枚目

Compact Towelettes for Convenient Application

4

Babyganics

Natural Bug Spray

Babyganics  Natural Bug Spray 1枚目

Made With Natural Essential Oils Just for Babies

5

Sallyeander

No-Bite-Me Natural Bug Repellent and Anti Itch Cream

Sallyeander  No-Bite-Me Natural Bug Repellent and Anti Itch Cream 1枚目

Prevents Bug Bites and Soothes Them Too

6

OFF!

FamilyCare Insect Repellent

OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent  1枚目

A Non-Sticky but Strong Formula

7

P.F. Harris Mfg.`

Swamp Gator Natural Insect Repellent

P.F. Harris Mfg.` Swamp Gator Natural Insect Repellent 1枚目

Safe for Parents, Children, and Pets

8

Mosquito Guard

Repellent Bands

Mosquito Guard Repellent Bands 1枚目

Convenient Bug Bracelets for On-the-Go Kids

9

Proven

Insect Repellent Lotion

Proven Insect Repellent Lotion 1枚目

An Odorless Lotion Enriched With Aloe Vera

10

Repel

Insect Repellent Sportsman Stick

Repel Insect Repellent Sportsman Stick 1枚目

A Mess-Free Stick for Areas With Lots of Bugs

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

RepelPlant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$4.99
Reference price
$4.99

A Plant-Based Repellent That Protects for up to Six Hours

Formulated with oil of lemon eucalyptus, this insect repellent features an easy-to-use spray pump. It keeps your kid protected for up to six hours without leaving behind any greasy residue. However, make sure to only use this product on children three years and older! 


The main complaint reviewers had was that this spray smells bad. Some found it to be so overwhelming that they couldn't use it. Nevertheless, many reviewers were impressed at how well the product worked against mosquitoes. Many said the product helped their kids enjoy playing outside without getting bitten. 

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No.2

Sawyer Products20 Percent Picaridin Insect Repellent

Reference price
$12.32

Long Lasting Protection for Hours of Fun

This insect repellent is one of the longest-lasting repellents, providing up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. It's safe to use on the whole family and can be applied to the skin as well as clothing. Furthermore, the spray is non-greasy, leaving your kid with a comfortable feeling afterward. 


Some reviewers complained that the pump spray bottle leaked and recommended the lotion for topical use. On the other hand, many reviewers said the product kept all the bugs away and for a long time. They further added that the product left no off-putting smells or oily residue behind. 

No.3

CutterFamily Mosquito Wipes

Reference price
$6.99

Compact Towelettes for Convenient Application

These wipes are formulated with 7.15 percent DEET to repel mosquitoes. The towelettes allow for even distribution and controlled application on sensitive areas such as the face, ears, and neck. They're formulated to leave a non-greasy barrier and a pleasant, clean scent.


Some reviewers said that with this small concentration of DEET, the wipes quickly lost effectiveness. Others wished they were individually packaged. On the other hand, many reviewers loved how easy they were to use on kids. They said there was no greasy or sticky residue and no unpleasant smell.

No.4

Babyganics Natural Bug Spray

Reference price
$8.99

Made With Natural Essential Oils Just for Babies

Formulated with 100 percent natural essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary, and lemongrass, this product is made for parents who choose to avoid synthetic chemicals. It also contains no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, and is not tested on animals.


Reviewers warned that this formula is quite oily on the skin and can stain clothes. Some found the citronella scent to be too strong, while others said it was quite pleasant. Reviewers who prefer to avoid DEET and picaridin said this was a good repellent that they felt safe using on their children.

No.5

Sallyeander No-Bite-Me Natural Bug Repellent and Anti Itch Cream

No-Bite-Me Natural Bug Repellent and Anti Itch Cream Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.95
Reference price
$13.95

Prevents Bug Bites and Soothes Them Too

This all-in-one preventative and after-bite cream is handcrafted with 16 different essential oils, including mint, lemongrass, clove, and rosemary. It has an herbaceous, minty scent that can help keep bugs away for up to four hours. The cream formula is easy to apply with no risk of accidental inhalation.


Some reviewers found that this cream wasn't very effective; a few said it seemed to actually attract mosquitoes. However, many reviewers commented that the product worked amazingly for kids and had a refreshing, pleasant aroma. They also said it was great for soothing itchy bites

No.6

OFF!FamilyCare Insect Repellent

Reference price
$5.50

A Non-Sticky but Strong Formula

This insect repellent is formulated with 15 percent DEET, allowing your kids to enjoy all types of outdoor activities while getting no bug bites for up to eight hours. Furthermore, the powder-dry formula leaves the skin with a smooth and dry feeling afterward, so there's no greasiness whatsoever! 


Some reviewers said the sprayer stopped working halfway through the bottle, while others said the product had quite a strong scent. However, many reviewers said the scent dissipates after application. They were pleased to report that this repellent helped get rid of bugs without leaving behind a sticky residue. 

No.7

P.F. Harris Mfg.`Swamp Gator Natural Insect Repellent

Reference price
$13.99

Safe for Parents, Children, and Pets

This product contains plant-based active ingredients such as geraniol, peppermint oil, and rosemary oil. It's designed to be safe for the whole family, including children and pets. The repellent also has a pleasant peppermint scent derived from the natural ingredients. 


Some reviewers complained that this spray was sticky or greasy and applies unevenly; they had to rub it in with their hands after spraying. On the other hand, many reviewers loved the refreshing scent, and further added that the natural, non-citronella formula of this product protected kids from getting bitten. 

No.8

Mosquito GuardRepellent Bands

Reference price
$15.95

Convenient Bug Bracelets for On-the-Go Kids

Infused with natural plant-based essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, and geraniol, these bug bands are free of chemical repellents like DEET and picaridin. The pliable plastic material will also help your kids feel comfortable wearing the bands while playing around outdoors! 


Not everyone found these bands to be effective at repelling insects, saying that they didn't last very long or had a small range. Some reviewers recommended wearing multiple bands. Still, many liked how portable and easy to use they were and thought they were especially useful for babies and young children.

No.9

ProvenInsect Repellent Lotion

Reference price
$10.95

An Odorless Lotion Enriched With Aloe Vera

The product is made with picaridin, which has low toxicity and can protect your kids from bug bites for up to 14 hours. Infused with aloe vera, this odorless lotion has a gentle formula that's safe for those with sensitive skin. You can use this product on your kid's face without worrying about itchiness, redness, or other allergic reactions! 


While a handful of reviewers said this repellent didn't work, most people said it helped keep the bugs away effectively. Reviewers further said that the product had a mild scent that was quite pleasant. Some also mentioned that the lotion glides smoothly on the skin while not leaving behind any greasy residue. 

No.10

RepelInsect Repellent Sportsman Stick

Reference price
$9.52

A Mess-Free Stick for Areas With Lots of Bugs

Containing a high concentration of 30 percent DEET this product is effective in fighting off insects like mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, or gnats. It also provides up to eight hours of protection for plenty of outdoor fun. The stick applicator gives you maximum control over the application.


Although some reviewers noted that the push-up stick was difficult to use, many others said it was mess-free, easy to travel with, and actually worked well for kids. Note that instructions say to apply it to your hands before applying it to your child's skin as opposed to applying the stick directly!

Make Your Own Insect Repellent

If you want to know exactly what's in your bug spray, you might consider making your own. All you need is a bottle, some essential oils, and a few other ingredients. Here's a recipe from KarolinasKrafts that you can modify to your heart's content.


Ingredients:

  • 4 oz. spray bottle
  • 2 oz. witch hazel
  • 2 oz. distilled water
  • Essential oils (like lavender, lemongrass, lemon eucalyptus, and citronella)

Directions:

  1. Add witch hazel and distilled water to your spray bottle.
  2. Add 10-15 drops of each essential oil.
  3. Shake well before each use!

Does Your Family Love the Outdoors?

When the weather gets nice, taking your kids outside is a great way to keep their brains active and their bodies healthy. If you're looking for some suggestions to keep your family entertained and having fun outdoors, check out these articles! 

Top 5 Insect Repellents For Kids

No. 1: RepelPlant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

No. 2: Sawyer Products20 Percent Picaridin Insect Repellent

No. 3: CutterFamily Mosquito Wipes

No. 4: Babyganics Natural Bug Spray

No. 5: Sallyeander No-Bite-Me Natural Bug Repellent and Anti Itch Cream

View Full Ranking

The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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