6 Expert-Recommended Bug Sprays That Actually Work

Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board certified dermatologist and Skin of Color advocate and educator, says to opt for a picaridin-based repellent if you have sensitive skin because it’s less irritating than other active ingredients. She recommends the Skin So Soft skin repellent for its added aloe and vitamin E, which give the skin an extra boost of moisture. $15, Avon. Get it now!

A bug spray is only useful when you actually use it—and that means finding travel-size options for certain trips. This TSA-friendly pump spray is DEET-based and can easily fit in your carry-on or backpack to bring on all your adventures. Although it’s small, the bottle packs a mean punch with 98.11 percent DEET. The heavy duty repellent protects against mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, biting flies, fleas, and chiggers for up to 10 hours. $7, REI. Get it now!

If you know you’re going to encounter a specific type of bug on a trip, “choose a repellent that specifically mentions the type of pest you want to repel,” says Dr. Kikam. A more comprehensive spray that she recommends is Natrapel Eco Spray, which covers mosquitos, chiggers, gnats, and black flies for up to 12 hours. The aerosol spray also allows for easy and thorough application. $10, Amazon. Get it now!

Golden Hour’s vanilla-citrus scent makes it a great option to throw in your bag if you don’t want to overpower your senses on a picnic. According to Nichole Powell, the founder and CEO of Kinfield, the DEET-free spray—made with Indonesian citronella—has gone through two sets of double-blind lab trials and has been found to repel Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, the yellow fever mosquito that transmits viruses such as yellow fever, dengue fever, and Zika fever. Powell recommends re-applying every two to four hours to ensure full protection. $22, Kinfield. Get it now!

With whimsical packaging and a light scent, the Meow Meow Tweet repellent spray has an apple cider vinegar and essential oil base that is safe for humans and dogs alike. The spray comes in multiple sizes for convenience, and it can be sprayed over skin, hair, and clothes. If you’re feeling bold, the brand even says you can use it as a deodorant spray, making it a real multi-purpose product. $25, Meow Meow Tweet. Get it now!

While DEET is approved for use on children with no age restriction, per the EPA, some parents may prefer alternatives. Dr. Lam uses picaridin-based products for his children (another CDC-recommended ingredient). This Sawyer Products repellent protects against mosquitos and ticks for up to 12 hours. It also protects against chiggers, gnats, and flies for up to eight hours, ensuring adequate coverage regardless of the environment. $9, Amazon. Get it now!