The Best Bug Sprays for Kids That Are Actually Safe & Effective, According to Dermatologists
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If you’re heading outdoors with the kiddos, don’t forget the bug spray! No matter the season, keeping mosquitos and other insects away from your little ones is always a task. That’s where the best bug sprays for kids come to help. The best ones offer enough protection, and also include ingredients that nourish and soothe the skin. To help us compile a list of the most effective bug sprays on the market, our team chatted with a dermatologist to learn what to look for in the best bug sprays for kids, which ingredients to avoid, plus the best picks to shop. Ahead, get ready to take some notes.
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Best Bug Spray for Kids, at a Glance
Best Overall: California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray, $8
Best Bug Spray for Kids on Amazon: Repel Insect Scented Family Formula 15% DEET, $12
Best Bug Spray for Kids at Target: Yaya Organics Baby Bug Ban (4 Oz.),$14
Best Derm-Approved Bug Spray for Kids: Off! Family Care Insect Repellent, $11 (for a 2-pack)
Best DEET-Free Bug Spray for Kids: Kinfield Golden Hour DEET-Free Repellent, $22
What to Look for in Bug Spray for Kids, According to the Pros
Whether you’re seeking an insect repellent made with clean ingredients or one that’s tried and true for warding off bugs, it’s important to note that the best bug sprays for kids contain 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing. This recommendation comes from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and is the standard for children over two months old.
What Ingredients to Avoid in Bug Spray for Kids, According to the Pros
When shopping for the best bug spray for kids, there are ingredients to steer clear of. Ones that are not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should not be used on children.
Is DEET Bad for Kids?
Even though DEET sounds like a scary and harmful ingredient, experts share that it’s safe to use on kids’ skin. “According to the CDC, DEET may be used on adults, children, and infants older than two months of age,” Dr. Brendan Camp, a New York-City-based dermatologist, shares. He recommends that little ones younger than two months opt for a bug net to protect them while in a stroller or playpen. And if you’re still unsure about DEET, don’t worry! There are many options to shop that are DEET-free and more natural ingredient-based.
When Can I Start Using Bug Spray on My Kids?
Dermatologists recommend using bug spray on kids two months and up. If your little one is younger, try other methods like bug netting to protect them against bites and pests. If you are applying a bug spray to your child, always avoid the face, eyes, and mouth.
Ahead, shop our guide to the best bug sprays for kids that are all experts recommended and approved. Browse original formulas and cleaner picks from brands like California Baby and Kinfield.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. California Baby is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
BEST OVERALL
California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray
$8
The California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray is filled with a spray that you won’t mind using on your kids’ skin. The formula is made with the brand’s signature calendula, which they grow on a 100-acre certified organic farm in Santa Barbara. The bug spray also includes pure essential oils of citronella, lemongrass, and cedar, which offer a nice scent that repels mosquitoes and other pests. The natural bug blend is allergy tested to ensure each bottle remains gluten, oat, soy, sesame, dairy, and nuts-free. Plus, you’ll never find DEET, harsh chemicals, or synthetic fragrances in any of California Baby’s formulas.
Pros:
Safe for babies 6 months+
DEET-free
Cons:
Some shoppers report the “trigger” on the spray bottle easily breaks
BEST BUG SPRAY FOR KIDS AT TARGET
Yaya Organics Baby Bug Ban (4 Oz.)
$13.99
This extra gentle formula is suitable for babies six months and up, toddlers, children, pregnant mothers, and nursing moms, Yaya Organics says. The bug spray works to keep mosquitoes away for up to four hours with just a few sprays. It’s DEET-free and doesn’t contain any synthetics, mineral oil, alcohol, GMO’s, parabens, eugenol, clove, peppermint, rosemary or citronella. The spray also has a light and airy floral scent that lingers all day.
Pros:
Easy-to-use spray bottle
Non-greasy formula
Cons:
Small container
BEST DERM-APPROVED BUG SPRAY FOR KIDS
Off! Family Care Insect Repellent (2-Pack)
$11
Dr. Camp recommends this bug spray from Off! for protecting your kiddos’ skin against bug bites. It contains 15 percent DEET, but is still gentle enough to use on little ones. “This bug spray is made with a powder-dry formula that leaves skin feeling smooth and dry, not greasy,” he explains.
Pros:
Under $7
Available at multiple retailers
Cons:
Contains 15% DEET
BEST BUG SPRAY FOR KIDS ON AMAZON
Repel Insect Scented Family Formula 15% DEET
$12.33
If your child is fighting off mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, chiggers, and fleas, oh my — make sure you have plenty of Repel Insect Scented Family Formula on hand. The bug spray shields against bites and banishes all the pests your little one doesn’t want as a friend. “this pump spray is made with aloe and vitamin E to soothe skin and offer antioxidant protection while repelling insects,” Dr. Camp explains.
Pros:
Formula resists perspiration
Easy dose aerosol spray
Cons:
Scented
BEST DEET-FREE BUG SPRAY FOR KIDS
Kinfield Golden Hour DEET-Free Repellent
$22
Kinfield’s Golden Hour DEET-Free Repellent wards off mosquitos with a proprietary blend of Indonesian citronella. The spay is also crafted with “Golden Hour” which gives a citrus and vanilla fragrance. Even though it’s DEET-free, Kinfield worked with researchers and independent labs to ensure the efficacy of this formula, with many shoppers claiming they didn’t “get bit once” over the entire summer.
Pros:
Natural formula
Shoppers say it even works in the woods
Cons:
More expensive than others
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