Markowski said most experts will advise against using a bug repellent that contains over 30% of an active ingredient. “You don’t really gain additional repellency from a product with a 70% or 100% concentration of active ingredients, but you are putting much more of the actual chemical on your skin,” he said. “Therefore, you’re much more likely to have adverse effects like allergic reactions.” What is insect repellent? Why You Should Get It: This budget-friendly device helps cut down the mosquito population without the need for bug spray or cream.

The experts we consulted cautioned against using insect repellents that are branded as natural. Consumer Reports has also found them less effective compared to other types of insect repellents.

What are the most common ingredients in insect repellents?

Most experts we consulted agreed that DEET is the most effective active ingredient in an insect repellent. While DEET has gotten a bad reputation as being unsafe, experts told us there are no health risks associated with using it. “DEET is a controversial ingredient, largely because of misinformation. Some folks confuse it with DDT, an unrelated and banned compound in the United States, and others worry about reported neurological issues associated with DEET use that have been disproven by the medical community,” noted Erika T. Machtinger, an assistant professor of entomology at Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Erika T. Machtinger is an assistant professor of entomology at Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. The ingredient is extract of Oil Nepeta cataria which is a member of the mint family of plants ( Labiatae). Catnip is a herb that grows year-round and grows wild in most parts of the United States. It is registered with the EPA.

Reapplication after six hours will be necessary. Researchers have reported that catnip oil is about 10 times more effective than DEET. As far as the value, this product earned a 4 out of 5 rating. While you only get 4 ounces of the product, it doubles as an SPF and a mosquito repellent, so you don’t have to use two separate products. Allergic reactions and serious side effects are rare. However, rash, mild irritation, urticaria (itching), and skin eruptions have been reported.Catnip Repels Mosquitoes More Effectively Than DEET. Science Daily. Accessed Dec. 12, 2022 at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010828075659.htm Why You Should Get It: The DEET-based insect repellent lotion offers an impressive 12-hour timeframe for protection against biting flies and insects.