The Best Insect and Pest Repellent Body Sprays
We analyzed 8 top-rated insect repellent sprays, using expert reviews, owner ratings, and video reviews. The Sawyer Products SP544 Insect Repellent is our top pick.
Updated
The bottom line
The Sawyer Products SP544 Insect Repellent is our top pick for an insect and pest repellent body spray. It has a non-greasy, odorless formula with 20% Picaridin, providing up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. It is safe for use on skin and outdoor gear, and is highly rated by both consumers and experts. The closest alternative is the Repel 100 Mosquito Repellent, which has a higher concentration of DEET but comes with a strong smell and oily texture. For a budget option, the Sawyer SP576 offers similar protection at a lower price, though it has a smaller container size.
Sawyer Products SP544 Insect Repellent $10.99
Best balance of effectiveness and ease of use
The Sawyer Products SP544 Insect Repellent has a non-greasy, odorless formula with 20% Picaridin, providing up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. It is safe for use on skin and outdoor gear, and is highly rated by both consumers and experts. At $10.99, it offers great value for its performance. The tradeoff is its slightly higher price compared to some alternatives.
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Repel 100 Mosquito Repellent $7.48
High DEET concentration for maximum protection
The Repel 100 Mosquito Repellent contains 98.11% DEET, offering long-lasting protection against a wide range of insects. However, it has a strong smell and oily texture, which may be a downside for some users.
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Sawyer SP576 $10.79
Affordable and effective Picaridin-based repellent
The Sawyer SP576 has a non-greasy, odorless formula with 20% Picaridin, providing up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. It is a more affordable option at $10.79, though it has a smaller container size compared to the SP544.
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- Sawyer Products SP544 Insect Repellent Best balance of effectiveness, ease of use, and value. 9.0/10 $10.99 Amazon
- Repel 100 Mosquito Repellent High DEET concentration for maximum protection, but with a strong smell and oily texture. 8.5/10 $7.48 Amazon
- Sawyer SP576 Affordable and effective Picaridin-based repellent with a smaller container size. 8.0/10 $10.79 Amazon
- Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Non-greasy, odorless formula with long-lasting protection, but at a higher price. 7.5/10 $20.88 Amazon
- Sawyer Products Insect Repellent Pump Spray Non-greasy, fragrance-free formula with long-lasting protection, but slightly less effective than the SP544. 7.0/10 $8.95 Amazon
- Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Effective fabric repellent with long-lasting protection, but not a direct substitute for body sprays. 6.5/10 $18.49 Amazon
- Sawyer Products SP6572 Twin Pack Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent Trigger Spray Twin pack fabric repellent with long-lasting protection, but at a higher price. 6.0/10 $35.10 Amazon
- Sawyer Products SP6492 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Single pack fabric repellent with long-lasting protection, but at a higher price. 5.5/10 $27.53 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
The Sawyer Products SP544 Insect Repellent has a non-greasy, odorless formula, making it easy to apply and comfortable to wear. The Repel 100 Mosquito Repellent, while highly effective, has a strong smell and oily texture that may be a downside for some users. The Sawyer SP576 offers a more affordable option with similar protection, though it has a smaller container size.
Who should buy which
The Sawyer Products SP544 Insect Repellent is best for those who prioritize ease of use and comfort, while still wanting effective protection. The Repel 100 Mosquito Repellent is best for those who need maximum protection and are willing to tolerate a strong smell and oily texture. The Sawyer SP576 is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want effective protection.
What owners complain about after buying
Owners of the Repel 100 Mosquito Repellent have reported issues with its strong smell and oily texture, which can make it uncomfortable to wear. Some users of the Sawyer Products SP544 Insect Repellent have mentioned that the container feels half empty, despite containing the advertised amount. The Sawyer SP576 has received some complaints about its smaller container size.
The also-rans
The Sawyer Products SP6572 Twin Pack Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent Trigger Spray and the Sawyer Products SP6492 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent are fabric repellents, not direct substitutes for body sprays. They are effective for treating clothing and outdoor gear, but do not offer the same level of protection as the body sprays in this comparison.