The best mosquito repellent for skin is the one your family will actually use consistently. For most adults that is 20 percent picaridin (effective, no odor, gentle on skin). For families with young children that is 8 percent PMD (the only CDC-recognized natural option, alcohol-free formulations are safe from 6 months). For high-risk environments that is 25 to 30 percent DEET. All three options are CDC-recognized.
This guide compares all four ingredients the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recognizes for skin application: DEET, picaridin, PMD, and IR3535. We cover how each one feels, how long it lasts, who it is safe for, and the trade-offs that matter when you are actually applying repellent to your skin or your child's skin.
The four active ingredients the CDC recognizes for skin
The CDC and the EPA recognize four active ingredients with proven efficacy as topical mosquito repellents. These are the only ingredients backed by lab and field data showing measurable protection against mosquito bites.
| Active | Concentration range | Protection hours | CDC recognized | Plant-derived |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEET | 7 to 30 percent | 2 to 10 hours depending on concentration | Yes | No (synthetic) |
| Picaridin | 5 to 20 percent | 4 to 12 hours depending on concentration | Yes | No (synthetic, but plant-derived inspiration) |
| PMD (oil of lemon eucalyptus) | 8 to 30 percent | 4 to 6 hours | Yes | Yes (from lemon eucalyptus tree) |
| IR3535 | 7.5 to 20 percent | 4 to 8 hours | Yes | No (synthetic) |
Anything else (citronella, peppermint oil, lemongrass, geraniol, lavender) is not on the CDC's recognized list. These can have a mild deterrent effect at high concentration but do not pass the lab tests required for CDC recognition.
How each one feels on skin
This is the part most product roundups skip. The active ingredient matters, but so does the carrier formulation around it. A 20 percent picaridin spray in alcohol feels completely different from a 20 percent picaridin lotion in a water base. Skin feel determines whether your family actually puts it on.
DEET
DEET feels oily and slightly plasticky on skin. At higher concentrations (above 25 percent) it can feel sticky and leaves a noticeable film. It is well-known for damaging plastic (watch faces, sunglasses, painted nails) and synthetic fabrics. The smell is medicinal.
For heavy outdoor exposure (deep woods, dengue or malaria zones), DEET is the most effective repellent available and the trade-off is worth it. For a backyard barbecue, the skin feel and odor make it a hard sell.
Picaridin
Picaridin is the closest thing to a "no compromise" topical repellent in terms of skin feel. It has no odor, dries quickly, is non-greasy, does not damage plastic or fabric, and at 20 percent concentration matches DEET's effectiveness for most use cases. This is why it is the default recommendation from REI, Backpacker, and most outdoor publications for travelers.
The trade-off: it is a synthetic ingredient. For a family that specifically wants plant-based, picaridin does not meet that criterion despite being well-tolerated.
PMD (oil of lemon eucalyptus)
PMD is extracted from the lemon eucalyptus tree (Corymbia citriodora). It has a pleasant herbal-citrus scent that most people find pleasant or neutral. The CDC and EPA recognize it as effective against mosquitoes. Lab tests show 8 percent PMD provides 4 to 6 hours of protection, comparable to lower-concentration DEET.
Skin feel depends entirely on the carrier formulation. Alcohol-carrier PMD sprays (the most common formulation type) dry the skin and can sting on sensitive skin or sunburn. Water-based alcohol-free formulations such as Superbloc's are gentler. They also do not damage fabric.
PMD is the only natural option on the CDC's recognized list. This is the wedge for families who want a plant-based active that actually has efficacy data behind it.
IR3535
IR3535 (or 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid ethyl ester) is a synthetic amino-acid derivative. It is widely used in European mosquito repellents. Skin feel is similar to picaridin: light, non-greasy, no strong odor. It is well-tolerated on sensitive skin.
IR3535 is less common in U.S. retail than DEET or picaridin. Most U.S. families never encounter it. It is a solid choice when you can find it. Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard is the most common U.S. formulation containing IR3535.
By age: who can use what
This is where the choice usually narrows for families.
| Active | Minimum age (most formulations) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DEET | 2 months | American Academy of Pediatrics allows up to 30 percent DEET from 2 months, applied to clothing not face. |
| Picaridin | 2 months | Generally allowed from 2 months at low concentration. Most retail formulations recommend 2 years. |
| PMD (oil of lemon eucalyptus) | 3 years (typical) | The EPA label restricts most PMD products to 3 years and older. |
| PMD (Superbloc 8 percent formulation) | 6 months | Lower concentration plus alcohol-free water-based carrier allows earlier use. |
| IR3535 | 2 months | Considered very gentle. Allowed from 2 months. |
For babies under 2 months, no topical repellent is recommended. Use mosquito netting on strollers and cribs, dress the baby in light long sleeves and long pants, and protect the parent's exposed skin with whichever active suits.
The Superbloc 8 percent PMD formulation specifically targets the gap between "no repellent under 3 years" (most PMD products) and "DEET on a baby" (which most parents avoid). It is one of the only plant-based actives available from 6 months.
For sensitive skin
Sensitive skin reacts to one of two things: the active ingredient itself or the carrier formulation.
The active most likely to cause sensitivity: DEET, especially at higher concentrations.
The carrier most likely to cause sensitivity: alcohol. Alcohol-based sprays sting on broken skin, sunburn, or recently shaved skin. They also dry out the skin over repeated daily use.
For sensitive skin, look for:
• Lower active concentration (10 to 20 percent for picaridin or PMD, not 25 to 30 percent)
• Alcohol-free water-based formulations
• Added skin-soothing ingredients (aloe, chamomile)
• Wipe format rather than spray (more controlled application)
Superbloc's 8 percent PMD formula is alcohol-free, water-based, with aloe and chamomile. Wipes are available as an alternative to spray for more precise application.
How to apply repellent to skin (correctly)
Most mosquito bites that happen despite applying repellent come down to application errors, not product failure. The fixes:
1. Cover all exposed skin
A 50-mile zone of protection does not exist. Repellent works on the skin where you apply it. Apply to arms, legs, ankles, neck, and the back of the hands. Mosquitoes will find any uncovered patch.
2. Reapply per the label
Most repellents wear off through sweat, water, and friction (rubbing against clothing). Reapply per the product label. For most 20 percent picaridin or 8 percent PMD products, that is every 4 to 6 hours during continuous outdoor exposure.
3. Apply sunscreen first, then repellent
The order matters. Sunscreen first (because it sinks in), then repellent on top. Allow each layer 1 to 2 minutes to dry. Do not buy combined sunscreen-plus-repellent products because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours but you should not over-apply repellent.
4. Avoid the face
For children especially, never spray repellent directly on the face. Spray on your own hands, then wipe on the child's cheeks (avoiding eyes and mouth) and the back of the neck. The Superbloc wipe format is designed exactly for this controlled face-and-neck application.
5. Do not apply under clothing
Active ingredients designed for skin exposure can build up to higher concentrations under fabric. Apply to exposed skin only. If you are wearing long sleeves, you do not need repellent on your forearms.
6. Wash off when you come inside
Repellent does its job during exposure. Once you are back indoors and bites are no longer a risk, wash exposed skin with soap and water. This prevents skin sensitization from repeated long-duration exposure.
When NOT to use repellent on skin
There are specific situations where the right answer is "not on skin":
• mosquito netting only, no topical repellent.
• never apply directly. Use wipes for nearby skin or apply via your hands.
• including cuts, eczema, sunburn, recently shaved skin. The active ingredient absorbs faster through compromised skin.
• the active concentrates under fabric and can cause skin sensitization.
• they put hands in their mouths. Apply to their clothing, ankles, and neck instead.
In these cases, switch to non-topical protection: mosquito netting over a stroller, long-sleeve sun shirts (some are treated with permethrin for added protection), area sprays for the patio, fans over outdoor seating.
Permethrin: the skin-adjacent option
One ingredient worth knowing about even though it is not applied to skin: permethrin. This is an insecticide applied to clothing rather than skin. It kills mosquitoes on contact and remains active through about 6 washes. Permethrin-treated clothing is the standard for hikers, hunters, and travelers to high-risk areas.
Combination strategy that works well for outdoor families: permethrin on clothing plus a topical CDC-recognized repellent on exposed skin. The combination provides better protection than either alone.
Permethrin is for clothing only. Do not apply to skin.
Side-by-side: which active is best for which use case
| Use case | Best active | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family backyard or park, kids 6 months and older | 8 percent PMD (Superbloc) | Plant-based, gentle, alcohol-free, lowest age threshold for plant-based actives |
| Travel to dengue or malaria zone | 25 to 30 percent DEET or 20 percent picaridin | Highest-protection actives for highest-risk situations |
| Daily commute or outdoor lunch | 20 percent picaridin | Light, no odor, long-lasting, no fabric damage |
| Sensitive skin or eczema-prone | 8 percent PMD (alcohol-free) or 10 percent IR3535 | Gentlest formulations available |
| Newborn (under 2 months) | No topical repellent. Mosquito netting only. | Skin too immature for any active ingredient |
| Pregnancy | DEET, picaridin, or PMD per OB guidance | All three are considered safe in pregnancy by ACOG. Ask your OB. |
| Hiking or camping | Permethrin on clothing + 20 percent picaridin on skin | Combined defense gives strongest protection |
Common questions about mosquito repellent for skin
Can I use the same repellent for my child as for myself?
You can if the product label allows it. Adult-formulation DEET at 25 to 30 percent is too high for young children. Use a separate child-formulation at 10 percent DEET, or use 20 percent picaridin (allowed for both adult and child), or use 8 percent PMD (Superbloc is labeled from 6 months and works for adults).
How do I know which active is in a repellent?
Read the active ingredients section of the label, usually printed on the back near the directions for use. Skip products that only list "essential oils" or "botanical blend" without naming a specific active.
Is DEET safe?
DEET has decades of safety data behind it. The EPA reviewed DEET safety most recently in 2014 and confirmed it is safe when used as directed. The American Academy of Pediatrics allows DEET on children from 2 months at concentrations up to 30 percent. Most family choices to avoid DEET come down to skin feel, fabric damage, and personal preference rather than safety.
Why is PMD the only plant-based option on the CDC list?
The CDC list requires lab and field data showing real protection against bites. Most plant essential oils (citronella, peppermint, lavender) show very short-duration repellent effects when tested rigorously, typically under one hour. PMD is unusual because it is a refined and stabilized derivative of the lemon eucalyptus oil compound, which gives it longer-lasting efficacy comparable to synthetic actives.
Can I make a DIY mosquito repellent?
A homemade essential-oil blend can have a mild and short-lived repellent effect. The CDC and most pediatricians recommend against relying on DIY blends as your primary protection because they have not been tested at scale and the concentration is variable. If you want plant-based protection, an EPA-registered PMD product is the only option backed by efficacy data.
What about repellent for the face?
Never spray repellent directly on the face. Spray on your hands, rub onto your cheeks and the back of your neck, avoid the eye and mouth area. Wipes are easier than spray for face application.
Does repellent go bad?
Most topical repellents are stable for 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture. Check the expiration date on the bottle. Old repellent loses potency, and an old PMD product especially may smell off (the lemon eucalyptus compound degrades over time).
Where Superbloc fits
Superbloc's 8 percent PMD spray and wipes are formulated for families who want the only CDC-recognized plant-based active in a formulation that is gentle enough for sensitive skin and labeled safe from 6 months. Most PMD products require 3 years and use alcohol carriers that dry skin and damage fabric. We use a water-based alcohol-free formula with aloe and chamomile.
The Superbloc range:
• The everyday spray. Backyard, hike, stroller, plane.
• TSA-friendly for travel, easier for face and neck application on kids.
• 2 sprays plus 2 wipes packs for full household coverage.
Featured in goop and Harper's Bazaar.
