Kids

Insect repellent

Insect repellents with identified active ingredients, realistic protection claims and clear age limits.

A botanical scent is not evidence of lasting protection from bites.  We explain the active ingredients, intended pests and limits of each formula.  Follow age and application directions; when mosquito- or tick-borne disease is a concern, choose a repellent with demonstrated protection rather than relying on a natural label.

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OFF! Adults & Kids Fragrance-Free Picaridin Lotion OFF! Adults & Kids Fragrance-Free Picaridin Lotion Why we recommend it: This fragrance-free lotion uses 10% picaridin for mosquito protection, with glycerin to help soften skin.  Applying it by hand gives you control over coverage without an aerosol spray.  Follow the bottle’s age and application limits, and keep it off children’s hands and away from eyes and mouths.  This formula is not a tick repellent. Materials: picaridin (10%) · ethanol · glycerin · carbomer thickener · sodium hydroxide (pH adjuster) $6.89★ 4.6 · 1,000+ ratings View on Amazon
OFF! Clean Feel Fragrance-Free Picaridin Spritz — 6 oz OFF! Clean Feel Fragrance-Free Picaridin Spritz — 6 oz Why we recommend it: This fragrance-free pump spray uses 20% picaridin to repel mosquitoes, without an essential-oil scent or aerosol propellant.  An adult should apply it to children, keeping it away from their hands, eyes and mouths.  For ages 3 and up; children through age 10 are limited to one application daily.  Follow the bottle directions and wash treated skin after coming indoors. Materials: 20% picaridin · ethanol $9.99★ 4.6 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon
Sawyer 20% Picaridin Pump Spray (3 fl oz) Sawyer 20% Picaridin Pump Spray (3 fl oz) USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: For outings where mosquito and tick protection matters, this EPA-registered 20% picaridin spray provides up to 12 hours of protection when used as directed.  The US-made, fragrance-free formula is compatible with synthetic outdoor clothing and gear.  An adult should apply it to children, keeping it off hands, eyes and mouths; follow the label's age and application directions. Materials: 20% picaridin · alcohol · polyethylene glycol $9.95★ 4.6 · 43,000+ ratings View on Amazon
SallyeAnder No-Bite-Me Botanical Repellent Cream — 2 oz SallyeAnder No-Bite-Me Botanical Repellent Cream — 2 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This beeswax-and-plant-oil cream offers a non-spray option with clearly listed botanical repellent ingredients, including cedarwood and lemongrass oils.  It is strongly scented and may irritate sensitive skin.  Its minimum-risk pesticide exemption is not EPA verification of effectiveness; choose an EPA-registered repellent when protection from mosquito- or tick-borne disease matters.  An adult should apply it for children, keeping it away from their hands, eyes and mouth. Materials: cedarwood oil · lemongrass oil · beeswax $15.95★ 4.3 · 14,000+ ratings View on Amazon
Badger Anti-Bug Mosquito Repellent Balm — 2 oz Tin Badger Anti-Bug Mosquito Repellent Balm — 2 oz Tin USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: A spread-on balm lets you place the repellent without spraying it into the air.  Olive oil and beeswax carry six botanical oils for scent and repellent action.  Badger reports mosquito and stable-fly testing, but this is not a tick-protection choice.  Made in New Hampshire with globally sourced ingredients.  Patch-test first; an adult should apply it away from a child’s hands and face, with medical advice before infant or toddler use. Materials: citronella and lemongrass oils · castor oil · beeswax $13.99 View product
Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray — 4 fl oz Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray — 4 fl oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This non-aerosol pump uses a blend of plant oils in a soybean- and castor-oil base.  Badger reports mosquito-repellency testing; it has not established tick protection for this formula.  The aluminum bottle has a plastic pump and cap.  Blended in New Hampshire using globally sourced ingredients.  Shake before use, patch-test sensitive skin and have an adult apply it, keeping spray away from the face and children’s hands. Materials: citronella and cedarwood oils · lemongrass oil · soybean oil $13.99 View product
Badger Anti-Tick Shake & Spray — 4 fl oz Badger Anti-Tick Shake & Spray — 4 fl oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Unlike Badger’s mosquito spray, this formula targets ticks with geraniol, cinnamon and thyme oils.  The maker reports testing against American dog ticks—not proof of Lyme-disease prevention or protection from every tick species.  It does not repel mosquitoes.  Made in New Hampshire with globally sourced ingredients; the aluminum bottle includes a plastic pump.  Essential oils can irritate skin, so patch-test and have an adult apply it away from hands, eyes and mouth. Materials: geraniol · cinnamon and thyme oils · soybean oil $12.99 View product
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm Stick — 0.5 oz Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm Stick — 0.5 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: For short outdoor outings, the stick makes it easy for an adult to apply a small amount without creating spray drift.  Five repellent oils sit in an olive-oil and beeswax base; the manufacturer reports up to two hours of mosquito repellency.  It is not a tick repellent.  Made in North Carolina with globally sourced ingredients.  The applicator is plastic; patch-test first and keep the balm off children’s hands and mouth. Materials: lemongrass and rosemary oils · castor oil · beeswax $4.99 View product

What we avoid

These are category-level exclusions when materials or treatments are disclosed.  Each product card explains why we recommend it and lists the disclosed materials.

Parabens Phthalates Synthetic fragrance Sulfates (SLS/SLES) Formaldehyde releasers