Select Region
-
![advisor_usa]()
United States
-
![advisor_uk]()
United Kingdom
-
![advisor_de]()
Germany
-
![advisor_in]()
India
For many people, a summertime staple is an effective and affordable insect repellent. With all the increased time outdoors, the chance of getting bitten by bugs skyrockets.
It’s important to invest in good insect repellent. Bug bites aren’t just uncomfortable, they can potentially spread diseases ranging from Zika to the West Nile virus. Forbes Health’s Best Bug Sprays for 2022 ranking highlights the best products, taking into account a variety of factors including the concentration of active ingredients, cost, duration of effectiveness and more.
Check out our top picks for the best bug sprays, below. Note that all costs are averages based on the prices found at three nationwide retailers, and are accurate as of publication date.
Bug bites aren’t just itchy and annoying—they could also pose serious health concerns. Specifically, mosquitoes can spread Zika, malaria and West Nile virus, while ticks can transmit Lyme disease, among other infections.
To prevent bug bites, insect repellent keeps disease-spreading critters away. These products work by interfering with the bug’s senses—like smell and taste—which they rely on to find a human host.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends only using insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which considers insect repellents containing the following active ingredients as providing reasonable, long-lasting protection against disease-carrying insects:
The CDC notes that not all repellents are created equal. Generally, according to the CDC, products with higher concentrations of active ingredients provide a longer duration of protection, while products with less than 10% of the active ingredient offer limited protection of one to two hours.
The CDC also recommends using DEET products with at least 20% concentration, although it notes that studies suggest DEET’s effectiveness plateaus around 50% concentration.[1]
Developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, DEET is a chemical that’s a common active ingredient in many insect repellents, and it’s known for being highly effective. Yet, despite hundreds of products containing DEET being registered with the EPA, consumers have health concerns about the active ingredient. However, when used correctly, DEET is generally not considered harmful.
While some insect repellents can have a chemical-like odor—potentially making people wary of their safety—remember that these products prevent bug bites that could carry infectious diseases. As long as you opt for EPA-registered insect repellents, you can consider your bug spray safe, even for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
“Good bug spray should be both effective and free of ingredients that can cause skin irritation or health risks,” says Dendy Engleman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. “Avoid ingredients like phthalates, parabens, alcohol and synthetic fragrance. Ingredients including eucalyptus/citriodiol, lemongrass and citronella are more natural bug repellents that are safe to use.”
As with just about any product you apply directly onto your body, one thing to be vigilant of is a potential allergic reaction, says Dr. Engaleman, noting that DEET products, in particular, have been linked to dermatitis in some individuals.
“Signs of an allergic reaction, or dermatitis, are irritation, redness, itchiness and small bumps,” says Dr. Engleman. “In rare cases, bug spray could cause difficulty breathing and dizziness—so be careful where and how much you spray, and try not to inhale it.”
The Forbes Health editorial team analyzed more than 70 best-selling insect repellents to determine its Best Bug Sprays of 2022. Factors analyzed included:
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
