10 Best Insect Repellent For Kids 2025 in the United States

The Sawyer SP5442 Picaridin Insect Repellent is a strong option for families looking for a safe and effective way to keep bugs away, including for kids. It uses 20% Picaridin as its active ingredient, which is known to repel mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other pests without the strong smell or skin irritation sometimes caused by DEET. This makes it suitable for sensitive skin, including children’s, as it is fragrance-free, non-greasy, and dries quickly.

The repellent provides long-lasting protection—up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks, and about 8 hours against flies and gnats—meaning fewer reapplications during outdoor activities. It comes in an easy-to-use aerosol spray that won't harm plastics or clothing, which is great for active kids who wear backpacks or sunglasses. One possible downside is that it is an aerosol, so younger children might need assistance during application to avoid inhaling the spray. Also, while the label states it’s safe for the whole family, parents should still test a small skin area first to ensure no reaction occurs.

This repellent carries high customer ratings and endorsements from trusted sources, indicating it is effective and well-liked. It fits well for families seeking a reliable, gentle product for daily outdoor use, such as playground visits, camping, or sports, especially when avoiding stronger chemicals is a priority.

The Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets offer a natural, DEET-free way to keep mosquitoes away, using essential oils like citronella as active ingredients. These bracelets are convenient because they come individually wrapped and are easy to wear, making them a good choice for kids and adults alike. The stretchy bands adjust to fit most wrist sizes comfortably, which adds to their practicality for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or visiting parks.

Since they rely on essential oils, they may be gentler on sensitive skin compared to chemical repellents, though those with very sensitive skin should still test them cautiously. As a non-chemical option, these bracelets are a handy, low-mess alternative but may not provide as strong or long-lasting protection as DEET-based products. They are well-suited for families seeking a simple, natural repellent for casual outdoor use, especially for kids who prefer not to use sprays.

OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol is a strong mosquito repellent containing 25% DEET, known for its effective and long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and ticks. Its powder-dry, non-greasy formula is convenient for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. The aerosol spray is easy to apply and doesn't leave a sticky residue or stains, which many users appreciate.

This product provides robust protection rather than being tailored for sensitive skin; DEET at 25% can be harsh on young children’s delicate skin. It is not specifically formulated with gentler ingredients often recommended for kids. While it offers reliable defense against insects carrying diseases like Zika and Lyme, parents should be cautious and consider whether their child’s skin tolerates DEET well.

For those seeking strong, long-lasting protection during outdoor adventures, this repellent performs well. However, if a milder option or suitability for sensitive skin is a priority, repellents formulated specifically for children with lower DEET concentrations or alternative active ingredients may be preferable.