Keeping your kids safe from biting insects is a top priority for any parent spending time outdoors. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests are more than just a nuisance; they can carry serious diseases. Finding a repellent that is both effective against bugs and gentle on your child’s sensitive skin can feel like a challenge.
Insect repellent lotions offer a fantastic solution. They are often less messy than sprays and provide targeted, rub-in coverage that won’t drift in the wind. This roundup focuses on the best lotion-formula repellents, featuring trusted active ingredients like Picaridin and gentler plant-based options, to help your family enjoy the great outdoors bite-free.
Our Top Picks for Kids’ Insect Repellent Lotions
- Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin
- Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion, DEET Alternative Repellent
- OFF! Insect Repellent Lotion for Adults & Kids, Fragrance-Free
- Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, Twin Pack
- Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, DEET Alternative, 2 Pack
- Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, Great for Outdoor Camping
- Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard PLUS Insect Repellent Lotion SPF 30
- Babyganics Mosquito Repellent Lotion, Made with Plant Oils
- OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent II Smooth & Dry Lotion
Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin
This lotion from Sawyer is a top choice for families seeking long-lasting, broad-spectrum protection. With 20% Picaridin, it is recommended by the CDC and is proven to repel mosquitoes for up to 12 hours and ticks for up to 8 hours. It is particularly effective against biting flies, often performing better than DEET, and helps guard against insects that can transmit diseases like Lyme, West Nile, and Zika.
The formula is non-greasy, fragrance-free, and odorless, making it very comfortable for kids to wear. A significant benefit is that it dries quickly and is safe on plastics and synthetic materials, so you do not have to worry about it damaging gear like backpacks, sunglasses, or fishing equipment. Its gentle yet powerful formulation is safe for the whole family.
Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion, DEET Alternative Repellent
Boogie offers impressive protection with a single application, repelling mosquitoes and ticks for up to 14 hours. This makes it an excellent option for long days at camp, on hiking trails, or in the backyard. It also protects against flies, gnats, and chiggers for up to 8 hours, providing comprehensive coverage from various pests.
As a DEET-free alternative, it uses 20% Picaridin, an ingredient recognized as safe and effective for everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. The lotion is fragrance-free and odorless, which is a major plus for children who are sensitive to strong smells. It provides the power of high-concentration DEET repellents without the concerns some families have about that ingredient.
OFF! Insect Repellent Lotion for Adults & Kids, Fragrance-Free
From a trusted brand in bug protection, this OFF! lotion is designed for gentle, everyday use on the whole family. It is formulated to protect children from 3 months of age and up from mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies. The familiar name offers parents a sense of reliability and trust.
The lotion is specifically designed to be gentle on skin. It is not oily, greasy, or sticky, so kids will not mind having it applied. The fragrance-free formula is another benefit for those with sensitivities. This is a straightforward, effective choice for park visits, playground trips, and other daily outdoor activities where bug protection is needed.
Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, Twin Pack
This twin pack offers the same excellent formula as the single Sawyer lotion, providing great value for families who use repellent frequently. You get two 4-ounce bottles of the effective, 20% Picaridin lotion that protects against a wide array of insects for hours. It is perfect for stocking up before a season of outdoor adventures.
You receive all the same benefits: long-lasting protection, a non-greasy and odorless feel, and a formula that is safe on gear and clothing. Having a second bottle means one can stay in the camping bin and another can go in the daypack, ensuring you are never without protection when you need it.
Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, DEET Alternative, 2 Pack
This two-pack from Proven provides reliable and long-lasting protection for the entire family. A single application repels mosquitoes and ticks for up to 14 hours, making it ideal for all-day excursions. It also effectively repels a broad spectrum of other pests, including flies, gnats, and chiggers.
Formulated with Picaridin, this DEET-free lotion is a safe choice for children over 2 months old, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as directed. The lotion is odorless, which helps with child compliance. Buying in a two-pack is a cost-effective way to ensure you always have a bottle on hand.
Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, Great for Outdoor Camping
This is the single-bottle version of the Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, perfect for trying the product or for those who need a smaller quantity. It offers the same robust, 14-hour protection against mosquitoes and ticks that the brand is known for. It is a go-to for camping, hiking, and other extended outdoor activities.
The formula is broad-spectrum, targeting everything from black flies to no-see-ums. Its safety profile, endorsed by CDC guidelines, makes it a trustworthy option for use on children over 2 months old. The odorless, lotion format is easy to apply and reapply as needed throughout your adventure.
Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard PLUS Insect Repellent Lotion SPF 30
This Avon lotion offers a unique two-in-one solution by combining SPF 30 sunscreen with effective insect repellent. It protects against mosquitoes, deer ticks, flies, and gnats while also shielding skin from harmful UV rays. This simplifies your packing and application routine, especially for beach trips or sunny hikes.
The formula is DEET-free and uses IR3535 as its active repellent ingredient. It is infused with vitamin E and aloe to moisturize the skin, and it is dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, making it a good option for sensitive skin. It is a nourishing choice that provides dual-layer protection for your outdoor time.
Babyganics Mosquito Repellent Lotion, Made with Plant Oils
For parents seeking a plant-based option, Babyganics offers this lotion made with a blend of essential oils, including citronella, peppermint, rosemary, and lemongrass. It is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, or dyes, aligning with a preference for cleaner ingredients.
The non-greasy formula is gentle and designed to help keep mosquitoes away using natural oils. This is a great choice for situations with low bug pressure or for parents who prefer to avoid synthetic active ingredients. It provides a chemical-free repellent option for everyday use.
OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent II Smooth & Dry Lotion
This OFF! FamilyCare lotion is another excellent option from a well-known brand that families trust. It is designed to be gentle enough for the whole family while providing effective protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. The “Smooth & Dry” name indicates a formula that absorbs quickly and is not sticky.
It offers a comfortable wear that kids will appreciate, making reapplication less of a battle. As part of the OFF! FamilyCare line, it is formulated with sensitivity in mind. This product is a reliable, readily available choice for general use during backyard play, barbecues, and other family gatherings outdoors.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Insect Repellent Lotions for Kids
As a parent, I know that keeping bugs away from my kids is a top priority, especially during playtime and outdoor adventures. But with so many options on the shelf, picking the right insect repellent lotion can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about effectiveness; it’s about safety and comfort for their sensitive skin. Here’s what I look for when I’m choosing one for my family.
First and foremost, I check the active ingredient. This is what actually does the job of repelling insects. For children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several options. I often see products with Picaridin or IR3535, which are both considered very safe for kids and effective against a variety of bugs, including mosquitoes and ticks. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is another good one, but it’s generally not recommended for kids under three years old. I always read the label carefully to make sure the formula is appropriate for my child’s age group. The concentration of the active ingredient also matters, as it can affect how long the protection lasts.
Next, I think about the formulation. I personally prefer lotions over sprays for my kids. Lotions give me more control during application, so I can avoid their eyes, mouth, and hands. There’s also less risk of them accidentally inhaling a mist. Plus, lotions are often less greasy and absorb into the skin nicely, which makes them more comfortable to wear. I also look for products that are hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and strong fragrances, as these can irritate young skin.
The duration of protection is another big factor. If we’re just heading to the park for an hour, a product with a shorter protection time might be fine. But for a long hike, a camping trip, or an area with a high risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, I need something that offers long-lasting, reliable coverage. I check the product claims to see how many hours of protection it provides against mosquitoes and ticks.
Finally, I consider the overall user experience. Does it have a pleasant, mild scent? Is it easy to wash off with soap and water? I also make a point to do a patch test on a small area of my child’s skin before using a new product all over, just to be sure there’s no reaction. By focusing on the active ingredient, the lotion formulation, the protection time, and skin sensitivity, I feel confident in my choice. Finding the right one from the list of the 9 best insect repellent lotions for kids makes all our outdoor time more enjoyable and worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can I start using insect repellent on my child?
This is one of the most common questions I get from other parents. The general guideline is to avoid using any insect repellent on infants under two months old. For these very young babies, physical barriers like mosquito netting over carriers and strollers are the safest bet. For toddlers and older children, you can use repellents, but it’s crucial to select a product specifically formulated for their age group. Always read the manufacturer’s age recommendation on the label, as some ingredients like Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are not suitable for children under three.
What is the difference between repellent sprays and lotions for kids?
As a parent, I have a strong preference for lotions. The main difference is in the application. Sprays can be windy and difficult to control, potentially getting into a child’s eyes, mouth, or lungs. Lotions allow for a more targeted application, so I can easily avoid those sensitive areas. I also find that lotions are less likely to be greasy and tend to absorb better, making them more comfortable for active kids to wear. For me, the controlled application of a lotion makes it the winner for my family.
How often should I reapply insect repellent lotion on my kids?
Reapplication depends entirely on the active ingredient and its concentration, which determines the protection time. The product label should give you a clear estimate, for example, “provides up to 8 hours of protection.” However, I always keep in mind that factors like sweating, swimming, and rain can reduce effectiveness. If my kids are splashing in a pool or running around on a hot day, I reapply the lotion more frequently, following the instructions on the bottle for reapplication after water exposure. It’s better to be safe and reapply than to risk bites.
Are natural insect repellent lotions as effective as ones with DEET?
This is a great question. “Natural” repellents, often using ingredients like citronella, cedar, or soybean oil, can be effective, but they typically need to be reapplied much more often than repellents with EPA-registered ingredients like Picaridin, IR3535, or a low concentration of DEET. For a short trip to the playground, a natural option might be sufficient. But for longer outings or in areas with a high risk of insect-borne diseases, I rely on the proven, longer-lasting protection of the recommended active ingredients to keep my kids safe.
Can insect repellent lotions be used with sunscreen?
Yes, you can use both, but the order of application is important. I always apply sunscreen first and let it soak into my kids’ skin for about 15-20 minutes. After that, I apply the insect repellent lotion over top. Applying the repellent first can sometimes reduce the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of the sunscreen. There are also combination products available, but I prefer to use separate ones so I can control the reapplication of each independently, as sunscreen often needs to be reapplied more frequently than insect repellent.
What should I do if my child has a reaction to an insect repellent lotion?
If I notice any redness, rash, or irritation after applying a repellent, the first step is to stop using the product immediately. I then wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If the irritation is mild, it will usually clear up on its own. However, if the reaction seems severe, like significant swelling or difficulty breathing, I would seek medical attention right away. To help prevent this, I always do a patch test on a small area of my child’s arm before using any new one of the 9 best insect repellent lotions for kids for the first time.