Three Bug Sprays Stand Out in Tests for Ease of Use and Low Odor

A product tester evaluated 19 insect repellents over several months, focusing on those with active ingredients approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency. The ingredients included DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, p-Menthane-3,8-diol, IR3535 and 2-Undecanone.

Experts consulted during the selection process identified DEET as a leading choice while also noting the effectiveness of picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. The testing did not measure actual efficacy against mosquitoes because of the number of external variables involved.

Instead, the reviewer assessed each product on ease of use, scent, skin feel after application, portability and spray consistency. Three repellents received the highest combined scores across those categories.

Spray, which contains 20 percent picaridin, was selected as the best overall option. Testers reported that the product had almost no detectable scent and left skin feeling neither greasy nor wet. Application took an average of 21 seconds using its pump mechanism, the fastest time recorded among non-aerosol sprays tested.

The slim bottle design allowed it to fit easily in bags or pockets without being prone to leaks, thanks to a secure cap. It performed well in portability tests, including being carried on a bike ride. The spray applies evenly and disappears on skin, making it suitable for both clothing and direct skin use.

Spray uses the same 20 percent picaridin concentration as the top pick but employs a bag-on-valve delivery system. This design allows the can to be sprayed in any orientation without losing pressure and ensures all liquid can be dispensed. Application was described as fast, though the spray emerged somewhat unevenly and left the bottle slightly wet.

The Sawyer product has a mild sweet and citrus scent that testers found pleasant compared with traditional repellent odors. It felt reasonably dry on skin, though not as completely invisible as the Proven formula. The bottle includes a twist-lock cap that prevented accidental leaks during hikes and daily carry.

Repellent contains 25 percent DEET, the concentration widely regarded as the standard for insect repellents. Among DEET products tested, it produced the mildest scent and least greasy texture on skin. The formula is positioned as a choice for users prioritizing repellency over sensory attributes.

“Proven’s scent is largely, well, nonexistent... both testers who used Proven said they could barely smell anything.”

All three products are available for purchase online, with prices starting at $6 for the Cutter Backwoods, $13 for the Proven spray and higher for the Sawyer continuous version. The reviewer noted that none of the selected sprays contain essential oils such as peppermint or vanilla, which were excluded from testing.