Choosing the right insect-repellent body moisturizer matters: you want effective bite protection, a pleasant feel on skin, and ingredients that fit your family's needs. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, ingredient analysis, and expert and consumer feedback to identify lotions, creams, and balms that repel pests while caring for skin.
Considerations
We evaluated products using a mix of real-world testing, ingredient and label analysis, and expert/consumer feedback. Key factors that shaped rankings:
- Efficacy: Active ingredient and manufacturer claims (hours of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, flies).
- Skin feel & moisturizing performance: Non-greasy finish, lotion vs. balm texture, and added skin-soothing ingredients.
- Safety profile: Age suitability, DEET vs DEET alternatives (picaridin), and natural ingredient transparency.
- Value & packaging: Size, price per ounce, portability, and convenience of application.
- Reputation & testing: Independent lab results, trusted third-party mentions, and user reviews.
We prioritized products that balanced reliable insect protection with pleasant, moisturizing application. Products with well-documented active ingredients (like 20% picaridin) scored higher for predictable protection; natural formulations were judged on ingredient clarity and realistic protection expectations.
Unscented Repellent Lotion
A budget-friendly, fragrance-free lotion for family use. This non-greasy formula spreads evenly, is suitable from 3 months up, and provides everyday protection against mosquitoes and ticks — a straightforward option for parents and casual outdoor use.
Why we picked it
This fragrance-free insect repellent lotion is designed for the whole family and stands out for its approachable price and gentle, non-greasy feel. It’s easy to apply evenly, doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and is formulated for children aged 3 months and older.
What to expect:
- Family-friendly: marketed for infants (from 3 months) and adults.
- Texture: lotion that absorbs without feeling oily.
- Use case: everyday backyard, park visits, and short outdoor errands where moderate protection is acceptable.
Pros:
- Very affordable and widely available.
- Unscented, suitable for scent-sensitive users and kids.
Cons:
- Label claims include “effective protection,” but no high-duration technical claims listed — expect shorter protection windows than high-strength picaridin formulas.
SALLYEANDER No-Bite Cream
An all-natural, cream-based repellent that doubles as an after-bite soothing treatment. Handmade with essential oils and beeswax, it repels insects for up to 4 hours while calming itchy skin—ideal for parents and users who favor natural ingredients.
Why we picked it
This small-batch cream is a standout for shoppers wanting a natural, skin-nourishing approach. It combines essential oils (mint, lemongrass, cedarwood) with beeswax and moisturizing agents to repel insects and relieve itch after bites.
Technical notes:
- Protection: advertised up to ~4 hours (plant-based essential oil formulation).
- Multi-use: marketed as both repellent and after-bite relief—valuable for campers and families who prefer a single product.
- Sourcing: handmade in the USA, organic and cruelty-free claims; EPA-exempted.
Pros:
- Gentle, pleasant scent and proven soothing effect on irritated skin.
- Great for infants and sensitive skin users seeking natural options.
Cons:
- Shorter protection window than 20% picaridin lotions; not the best choice where long-duration, high-risk bite protection is required.
Best for: parents and natural-product shoppers who want a gentle repellent and immediate after-bite relief in one container.
Picaridin 14-Hour Lotion
A fragrance-free, odorless lotion with 20% picaridin delivering long-lasting protection (up to 14 hours vs. mosquitoes and ticks). Non-greasy and safe for sensitive areas like the face—an excellent value for larger-sized bottles and frequent outdoor use.
Why we picked it
This lotion packs 20% picaridin — an EPA-recommended DEET alternative — into a large, easy-to-apply 6-ounce bottle. It delivers extended protection (manufacturer claims up to 14 hours for mosquitoes and ticks), a neutral scent, and a non-greasy feel that sits comfortably under sunscreen or moisturizers.
Technical notes:
- Active ingredient: 20% picaridin (CDC-recommended alternative to DEET).
- Duration: up to ~14 hours against mosquitoes/ticks; shorter windows vs. other pests.
- Application: lotion allows targeted application on the face and hands without strong odor.
Pros:
- Strong protection window and generous bottle size — solid price-per-ounce.
- Comfortable, odorless wear; suitable for family outings and prolonged outdoor activities.
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than budget sprays, but better protection and larger volume justify cost.
Best for: families and outdoor enthusiasts who want long-lasting, DEET-alternative protection at a reasonable price.
Premium Picaridin Protection
A top-rated, long-lasting 20% picaridin lotion that’s non-greasy, odorless, and safe around plastics and gear. Provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks—ideal for serious outdoor use and travelers seeking reliable, proven repellent performance.
Why we picked it
This picaridin lotion is a consistent performer: lab-backed efficacy, long protection times, and a comfortable skin feel. It’s non-greasy, dries quickly, and is safe to use around plastics and synthetic coatings — handy for multi-day trips when you don’t want repellents damaging gear.
Technical highlights:
- Active ingredient: 20% picaridin.
- Protection claims: up to ~14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks, up to ~8 hours for flies/gnats/chiggers (manufacturer-stated ranges).
- Additional benefits: odorless, won’t harm sunglasses, watches, or synthetic finishes; recommended pairing with permethrin for clothing/gear for full protection.
Pros:
- Best blend of predictable, long-lasting efficacy and skin comfort.
- Trusted by labs and reviewers for consistent performance in higher-exposure scenarios.
Cons:
- Pricier than very basic budget options; some users may prefer natural alternatives despite shorter protection windows.
Best for: hikers, campers, and anyone needing reliable long-duration protection without DEET’s scent or feel.
Comparison and Summary
Below is a quick overview of how the top picks differ and which situations they suit best:
- Premium Picaridin Protection (Editors Choice) — 20% picaridin, long-lasting protection, non-greasy, gear-safe. Best overall for heavy outdoor use and predictable protection.
- Picaridin 14-Hour Lotion (Best Value for Money) — 20% picaridin with larger bottle size, excellent price-per-ounce and strong duration; ideal for families and frequent users.
- Unscented Repellent Lotion (Best Budget Pick) — Lowest cost, unscented and family-friendly; great for casual, short-duration outings.
- SALLYEANDER No-Bite Cream (Premium Choice) — Natural, cream-based repellent + after-bite relief; excellent for sensitive skin and users prioritizing natural ingredients.
Best overall: Premium Picaridin Protection (Editors Choice) because it balances long-duration efficacy, skin comfort, and trustable performance. Alternatives to consider:
- For long family trips or frequent reapplication without breaking the bank, choose the Picaridin 14-Hour Lotion (Best Value).
- For tight budgets or occasional backyard use, the Unscented Repellent Lotion offers safe, fragrance-free protection.
- For natural-lifestyle shoppers who want a combined repellent and after-bite balm, the SALLYEANDER No-Bite Cream delivers skin-friendly ingredients and soothing benefits.
Final Recommendation and Conclusion
Our testing and research show that choosing a repellent body moisturizer comes down to two core trade-offs: protection duration (and active ingredient transparency) versus ingredient preferences (natural vs. synthetic) and skin feel.
- If you need reliable, long-duration protection for hiking, camping, or travel, go with the Editors Choice — the 20% picaridin lotion — for its balance of efficacy, comfort, and gear-friendly properties.
- If you want the best value, the 20% picaridin lotion in a larger bottle delivers nearly the same protection at a lower cost per ounce.
- If you prefer natural ingredients and multi-use (repellent + after-bite care), choose the premium natural cream.
- If you’re on a tight budget and need an everyday family-friendly option, the unscented lotion is an excellent, low-cost pick.
All recommendations are based on a combination of ingredient review, manufacturer protection claims, third-party recognition, and hands-on feel and usability checks. Choose the product that best matches your exposure risk and personal ingredient preferences — and reapply according to the product directions for safe, effective protection.