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The 3 Best Mosquito Repellent Lotions

Spending time outdoors means usually coming into contact with bugs. Finding the best mosquito repellent lotions that protect you from itchy bites, but also insect-borne diseases like Zika and Lyme, is key to safely and comfortably enjoying the great outdoors. Choosing a lotion over spray formulas gives you better control during applications, allowing you to more precisely protect exposed skin from insects without inhaling active ingredients.

That said, not all insect repellents are equally effective in fighting off bugs and the diseases they can carry. There are four common active ingredients you'll find in most repellents (DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), but for lotions specifically, you're really choosing between DEET and picaridin. Both have pros and cons.

Read the full review by Mackenzie Grant on Bustle's website here.

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December 3, 2023

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While young babies should be protected with clothing and netting (not chemicals), older babies and children should use a suitable repellent to help avoid bites, discomfort, and insect-borne illnesses.

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