10 Best Mosquito Repellent For Kids 2025 in the United States

The Sawyer Products SP565 Premium Insect Repellent is a lotion-based mosquito repellent containing 20% Picaridin. It's particularly suitable for kids due to its non-greasy, fragrance-free formulation and quick-drying properties. The lotion is gentle on the skin, making it less likely to cause irritation even for those with sensitive skin. The pump dispenser also offers a convenient application method, especially for parents managing young children.

One of the key strengths is its long-lasting protection – it offers up to 14 hours of defense against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers. This makes it an excellent option for day-long outdoor activities and adventures. Additionally, it does not damage plastics or synthetic coatings, so it is safe to use on clothing and gear like backpacks and watches, which is a big plus for active families.

However, at 2.2 pounds and a quart volume, it may be considered bulky for carrying around during trips, and some might prefer a smaller, travel-friendly size. For families looking for a safe, effective, and skin-friendly mosquito repellent, this product is a strong contender.

The Sawyer Products SP5442 Picaridin Insect Repellent is a strong choice for families, particularly for kids, given its active ingredient, Picaridin, which is known for its effectiveness against a range of pests. The repellent promises up to 12 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks, and 8 hours from flies, gnats, and chiggers, making it ideal for long outdoor activities.

Being non-greasy, fragrance-free, and quick-drying, it's comfortable for daily use and won't damage clothing or accessories, which is a big plus for children who are often on the move. Additionally, its 20% Picaridin formulation is noted for being more effective than DEET against certain biting flies, and it offers protection from serious diseases like Lyme and Zika viruses.

However, while its effectiveness and long duration are significant strengths, one potential drawback is that it might need reapplication, especially for activities extending beyond 8-12 hours. Users with highly sensitive skin should also do a patch test first, even though it's designed to be skin-friendly. Although it is marketed as safe for the whole family, always ensure to apply it as directed for kids to maximize safety and efficacy.

The Sawyer Products SP576 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent is a solid choice for families seeking a reliable mosquito repellent for kids. With 20% Picaridin as the active ingredient, it offers a strong alternative to DEET, known for being effective against mosquitoes and ticks as well as flies, gnats, and chiggers.

The repellent is fragrance-free and comes in an aerosol spray form, which makes it easy to apply and convenient for use on various outdoor adventures like camping, fishing, or even just backyard playtime. One of its standout features is its long-lasting protection, offering up to 12 hours of effectiveness against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against other pests, which can provide peace of mind during extended outdoor activities.

However, it's worth noting that aerosol sprays can sometimes be less environmentally friendly. Additionally, while the product is designed to be comfortable and non-greasy on the skin, some children with particularly sensitive skin might still experience irritation, so it’s recommended to perform a patch test before widespread use. The product is also safe for use on clothing and gear, which adds to its versatility. The Sawyer Products SP576 is a dependable mosquito repellent that balances effectiveness with ease of use, making it a good option for families, though parents of children with sensitive skin should exercise caution.