The best active ingredients are IR3535, DEET, Picaridin and PMD

When it comes to protecting yourself from mosquito bites, scientific consensus is very clear: the effectiveness of a repellent depends primarily on its active ingredient. The best active ingredients are DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 and PMD. Choosing a product which contains one of these active ingredients is the most important step in preventing bites and the diseases that mosquitoes can carry.

Here we breakdown for you each of these four active ingredients;

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Higher concentrations (typically 20–50%) provide long-lasting protection, making it especially suitable for high-risk tropical regions. DEET, however, has become increasingly unpopular in recent years due to bad press about its toxicity, but despite these concerns, research reviews have found no solid evidence that DEET is unsafe when used correctly.

Another highly efficient alternative is IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate). This compound is widely used across Europe and has an excellent safety profile for children and people with sensitive skin. It is a highly reliable repellent that does not have the toxic smell that comes with DEET and is not at all sticky.

IR3535 is the active ingredient we chose for our BODYGUARD formulations. It works by confusing the mosquito’s sense of smell, and if you are the wearer of such a product it will simply move on to the next person. It also does not harm the mosquito! We loved that it was biodegradable, so safe for the sea and soil!

Picaridin (also known as icaridin or saltidin) performs similarly to DEET but is also considered more comfortable on the skin. It disrupts the mosquito’s sensory system, preventing it from locating a host. 

Finally, PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol), derived from oil of lemon eucalyptus, is a plant-derived repellent ingredient with evidence of effectiveness. It may require more frequent reapplication than some other actives.

Remember, the correct application of repellent is very important; always apply liberally and as the top layer of your skin care routine. Take note of the application guidelines on the bottle and use consistently for reliable protection.