CDC Recommended Mosquito Repellent | Ingredients That Work

The CDC recommends EPA-registered insect repellents with one of four active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Every summer brings the same question when mosquitoes start biting: what actually keeps them away? When you’re shopping for a CDC recommended mosquito repellent, the first thing to check is the active ingredient on the label. The right choice depends on who’s wearing it, how long you’ll be outside, and what kind of bugs you’re facing.

What Are The CDC’s Recommended Mosquito Repellent Ingredients?

The CDC currently recognizes four active ingredients as both effective and safe when used as directed. A fifth, 2-undecanone, also carries EPA registration and the agency’s backing. Each works differently, and the table below shows how they compare.

DEET remains the most thoroughly studied option and the one the CDC leans on for high-exposure situations. Picaridin offers comparable protection with a lighter feel, making it a popular alternative. OLE matches low-concentration DEET in protection time but carries an age restriction that DEET and picaridin do not. To see which products actually contain these ingredients and how they perform in real-world conditions, check our roundup of the best and safest mosquito repellent products available today.

The EPA offers a free online search tool called “Find the Repellent Right for You” that filters products by active ingredient, protection time, and target pest. It’s the quickest way to see exactly what’s available in your area.

How To Apply Mosquito Repellent Safely Per CDC Guidelines

Getting the protection you need depends on applying the product in the right order and using the right technique. The CDC and EPA agree on the steps.

Start with sunscreen if you’re wearing both. Apply sunscreen first and let it dry completely, then put insect repellent on top. Sunscreen needs to absorb into the skin to work, while repellent protects the surface — the wrong order weakens both.

Apply repellent only to exposed skin. Putting it under clothing wastes the product because insects bite through fabric. For the face, spray the product into your hands first, then pat it onto your face while avoiding the eyes and mouth. Keep repellent away from cuts, wounds, and irritated skin, and go light around the ears.

Reapply only if you notice bites starting, and never more often than the product label allows. Heavy saturation does not improve protection — a thin, even layer is all you need. When you come back indoors, wash treated skin and clothing with soap and water.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Protection

Even with the right product in hand, small errors can leave you exposed. These are the most common ones the CDC flags in its guidance.

• Relying on non-EPA natural repellents. The CDC states plainly that the effectiveness of non-EPA-registered natural products is unknown. If it doesn’t carry EPA registration, don’t count on it for protection.
• Over-applying repellent. More product does not mean more protection. Saturation is unnecessary and wastes money.
• Spraying directly on the face. This can irritate eyes or send mist into the lungs. Spray your hands first, then pat onto the face.
• Applying repellent under clothing. Repellent needs surface contact with insects. Under clothing, it’s effectively wasted.
• Using OLE on children under 3 without checking the label. Always read the fine print.
• Dressing kids in bright colors. Bright colors and flowery prints attract insects. Light, solid colors are safer choices for time outdoors.

The CDC’s official mosquito bite prevention page covers these guidelines in full and is updated as new research and products become available.

Does The CDC Recommend Natural Repellents?

Yes, with one clear exception. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is plant-based and carries the CDC’s recommendation because it has been tested and registered with the EPA. Its protection time is similar to low-concentration DEET products. OLE is the only plant-derived ingredient the CDC endorses — other natural repellents like citronella, cedar, or peppermint oil have not shown reliable, lasting protection in the studies the agency relies on.

The critical rule with OLE is the age limit. When in doubt, stick with DEET or picaridin for young children — both carry no age restriction.

Safety Guidelines For Children And Pregnancy

The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that EPA-registered repellents are safe for children of all ages when used correctly. Technique matters more than the ingredient choice in most cases.

Adults should apply repellent to their own hands first, then gently spread it on the child’s exposed skin. Never put repellent on a child’s hands — they tend to put them in their mouths and eyes. For infants, mosquito netting over strollers and carriers is a better option than repellent where practical.

For pregnant and breastfeeding women, EPA-registered repellents are considered safe when used as directed. There is no evidence linking proper use of these products to harm during pregnancy. If a rash develops after using any repellent, wash the area with soap and water and stop use. For serious reactions, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.

For extra protection in high-risk areas, the CDC also recommends treating clothing with 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin kills insects on contact and stays effective through multiple washes. It must never go directly on skin — only on clothing, tents, and gear.

Quick Reference: Mosquito Repellent Do’s and Don’ts