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10 Best Insect Repellents UK 2023 | Jungle Formula, Xpel and More

Whether you're spending your summer camping in the UK or backpacking abroad, we’re sure getting ravaged by insects isn’t on the itinerary. Nothing ruins a glorious day out quite like the crazy itch of insect bites, plus, more than just an annoyance, biting bugs can also carry diseases. This makes picking up a repellent high on the agenda of summer essentials. 


However, deciding on the right one can be difficult, especially if you have babies or kids in the family. Do you go natural or use the trusted mosquito destroyers DEET or Picaridin? Is a spray, roll-on, or even a pack of wipes best? Our buying guide will answer these questions, and our recommendations from Amazon, Boots and Tesco will help you decide which brand to go for. 

Last updated 27/01/2023
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The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 16-01-2023).

How to Choose an Insect Repellent in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Decide on Chemical, Synthesised Plant Oil or All-Natural Active Ingredients
  2. Choose Spray, Lotion, Sticks or Wipes Type Based on the Trip You're Taking 
  3. Look For Water-Resistant and Sweat-Proof Formulas for Extra Protection

① First Decide on Your Active Ingredient – Chemical, Synthesised Plant Oil or All-Natural

First Decide on Your Active Ingredient – Chemical, Synthesised Plant Oil or All-Natural

Choose Chemical Repellents if You Want the Strongest Protection, but Check the Age Range if Using on Kids

The two big players in the chemical world are DEET and Picaridin. When choosing a repellent with either of these ingredients, make sure you get a formula with between 20-30% at least, as this is where they both max out at protection. An even higher percentage means that the product will last for longer without needing to be re-applied. 


Yet, being chemical products, there are some risks. Firstly, it is not recommended to use high percentages on young children. Each manufacturer will list the age guidelines for their product, so we strongly suggest following those. Secondly, DEET is known to have quite an unpleasant smell that might be a bit too much for some. 


Beat persistent bugs by doubling up with a mosquito repellent device 

Consider Synthesised Plant Oils as a Mid-Way Between Chemical and Natural

While not technically natural products, oil of lemon eucalyptus, citrepel, and IR3535 are synthesised chemicals based on natural products. This chemical replication is necessary because, while they do have some repelling properties, these plant-based ingredients cannot repel insects efficiently in such small quantities. 


Repellents such as these are fine for use on children's skin and are often relatively effective, although not quite as effective as chemical-based products. If you’re looking to steer clear of annoying bites as opposed to dangerous disease-carrying ones, they should be fine. Also, they do need to be re-applied more frequently. 

Give Citronella a Try if You'd Prefer Something Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly

If you prefer to keep things natural, then a chemical-free repellent is the choice for you. These formulas usually contain citronella as their active ingredient which is a completely safe and non-toxic plant. This also means that, while it will repel insects, it will not kill or poison them – unlike some chemical ingredients. 

 
Bear in mind that there are some doubts about the effectiveness of natural products, and if you’re travelling to places where the bugs are known to carry dangerous diseases, you may have to forgo them to be safe.  Furthermore, while safe, allergic reactions to citronella are not unheard of, so perhaps consult your GP first if you are prone to sensitivities.   


After more natural holiday essentials? Try a dermatologist-reviewed mineral sunscreen

② Spray, Lotion, Stick or Wipe? Pick the Best Application Type for Your Trip

Spray, Lotion, Stick or Wipe? Pick the Best Application Type for Your Trip

Go For Sprays if Easy Application and Convenience Is Key

Spray bottle repellents are the most popular and the most common, due to their convenience. They're easy to apply and simply require a spritz and a quick rub in before you can set off on your day out. 


Sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly how much you have applied or whether you have missed a spot, so you will have to be fastidious with your application. Plus, there is the possibility of wastage. 

Compact Roll-Ons or Sticks Are a Good Option When You Need to Pack Light

The advantage of roll-on and stick repellents is that you can directly see where you have applied them, which therefore should ensure you don't miss a single spot. Also, they tend to come in smaller volumes as more concentrated formulas, making them a good pick if you're trying to pack as lightly as possible for a trip or hike. 


Be sure to check out our recommended hiking backpacks for your outdoor adventure 

Opt For a Lotion to Save Money on Larger Quantities

The biggest advantage of a lotion-style repellent is that they are generally the most economical, in that you'll usually get more millilitres of product for less. It’s also easier to see how much you have applied. 


The downside is that it can take a while to apply, which isn’t so much of an issue with adults but can be rather difficult if you have a child that just wants to get out and about. 

Take All the Hassle Out of Applying Repellent With a Pack of Wipes

A rather recent invention is repellent-soaked wipes. They are simply applied with a sweep over the areas you want to cover, and then left a short while to dry. Plus, like most forms of wipes, they come in a convenient pack that can be easily stored in any bag. 


However, you only get a certain amount per pack, which could leave you exposed if you run out while on your day out. Plus, you may be lumbered with carrying your rubbish if you’re on a particularly long expedition or out in the wilderness. 

③ Look For Water-Resistant and Sweat-Proof Formulas for Extra Protection

Look For Water-Resistant and Sweat-Proof Formulas for Extra Protection

If you’re looking to have an active summer which will result in plenty of sweating, or you're simply spending time in a hot climate, then picking up a sweat-resistant repellent that will stay put even as you perspire is a wise choice. 


Likewise, if you’re spending time near bodies of water, where bites can be particularly frequent and rough, you might want to consider a waterproof repellent. This should save you having to reapply every time you’ve been for a quick dip to cool down. 

10 Best Insect Repellents in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Points
1

Smidge

Insect Repellent Spray

Smidge Insect Repellent Spray 1枚目

A Hugely Popular Spray Offering the Strength of DEET Without the Smell

2

Mosi-Guard

Natural Insect Repellent Stick

Mosi-Guard Natural Insect Repellent Stick 1枚目

A Quality UK-Made Product With Sustainable Ethics

3

Boots

Repel Maximum Lotion

Boots Repel Maximum Lotion 1枚目

Created Especially for Travellers to Tropical Climates

4

Xpel

Tropical Formula Repellent Wipes

Xpel Tropical Formula Repellent Wipes 1枚目

Great Value Wipes That'll Cover the Family All Holiday Long

5

Life Systems

Expedition 100+ DEET Insect Repellent Spray

Life Systems Expedition 100+ DEET Insect Repellent Spray 1枚目

Extra-Strong 10-Hour Protection for Jungle Explorers

6

Repel

Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent

Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent 1枚目

A Natural, DEET-Free Option That Really Works

7

Incognito

Insect Repellent Roll-On

Incognito Insect Repellent Roll-On 1枚目

An Environmentally Friendly Roll-On From a Trustworthy Brand

8

Jungle Formula

Maximum Insect Repellent Spray

Jungle Formula Maximum Insect Repellent Spray 1枚目

A Strong Repellent for Those Travelling to Risk Areas

9

THEYE

Natural Powerful Mosquito Repellent

THEYE Natural Powerful Mosquito Repellent 1枚目

Ideal for Families Thanks to a Kid-Safe Formula and a Pleasant Smell

10

SheaLife

Insect Repellent Balm

SheaLife Insect Repellent Balm 1枚目

A Non-Toxic Option Made With Only 4 Natural Ingredients

Product details
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No.1

SmidgeInsect Repellent Spray

£8.50

A Hugely Popular Spray Offering the Strength of DEET Without the Smell

As a number 1 bestseller on Amazon, Smidge has huge support for its product. The repellent itself is non-sticky, waterproof and known not to smell unpleasant at all due to its use of Picardin instead of DEET, a similarly effective chemical that's known to have a minimal odour in comparison. 


The 20% concentration is strong enough to keep away an array of nasties, as well as lasting for a credible 8 hours. And to top it off, it's carry-on-friendly and safe for use by the whole family, including children over 30 months.

No.2

Mosi-GuardNatural Insect Repellent Stick

£7.07

A Quality UK-Made Product With Sustainable Ethics

This plant-based product protects against a wide variety of little pests including mosquitoes, ticks and midges. It's completely family-friendly and suitable for even pregnant women and young babies.


Mosi-Guard also has sound sustainable ethics, including a commitment to certain planting and harvesting criteria and employing the majority of their staff from local communities. If you're making a conscious decision to support UK-based companies that produce quality goods, this is the one to go for.

No.3

BootsRepel Maximum Lotion

£7.49

Created Especially for Travellers to Tropical Climates

Created with tropical destinations in mind, this maximum-strength repellent from Boots' own-brand range should see you safe wherever you decide to travel to – it has an insect repellent factor of 4, the highest possible rating.  


Plus, the lotion comes in a respectable 100 ml bottle at around the same price as other products, making it both travel-friendly and good value for money. 

No.4

XpelTropical Formula Repellent WipesPack of 6

£8.33

Great Value Wipes That'll Cover the Family All Holiday Long

This carefully formulated repellent from Xpel was constructed using IR3535, which is a naturally-occurring amino acid that bats away bugs but doesn't cause them any harm when doing so. Plus, with it being DEET-free, it's suitable for all the family


The wipes come in packs of 25, which should last one adult around eight days when used daily. This multi-buy of 6 packets, then, will enable you to cover a large family for a week's holiday for less.

No.5

Life SystemsExpedition 100+ DEET Insect Repellent Spray

£8.49

Extra-Strong 10-Hour Protection for Jungle Explorers

This repellent from Lifesystems is made with explorers in mind. It has a super-high 95% DEET concentration which should see you well-protected even in the highest-risk areas. Plus, each application will last you 10 hours before you need to reapply, making it perfect for those sleeping in the wild. 


Surprisingly, the company claims that this is suitable for both adults and children over the age of 6 years old. While this might be overkill for most holiday destinations in Europe, if you're really fed up with aggravating bites, you'd be hard-pressed to find a product more reliable than this. 

No.6

RepelLemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent

£18.50

A Natural, DEET-Free Option That Really Works

This natural-based repellent uses lemon eucalyptus oil to ward off vexing bugs, including mosquitos that may transmit Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses.


This spray works for up to 6 hours at a time and has many excellent reports on its effectiveness and the fact that it doesn't stain clothing. Just be aware that it will need to be reapplied if heavy sweating arises. In addition, due to its 118 ml volume, this will unfortunately not be able to be taken in your hand luggage. 

No.7

An Environmentally Friendly Roll-On From a Trustworthy Brand

This clinically tested roll-on from Incognito uses the same formula as their fan-favourite spray. The active ingredient of lemon eucalyptus is recommended by many leading health organisations, including NHS Scotland. Also, because of its use of friendlier ingredients, this can be used on children as young as three months. 


Moreover, if you're conscious of how your products will affect the environment, this product should have no impact on the natural life or ecosystems you come into contact with. Some users have found that the packaging is somewhat prone to leakage, so store it with care. 

No.8

Jungle FormulaMaximum Insect Repellent Spray

£6.83

A Strong Repellent for Those Travelling to Risk Areas

This 50% DEET-infused product has a repellent factor of 4, the highest on the scale, and it can last up to 9 hours with just a single spray. Plus, even though it is an aerosol, it claims to be completely ozone-friendly. 


Due to the strength, this would be a good choice if you're travelling to areas with a risk of malaria, dengue or other infectious diseases. If you're travelling as a family, bear in mind that it's not suitable for children under 12 due to its strength. 

No.9

THEYENatural Powerful Mosquito Repellent

£6.99

Ideal for Families Thanks to a Kid-Safe Formula and a Pleasant Smell

This family-friendly option is suitable for use on little ones from just 6 months old. THEYE have produced a product that is great for humans, just not so much for those pesky biters! It has a pleasing citrusy smell and protects against an array of different bugs.  


However, some users have mentioned that the consistency is more like a lotion than a spray, which can make it slightly more difficult to apply. 

No.10

A Non-Toxic Option Made With Only 4 Natural Ingredients

This completely natural repellent from Shealife is safe and suitable for both adults and children. It contains citronella as the active ingredient but also infuses neem and lavender to leave you smelling sweet.


The downside is that the balm could quite easily melt – particularly in hot temperatures – which would make it a bit messier to apply. Also, the brand doesn't stipulate what percentage of citronella is used, leaving some questioning how effective it really is. 

Top 5 Insect Repellents

No. 1SmidgeInsect Repellent Spray

No. 2Mosi-GuardNatural Insect Repellent Stick

No. 3BootsRepel Maximum Lotion

No. 4XpelTropical Formula Repellent WipesPack of 6

No. 5Life SystemsExpedition 100+ DEET Insect Repellent Spray

View Full Ranking

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The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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