The magazine compared 15 repellents and reveals the most effective mosquito repellents against mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes. The first is ultimately that of a very famous brand…
They had left us alone until then, but it’s over. Mosquitoes are back in the gardens. And the active substances used in repellents have changed little over the years. This is also the observation made by the magazine 60 million consumers published in June: “In this new trial, we compared 15 skin repellents whose active substances have been the same for years.” The magazine recalls that several active substances, including DEET, IR3535 and icaridin, have recognized repellent effectiveness. The products that use them are among the most effective, but they are not all dosed in the same way and do not offer the same duration of protection. So which mosquito repellents should you choose?
The magazine places three products at the top. In first position, the Cinq sur Cinq Zones Temprées spray comes out on top with a score of 16.7/20, thanks to its formula based on IR3535 and an announced protection duration of 10 hours 15 minutes against common mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes. It is followed very closely by Insect Écran Famille, which obtains 16.4/20 for a duration of action of between 9 hours and 9:45 hours. These two products are the best rated in the comparison and offer the most lasting protection among the 15 references tested. “The duration of protection is a central element in the choice of product” underlines the magazine. Particularly if it must protect at night in the absence of a mosquito net.
Third place goes to Mosi-Guard spray lotion, which scores 15.2/20. It is the highest-ranked plant-based repellent in the test. Formulated with Citriodiol (an active ingredient derived from lemon eucalyptus), it constitutes an alternative to synthetic repellents. According to the magazine, it notably outperforms products based on lemongrass essential oils, whose protective effect is considered too brief. Concerning organic mosquito repellents, the magazine asks consumers not to “falling into the trap of organic claims: very often, it is only isolated ingredients that are organic (aloe vera for MoustiCare, for example)”.
You should also be wary of the word “family” on products, “it has no regulatory value and does not guarantee that the product is suitable from 1 year of age, or for pregnant and breastfeeding women”. Concerning the product Cinq sur Cinq which comes in No. 1 in the ranking, it is authorized for pregnant women and children from 2 years old but the age limits differ depending on the other products. It is essential to check the recommendations on the label before use. Furthermore, the effectiveness of a repellent depends on the way it is applied: the lotion must be evenly distributed over all exposed areas of skin without forgetting certain exposed parts, such as the legs and ankles.
By combining the use of one of these repellents with simple actions, such as wearing loose, light-colored clothing or eliminating standing water around the house, you will further reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
