Mosquito repellent: top 5 pharmacy options for 2026

The mosquito repellent market is crowded, but in practice only two active ingredients have robust evidence of efficacy against mosquitoes — DEET (a synthetic repellent) and Citriodiol (plant-derived). In this pharmacist’s guide I rank the 5 best mosquito repellents from pharmacy in 2026 using clear criteria: active ingredient, concentration, permitted age and where on the body you can apply them.

Which mosquito repellent actives work (and which are just marketing)

A mosquito repellent is a product applied to skin or clothing to reduce mosquito bites by making you less attractive to insects. Every summer the shelves fill with “natural” products that sound appealing but have little or no evidence. The actives that genuinely repel mosquitoes in clinical trials are:

• DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide): the most studied repellent worldwide. Strong efficacy, around 6–8 hours’ protection at 30% concentration. Suitable for adults and children over 2 years when used correctly.
• Citriodiol (PMD, from lemon eucalyptus): the only “natural” repellent with efficacy comparable to low‑concentration DEET. Generally suitable from around 1 year of age.
• Icaridin (picaridin): a synthetic alternative to DEET with less odour and usually less irritation, similar efficacy in many studies.
• IR3535: a milder alternative with somewhat lower efficacy but good tolerability. Often used in pregnancy‑friendly products.

What does NOT work well or has very weak evidence: mosquito repellent wristbands, pure essential oils (citronella, lavender, geranium), ultrasound devices and patches stuck on clothing. They may be decorative or smell pleasant but should not be relied on as real protection.

1. Relec Extra Fuerte Spray 75ml — high‑strength DEET 50% option

Relec Extra Fuerte Spray 75ml is one of the best‑known DEET mosquito repellents in Spain. Its 50% DEET concentration is designed for tropical mosquitoes, tiger mosquitoes and areas with a higher risk of transmission of infections such as dengue, Zika or malaria.

This is a high‑intensity product — not for everyday use in town, but for situations where you need maximum protection: travel to tropical regions, aggressive tiger mosquitoes, long evenings outdoors. It offers up to around 8 hours’ protection with a single application when used correctly.

Best suited if: you are travelling to tropical or high‑risk areas (dengue, Zika, malaria), you have a serious problem with tiger mosquitoes, you will spend many hours outdoors (camping, late‑night terraces), or you live in a coastal area with heavy mosquito pressure.

2. Relec Infantil — specific DEET option for children from 2 years

Relec Infantil is formulated specifically for children’s skin with DEET at a reduced concentration (10%) — the minimum effective concentration that paediatric guidelines in Spain tend to recommend from 2 years of age.

The key point with children’s mosquito repellents is concentration. DEET 50% is effective but should NOT be used on young children — their skin absorbs more active ingredient. Relec Infantil balances this by using a lower yet effective concentration plus a gentle spray format.

Best suited if: you have children aged 2 years and over, you want a repellent adapted to children’s skin, you will mainly use it in urban or Mediterranean‑type coastal areas rather than tropical zones, or you want a family solution with good tolerability.

3. Goibi Antimosquitos Citriodiol Spray — effective natural‑origin option

Goibi Antimosquitos Citriodiol Spray is aimed at people who prefer to avoid DEET but still want something that genuinely works. Citriodiol (PMD) is the only plant‑derived active with strong clinical evidence of efficacy against mosquitoes.

Sourced from lemon eucalyptus oil, it is generally suitable from around the first year of life and tends to be well tolerated on sensitive skin. Protection time is slightly shorter than DEET (around 4–6 hours), but for common European mosquitoes its efficacy is comparable. It is the “serious natural alternative” to DEET‑based products.

Best suited if: you prefer to avoid DEET on principle, you have children between 1 and 2 years old (DEET usually only from 2 years; Citriodiol often from 1), you want a plant‑derived option with evidence behind it, or your skin reacts badly to DEET.

4. Relec Roll-On Extra Fuerte — precise pocket‑size option

Relec Roll-On Extra Fuerte 50ml is a compact roll‑on format designed for precise application without spraying into the air. It contains a high concentration of DEET in a small bottle that fits easily into a handbag or rucksack.

I use it as the perfect companion to a larger spray kept at home. I recommend it for daytime outdoor use: lunch on a terrace, an evening walk, short periods outside. You can apply it exactly where you need it without wasting product or inhaling spray mist.

Best suited if: you already have a large spray at home and need a portable format for bag or rucksack, you prefer targeted application without aerosol spray, you travel frequently and need hand‑luggage‑friendly packaging, or you want an extra “rescue” product alongside your main spray.

5. Relec Fuerte Sensitive — option for sensitive skin

Relec Fuerte Sensitive 75ml is designed for people whose skin reacts badly to standard repellents. It uses a lower concentration of DEET together with hypoallergenic excipients to minimise irritation.

I tend to choose it for atopic skin, seborrhoeic dermatitis, rosacea or generally reactive skin types. Its efficacy is slightly lower than the Extra Fuerte version but usually sufficient for urban and Mediterranean‑type coastal use. The texture is light without a sticky feel and absorbs quickly.

Best suited if: you have sensitive, atopic or reactive skin, you have reacted to other repellents before, you want something that does not leave a sticky film, or you need a gentler option for daily summer use.

How to choose mosquito repellent by situation (3 scenarios)

I will simplify it by typical scenarios of use:

• Mediterranean‑type coastal summer holiday (tiger + common mosquitoes): Relec Extra Fuerte Spray for adults + Relec Infantil for children from 2 years + Goibi Citriodiol for babies aged around 1–2 years where suitable.
• Tropical travel (dengue, Zika, malaria risk): high‑strength DEET around 50% is strongly advised. Relec Extra Fuerte Spray fits this profile. Apply every 6–8 hours as directed, wear long sleeves and trousers and use bed nets at night.
• Punctual urban use (terrace drinks, evening walk): Relec Roll-On Extra Fuerte as an easy pocket option, or Relec Fuerte Sensitive if your skin tends to react badly.

How to apply mosquito repellent correctly

A few simple rules make a big difference to how well any mosquito repellent works:

• Always after sun protection: apply SPF 50+ first, wait 15–20 minutes until fully absorbed, then apply repellent. The order matters: if you put sun cream on top it dilutes the repellent layer.
• Even coverage on exposed areas: legs, arms, neck and ankles. Do NOT apply on eyes or mouth, on babies’ hands (they put them in their mouth), on wounds or irritated skin.
• Reapply as directed: usually every 4–8 hours depending on concentration and product instructions. If you sweat heavily or swim, reapply sooner according to the leaflet.

When you get home, shower with soap and water to remove the repellent. Avoid sleeping with repellent left on your skin and do not keep layering new applications over old ones indefinitely. If you notice itching, redness or irritation, wash off immediately and stop using it.

Mosquito repellents in children and babies: what paediatric guidance says

• Babies under 2 months: no chemical repellents. Use bed nets over cots and prams instead, dress them in long light clothing and avoid mosquito‑heavy areas at dusk.
• Babies 2–12 months: only specific baby formulations at low concentrations (for example baby versions of Relec Infantil), ideally after checking with your paediatric professional.
• Toddlers 1–2 years: Citriodiol products such as Goibi or specific low‑dose DEET ≤10%. Adults should spray onto their own hands first then spread onto the child’s skin — do not spray directly onto the child’s face or body.
• Children 2–12 years: Relec Infantil (DEET 10%) or Citriodiol products are typical options. Use moderate concentrations and avoid eyes, mouth and hands.
• Aged over 12 years: adult formulations can usually be used following label instructions unless there are specific medical reasons not to.

Mosquito repellents in pregnancy and breastfeeding

In pregnancy the risk from mosquito‑borne diseases such as Zika can be significant — so good protection becomes essential when travelling to affected areas. Obstetric guidelines generally allow the following options when used correctly:

• DEET up to around 30%: considered acceptable in pregnancy at moderate concentrations when benefits outweigh risks. Apply only to exposed areas of skin; avoid abdomen and breasts. There is reassuring safety data when used as directed.
• Citriodiol: plant‑derived alternative also considered acceptable in pregnancy in many guidelines. A reasonable choice if you prefer not to use DEET.
• IR3535: another milder option often marketed as suitable in pregnancy; protection time tends to be shorter so reapplication may be needed more often.

During breastfeeding the same principles apply; avoid applying repellent directly on the breast area before feeds and wash any treated skin that might come into contact with the baby before nursing.

The most common mistakes with mosquito repellents

• Putting sun cream on top of repellent: this dilutes the active ingredient and reduces protection time. Repellent must always go on after SPF once it has absorbed fully.
• Spraying directly onto face or neck without care: this increases the risk of inhalation and eye irritation. Spray into your hands first then apply gently over the face if needed.
• Reapplying every hour “just in case”: overuse increases irritation risk without adding much extra protection. Follow each product’s instructions — usually every 4–8 hours depending on strength.
• Relying only on unproven natural remedies: citronella candles, neat essential oils and wristbands have weak evidence at best. Do not rely on them alone in higher‑risk areas.
• Skipping bed nets at night:. Even the best repellent cannot protect parts of your body that are uncovered while asleep.. In tropical regions or where tiger mosquitoes are common., combine bed nets with topical repellent.

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