Mosquito repellent: top 5 pharmacy picks for summer

The mosquito repellent market is crowded, but in pharmacy practice the reality is simple: 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 area of application.

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” options with little or no evidence. What actually repels mosquitoes according to clinical trials:

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

What does NOT work well or has very weak evidence: mosquito repellent bracelets, neat essential oils (citronella, lavender, geranium), ultrasound devices and patches on clothing. These may be cosmetic add‑ons but should not be relied on as real protection.

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

Relec Extra Fuerte Spray 75ml is one of the best known high‑strength DEET mosquito repellents in Spain. It contains 50% DEET and 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, very aggressive tiger mosquitoes, or long periods outdoors at dusk. It offers up to around 8 hours’ protection with a single application when used correctly.

Best suited if: you are travelling to tropical areas (dengue, Zika, malaria), you have a serious problem with tiger mosquitoes, you will spend many hours outdoors (camping, evening terraces), or you live in a coastal area with heavy mosquito pressure and need strong cover.

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

Relec Infantil is formulated specifically for children’s skin with a reduced DEET concentration (10%) — the minimum effective concentration many paediatric guidelines consider from around 2 years of age when a DEET‑based children’s mosquito repellent is needed.

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

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 coastal areas rather than deep tropics, 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 robust clinical evidence against mosquitoes and is often chosen as a natural mosquito repellent for kids when appropriate.

Sourced from lemon eucalyptus oil, it is generally suitable from around the first year of life (always check the leaflet), with good tolerability on sensitive skin. Protection time is slightly shorter than DEET (around 4–6 hours), but efficacy against common European mosquitoes is comparable at recommended concentrations.

Best suited if: you prefer to avoid DEET on principle, you have children between 1 and 2 years old (DEET products are usually from age 2 while Citriodiol can often be used earlier), you want a plant‑derived option with evidence behind it, or your skin reacts to DEET‑based products.

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 bag or rucksack.

I see it as the ideal complement to a larger household spray. It works well for daytime outdoor use: lunchtime terraces, evening walks or short periods outside. You apply it exactly where you need it without wasting product in the air or covering unnecessary areas.

Best suited if: you already have a large spray at home and need a portable format for your bag or rucksack, you prefer targeted application without aerosol spray, you travel frequently and need something hand‑luggage friendly, or you want an “on‑the‑go” top‑up 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 combined with hypoallergenic excipients to minimise irritation while still providing meaningful protection.

I tend to choose this type of formula for atopic skin, seborrhoeic dermatitis, rosacea or generally reactive skin that flares easily with chemicals. Efficacy is slightly lower than the Extra Fuerte version but usually sufficient for urban and Mediterranean coastal use. The texture is lighter, non‑sticky 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 feel, or you need a gentler option for daily summer use.

How to choose mosquito repellent by situation (3 scenarios)

I will simplify it by usage scenario so you can decide which mosquito repellent is best for your plans:

• Mediterranean/coastal summer holiday (tiger + common mosquitoes): Relec Extra Fuerte Spray for adults + Relec Infantil for children from 2 years + Goibi Citriodiol for babies aged roughly 1–2 years where appropriate.
• Tropical travel (dengue, Zika, malaria risk): high‑strength DEET around 50% is usually recommended; Relec Extra Fuerte Spray fits this profile. Apply every 6–8 hours as directed, wear long clothing and use bed nets at night following NHS travel advice.
• 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 insect repellent works:

• After sun protection: apply SPF 50+ first, wait 15–20 minutes until fully absorbed, then apply your mosquito repellent. The order matters: if you put sun cream on top of repellent you dilute the active ingredient.
• Even coverage on exposed areas: legs, arms, neck and ankles. Do NOT apply near eyes or mouth; avoid hands in babies and young children because they put them in their mouths; never apply 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. Do not sleep 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 that product.

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 high‑mosquito areas at dusk where possible.
• Babies 2–12 months: only use specific baby formulations at low concentration where clearly indicated (for example baby versions of Relec Infantil) and ideally after paediatric advice if exposure risk is high.
• Toddlers 1–2 years: Citriodiol sprays such as Goibi may be considered where appropriate or specific low‑strength DEET products ≤10%. Adults should spray onto their own hands first then spread onto the child’s skin — never spray directly onto the child’s face or body.
• Children 2–12 years: Relec Infantil (DEET 10%) or Citriodiol products are typical choices at moderate concentrations; always avoid eyes, mouth and hands.
• Aged over 12 years: adult products 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 if you travel to affected regions — so adequate protection becomes essential rather than optional. Obstetric guidelines generally allow the following when used correctly:

• DEET up to around 30%: considered acceptable in pregnancy at moderate concentrations when clearly needed. Apply only to exposed areas; avoid abdomen and breasts; follow NHS/MHRA advice where available as well as the product leaflet.
• Citriodiol: plant‑derived alternative also considered acceptable in pregnancy by many guidelines when used as directed; useful if you prefer not to use DEET.
• IR3535: another milder option often regarded as suitable during pregnancy but offering shorter duration of action than higher strength DEET products.

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 your baby before nursing.

The most common mistakes with insect repellents

• Putting SPF on top of repellent: this dilutes the active ingredient and reduces efficacy. Always apply sun cream first, let it absorb fully and then add your insect repellent last.
• 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.
• Topping up 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 natural remedies without evidence: citronella candles, pure essential oils and wristbands usually have a placebo effect or very weak protection. Do not use them as your main protection in areas with mosquito-borne disease risk.
• Forgetting the mosquito net at night: even the best repellent will not work while you are asleep. In tropical areas or places with tiger mosquitoes, combine a mosquito net with repellent.

My final recommendation

If you want to keep the decision simple: go for the combo Relec Extra Strong Mosquito Repellent Spray + Relec Kids. It is the family kit I recommend most often in pharmacy: one for adults, one for children, covering Mediterranean summer use plus the occasional trip abroad.

If you prefer to avoid DEET, or you have a young baby aged 1–2, complement it with Goibi Citriodiol Mosquito Repellent Spray. If you have sensitive skin and tend to react to repellents, choose Relec Strong Sensitive. If you need a portable format to keep in your bag, use Relec Extra Strong Roll-On as a complement to your main spray.

Three rules are non-negotiable, whichever brand you choose: SPF first + repellent afterwards, concentration adapted to age — no 50% DEET for children — and a mosquito net at night in tropical areas or areas with high mosquito pressure. Without those basics, no repellent will protect you properly.

Preguntas frecuentes