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For months we've been hearing about the Zika virus and the devastating birth defects it can cause. But for months we've also been hearing that in the U.S., we couldn't really predict how fast or how far the virus would spread until summer came along, since summer means mosquitoes, and mosquitoes spread Zika. Well, now it's summer. If you haven't already invested in a solid insect repellent, it's time. To help guide your way through the complicated world of bug sprays, we're breaking down the five active ingredients that will best protect you, according to the CDC and EPA. (For more information, check out this nifty tool, also courtesy of the EPA.)
DEET
Type: Chemical
Duration: Up to 12+ hours
Details: DEET—or diethyltoluamide for those into science jargon—is the OG bug spray ingredient. It was developed in 1944 by the the U.S. Army and is the most commonly used active ingredient in insect repellents. It's gotten a bad rap and was rumored to have side effects like rashes, headaches, and even seizures. But in recent years, much of the DEET backlash has come into question, especially as people started using it less.
One thing we do know is that it works, and people have realized they don't need super-high concentrations of it to be effective. When buying a repellent with DEET, you'll see a whole range of percentages of DEET; the CDC says studies show that products with more 50 percent DEET don't show a marked increase in effectiveness or duration, so stick with one 50 percent or under.
3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent, $6; amazon.com
IR3535
Type: Chemical
Duration: Up to 2 hours
Details: Europeans have been using IR3535 insect repellents for ages, but it wasn't registered for use in the U.S. until 1999. It's a decent alternative to DEET, and should be chosen with a formula of 20 percent IR3535 or higher.
Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition SPF 30 Pump Spray, $7; amazon.com
Citronella Oil
Type: Nonsynthesized Plant Oil
Duration: 2-3 hours
Details: For anyone wary of synthetic chemicals, citronella oil is for you. As a natural active ingredient, it won't protect you as long as the others listed here, nor is it as effective. You don't have options to pick from in this category: Buzz Away by Quantum is the only EPA-registered product containing citronella oil.
Quantum Buzz Away, Original Spray, $10; amazon.com
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Type: Synthesized Plant Oil
Duration: Up to 6 hours
Details: Another natural (but synthesized) active ingredient is this guy. Like citronella oil, it won't last nearly as long as chemical formulas, and it's also not as gentle as its aromatherapy-risqué name might sound. The CDC specifically says not to use it on anyone under three years old.
Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, $8; amazon.com
Picaridin
Type: Chemical
Duration: Up to 8 hours
Details: Picardin is the new kid on the block, registered in the U.S. in 2005. The synthetic compound comes from the plant Piper, which is where table pepper comes from. Studies have shown that Picardin is just as effective as DEET, but its recent introduction means that it's impossible to know whether any long-term health issues are a risk.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent, $13; amazon.com
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