Table of Contents AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron How We TestedBest Picaridin Bug RepellentsBest DEET Bug RepellentsBest IR3535 Bug RepellentBest Oil-of-Lemon-Eucalyptus Bug Repellent What Chemicals Are Used in Insect Repellents? ​​Citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, soybean oil, and peppermint oil don’t have robust research to show that they’re great repellents for ticks and mosquitos. “Higher rates last longer time periods and work best against large floodwater mosquitoes.” How Should You Use Insect Repellent and Sunscreen Together? Best DEET Bug RepellentsBest Dry FeelPhotograph: Kristin Canning Off Deep Woods Dry Insect Repellent $8 AmazonThis product has the distinct chemical-y, bug spray smell of DEET, but the feel is nicer than most DEET sprays. Best IR3535 Bug RepellentPhotograph: Kristin Canning Coleman Insect Repellent Spray (uses IR3535) $10 $8 AmazonOf all the sprays I tested, this was my favorite.