If you want powerful protection from mosquitoes and ticks but prefer to skip DEET, you have options. This guide breaks down the most common DEET alternatives, how well they work, and when to choose each one.
What is DEET?
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is an active ingredient found in most insect repellents on the market today. This yellowish liquid was created by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1946 to protect the U.S. Army in insect-infested areas and became commercially available in the U.S. in 1957.
DEET is believed to repel mosquitoes by altering their smell receptors and blocking their ability to feed, ultimately preventing them from landing on your skin or clothing. DEET is available in sprays, lotions, balms, wipes, and sticks that range in concentrations from 4%–100%. The percentage of DEET in a product is tied to how long the product will repel insects. For example, a product with a concentration of 100% DEET can repel mosquitoes for up to 12 hours, while products with lower concentrations can repel mosquitoes for anywhere between three and six hours.
Why people look for DEET alternatives
Many people rely on DEET because it has decades of data and strong protection against disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks. Others want something that feels better on skin, smells better, or fits a more plant-based lifestyle, especially for kids and everyday use.
DEET alternatives can offer comparable protection in many situations when they are used correctly and in EPA-registered formulas. The key is choosing an ingredient that has real testing behind it—not just a nice scent.
The top DEET alternatives at a glance
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) – plant-derived, EPA-registered
- Picaridin – synthetic, DEET-comparable protection
- IR3535 – synthetic, good for shorter outings
Each has strengths and tradeoffs. The sections below walk through what to expect from each and how to choose the right one for your plans.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus vs. DEET
What it is
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (also called OLE or p-menthane-3,8-diol/PMD) is a plant-derived active ingredient originally sourced from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree. In registered repellent products, it is refined and formulated to provide long-lasting protection, which makes it very different from a simple essential oil.
How well it works
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a viable natural insect repellent. It provides protection against mosquitoes for up to six hours and is as effective as DEET at repelling mosquitoes and ticks. OLE doesn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue and doesn’t have an overwhelming odor. It also doesn’t harm your gear.
At Murphy’s Naturals, our oil of lemon eucalyptus is sourced through a partnership with Citrefine®, which produces high-quality citriodiol from eucalyptus citriodora trees grown without pesticides or herbicides. This process preserves the original oil components while meeting strict repellent performance and safety standards.
Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray only contains three ingredients: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, water, and corn ethanol.
Key Benefits
- Plant-derived active ingredient in an EPA-registered formula
- Long-lasting mosquito protection when applied properly
- Lighter feel and more pleasant scent than many DEET formulas
- Does not melt plastics and synthetic materials the way high-concentration DEET can
If you want a plant-based repellent that can stand toe-to-toe with DEET in many everyday scenarios, OLE is the standout option.
Picaridin vs. DEET
What it is
Picaridin, also known as icaridin, is a synthetic repellent modeled after piperine, a compound found in black pepper plants. It has been widely used globally for years and is now a common DEET alternative in many sprays and lotions.
How well it works
DEET and picaridin are two of the more popular insect repellents available, but picaridin has only been commercially available in the United States since 2005. Picaridin offers protection comparable to DEET for mosquitoes and ticks at similar concentrations.
Things to know
- Picaridin is not plant-derived, so it is not considered “natural” by most definitions.
- As a newer ingredient than DEET, it has less long-term usage history, though current safety data supports its use as directed.
IR3535 vs. DEET
What it is
IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate) is a synthetic repellent that has been used for decades in Europe and is now included in several U.S. sprays and lotions. It is another EPA-registered active ingredient.
How well it works
IR3535 is effective against many mosquito and tick species, though protection time can vary based on concentration and formula. In many real-world scenarios, it offers solid coverage for shorter outdoor windows like evening walks, quick yard work, and school events.
Things to know
- Protection duration may be shorter than high-concentration DEET or some picaridin products, especially in very buggy environments.
- As with any repellent, reapply as directed on the label to maintain protection.
- Studies have shown that IR3535 is generally safe to use, but some side effects include eye irritation if the product gets in your eyes and mild skin irritation in higher concentrations.
You may also see less common EPA-registered actives, but OLE, DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 remain the most widely used and studied options.
"Natural" alternatives and what to avoid
Many products marketed as “natural” repellents rely on essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, or cedar. These scents can help a little in low-pressure situations but often do not provide long-lasting, consistent protection—especially where mosquitoes or ticks are intense. Some plant oils like neem have shown partial protection in small studies but are not widely registered or standardized as repellents.
What to keep in mind
- Essential-oil-only products may work briefly, then fade quickly and require constant reapplication.
- Not all essential oils are tested for safety or efficacy at the concentrations used in DIY blends.
- A pleasant scent does not necessarily equal proven mosquito or tick protection.
If you are choosing a plant-based approach, look for a repellent using an EPA-registered active like oil of lemon eucalyptus rather than relying only on untested essential oil blends.
How to Use DEET Alternatives Safely and Effectively
Whatever ingredient you choose, how you use it matters as much as what is in the bottle.
- Apply only to exposed skin and clothing, never under clothing.
- Use just enough to cover—more does not equal better protection.
- Avoid hands, eyes, and mouths, especially for children.
- Wash treated skin with soap and water after coming indoors.
- Always read and follow the directions on the specific product label.
Using DEET alternatives correctly helps you get the protection you expect while aligning with your preferences for plant-based ingredients, comfort, and gear-friendliness.
