Body insect repellents are sprays, lotions, gels, sticks and roll-ons applied to the skin or clothing so that mosquitoes and ticks bite less often. This category, part of Insects – mosquito protection and repellents, offers repellents for adults and children (Autan Family Care and Autan Junior, Xibiz Strong Protection with icaridin and Xibiz Natural Protection, Repelin, Zig Zag, Anticulex, Chicco Zanza, Mosquito, Mapez, AVE Citronella, Maxlab, Dr Lukić Help), as well as anti-mosquito bracelets, badges, clips, stickers and wipes.
A repellent does not kill insects – it creates a scent barrier on the skin that makes it harder for mosquitoes and ticks to find you. For protecting a bedroom or terrace at night (plug-in devices, mats, liquids, UV lamps) see the category for mosquito protection indoors, and if you have already been bitten, see our after-bite products.
How to choose a repellent – the active ingredient matters most
Every repellent label states the active ingredient and how many hours of protection the manufacturer claims. Comparing products by this information, rather than by scent or packaging, is the simplest way to choose.
| Active ingredient |
Examples in our range |
When to choose it |
| Icaridin (picaridin) |
Xibiz Strong Protection Icaridin spray and roll-on |
For longer time outdoors, walks in parks and forests; non-greasy with a mild scent. Check the suitable age on the pack. |
| DEET, IR3535 and other synthetic actives |
Check the label (e.g. Repelin, Zig Zag, Anticulex) |
When longer-lasting protection is needed – travel, fishing, hiking. Concentration and duration are stated on the label. |
| Plant essential oils (citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, geranium) |
Xibiz Natural Protection, AVE Citronella, Maxlab Anti-insect, Mapez, Dr Lukić Help |
For shorter time outdoors and for those who prefer plant-oil products. Protection usually lasts less, so reapply more often. |
| Bracelets, clips, badges, stickers |
LMX Quit, Mosquito, Chicco Zanza, Spinner, silicone bracelet |
As an extra for children and for time in the garden. They release scent around the spot where they are worn, so they do not protect the whole body like a spray or lotion on the skin. |
Repellents for children and babies
For children, choose products that clearly state the minimum age on the pack. Our range includes Autan Junior gel, Anticulex Kids spray, Mosquito Baby spray, Xibiz Natural Protection gel, Mapez spray and Chicco Zanza roll-on, wipes, clips and stickers.
- Always check the minimum age – it differs from product to product
- An adult applies the repellent: first onto their own palms, then onto the child's skin
- Do not apply to a young child's hands (they put them in their mouth), around the eyes, mouth or on damaged skin
- For babies, the first line of protection is a net over the pram and cot and long-sleeved clothing
- When the child comes back indoors, wash the repellent off with soap and water
Repellents against ticks
Ticks are usually picked up in tall grass and woodland. Choose products that clearly state protection against ticks – for example Zig Zag anti-tick lotion, Repelin 5+ spray, Maxlab Anti-insect spray, Dr Lukić Help spray or the Mosquito anti-tick bracelet. Apply repellent to socks and trouser legs too, and check your whole body after the walk.
How to apply a repellent correctly
- Apply evenly to all exposed skin – mosquitoes will find even a small unprotected area
- If you also use sunscreen, apply it first and the repellent last
- Apply to the face using your palms, never spray directly
- Reapply after swimming, heavy sweating or when the protection time on the pack has passed
- Do not use sprays indoors or near food
Pharmacist's advice
When choosing a repellent, look first at the active ingredient, the permitted age and how many hours it protects. A milder product is enough for a quick trip to the shop, while for a day in nature or travel to warmer regions choose a product with longer protection.
Bracelets and stickers are practical for children, but treat them as an extra, not as the only protection. If a bite is followed by significant swelling, spreading redness, fever or a red ring around a tick bite, see a doctor.
Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy
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Tips and useful guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mosquito repellent?
There is no single best product for everyone. For longer protection choose products with icaridin or another synthetic active stated on the label; for shorter time outdoors, plant-oil products are an option. Age, duration of protection and whether you also need tick protection are what matter most.
How long does repellent protection last?
It depends on the active ingredient and its concentration – from around two hours for some plant-based products to eight hours for certain lotions, according to manufacturers. Sweating and swimming shorten protection.
Do anti-mosquito bracelets work?
Bracelets release scent in their immediate surroundings, so they protect a smaller part of the body. They work best together with a repellent applied to the skin or clothing, especially in the evening and near water.
Can I use repellent with sunscreen?
Yes, but as two separate products: sunscreen first, then repellent a few minutes later. Reapply sunscreen more often and repellent according to its label.
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