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Comfortable, trusted protection, in the backcountry or in the backyard
About Sawyer
Since 1984, Sawyer Products has offered technologically advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries -- everything from first aid kits developed for wilderness to point-of-use water filters that filter contaminated water to levels cleaner than U.S. bottled water.
Sawyer Controlled Release Family Insect Repellent
Effective against Ticks and All Mosquitoes For Up To 11 Hours
Odorless, non-greasy, and sweat resistant, Sawyer Premium Controlled Release Insect Repellent is effective against ticks and all mosquitoes (including those that carry West Nile virus).
This formula controls DEET exposure by encapsulating DEET in a protein that dissolves slowly, releasing the DEET over a longer period of time. The controlled release of DEET extends the duration of an application's effectiveness up to 11 hours.
- Odorless, non-greasy, and perspiration resistant lotion
- Compatible with sunscreens (including Sawyer Stay-Put)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Sawyer's DEET-Based Controlled Release Formula Work?
An excellent choice for parents who are concerned about their kids' exposure to DEET, Sawyer's Controlled Release with 20% DEET — particularly over the course of a week of backpacking or at summer camp. It's also ideal for anyone who requires repeated use of insect repellent.
A time-release mechanism in the formula controls the evaporation of the DEET, allowing it to keep working all day (up to 11 hours), while still being virtually odorless, non-greasy, and effective against ticks and mosquitoes.
Should I Use a Lotion or Spray Repellent?
Lotions last longer than sprays. Sprays have the advantage of being able to be applied to clothing where it remains effective longer than on skin. Since repellents work as a 3 inch barrier, clothing applications can often protect 6 inches away from exposed skin, reducing your usage on skin. For optimal protection use lotion on the skin and spray (such as Permethrin) on clothing.
Controlled Release Lotion:
- 4-ounce bottle
- 6-ounce bottle
Can I Wear a Repellent with a Sunscreen?
Yes. If you need both types of protection, a controlled release insect repellent lotion (like Ultra 30) is the most compatible topical repellent for a sunscreen. First apply the Stay-Put bonding base sunscreen, then apply the Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent after 10 minutes. The bonded sunscreen is less susceptible to the solvents contained in the repellent, including sprays if you use them.
Full Range of Insect Repellents
Sawyer insect repellents offer superior protection from disease-carrying insects, including the yellow fever mosquito that carries the Zika Virus. Check out Sawyer's range of insect repellents — from topical lotions and sprays to apply to your skin to Permethrin spray for applying to clothing and outdoor gear.
J d.
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
helped with keeping bugs away from skin while in the park
Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
I used this for a trip to Asia and seeing that I didn’t get mosquitoes bites when I put them on, it’s either it worked really well or just no mosquitoes at all :-)But I do love that it’s easy to put on and there was no smell at all!
Carmen R.
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025
works like a charm
Leticia Graziela Costa
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2024
It works really well. Minimum to no smell. Great especially for face and neck, where you don’t want to spray anything. I actually prefer this to all other types of repellents. This kept mosquitos away better than the most common sprays.
D Jones
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024
As the state bird for my beautiful state is the mosquito, I'm all in when it comes to a decent mosquito repellent - and this one doesn't disappoint. I've also used the Off brand lotion, it's also good. But I lucked out being able to get this brand at a much reduced price. It's very effective, and I much prefer lotions to sprays. Why on earth don't more companies make mosquito/insect repellent lotion? I can't even find any in the stores, and trust me, I've looked. There is also little to no scent to this, no sticky residue - an added bonus. I'd also like to give yet another shout-out to the mosquito repellent wristbands by Cliganic, they're an excellent product. Often I just wear one of these, unless it's dusk when the mosquitoes are having a warplane swarming contest.Anyway, this lotion is a good product and I will definitely purchase more.
Mickey
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2024
Very good lotion, but it will have some smell, and the mosquito protection will not last as long
Lisa
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024
Just moved to a more rural area that has lots of mosquitoes, ughhh. Since we’re in and out of the house moving boxes, etc., mosquitos get in the house. I put this product on at night when I go to bed, works great! No more bites!
Aisha Morgan
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2024
This product wasn’t sticky and didn’t leave a white residue on your skin. Worked great to keep the bugs away
Maureen McFadden
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 30, 2016
Excellent. No smell from this product. Applied under sun cream and had no bites at all.
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