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10 Best Deet Repellents 2025 in the UK

Smidge Insect Repellent Cream (75ml)

Formulation Type: Cream
Water Resistance: Water- and sweat-resistant
Skin Sensitivity: Safe for adults, kids, pregnant women
Scent: Pleasant scent
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Jungle Formula Maximum Repellent Aerosol 125ml - Maximum Strength, against Mosquitoes, Biting Insects and Ticks - Up to 9 hrs Protection for Any Destination incl. Tropics- with DEET

The Jungle Formula Maximum Repellent Aerosol is a strong choice for those needing reliable insect protection. With a high DEET concentration of 50%, it offers up to 9 hours of protection against a range of biting insects, including mosquitoes and ticks, making it ideal for travel to tropical destinations or areas with high disease risk.

Its aerosol formulation ensures easy application, but users should be mindful of potential skin sensitivity, especially for those with sensitive skin. The product is water-resistant, though it may require reapplication if you are sweating or swimming. One potential drawback is its scent, which some users might find strong or unpleasant.

The product is not suitable for children under 12, and its high DEET content might not be necessary for all environments, potentially making it overkill for less challenging conditions. This repellent is a solid choice for adults needing maximum protection, especially in high-risk areas.

#2

Jungle Formula Maximum Insect Repellent 90ml - Maximum Strength Repellent Spray for Mosquitoes, Biting Insects and Ticks - Up to 12 hours Protection for Any Destination incl Tropics - with DEET

Rating
9.8
DEET Concentration
Scent
DEET Concentration
Delivers top-tier mosquito protection, even in challenging environments like Tanzania and Egypt, preventing bites effectively.
Scent
The strong odor is a necessary trade-off for powerful insect defense, though it may feel overwhelming in enclosed spaces like tents.

Jungle Formula Maximum Insect Repellent is a strong, reliable choice if you need serious protection against mosquitoes and ticks, especially in high-risk areas like the tropics. It contains 50% DEET, which is a high concentration, offering up to 9 hours of protection, so you won’t need to apply it frequently. The repellent comes as an oil spray, which tends to provide longer-lasting coverage but might feel a bit greasy on the skin compared to water-based options.

This oil formulation isn’t specifically marketed as water-resistant, so if you plan on swimming or sweating a lot, reapplication might be necessary. It’s designed for adults and children over 12 years old, but due to the high DEET content, it’s not suitable for younger kids or those with very sensitive skin, as DEET can sometimes cause irritation. The product also includes a touch of geraniol, which may help with scent, but since it is an oil-based spray with strong insect-repelling ingredients, it may have a noticeable smell.

The 90ml pump bottle is handy to carry during travel. If you’re heading to areas with many biting insects or disease risks, this repellent provides solid protection. However, if you have sensitive skin, prefer a less oily formula, or need something suitable for younger children, you might want to consider other options.

Rating
9.8
DEET Concentration
Scent
DEET Concentration
Delivers top-tier mosquito protection, even in challenging environments like Tanzania and Egypt, preventing bites effectively.
Scent
The strong odor is a necessary trade-off for powerful insect defense, though it may feel overwhelming in enclosed spaces like tents.
#3

Smidge REPELLENT 75ML 8 HOUR MIDGE & BITING INSECT PROTECTION-2 Pack

Rating
9.6
Scent
Scent
Great product does what it says and has no nasty smell.

The Smidge REPELLENT 75ML is designed to offer 8 hours of protection against midges and other biting insects, making it potentially useful for outdoor activities in midge-prone areas like Scotland. This product comes in a convenient spray form, which facilitates easy and even application. With a pack containing two 75 ml bottles, it provides a decent amount of product for repeated use, ideal for those who frequently spend time outdoors.

One of its key features is being unscented, which is beneficial for users sensitive to strong smells or those who prefer their insect repellent to be discreet. The Smidge Repellent has received high customer ratings, indicating satisfaction and effectiveness among users. It ranks well in the Health & Personal Care section, signifying its popularity and potential reliability as an insect repellent solution, particularly against midges.

Rating
9.6
Scent
Scent
Great product does what it says and has no nasty smell.

Buying Guide for the Best Deet Repellents

Choosing the right DEET repellent is crucial for protecting yourself from insect bites, which can lead to discomfort and even serious diseases. DEET is a common active ingredient in many insect repellents and is known for its effectiveness. When selecting a DEET repellent, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and stay protected in various environments.
DEET ConcentrationDEET concentration refers to the percentage of DEET in the repellent. This spec is important because it determines the duration and effectiveness of the protection. Lower concentrations (5-10%) provide protection for about 1-2 hours and are suitable for short outdoor activities. Medium concentrations (15-30%) offer protection for 3-6 hours and are ideal for longer outdoor activities like hiking or picnicking. Higher concentrations (50% or more) can provide protection for up to 12 hours and are best for extended outdoor exposure or areas with a high risk of insect-borne diseases. Choose a concentration based on the length of time you need protection and the level of insect activity in your area.
Formulation TypeFormulation type refers to the form in which the DEET repellent is available, such as sprays, lotions, wipes, or aerosols. This spec is important because it affects the ease of application and coverage. Sprays are convenient for quick and even application over large areas of skin. Lotions allow for more controlled application and can be less likely to miss spots. Wipes are portable and easy to use, making them great for on-the-go protection. Aerosols can provide a fine mist for even coverage but may be less environmentally friendly. Choose a formulation type based on your personal preference and the specific situation in which you'll be using the repellent.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the DEET repellent stays effective when exposed to water, such as sweat or rain. This spec is important for maintaining protection during activities that involve water or heavy perspiration. Non-water-resistant repellents may need to be reapplied more frequently if you get wet. Water-resistant repellents are designed to stay effective even when exposed to moisture, making them ideal for activities like swimming, hiking, or working in humid conditions. Choose a water-resistant repellent if you expect to be in wet or sweaty conditions to ensure continuous protection.
Skin SensitivitySkin sensitivity refers to how gentle the DEET repellent is on the skin, which is important for preventing irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Some DEET repellents are formulated with additional ingredients to minimize skin irritation, such as aloe vera or other soothing agents. If you have sensitive skin, look for products labeled as hypoallergenic or designed for sensitive skin. Test a small amount on your skin before full application to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction. Choose a repellent that is gentle on the skin to avoid discomfort and ensure safe use.
ScentScent refers to the smell of the DEET repellent, which can vary from product to product. This spec is important because a strong or unpleasant scent can be off-putting and may deter you from using the repellent as needed. Some DEET repellents are formulated to be unscented or have a mild, pleasant fragrance to make them more comfortable to wear. If you are sensitive to smells or prefer a more pleasant experience, look for products that are labeled as unscented or have added fragrances. Choose a repellent with a scent that you find tolerable to ensure you use it consistently.