June 25, 2023

Is DEET Bad for You?

Studies show the insect repellent is safe and effective at preventing insect-borne illness

HIker spraying bug spray with DEET on legs

Nobody wants to become a buffet for bloodthirsty mosquitoes or ticks. But is dousing yourself or your kids with a DEET-based bug spray really the best answer? Applying chemicals to skin just seems … well, unhealthy.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Let’s check in with dermatologist Amy Kassouf, MD, to find out whether DEET is safe for you and your family.

What is DEET?

Let’s start with the basics: DEET is a chemical mixture used as an insect repellent. The name is an acronym built from its scientific ID — N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or diethyltoluamide. (Clearly, DEET is a bit catchier and easier to say.)

U.S. Army researchers developed DEET in 1946 given the battles that soldiers fought against mosquitoes in World War II. The repellent entered the civilian realm in 1957.

Today, DEET is used by more than 200 million people around the world to ward off mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, flies and chiggers. Avoiding bites means avoiding insect-borne illnesses such as:

“We’re seeing an increase of these mosquito- and tick-borne diseases,” says Dr. Kassouf. “The more I see these illnesses, the more I become a proponent of DEET. It’s the most effective ingredient we have to keep bugs at bay.”

Is DEET bad for you?

Studies show that DEET is quite safe when used as directed. In a 2014 review of the repellent, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found no “risks of concern” to people or the overall environment.

In the U.S., DEET is registered for use on your skin, hair, clothes and footwear. (Side note: There’s also a DEET product approved for horses.)

Now that doesn’t mean there haven’t been any reactions to DEET. It’s a chemical, after all — and bodies often react to chemicals. Some people experience rashes or irritated skin after using DEET. It can also irritate your eyes if sprayed too close to your peepers.

Advertisement

More alarming, there have been rare reports of seizures associated with DEET. But according to the National Pesticide Information Center, most of those cases followed people drinking products with DEET or otherwise using them in ways that don’t follow recommended guidelines.

But overall, reactions are few and far between given the hundreds of millions of users.

Is DEET safe for kids?

As noted, researchers say that health concerns connected to DEET have been rare — and that includes when the repellent is used on kiddos. Given that, the EPA has no age restriction for using products with DEET.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends applying DEET sparingly as needed until children reach age 2. The AAP also urges parents to be “especially cautious” about using DEET on newborns or premature infants.

Guidelines for using insect repellent advise that children shouldn’t handle DEET products or apply them on their own. In addition, it’s recommended that treated skin be washed with soap and water after going back inside.

When applying insect repellent on children, spray your hands and rub it onto their faces so they don’t inhale the vapors. Keep the products off little hands, too, given how kiddie fingers always seem to end up in their mouths.)

Can you use DEET while pregnant?

Studies haven’t shown a connection between DEET use and pregnancy-related issues or increased risk of birth defects. Researchers say that the benefits of using DEET during pregnancy to avoid insect-borne illness “may outweigh any possible risk.”

This is especially true if you’re in an area where the Zika virus is active, says Dr. Kassouf. Studies show that the Zika virus can cause birth defects in developing fetuses.

Advertisement

Still concerned and want to minimize your exposure? Then try covering up with more clothing to limit how much DEET-based insect repellent reaches your skin. (Plus, it gives pesky bugs less area to target.)

How to use DEET safely

It’s important to follow directions when using DEET-based bug spray. Some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • A little goes a long way. Higher concentrations of DEET don’t work better — they just last longer. If you’re taking a short hike or spending an hour by a bonfire, use products with lower DEET concentrations. Products with 10% DEET should repel bugs for about two hours; those with concentrations of 20% to 30% last around five hours.
  • Limit exposure. Cover up with pants and long sleeves to minimize the amount of skin exposed to bug sprays (and bugs). Avoid putting repellent on cuts or irritated skin, too. Apply spray in well-ventilated areas to avoid breathing in a DEET cloud.
  • Once is enough. Unless you’re out all day in a bug-infested forest, you probably don’t need to re-apply DEET. Skip the bug spray/sunscreen combos, too, as you’ll definitely want to touch up your SPF at some point.

Alternatives to DEET

Still uncertain about DEET? Natural bug sprays, like citronella and lemon eucalyptus oil, might be helpful for light mosquito duty.

But if you’re in an area with prevalent tick-borne or mosquito-borne illnesses, you might want to look beyond the all-natural options. DEET remains the “gold standard” for insect repellent, says Dr. Kassouf.

“Used correctly,” she says, “it prevents more health problems than it causes by far.”

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person with alopecia areata
March 22, 2024
Self-Care Tips To Manage Alopecia Areata

A gentle hair care routine, stress reduction and sun protection can help reduce flares and maintain your locks

Close up of face with rosacea on cheeks
March 21, 2024
6 Natural Ways To Find Relief From Rosacea

You can turn down the redness and soothe the irritation with natural remedies like green tea, raw honey and aloe vera

zoom in on denim
March 21, 2024
How Often Should You Wash Jeans? Can You Freeze Them Instead?

Unfortunately, putting your jeans in the freezer doesn’t kill germs, and it definitely doesn’t get them clean

Hands injecting Botox to patient
March 20, 2024
Botox Aftercare: The Do’s, Don’ts and Don’t-Worry-About-Its

Most recommended precautions center around minimizing bruising or swelling

Gloved hands of healthcare provider examining moles on a back
March 14, 2024
Is That Mole Cancerous?

The size, shape and color of moles may offer clues that point to melanoma

bottles and jars of natural lotions and essential oils
March 8, 2024
Natural Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Home remedies may help your hair, but don’t expect them to cure the autoimmune disease

person examining flaky skin on face
March 7, 2024
Do You Have a Winter Rash? Here’s How To Treat and Prevent It

A distressed skin barrier can lead to red, itchy and scaly skin

Closeup of dotted line indicating where eyelid lift will take place
February 14, 2024
Blepharoplasty vs. Brow Lift: What To Know

The procedures take different approaches to eliminate saggy, baggy skin around your eyes

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad