9 Doctor-Recommended Tick Repellents to Keep You Protected in 2025

This particular formula is nongreasy, nonsticky, and lacks a strong odor, making it highly appealing for direct skin application. Dr. Kobets confirms that the 20 percent is an effective concentration of picaridin to use, which this formula contains. As a bonus, it won’t damage plastics or synthetic fabrics, making it safe for use on clothing, gear, and skin.

Speaking of heat, this formula is sweat-resistant, which means less applications if you’re outdoors hiking or being active in high temperatures. The aerosol spray bottle makes application on skin and clothes easy, but be careful if you wear synthetic fabrics, as DEET may stain or damage them.

If you’re planning an outside adventure in an area with a densely populated insect and tick population, you want to give yourself extra protection. Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent formula contains the highest concentration of DEET on the market, 98.11 percent.

At this concentration, a single application delivers the longest possible duration of repellency (up to 10 hours) against ticks and other biting insects. It’s specifically formulated for situations where insect pressure is severe, such as deep woods expeditions, areas with high tick populations, and regions where insect-borne diseases are prevalent.

IR3535 is chemically engineered to look like a naturally occurring amino acid. Our research finds that Coleman SkinSmart Insect Repellent, which contains 20 percent IR3535, provides reliable, long-lasting protection (up to eight hours) against ticks in low-population areas, making it a strong alternative to DEET. We especially like it when gardening or doing other outdoor activities for short periods of time.

If you’re looking for an herbal tick repellent for brief outdoor adventures, in places where tick populations are low, this lemon eucalyptus spray delivers protection with a refreshing scent, unlike any other repellent on our list.

Ranger Ready Repellent combines an effective 20 percent picaridin concentration with travel-friendly features. It offers long-lasting protection (up to 12 hours), which is crucial for travelers who need reliable protection without constant reapplications. 

Importantly, picaridin is nondamaging to clothing, plastics, and gear, making it ideal for packing alongside luggage and electronics. Its no-scent formula is also a significant benefit when in close quarters during travel. Plus, it’s available in compact and Transportation Security Administration–compliant sizes, further cementing its status as a top travel companion, and our Everyday Health editors note that the trigger pump dispenser makes it easy to use, without fear of it spilling.

Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito & Tick Wipes offer convenient application and an effective 12 percent picaridin concentration per wipe. The wipe format allows for precise and controlled application, minimizing overspray and making it easy to apply to specific areas of the skin, especially for children (when applied by an adult). 

The concentration per wipe ensures robust and reliable protection against ticks (up to 10 hours), making it effective for various outdoor activities. For quick, mess-free application on the go, especially when you want to avoid aerosols, these wipes are a standout solution.

Permethrin bonds to fabric fibers and kills ticks on contact, providing an extra layer of protection beyond skin-applied repellents. “Permethrin-treated clothing is one of the best lines of defense against ticks,” Kopelman says.

This concentration is specifically formulated for clothing and gear, offering long-lasting effectiveness through multiple washes (up to six washes or approximately six weeks). Its ability to kill ticks before they can bite, combined with its safety for use on clothing (once the product has dried), makes it an invaluable tool for serious outdoor enthusiasts and those in high-risk insect areas.