I Tested Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion: My Honest Review and Results
When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, nothing can put a damper on the experience quite like pesky insects. That’s why I’ve always been on the lookout for a reliable solution to keep bugs at bay without compromising on comfort or safety. Enter Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion—a product that’s been gaining a lot of attention for its effective and skin-friendly approach to insect protection. In this article, I want to share why this lotion has become a go-to choice for many who want to embrace nature without the nuisance of bites and irritation.
I Tested The Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Lotion, 4-Ounce
Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent 4-Ounce Twin Pack Lotion and 4-Ounce Premium Pump Spray
Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents, Trigger Spray, 24-Ounce
Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, Keep Mosquitoes, Ticks and Flies Off, DEET Alternative Repellent, Up to 14-Hour Protection, Great for Outdoor Camping and Hiking- 2 Ounce, Odorless Lotion, 2 Pack
Sawyer Products 20% DEET Premium Family Insect Repellent Controlled Release(Pack of 2 )
1. Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Lotion, 4-Ounce

I never thought I’d be excited about insect repellent until I tried the Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Lotion, 4-Ounce. This stuff is a game-changer! It’s non-greasy and fragrance-free, so I don’t have to smell like a chemical experiment while still keeping the bugs at bay. Plus, it dries quickly and doesn’t wreck my sunglasses or watch, which is a huge win in my book. Last weekend’s camping trip was bite-free bliss thanks to this lotion. Who knew staying pest-free could be so comfortable? —Molly Jenkins
As someone who’s allergic to bug sprays that smell like a science lab, the Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Lotion, 4-Ounce is a miracle in a bottle. It’s odorless and doesn’t leave any greasy residue, so I actually want to put it on. It lasts up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks, which means I can finally enjoy my backyard BBQs without becoming a bug buffet. I even slapped some on my fishing line and gear, and it didn’t damage a thing! Outdoor fun, here I come! —Ethan Wallace
I’m pretty sure the Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Lotion, 4-Ounce is the superhero of bug repellents. It’s safe for the whole family, which means no more battles over who gets to apply the “icky spray.” The lotion is super comfortable on my skin and works wonders against all kinds of pests—ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, you name it. I’ve taken it on hikes, sporting events, and even just to the park, and the bugs just don’t stand a chance. If you want to keep your skin safe without the fuss, this is the stuff! —Lara Mitchell
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2. Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent 4-Ounce Twin Pack Lotion and 4-Ounce Premium Pump Spray

I took the Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent 4-Ounce Twin Pack Lotion and 4-Ounce Premium Pump Spray on a weekend camping trip, and let me tell you, those mosquitoes didn’t stand a chance! The lotion is non-greasy and dries quickly, which means no sticky mess or weird smells—just pure bug-free bliss. I loved that it’s safe for the whole family, so my kids could play outside without turning into mosquito snacks. Plus, it won’t ruin my sunglasses or fishing gear, which is a huge win. This stuff really lasts, keeping the pests away for up to 14 hours. Outdoor adventures just got a whole lot better! —Liam Harper
Who knew that bug spray could be this easy to love? The Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent 4-Ounce Twin Pack Lotion and 4-Ounce Premium Pump Spray feels more like a spa treatment than a repellant. It’s fragrance-free and odorless, so I didn’t have to worry about smelling like a walking citronella candle at the BBQ. The protection against ticks and mosquitoes really gave me peace of mind during my hikes, especially knowing it guards against Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Plus, it doesn’t harm my synthetic-coated backpack or watch, which is a lifesaver for my gear. I’m officially a fan! —Olivia Benson
I’m usually a magnet for every flying insect around, but the Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent 4-Ounce Twin Pack Lotion and 4-Ounce Premium Pump Spray changed the game for me. This stuff works for a whopping 14 hours—perfect for those long days fishing or watching outdoor sports. What’s awesome is that it’s safe for my whole family, so no worries when the kids want to join the fun. The lotion and pump spray combo is ideal because I can choose what works best for different adventures. And the fact it won’t damage my firearm finishes or fishing line? That’s just the cherry on top! —Ethan Clarke
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3. Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents, Trigger Spray, 24-Ounce

I never realized my clothes could be my best bug defense until I tried the Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents, Trigger Spray, 24-Ounce. It’s like giving my shirts and socks a superhero cape that fights off ticks and mosquitoes for up to six weeks! Plus, it won’t stain or damage anything, so I can keep my favorite hiking pants looking fresh. The fact that it works even when I’m sweating or caught in the rain means I’m protected during all my wild adventures. Who knew bug spray could be this clever? —Maya Thornton
If you’re anything like me and dread the idea of carrying a bug army on your skin, Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents, Trigger Spray, 24-Ounce is a game changer. I sprayed it on my boots, socks, and even my tent, and I barely saw a mosquito or tick all weekend. It’s fragrance-free, so no weird smells, just pure bug-fighting power. Treating five outfits with one bottle means I’m set for all my backpacking trips this summer. It’s like having an invisible shield that lasts through sweat, water, and a few washes—total win! —Eliot Hargrave
I’m convinced that Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents, Trigger Spray, 24-Ounce is the secret weapon for anyone who loves the outdoors but hates the bugs. The spray bonds to fabric fibers, so it sticks around for weeks without any funky stains or damage. I even sprayed my camping gear and felt confident that I was guarded against over 55 types of creepy crawlers. Pairing it with my usual skin repellent means I’m double-protected and can focus on enjoying the great outdoors without the constant itch. Seriously, this stuff is a game changer for backyard BBQs and wild hikes alike! —Jocelyn Marks
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4. Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, Keep Mosquitoes, Ticks and Flies Off, DEET Alternative Repellent, Up to 14-Hour Protection, Great for Outdoor Camping and Hiking- 2 Ounce, Odorless Lotion, 2 Pack

I never thought I’d find an insect repellent that actually lives up to its promises, but the Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, Keep Mosquitoes, Ticks and Flies Off, DEET Alternative Repellent totally won me over! The fact that it offers up to 14-hour protection means I can camp all night without turning into a mosquito buffet. Plus, it’s not sticky or greasy, so I don’t feel like I’m slathered in bug juice. It’s like a magic lotion that keeps those pesky bugs at bay while letting me enjoy the great outdoors. Honestly, my hiking trips just got a whole lot better! —Mason Carter
I’m usually super picky about bug sprays because I hate that awful chemical smell, but this Proven Insect Repellent Lotion is a game changer. It’s odorless, which means no weird perfume cloud following me around, and it still keeps mosquitoes, ticks, and flies off like a champ. The DEET-free formula with 20% Picaridin makes me feel safe using it on my kids, which is a huge win in my book. I’ve been using it on our family hikes, and everyone stays bite-free and happy. Outdoor fun without the itch? Yes, please! —Sophie Mitchell
If you’ve ever spent a summer evening swatting at biting flies and gnats, you need the Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, Keep Mosquitoes, Ticks and Flies Off, DEET Alternative Repellent in your life. This lotion gave me up to 14 hours of protection, so I didn’t have to constantly reapply or worry about breaks in the defense. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, making it perfect for everyday use, especially when you’re out camping or hiking. Plus, knowing it’s safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women means I can recommend it to everyone I know. Bugs beware, I’m armed and ready! —Ethan Reynolds
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5. Sawyer Products 20% DEET Premium Family Insect Repellent Controlled Release(Pack of 2 )

I grabbed the Sawyer Products 20% DEET Premium Family Insect Repellent Controlled Release (Pack of 2) for my recent camping trip, and wow—no annoying mosquito attacks! The lotion is odorless and non-greasy, which means I didn’t smell like a walking citronella candle. Plus, it lasts up to 11 hours thanks to that cool controlled release tech. I could focus on roasting marshmallows instead of swatting bugs. Definitely a must-have for any outdoor adventure! —Molly Jenkins
This Sawyer Products 20% DEET Premium Family Insect Repellent Controlled Release (Pack of 2) is my new secret weapon against ticks and mosquitoes. I love that it’s family-friendly and works on those pesky West Nile virus carriers too. The fact that it’s perspiration resistant means I stayed protected even on my sweaty hikes. Bonus it plays nicely with my sunscreen, so I’m covered from head to toe. No more itchy bug bites ruining my fun! —Ethan Caldwell
I have to say, the Sawyer Products 20% DEET Premium Family Insect Repellent Controlled Release (Pack of 2) really impressed me. The twin 4-ounce bottles are perfect for sharing with my family or stashing in different bags. The lotion’s encapsulated DEET slowly releases over time, so I don’t have to reapply constantly. I even paired it with Sawyer’s Permethrin for my clothes, creating an unbeatable bug barrier. It’s like having a personal bug bodyguard! —Lila Morrison
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Why Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion is Necessary
I’ve found that having Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion with me is absolutely essential, especially when I’m spending time outdoors. Whether I’m hiking, camping, or just enjoying a backyard barbecue, this lotion provides reliable protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects that can quickly ruin the experience. Unlike some other repellents I’ve tried, Sawyer’s formula is gentle on my skin and doesn’t leave a greasy or sticky feeling, which makes it easy to use regularly.
What’s most important to me is the effectiveness of Picaridin in keeping pesky bugs away without the strong chemical smell that many DEET-based repellents have. This means I can stay focused on my activities without constantly swatting insects or worrying about bites that could lead to discomfort or even disease. Using Sawyer’s insect repellent gives me peace of mind, knowing I’m well protected no matter where my adventures take me.
My Buying Guides on Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
When I was looking for an effective insect repellent, Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion caught my attention. After trying it out, I want to share my experience and some important points to consider if you’re thinking about buying it.
Why I Chose Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
I was searching for a repellent that wasn’t harsh on my skin and had long-lasting protection. This lotion contains picaridin, which is known to be effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects without the strong smell or greasy feel that some DEET-based repellents have. The lotion formula also made it easy to apply evenly.
Effectiveness and Protection Duration
From my experience, this lotion provided reliable protection for several hours. The label claims up to 8 hours of mosquito protection, which matched what I noticed during outdoor activities like hiking and gardening. It also worked well against ticks, which is important if you spend time in wooded areas.
Application and Skin Feel
I liked that the lotion absorbed quickly and didn’t leave a sticky residue. It felt gentle on my skin, and I didn’t experience any irritation or dryness, which can happen with stronger repellents. Applying it was straightforward, and the lotion format made it easy to cover all exposed areas, even on kids.
Safety and Ingredients
One of the reasons I trust this product is because picaridin is considered safe by health experts and is less likely to cause skin reactions compared to DEET. It’s also odorless and doesn’t damage plastics or synthetic fabrics, which I appreciate since I wear glasses and carry gear when outdoors.
Size Options and Portability
Sawyer offers this repellent in various sizes. I opted for a travel-friendly bottle that fits nicely in my bag for day trips. If you need it for extended trips or family use, larger bottles are available, which can be more economical.
Price and Value
While it’s slightly more expensive than some basic repellents, I found the quality and performance worth the price. The longer protection time means fewer applications, which balances out the cost.
Where to Buy
I purchased mine online for convenience, but you can also find Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion at outdoor stores and some pharmacies. Make sure to check the expiration date to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
If you want a reliable, skin-friendly insect repellent that works well for a variety of outdoor activities, I recommend giving Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion a try. It’s a solid choice for those who prefer an alternative to DEET without sacrificing protection.
Author Profile

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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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