Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin Review

Next up on the review block is Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, and true to it’s claims, this product guards against mosquitoes really well. This chemical based, EPA registered repellent contains 20% Picardin which, according too the manufacturer, is more effective than DEET at repelling biting flies. Other notable mentions are claims that this product lasts longer than DEET and does not have that musty chemical smell accompanying most DEET based repellents. And most importantly, Sawyer Products has been tested against and are very effective on the Aedes Aegypti mosquito species which is known to transmit the Zika Virus, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Fever.

Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent with 20 Percent Picaridin is also effective against the Yellow Fever Mosquito, also responsible for the transmission of the Zika virus.

Because it is relatively odorless, safe for children and keeps insects away for hours, I feel that a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars if fair.

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Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin

Pros

1. Picaridin is almost colorless and odorless.
2. Goes on clear and rubs in well.
3. Stronger and lasts longer than some DEET based repellents.
4. Does not feel oily or greasy.
5. Safe for use on children.

Features and specifications

1. More effective at biting flies than DEET

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends picaridin as the best repellent to guard against mosquitoes that carry malaria. Picaridin (also known as icaridin, Bayrepel, Saltadine, and KBR 3023has been tested extensively in Europe and is, for many, the preferred repellent in that part of the world..

2. Overall better than DEET, but with a catch.

Some studies show that picaridin lasts longer than DEET due to it’s persistence to remain on the skin longer. In one study, picaridin lasted over 4 hours before beginning to substantially deteriorate, while DEET hit that junction at just under 3 hours. Meaning, this showed that picaridin was significantly more effective at preventing mosquito bites overall. But, several studies also found that DEET was more effective against Aedes aegypti, known to carry the yellow fever virus.

Long Lasting and Beats DEET Against Most Mosquitoes

As we mentioned earlier, this product is one that is preferred by Europeans and comes with a higher rating from the WHO or World Health Organization. It has earned this reputation because it works to repel better than DEET against most mosquitoes and scores very high on many review sites. While picaridin has not been extensively tested for decades, as in the EU, this product and other like it are rapidly gaining in populatiry due to their extended protection times compared to DEET. We do note, however, DEET has exceled when guarding against some species of biting mosquitoes that are known for carrying the yellow fever virus. So, take that information into consideration when planning your trip.

Active Ingredients

This mosquito repellent contains 20% of the chemical pesticide Picaridin, also known as Icaridin, KBR3023, or Bayrepel® and is a registered pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. The US Government claims that this product is safe to use on all children, as well as adults.

Lemon and Vanilla Fresh Fragrance

This product has little to no smell. Most users state that the aroma is similar to a lemon-chemical smell which fades pretty rapidly once rubbed in.

Key Features

• Safe for children of all ages per the EPA
• Stronger than DEET against most mosquitoes (except those that carry yellow fever)
• Colorless, virtually odorless and non-tacky after application.
• Recommended over DEET by the World Health Organization

Capacity

4 oz. lotion; 4 oz. spray; 3 oz. spray; 0.5 oz. spray tube.

Cons

This product is not all natural as it is an EPA registered and regulated also known as ‘hydroxyethyl isobutyl piperidine carboxylate’.

A few issues with some users experiencing rashes along with this isolated study resulting in the same.

Conclusion

Overall, Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin appears to be an excellent repellent with little to no side effects or warnings, at least at the time it was reviewed here. Endorsed by global organizations and with a plethora or happy users worldwide, this remarkable pesticide seems to fit the bill in practically any environment. It is rare that my research leads me to a chemical based pesticide that is not riddled with warnings, but in this case, the active ingredient in this product, picaridin, appears to be about as safe a product as you can find.

Now, with that being said, some conspiracy theorists might wonder how a chemical based product can present no toxicity concerns at almost any level. And I myself might be thinking along the same lines. But, without further research to contradict whats readily available, we will have to accept the facts as truth and that’s why I rated this repellent a 4.5 out of 5 stars for my review. It is at least as powerful as DEET but does not come with all the warnings, melted gear and other side effects.

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