Ingredients by brand
What's in Sawyer repellents?
The 5 Sawyer products we've scored use 2 different active ingredients: DEET and Picaridin.
By the Notch Wellness team · Updated June 28, 2026 · Reviewed against our scoring methodology
We make Notch, so we're not a neutral third party. Ingredients and concentrations come from each product's label; scores come from our published methodology.
Active ingredients in Sawyer products
DEET 20%–98.11%
In 3 of 5 products
The most widely used synthetic active ingredient in insect repellents. Effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and many biting flies.
Picaridin 20%
In 2 of 5 products
Synthetic repellent modeled after piperidine compounds in black pepper. Odorless and non-greasy compared to DEET.
Every Sawyerproduct we've scored
Open a product for its full ingredient list, protection time and review.
| Product | Active ingredient | Mosquito protection | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent LotionLotion | Picaridin 20% | 8–10 h | 95 |
| 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent SpraySpray | Picaridin 20% | 8–10 h | 95 |
| Family Controlled Release Insect RepellentLotion | DEET 20% | 5–6 h | 92 |
| Jungle Juice 100 Pump Spray Insect RepellentSpray | DEET 98.11% | 6–8 h | 94 |
| Sawyer MAXI DEET Insect RepellentSpray | DEET 98.11% | 6–8 h | 94 |