Sawyer
Family Controlled Release Insect Repellent
Lotion · EPA-registered
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Pros
- Controlled-release tech stretches just 20% DEET to a labeled 10 hours, less active for more time.
- A lotion that rubs in and feels lighter and lower-odor than a high-DEET spray.
Cons
- Tick cover is slightly shorter at 4 to 6 hours, and it's still DEET, so keep it off plastics.
The full review
This controlled-release lotion takes a smart approach to 20% DEET, using sub-micron encapsulation to slow the release and stretch coverage, and it earns a recommended. Our model puts complete protection at 5 to 6 hours against mosquitoes and 4 to 6 hours against ticks, solid for so little active. Evidence and safety are both strong, and all 7 audited claims hold up, though the split skews moderate (2 strong, 5 moderate), reflecting some softer marketing language. The lotion feels lighter and lower-odor than a high-DEET spray and rubs in clean. Transparency is the usual limiter, with the inert ingredients undisclosed, and the usual DEET care around plastics applies.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%94Mosquitoes: 5–6 h of complete protection. Ticks: 4–6 h of complete protection. Protection times are modeled from the actives, concentration, and format (see methodology). Scored on a saturating curve (each added hour counts less than the last), 65% mosquito / 35% tick, with reasonable confidence.
Mosquitoes: 5–6 h of complete protection. Ticks: 4–6 h of complete protection. Protection times are modeled from the actives, concentration, and format (see methodology). Scored on a saturating curve (each added hour counts less than the last), 65% mosquito / 35% tick, with reasonable confidence.
Evidence & honest claims25%97DEET is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 85). Of 7 marketing claims audited: 2 strong, 5 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+12).
DEET is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 85). Of 7 marketing claims audited: 2 strong, 5 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+12).
Safety15%96From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: no notable sensitization risk; low irritation; moderate aquatic toxicity (−4).
From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: no notable sensitization risk; low irritation; moderate aquatic toxicity (−4).
Transparency15%75This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
Every pillar is scored from published rules. Read how we score.
How long it protects
Complete protection ends when the first bite gets through; partial protection keeps reducing bites as repellency decays. EPA label times are verified; the rest are modeled from the actives, concentration, and format.
Mosquito estimate basis (moderate confidence)
Estimated complete protection time from active ingredient + concentration; the source research used a spray-style formulation, matching this lotion (no format adjustment). Partial protection (reduced but real bite suppression) is modeled to extend to ~11 h as repellency decays.
Tick estimate basis (moderate confidence)
Estimated complete protection time from active ingredient + concentration; the source research used a spray-style formulation, matching this lotion (no format adjustment). Partial protection (reduced but real bite suppression) is modeled to extend to ~11 h as repellency decays. Ticks only: estimated against Ixodes scapularis (the US Lyme vector). DEET is notably weaker against the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and some dog-tick (Dermacentor) populations, and weaker on ticks than on mosquitoes. Anchors: Burtis 2024 (CDC), 25% DEET held >=97% skin repellency through 6.5 h; Buchel 2015, 20% median tick CPT ~4-4.5 h.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
Only active ingredients are disclosed. The full ingredient list (inerts/carriers) is not published, so this may not be the complete formula.
- DEETActive
Active repellent (micro-encapsulated, controlled release) · 20%
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“Sweat resistant”
OtherModerateA wear/performance attribute, not an efficacy claim; plausible but not independently verified.
“Family-friendly formula”
Kid SafeModerateReduced-absorption 20% DEET lotion positioning; standard DEET child-application precautions still apply per label.
“Odorless, non-greasy, alcohol-free; compatible with sunscreen”
OtherModerateCosmetic/compatibility claims from the manufacturer.
“Controlled-release encapsulation reduces DEET absorption by 67% per application”
SafetyModerateManufacturer claim based on its patented sub-micron encapsulation technology; plausible mechanism but the specific figure is not independently verified.
“Effective against ticks and all mosquitoes”
EfficacyStrongDEET at 20% is fully dosed with a ~10 h mosquito / 3–4 h tick complete-protection estimate, so a direct 'effective against ticks and mosquitoes' claim is well-supported.
“Up to 11 hours of protection against mosquitoes”
DurationModerateWithin the partial-protection window: complete (bite-free) protection is ~6 h, with reduced protection persisting to ~11 h. The claimed 11 h is optimistic but plausible as partial protection.
“DEET 20%”
EfficacyStrongActive ingredient concentration confirmed by EPA registration.
Safe around dogs & cats?
Worst case from this product’s active ingredients. Do not apply this or any human repellent to your pet.
Mainly from DEET.
Mainly from DEET.
Not veterinary advice. Full guide to repellents around pets →
The label
Ingredients, warnings, and directions from the package label. Read it before you buy.
