Cutter
Cutter Sport Insect Repellent
Spray · EPA-registered repellent (Reg. No. 305-48-121)
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Pros
- A sweat-resistant 15% DEET built for active days, 3 to 4 hours of solid cover.
- Fully disclosed and reliably effective.
Cons
- Moderate runtime, so reapply on long outings, plus the usual DEET care around plastics.
The full review
A 15% DEET aerosol aimed at active use that lands a clear recommended. DEET's definitive evidence and clean skin safety carry the verdict, with all 4 audited claims holding up. The mid-range concentration gives a moderate window: we model 3 to 4 hours of complete mosquito protection and 2 to 3 against ticks, enough for a workout or a few hours outdoors before reapplying. Effectiveness and transparency are the main limiters, the latter because the inert list is not disclosed. The sweat-resistant build is the real draw for sports rather than any unusually long protection, plus the usual DEET care around plastics.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%83Mosquitoes: 3–4 h of complete protection. Ticks: 2–3 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: 3–4 h of complete protection. Ticks: 2–3 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 4 marketing claims audited: 3 strong, 1 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 4 marketing claims audited: 3 strong, 1 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 spray (no format adjustment). Partial protection (reduced but real bite suppression) is modeled to extend to ~7 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 spray (no format adjustment). Partial protection (reduced but real bite suppression) is modeled to extend to ~5 h as repellency decays.
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 · 15%
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“Repels mosquitoes that may transmit Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya”
EfficacyStrongDEET at 15% is fully dosed and EPA-registered (305-48-121) against mosquitoes that may transmit Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya.
“Repels mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, no-see-ums, chiggers and fleas”
EfficacyStrongPest list printed on the EPA-registered label.
“Sweat-resistant formula with a refreshing, clean scent”
OtherModerateManufacturer marketing claim about feel/scent.
“DEET 15%”
EfficacyStrongActive ingredient concentration confirmed on manufacturer page, SDS, and EPA data.
How to apply it
For outdoor use only; do not spray in enclosed areas. Hold the container 6 to 8 inches from skin and clothing while spraying, keeping the sprayer pointed away from the face, and slightly moisten skin with just enough repellent to cover. Do not spray directly onto the face — spray on hands first and apply sparingly, avoiding eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using on children, apply to your own hands and then put it on the child; do not apply to children's hands. After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water and wash treated clothing before wearing again.
The label
Ingredients, warnings, and directions from the package label. Read it before you buy.
