Ben's
Ben's Repellent Lotion
Lotion · EPA-registered
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Pros
- Outstanding all-day protection, an EPA-label 10 hours on mosquitoes and 8 to 10 on ticks from 20% picaridin.
- Lotion with a glycerin base that rubs in clean and light, none of DEET's grease, and safe on plastics and gear.
Cons
No significant downsides for its role.
The full review
An odorless 20% picaridin lotion, this is one of the strongest recommended, maximum-protection options in the lineup. We model 8 to 10 hours of complete mosquito protection and 8 to 10 against ticks, which drives an effectiveness pillar that is high even by DEET standards and remarkable for a DEET-free formula. Picaridin's evidence is settled, safety reads clean apart from a minor aquatic-toxicity note, and 5 of 6 audited claims hold up strong. The lone drag is a transparency ding, since the brand discloses its actives in full but quantifies only a fraction of the rest. The glycerin-based lotion rubs in light, suits targeted use on the face and neck, and being DEET-free it stays safe on gear.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%100Mosquitoes: 8–10 h of complete protection. Ticks: 8–10 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: 8–10 h of complete protection. Ticks: 8–10 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%97Picaridin is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 85). Of 6 marketing claims audited: 5 strong, 1 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+12).
Picaridin is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 85). Of 6 marketing claims audited: 5 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%88This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 17% of all ingredient concentrations (+3); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 17% of all ingredient concentrations (+3); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
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 ~18 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 ~18 h as repellency decays. Buchel 2015: 10% picaridin tick CPT ~5 h (I. scapularis) to 8 h (I. ricinus), equal to or better than 20% DEET. Carroll 2010: 20% kept ticks off through the full 12 h test against the lone star tick; we cap at a defensible ~10 h.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 17% of all ingredient concentrations (+3); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
- PicaridinActive
Active repellent · 20%
- Glycerin
Inert · concentration not disclosed
- Ethanol
Inert · concentration not disclosed
- Sodium hydroxide
Inert / pH adjuster · concentration not disclosed
- Water
Inert / Carrier · concentration not disclosed
- Carbomer (Carbopol)
Inert / Thickener · concentration not disclosed
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“TSA-approved 3.4 oz travel size”
OtherStrongA 3.4 oz bottle meets the TSA carry-on liquid limit — a verifiable format fact.
“Scent-free, non-oily, non-greasy”
OtherStrongPicaridin is widely characterized as odorless and the lotion's inerts (water, glycerin, carbomer) support a non-oily, non-greasy feel.
“DEET-free formula”
Deet FreeStrongActive is picaridin; contains no DEET.
“Up to 8 hours of protection against biting flies, gnats, and chiggers”
DurationStrongConsistent with our complete-protection estimate (~10 h).
“Up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks”
DurationModerateWithin the partial-protection window: complete (bite-free) protection is ~10 h, with reduced protection persisting to ~18 h. The claimed 14 h is optimistic but plausible as partial protection.
“Picaridin 20%”
EfficacyStrongConfirmed on the manufacturer's spec sheet; CDC-recommended active ingredient.
Safe around dogs & cats?
Worst case from this product’s active ingredients. Do not apply this or any human repellent to your pet.
Not veterinary advice. Full guide to repellents around pets →