Natrapel
Natrapel Picaridin Tick & Insect Repellent Eco-Spray
Spray · EPA-registered repellent (Reg. No. 56575-15)
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Pros
- Best-in-class all-day defense, 8 to 10 hours on mosquitoes and 7 to 8 on ticks from 20% picaridin.
- Pump eco-spray with picaridin's light, low-odor, gear-safe feel.
Cons
No significant downsides for its role.
The full review
With 20% picaridin in a no-propellant bag-on-valve can, this Eco-Spray sits at the top of our recommended, maximum protection tier. Picaridin is backed by definitive research and the dermal profile reads near spotless, with all 8 audited claims holding up. The label's up to 12 hours counts reduced biting, while our model puts complete protection at an excellent 8 to 10 hours on mosquitoes and 7 to 8 on ticks. Picaridin also spares plastics, gear, and fishing line, a real edge over DEET. The only minor marks are a moderate aquatic toxicity ding and a touch of transparency held back by partial formula quantification.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%100Mosquitoes: 8–10 h of complete protection. Ticks: 7–8 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: 7–8 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 8 marketing claims audited: 6 strong, 2 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 8 marketing claims audited: 6 strong, 2 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 20% 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 20% 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 spray (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 spray (no format adjustment). Partial protection (reduced but real bite suppression) is modeled to extend to ~14 h as repellency decays.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 20% of all ingredient concentrations (+3); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
- PicaridinActive
Active repellent · 20%
- Polyethylene glycol
Inert · concentration not disclosed
- Ethanol
Inert / solvent · concentration not disclosed
- Water
Inert / carrier · concentration not disclosed
- Fragrance
Inert / fragrance · concentration not disclosed
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“CDC-recommended active ingredient (Picaridin) to repel disease-carrying insects”
EfficacyStrongStated as a bullet on the official brand product page and Amazon listing.
“Up to 8 hours of protection against flies, gnats, chiggers, and other biting insects”
DurationStrongConfirmed on Amazon and Walmart listing copy; consistent with EPA reg 56575-15 (20% Picaridin). Brand page emphasizes only the 12-hour mosquito/tick figure.
“Family friendly; use with confidence on the whole family”
Kid SafeModeratePicaridin has no EPA age restriction, but children should not self-apply; CDC guidance supports use on children.
“Won't damage fishing line, plastic, or other synthetic materials”
OtherStrongWell-established materials-compatibility advantage of picaridin over DEET.
“Up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes”
DurationStrongEPA label-approved protection time for 20% picaridin based on submitted efficacy data.
“Up to 12 hours of protection against ticks”
DurationModerateRe-evaluated against our corrected complete-protection estimate (~8 h): the claimed 12 h is 1.5× our estimate, so this duration claim is optimistic but plausible (a label maximum).
“DEET-free formula”
Deet FreeStrongWell supported by published evidence
“Picaridin 20%”
EfficacyStrongActive ingredient concentration confirmed by EPA registration records.
How to apply it
Spray evenly onto exposed skin, holding the can away from the face; do not spray directly onto the face — dispense into hands and apply, avoiding eyes. Avoid contact with eyes and wash hands with soap and water after handling and before eating or drinking. Reapply when the up-to-12-hour protection window expires or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Flammable; contents under pressure — keep away from heat and open flame and do not smoke while applying.