With sunscreen, anti-mosquito repeat is the other essential for summer for (and nights) more comfortable days. But between sprays, lotions, creams … What reference to choose on the market? 60 million consumers Screened 15 flagship products. Result ? Not all are equal, even when they use the same active ingredient.
Not all equal repellents
Two synthetic molecules stand out: the IR3535 and the DEET, acclaimed for their protection time. But beware of appearances. “”Between two products based on IR3535 concentrated at 20 %, one protects more than 11 hours, the other just 8:30 am “underlines the magazine. The overall product formula therefore plays a key role, even if it remains protected by industrial secrecy.
If you prefer natural, and the famous lemongrass, beware: products based on natural active ingredients seduce with their more “green” image, but often disappoint on the efficiency side. Some only protect for half a day, even 30 minutes, and their real performance is often lower than the allegations on the label. Conversely, repellents based onicaridine – A summary active – occupy an intermediate position.
Precautions for use to remember
Even effective, repellents are not without defect. Eye irritants, they should be handled with caution, especially by lenses. The Deet, in particular, has a notable drawback: it can melt plastics, synthetic textiles or leather.
In addition, these products are not trivial: their concentration must be adapted to age and situation (trip to tropical zone or domestic use). For example, the DEET is not recommended beyond 10 % in young children and 30 % in pregnant women. Similar restrictions apply to IR3535 and icaridine.
The top 3 of the best products
That said, among the 15 references tested, the magazine distinguishes 3 effective references to slip into the suitcase or in your home for use.
- Five out of five family spray (100 ml) rated 16.8/20
An excellent compromise between efficiency, tolerance and ease of application. - MUSIFLUID SPRAY High protection areas at risk Note 16.4/20
Ideal for travel in regions infested with mosquitoes, with a powerful formula. - Mousti KO Note 15.5/20
Effective and well rated for its performance in temperate areas.
Discover the complete results of the survey on the site of the magazine 60 million consumers.
Tropical or temperate: no need to overdose
The magazine also recalls that contrary to popular belief, “tropical” products are not systematically more effective. In the laboratory, certain repellents intended for temperate areas have even shown a period of protection greater than their counterparts for tropical areas. In addition, these concentrated formulas can be oversized – and therefore to avoid – for use in mainland France.
“REPHORS contain volatile substances that evaporate faster with heat. To maintain their effectiveness, concentration increases”explains Fabrice Chandre, research director at the Institute of Research for Development (IRD).
For optimal protection without unnecessary risk, it is better to read the indications carefully: area of use (temperate or tropical), number of applications per day, concentration of the active ingredient, minimum age of use … and not neglect other means of prevention. Mosquito nets, covering clothes, fans or air conditioning can also make the difference.