71/100

Personal Care

DEET Insect Repellent

Low burden — DEET Insect Repellent is a relatively low-burden choice.

Skin-applied mosquito and tick repellent.

The breakdown

Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)

Chemical hazard
3
Everyday exposure
3
Persistence
2

Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.

What this means for you

A Detox Score of 71 places deet insect repellent in the Low band. None of the three drivers is severe, which keeps the burden manageable. DEET is registered and effective at preventing insect-borne disease, and that protection often outweighs the exposure. To reduce contact, use the lowest effective concentration and wash it off once indoors.

Cleaner swap → Apply to clothing rather than skin, or use a picaridin repellent.
See where your whole exposure load is highest — free Exposure Score →

Frequently asked questions

Is deet insect repellent a toxic exposure?

DEET Insect Repellent has a Detox Score of 71 out of 100 (Low burden), which means it is a relatively low-burden choice. DEET is registered and effective at preventing insect-borne disease, and that protection often outweighs the exposure. To reduce contact, use the lowest effective concentration and wash it off once indoors.

What is a safer alternative to deet insect repellent?

A lower-exposure swap for deet insect repellent is: Apply to clothing rather than skin, or use a picaridin repellent. DEET is registered and effective at preventing insect-borne disease, and that protection often outweighs the exposure. To reduce contact, use the lowest effective concentration and wash it off once indoors.

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