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)
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. 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.
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.