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Is icaridin better than DEET?

For children, Canadian health authorities now prefer icaridin over DEET: it works as well or better, lasts longer, and is gentler on skin and gear, though both are considered safe when used as directed.

Neither is approved for infants under 6 months, so a mosquito net is recommended for that age group instead.

Strength of evidence

Good

Based on Canadian regulatory guidance (Health Canada, PHAC, CPS) and a CMAJ safety review, which are strong for practical recommendations, though head-to-head efficacy data is limited to smaller comparative studies rather than large RCTs.

What the evidence says

Health Canada's Public Health Agency now recommends icaridin (also called picaridin) as the preferred insect repellent for children aged 6 months to 12 years. It works as well as DEET and can protect against mosquitoes for up to about 7 hours, compared to roughly 2-5 hours for lower-concentration DEET products used in children. Icaridin is also odourless, doesn't feel greasy, is less likely to irritate skin, and won't damage synthetic fabrics or plastic gear the way DEET can.

DEET is still considered safe and effective when used properly. Canadian rules cap children's products at 10% DEET (versus up to 30% for adults), applied no more than three times a day for kids 2-12, and once a day for kids 6 months to 2 years. A CMAJ review found no good evidence that DEET at these low concentrations causes increased toxicity in children.

For tick protection specifically, Canadian paediatric guidance suggests either 20-30% DEET or icaridin repellents, applied to skin and clothing, alongside daily tick checks. Neither DEET nor icaridin should be used on infants under 6 months old; a mosquito net over the crib or stroller is recommended instead for that age group.

Sources

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked July 31, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

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