OUTDOOR

Bug Guard 101: DEET-Free Outdoor Protection That Actually Works

How to enjoy summer without the bites — and without harsh chemicals on your skin.

February 2026·By Michelle Farrar

Bug Guard 101: DEET-Free Outdoor Protection That Actually Works

Living in coastal South Carolina, I take mosquitos personally. Avon's Skin So Soft Bug Guard line has been my answer for over two decades — it actually works, it's DEET-free, and it feels like a lotion instead of a chemical bath. Here's how to pick the right one for your day.

Picaridin (the workhorse)

Bug Guard Plus Picaridin is the option I recommend most often. It repels mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, and biting flies for up to 8 hours, dries clear, and won't damage your sunglasses or watch (unlike DEET, which actually eats plastic).

IR3535 Expedition (the day-out option)

If you're going to be out all day — boating, hiking, gardening — the IR3535 Expedition formula combines bug protection with SPF 28 in one bottle. One less thing to remember.

Towelettes (the travel hack)

Bug Guard towelettes are TSA-friendly, mess-free, and live in my purse all summer. Perfect for outdoor dinners and impromptu evening walks.

The Family-Size Pump Spray

If you have kids or grandkids, the family-size picaridin pump spray is the most economical choice. Apply over clothing too — it's safe for clothes and gear.

Pairing It With Skin So Soft Original

Many people use Skin So Soft Original Bath Oil Spray as a light mosquito deterrent for backyard moments. It's not labeled as an insect repellent, but its skin-conditioning formula is loved by generations of outdoor lovers for one reason.

Ready to try it?