Mosquito repellents: ranking of the best products according to “60 Million Consumers”

In its July-August 2024 issue, the magazine "60 Million Consumers" tested 15 products from the brands Cinq sur Cinq, Insect Ecran, Autan, Puressentiel, and Moustifluid to find out which was the most effective. These are mostly sprays, which are easier to find than lotions or creams.

According to the consumer association, products based on IR3535 and DEET, commonly used synthetic molecules, offer the best protection duration. But, as "60 Million Consumers" points out, the active ingredient isn't everything, since "between two products based on IR3535 concentrated at 20%, one provides protection for a little over eleven hours while the other only protects for eight and a half hours."

And the risks?

The magazine's review also addresses the risks associated with using repellents, which, according to the website, are often irritating to the eyes, and some active ingredients can have effects on plastic: "DEET also has the disadvantage of melting plastics," the article explains. "Odor can also be a factor in your selection: DEET-based products, like those of plant origin, can have an unpleasant scent. IR3535, on the other hand, is odorless."

Finally, 60 million consumers also points out that these active ingredients, although they do not present any major risks, are not harmless and the user must respect the recommended quantities.

The magazine is unequivocal: of the 15 products tested, the best result was obtained by the Cinq sur cinq spray famille in 100 ml, which received a score of 16.8/20. This was followed by Moustifluid high protection spray for high-risk areas with a score of 16.4/20 and Mousti KO with a score of 15.5/20.