Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent Lotion offers up to 12 hours of family-safe, fragrance-free protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies, thanks to its 20 percent Picaridin formula. Ideal for outdoor activities, it won’t damage gear and is comfortable for most users, though a few report a slightly oily feel. A reliable choice for keeping insects away when outdoors.
Reality Check
Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent is a topical lotion designed for people who spend time outdoors and want reliable protection from mosquitoes, ticks, flies, chiggers, and other biting insects. The 4-ounce bottle uses 20 percent Picaridin, which is widely regarded as effective for repelling disease-carrying pests. Because it is fragrance-free and doesn’t damage gear or clothing, it’s suitable for activities ranging from hiking, fishing, and camping to everyday backyard use.
In terms of performance, most users agree that it provides solid, hours-long protection with minimal scent. The main trade-off is the mixed experience regarding its texture: while some find it non-greasy and comfortable, others report it feels a bit oily or requires frequent reapplication, especially in very buggy environments or during heavy sweating. For those highly sensitive to product feel or who dislike any oily residue, this could be a dealbreaker.
Best For: People who prioritize protection from a wide range of insects and need a family-safe, scent-free bug repellent for varied outdoor use.
Not Recommended For: Anyone extremely sensitive to lotion texture or looking for a set-it-and-forget-it solution in the most mosquito-heavy areas.
What Customers Say
Customers find the insect repellent effective against mosquitoes and other biting insects, with zero bites reported. They consider it better than DEET and appreciate its minimal scent, smooth application, and long-lasting protection that lasts for hours. The product receives mixed feedback about its greasiness, with some finding it non-greasy while others describe it as oily, and about its value for money, with some considering it well worth the price while others find it overpriced.
Key Features
- Non-greasy, fragrance free, odorless; dries quickly and won’t damage plastics or synthetic coatings — safe for use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing line, firearm finishes, and more
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent spray deters a wide variety of pests — up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes (West Nile, Dengue, Zikam and Chikungunya viruses), chiggers, and more
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it’s ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
- Top rated bug repellent by WireCutter/New York Times (May, 2020); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Permethrin tick and insect repellent spray for clothing and gear
