DEET vs picaridin during pregnancy

How do the options compare?

Options are stacked on five dimensions relevant to pregnancy use: mainstream OB guidance, pregnancy-specific evidence, dosing predictability, onset, and side-effect and interaction profile.

• Less than 10 percent of the total amount of DEET applied to skin enters the bloodstream, and most studies do not find that using DEET increases the chance of birth defects. 1
• Picaridin has not been directly studied in human pregnancy, but when used as directed only low amounts are expected to be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, similar to DEET. 2
• A randomized controlled trial of 897 pregnant women using DEET during the second and third trimesters found no differences in birth weight, newborn measurements, neurologic exams, or developmental milestones compared with a control group, and both DEET and picaridin are strongly recommended for use during pregnancy by public health authorities for reducing mosquito-borne illness risk. 3
• In head-to-head testing of commercial products, DEET formulations at 5 to 15 percent outlasted picaridin formulations at 10 to 20 percent, with the top DEET product providing roughly 3.9 hours of protection against mosquito landing compared with about 1.5 hours for the top picaridin product. 4
• Picaridin is odorless, tends to feel better on skin, causes less irritation, and doesn't damage plastics or fabrics the way DEET can, which is why some people choose it despite its shorter protection window. 4

Which option makes sense?

Options in this comparison can differ substantially in suitability. Please consult your healthcare provider to interpret the evidence, limitations, and cautions before choosing an option or changing your plan.

Disclosure: Pregnancy Smart is a supplement maker. The options compared above sit outside our own product line; this page describes their pregnancy evidence on its own merits.