With the summer, mosquito bites increase, but attention towards the tiger mosquito also grows, now permanently widespread in much of Italy and a potential vector of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. For those traveling in tropical areas or frequenting particularly infested areas, choosing an effective repellent is not only a question of comfort, but also of prevention.
To help consumers, Altroconsumo compared the main repellents on the market intended for tropical countries in the laboratory, evaluating their effectiveness, safety, practicality of use and label quality. The tests were conducted following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO): the products were applied to the arms of volunteers and the duration of protection was measured by exposing them to tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), a species also considered representative for other mosquitoes of health interest.
The ranking of the best tropical repellents
Conad Tropical Insect Repellent Lotion No Gas – 79 points
Best in test and Best buy
It is the product that gets the highest score of the entire test. Contains 30% DEET, a concentration considered adequate to guarantee high protection even in tropical areas. In addition to the excellent performance, it convinces with its low price: around 6.45 euros, also resulting in the best quality-price ratio.
Alontan Extreme DEET 50% – 76 points
With 50% DEET, it offers very high protection, especially suitable for trips to countries where the risk of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes is greater. The average price is 12.90 euros.
Jungle Formula Very Strong Mosquito Repellent Roll-on – 76 points
Same score for the roll-on version of Jungle Formula, also with 50% DEET. The roll-on formulation allows for more precise application and reduces product waste. Average price: 12.49 euros.
Jungle Formula Very Strong Mosquito Repellent Spray No Gas – 76 points
The no-gas spray version of the same line maintains the same characteristics as the roll-on, with 50% DEET and a quality considered excellent. Average price: 14.49 euros.
ZCare Exotic Strong – 75 points
The group of products with “excellent” quality closes. This repellent also uses 50% DEET and is specifically designed for tropical destinations. Average price: 12.90 euros.
The rejected products
The test also highlights important differences between apparently similar products.
Among those with a “low” rating include:
Because some products work better
The main difference is the active ingredient and above all its concentration. According to the test results, the most effective repellents are those based on DEET with a concentration equal to or greater than 30%, a value considered suitable for travel to tropical countries. Products with 50% DEET generally offer the longest protection.
Icaridin, despite being better tolerated by the skin, in comparative tests showed lower protection than DEET. Many “natural” products that use essential oils or lemongrass are even less effective: in laboratory tests the protection was limited and short-lived.
How the test was carried out
Altroconsumo’s final judgment is made up of several parameters:
The tests were carried out by applying repellents to the arms of volunteers, who were subsequently exposed to cages containing 100 female mosquitoes. The time elapsed between the application of the product and the first sting allowed us to determine the real duration of the protection.
For those planning a trip to tropical areas or wanting particularly high protection even in Italy, the advice that emerges from the test is clear: choose a repellent based on at least 30% DEET. The best product of 2026 is Conad Tropical Insect Repellent Lotion No Gas, which combines the best effectiveness with the most convenient price, while the products with 50% DEET by Alontan, Jungle Formula and ZCare represent valid alternatives for those seeking maximum protection.
