We compared two well-known insect repellents for the outdoors: Smidge and the 50% DEET Jungle Formula Maximum. All protection times are the listings' own claims.
What we looked at
Stated protection times, which insects each listing names, who the listing says it is for, format and size, and price.
The verdict
If you want a non-sticky, moisturising, water- and sweat-resistant repellent stated for up to 8 hours that lists use by adults, children over 30 months and pregnant women, Smidge is the everyday family pick, at £9.50 for 75ml. If you want the strongest Jungle Formula, stated at 50% DEET and IRF 4 for tropical travel, with up to 9 hours against mosquitoes, the Jungle Formula Maximum is the long-haul option, at £6.32 for 90ml.
A non-sticky, water-resistant repellent stated for up to 8 hours and listed as suitable for children over 30 months and pregnancy, at £9.50.
A 50% DEET, IRF 4 pump spray stated for up to 9 hours against mosquitoes, at £6.32 for 90ml.
Smidge Insect Repellent Cream (75ml) — Family Pick
Intended for: Marketed as a non-sticky, moisturising insect repellent stated to give up to 8 hours of protection, water and sweat resistant, that repels midges, mosquitoes, horse flies, sand flies, fleas and ticks.
What we liked
- Stated to give powerful protection for up to 8 hours
- Water and sweat resistant
- Repels midges, mosquitoes, horse flies, sand flies, fleas and ticks, per the listing
- Listing says it is safe for adults, children over 30 months and pregnant women
- Non-sticky and moisturising, with a pleasant fragrance
Worth knowing
- Costs £3.18 more than the Jungle Formula on these listings, for a smaller 75ml
- The listing does not state a DEET strength or an insect repellent factor
Best for
- Families with children over 30 months, per the listing
- Midge-prone walks and camping
- Anyone who wants a moisturising, non-sticky repellent
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want a stated 50% DEET tropical-strength repellent
- Anyone who wants the lowest price
Jungle Formula Maximum 50% DEET Insect Repellent Pump Spray 90ml (IRF4) — Long-Haul Strength
Intended for: Marketed as the Maximum Strength Jungle Formula repellent with 50% DEET and an Insect Repellent Factor of 4, for tropical travel, stated to give up to 9 hours against mosquitoes and 8.5 hours against ticks.
What we liked
- Cheaper than Smidge on these listings, and a larger 90ml
- 50% DEET formula rated IRF 4, the highest level of strength the brand offers
- Stated to give up to 9 hours against the common mosquito and 8.5 hours against ticks
- Stated to give 8 hours of protection against the malaria mosquito
- Listing says it also suits home use, and it is pitched for long-haul destinations
Worth knowing
- A 50% DEET formula is a strong, tropical-travel repellent
- The listing does not state suitability for children or pregnancy
Best for
- Tropical and long-haul travel
- Buyers who want the highest stated IRF 4 strength
- Anyone who wants a larger, cheaper bottle
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want a DEET-free or moisturising formula
- Anyone who wants a stated child- and pregnancy-suitable repellent
