- Family-friendly insect repellent formula with 20% DEET; effective against ticks and all mosquitoes (including those that carry West Nile virus)
- Encapsulates DEET in a protein that dissolves slowly, releasing DEET over a longer period of time — up to 11 hours
- Odorless, non-greasy, and perspiration resistant lotion; compatible with use of sunscreens – including Sawyer SPF 30 Stay-Put Sunscreen
- Combine with Sawyer’s Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents to create an effective insect barrier.
- Twin pack of convenient 4-ounce lotion bottles
From the manufacturer

Comfortable, trusted protection, in the backcountry or in the backyard

About Sawyer
Sawyer Controlled Release Family Insect Repellent
Effective against Ticks and All Mosquitoes For Up To 11 Hours
Odorless, non-greasy, and sweat resistant, Sawyer Premium Controlled Release Insect Repellent is effective against ticks and all mosquitoes (including those that carry West Nile virus).
This formula controls DEET exposure by encapsulating DEET in a protein that dissolves slowly, releasing the DEET over a longer period of time. The controlled release of DEET extends the duration of an application’s effectiveness up to 11 hours.
- Odorless, non-greasy, and perspiration resistant lotion
- Compatible with sunscreens (including Sawyer Stay-Put)

Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Sawyer’s DEET-Based Controlled Release Formula Work?
An excellent choice for parents who are concerned about their kids’ exposure to DEET, Sawyer’s Controlled Release with 20% DEET — particularly over the course of a week of backpacking or at summer camp. It’s also ideal for anyone who requires repeated use of insect repellent.
A time-release mechanism in the formula controls the evaporation of the DEET, allowing it to keep working all day (up to 11 hours), while still being virtually odorless, non-greasy, and effective against ticks and mosquitoes.
Should I Use a Lotion or Spray Repellent?
Lotions last longer than sprays. Sprays have the advantage of being able to be applied to clothing where it remains effective longer than on skin. Since repellents work as a 3 inch barrier, clothing applications can often protect 6 inches away from exposed skin, reducing your usage on skin. For optimal protection use lotion on the skin and spray (such as Permethrin) on clothing.
Controlled Release Lotion:
- 4-ounce bottle
- 6-ounce bottle

Can I Wear a Repellent with a Sunscreen?
Yes. If you need both types of protection, a controlled release insect repellent lotion (like Ultra 30) is the most compatible topical repellent for a sunscreen. First apply the Stay-Put bonding base sunscreen, then apply the Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent after 10 minutes. The bonded sunscreen is less susceptible to the solvents contained in the repellent, including sprays if you use them.
Full Range of Insect Repellents
Sawyer insect repellents offer superior protection from disease-carrying insects, including the yellow fever mosquito that carries the Zika Virus. Check out Sawyer’s range of insect repellents — from topical lotions and sprays to apply to your skin to Permethrin spray for applying to clothing and outdoor gear.
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Picaridin | MAXI DEET | Premium Family Controlled Release | Permethrin | Venom Extractor | |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars
14,681
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
4,410
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
1,004
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
24,575
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
2,093
|
Price | $9.95$9.95 | $10.99$10.99 | $2.70$2.70 | $17.50$17.50 | $12.61$12.61 |
Usage | Topical (Skin) | Topical (Skin) | Topical (Skin) | Clothing, Tents, and Gear | |
Active Ingredient | 20% Picaridin | 98% DEET | 20% DEET | 0.5% Permethrin | |
Application Formats | Spray Pump, Spray & Lotion | Spray Pump | Lotion | Spray Pump & Aerosol Spray | |
Mosquito & Tick Protection | Up to 14 hours (lotion); up to 12 hours (spray) | Up to 10 hours | Up to 11 hours | Up to 6 weeks sprayed on clothing (or 6 washings) | |
Protection from Other Insects | Biting flies, stable flies, black flies, sand flies, gnats, and chiggers | Chiggers, fleas, and gnats | Mosqitoes, Ticks | Chiggers, mites, and more than 55 other kinds of insects | |
Sweat Resistant | – | – | ✓ | – | |
Great for Areas of High Bug Density | – | ✓ | – | – | |
Great for Hunting & Fishing | ✓ | – | – | ✓ | |
Great for the Whole Family | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | |
Complete Clothing Protection | Use with Permethrin | Use with Permethrin | Use with Permethrin | ✓ |
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MINI Water Filter | Micro Squeeze Water Filter | Squeeze Water Filter | Personal Water Bottle Filter | Gravity Water Filtration System | Stay-Put Sunscreen | |
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars
24,382
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,760
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
9,216
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4.3 out of 5 stars
645
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4.6 out of 5 stars
2,025
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4.7 out of 5 stars
459
|
Price | $29.97$29.97 | $32.95$32.95 | $45.99$45.99 | $49.99$49.99 | $45.99$45.99 | $27.82$27.82 |
More outdoor products from Sawyer, including water filters, sunscreen, and first aid | Compact filter fits in the palm of your hand, attaches to drinking pouch, bottle & more | Compact filter fits in the palm of your hand, attaches to drinking pouch, bottle & more | Highest level of filtration on market, available in personal, all-in-one & hydration pack kits | 34-ounce BPA free water bottle with 0.1 micron filter delivers fresh, clean water as fast as you can drink it | Great for group camping and emergencies; includes dual-threaded MINI water filter and 1-gallon reservoir | Stay-Put SPF 30 with non-greasy breathable Matrix Formula for maximum comfort on hot days |