For the first time ever, testing done by Consumer Reports has found some of the most effective insect repellents also are among the safer choices and do not rely on DEET, a chemical that can cause serious side effects.
Consumer Reports' top scorers include Sawyers Fisherman's Formula, whose active ingredient is 20 percent picaridin, and Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, whose active ingredient is 30 percent oil of lemon eucalyptus.
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Both products repelled mosquitos and deer ticks for at least seven hours.
Two DEET products also earned a "recommended" rating in tests -- Repel Scented Fmaily, which contains 15 percent DEET, and OFF! Deepwoods 8, which contains 25 percent DEET.
View the complete Consumer Reports list here.