Sunscreen does not repel mosquitoes or bugs. It’s designed to absorb or reflect UV radiation — not to deter insects — and contains no ingredients that mosquitoes or other bugs find off-putting. If anything, some fragranced sunscreens may make you slightly more attractive to insects rather than less.

If you’re spending time outdoors where bugs are a concern, you need a dedicated insect repellent alongside your sunscreen. Below I’ll cover why sunscreen doesn’t work as bug spray, what actually does, and how to use both products together properly.

Key Takeaways

Sunscreen has no repellent properties and will not deter mosquitoes or bugs.
Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and skin chemicals — sunscreen doesn’t mask any of these effectively.
DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective, research-backed repellent ingredients.
Apply sunscreen first, wait 10–20 minutes, then apply bug spray on top.
DEET-based repellents can reduce your sunscreen’s SPF effectiveness — compensate by choosing a higher SPF.
Reapplication timing differs: sunscreen needs reapplying every two hours, bug spray frequency depends on the product.

Why Sunscreen Doesn’t Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes locate their targets primarily through carbon dioxide — the gas we exhale with every breath. They also track body heat and pick up on certain volatile compounds naturally present on skin, like lactic acid and ammonia. Sunscreen doesn’t interfere with any of these signals in any meaningful way, so mosquitoes will find you just as easily whether you’re wearing SPF 50 or nothing at all.

The same applies to most other biting insects. Sunscreen creates a physical or chemical barrier against UV light — it has no mechanism for deterring insects. If you’re relying on your sunscreen to double as bug protection, you’ll be disappointed.

It’s also worth noting that heavily fragranced sunscreens can potentially work against you. Sweet or floral scents can attract certain insects, so if you’re in a high-bug environment, an unscented sunscreen is a smarter choice.

What Actually Repels Mosquitoes and Bugs

The most effective insect repellents contain one of the following active ingredients, all of which are recommended by the CDC and EPA:

DEET — the most extensively studied and effective repellent available. Concentrations of 20–30% provide several hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. Higher concentrations last longer rather than working better.
Picaridin — a strong DEET alternative that’s odorless, non-greasy, and less likely to irritate skin. Particularly good if you find DEET uncomfortable to wear.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) — a plant-based option that the CDC recognizes as effective. Note that this is different from plain lemon eucalyptus essential oil, which has not been proven to work in the same way.
IR3535 — a synthetic amino acid-based repellent that works well against mosquitoes and is commonly found in European products.

Our recommended off-the-shelf option is OFF! Insect Repellent, which uses DEET and provides reliable, long-lasting protection.

Should You Apply Sunscreen or Bug Spray First?

When you need both — which is the case for most outdoor activities in sunny, buggy conditions — application order matters.

Always apply sunscreen first. Sunscreen needs direct contact with your skin to work properly. Apply it generously and evenly, then wait 10 to 20 minutes to let it fully absorb before applying anything on top.

Once your sunscreen has dried, apply your insect repellent on top. Follow the directions on the repellent label, as reapplication frequency varies significantly between products and formulations.

Does Bug Spray Affect Sunscreen’s SPF?

Yes — and this is something most people don’t know. DEET-based repellents have been shown to reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen, with some research suggesting SPF protection can drop by roughly a third when DEET is applied over the top. This means if you’re relying on the two products together, you should choose a higher SPF than you normally would to compensate.

If you’re going to be outdoors for extended periods with both products on, reach for an SPF 50 rather than SPF 30, and stick to the two-hour sunscreen reapplication rule — particularly around peak UV hours. When you reapply sunscreen, you’ll need to reapply the bug spray on top again too.

What About Combination Sunscreen and Bug Repellent Products?

These do exist — products that claim to offer both UV protection and insect repellency in a single application. In theory they’re convenient, but there are practical drawbacks worth knowing about.

The main issue is timing. Sunscreen needs reapplying every two hours, whereas most DEET-based repellents last four to six hours or more. Using a combination product means either over-applying the repellent (by reapplying on the sunscreen schedule) or under-applying the sunscreen (by reapplying on the repellent schedule). Neither is ideal if you’re serious about protection in both areas.

For casual outdoor use, combination products are a reasonable convenience option. For longer days in the sun or in areas with significant mosquito or tick activity, using the two products separately gives you much more control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sunscreen repel mosquitoes or bugs?

No. Sunscreen contains no ingredients that repel mosquitoes or other insects. It works by blocking or absorbing UV radiation from the sun, which is an entirely different mechanism from insect deterrence. For bug protection, you need a dedicated repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

What should I put on my skin so mosquitoes don’t bite me?

A repellent containing DEET (20–30% concentration) is the most well-established option. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective alternatives if you prefer something with less of a chemical feel. Apply to all exposed skin and reapply according to the product label, particularly after sweating or swimming.

Does sunscreen attract mosquitoes?

Plain, unscented sunscreen is unlikely to attract mosquitoes. However, heavily fragranced sunscreens with sweet or floral scents can potentially draw insects closer. If you’re in a buggy environment, opt for an unscented sunscreen to avoid this.

Can I use sunscreen and bug spray at the same time?

Yes, and it’s recommended if you’re spending time outdoors in both sunny and buggy conditions. Apply sunscreen first, let it absorb for 10 to 20 minutes, then apply the bug spray on top. Because DEET can reduce sunscreen effectiveness, opt for a higher SPF — 50 rather than 30 — when using both together.

Do mosquitoes hate lotion?

Not specifically. Plain, unscented body lotion has no meaningful effect on mosquitoes either way. Some lotions may slightly mask natural skin odors, which could marginally reduce attractiveness to mosquitoes, but this effect is minor and unreliable. Purpose-built repellents are far more effective.

Does bug spray wash off in the pool?

Yes — both sunscreen and insect repellent are significantly reduced by water exposure. If you go swimming, you’ll need to reapply both products once you’re out and dried off. This is also worth keeping in mind for sweaty conditions. You can read more about how water affects skin protection in our guide on what happens to skin products in the pool.

Final Thoughts

Sunscreen and insect repellent serve completely different purposes and neither can substitute for the other. If you’re heading outdoors, the best approach is simple: apply your sunscreen first, let it absorb, then apply a DEET or picaridin-based repellent on top. Choose a higher SPF to account for any reduction in effectiveness caused by the repellent, and reapply both products throughout the day.

For UV protection guidance, take a look at our full breakdown of the best sunblocks to prevent tanning and how to use them effectively in different conditions.