Parents' Choice · 2026
These are the insect repellent brands nominated by real India parents at the theAsianparent Awards 2026 — the parenting community's own shortlist, verified by our India editors.
Nominations are open. Enter your brand free of charge — our India editors review every entry before it joins the ballot.
Insect repellent is an essential part of keeping your family safe from mosquitoes, flies, and other insects that can transmit diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya—particularly crucial in India where these illnesses are prevalent. Whether you're choosing a spray, cream, coil, or plug-in device, the right insect repellent protects your children and loved ones during monsoon and summer months when insect activity peaks. This category helps you navigate the many options available and select what works best for your family's lifestyle and needs.
When choosing an insect repellent, consider your climate zone first—tropical areas with high humidity need different solutions than drier regions, and monsoon months require stronger protection. Think about your living situation: in joint families or multi-generational homes, you'll need products that don't disturb elders or babies, so gentler formulations or device-based options may work better than strong-scented sprays. Budget-wise, coils and devices offer economical long-term protection, while creams suit occasional outings. Always check for safety certifications from regulatory bodies—products should be tested for skin safety and efficacy. Consider where you'll use it most: bedrooms need coils or plug-ins, outdoor spaces suit sprays, and daily skin application requires gentle creams. Finally, visit local chemists or supermarkets to test how your child's skin reacts before committing to larger quantities.
Here's an honest tip: no single product works for every family or every situation. Many Indian parents find success combining methods—a coil at night, a gentle cream for daytime play, and a spray for specific areas. Don't assume expensive means better; sometimes simpler, well-tested options work just as effectively. Track what actually reduces mosquito bites in your home rather than relying solely on marketing claims.
Odomos is a trusted insect repellent brand offering creams, liquids, and sprays to protect against mosquitoes and other insects. Known for its long-lasting protection and pleasant fragrance, it's a popular choice among Indian families. The brand is widely available and comes in multiple formulations, making it convenient for daily use both indoors and outdoors.
Goodknight specializes in mosquito repellent and coil products designed for Indian households. The brand offers various formats including sprays, coils, and vaporizers to suit different room sizes and preferences. It's recognized for providing reliable protection, particularly against dengue and malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and is commonly used across urban and semi-urban homes.
Mamaearth Patches offer a natural, chemical-free approach to insect protection using patch-based technology. These portable patches are designed to be skin-friendly and convenient for children and parents on-the-go. The brand appeals to parents seeking gentler alternatives to traditional repellents while maintaining protective coverage against insects.
Most repellents are safe for children above 2 years old, though creams are gentler than sprays for this age group. Always apply to your hands first and then rub onto your child's exposed skin rather than spraying directly, and keep products away from their hands, mouth, and eyes.
Natural options like neem and citronella offer some protection and are gentler on sensitive skin, but they typically require more frequent reapplication compared to chemical repellents. Many Indian families use them for additional protection rather than as sole solutions, especially during peak insect season.
Some children develop irritation from certain ingredients, so it's wise to test any new product on a small patch of skin first. If your child has sensitive or eczema-prone skin, inform the pharmacist so they can recommend milder formulations suitable for their condition.
The theAsianparent Awards 2026 — India's Parents' Choice, voted by the region's largest parenting community and verified by our India editors.