What's in bug spray—and does it cause cancer?

Jun 30, 2026

Key takeaways:

For most consumer bug sprays, there’s no strong evidence linking them to cancer when used as directed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) routinely reviews the safety of bug spray ingredients.
Most bug sprays rely on a few well-studied active ingredients, the most widely-used being DEET, which has been on the market for several decades and is considered safe for people of all ages.
Even safe products can put your health in danger if they are misused. Use EPA-registered repellents, apply only to exposed skin or clothing, avoid spraying directly on your face, eyes, cuts, or irritated skin, and store repellents safely.

There’s a lot of buzz around bug spray and cancer, and misinformation can really cloud the conversation. Confusion about what’s safe to use can cause more problems than the bugs themselves. That’s why we’re clearing the air and breaking down what you need to know before you get those pests off your back.

What are the facts about bug spray and cancer?

The short answer: For most consumer bug sprays, there’s no strong evidence linking them to cancer when used as directed. But the topic can be confusing when talking about other outdoor sprays, like insecticides.

A few ingredients in common bug spray, like permethrin, have been labeled likely または probable carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but this was in high-dose animal studies, involving ingestion, not skin contact.

Permethrin is a specialty repellent that is designed to treat only clothing and gear—it’s not for direct skin contact. If you do get permethrin on your skin, it may cause severe itching, burning or tingling. It has only been linked to a possible increased risk of cancer when ingested. When used as directed, your skin exposure would be extremely low and considered safe.

RELATED: 5 myths about skin cancer

The EPA routinely reviews the safety of bug spray ingredients. Their conclusion has consistently been that the cancer risk from everyday bug spray use is extremely low, especially when compared to the risks of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases, such as malaria or Lyme disease.

Some pest control repellents—ない common bug sprays people use—have been studied for potential cancer risks. However, there is not enough research to definitively say there is a link between pesticides and an increased risk of cancer.

Does that mean the ingredients in bug spray are safe?

Most bug sprays rely on a small group of well-studied active ingredients, all of which are safe when used and applied as directed on the product labels.

DEET is the most widely-used ingredient in insect repellent and has been on the market for several decades. While there has been little quality research on it’s direct link to cancer in humans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have all determined DEET is not classifiable as a carcinogen.

DEET has a powerful, and sometimes unpleasant scent. It can cause skin irritation in some cases, as well as eye irritation if applied too close to your eyes. In the late 1980’s there were a few reports of seizures and deaths related to DEET, however, those victims swallowed the chemical. When used correctly, DEET is considered safe for people of all ages.

Picaridin is a newer alternative to DEET. Many people prefer it because it’s odorless and feels lighter on the skin. Long-term studies so far show it to be safe, with no evidence of cancer risk.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is a plant-based option with no known ties to cancer. It’s effective, but it’s not recommended for children under three, since it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in younger kids.

How to use bug spray safely

Even safe products can put your health in danger if they are misused—safety depends on how and where a product is used. Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

Use EPA-registered repellents, which will ensure the product has been tested for both safety and effectiveness.

Apply only to exposed skin or clothing (read the instruction labels to be sure).

When applying, more is not always better—a thin, even layer works really well.

Avoid spraying the product directly on your face, and keep it away from your eyes, cuts, or irritated skin, since these areas absorb chemicals more easily.

When you’re done, store repellents safely and out of reach of small children and pets.

Even mild ingredients can cause irritation or discomfort when overused or used in the wrong places—the same reason you wouldn’t rub hand soap into your eyes even though it’s perfectly safe on your hands. Using the right amount and applying it properly keeps the product working effectively.

When it comes to safety, we’re not here to bug you—we’re just giving you the facts you need to make the best decisions for your health. Learn more about ways you can protect your skin so you can enjoy the outdoors safely.