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Tired of getting bitten by mosquitoes? Searching for a way to relieve all the itching from mosquito bites? Invest in a mosquito bite cream! Mosquito bite creams are formulated with active ingredients such as hydrocortisone, lidocaine, and calamine and can help you soothe the itchy red bumps those nagging insects left behind. Many also contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal to keep your skin moisturized and facilitate the healing process.
Cortizone 10's Maximum Strength is one of the best mosquito bite creams available online! It's made with one percent of hydrocortisone and can help alleviate your itching and reduce swelling. For more options, continue reading our list of favorites! If you're new to mosquito bite creams and don't know what product to choose, you can check out our buying guide reviewed by a board certified dermatologist at the end for some helpful tips.
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
To help you choose a mosquito bite cream, we created this buying guide with all the crucial points to take into consideration. Remember to take a look at the ingredient list and make sure there are effective active ingredients that help with mosquito bites!
Effective anti-itch creams are usually formulated with active ingredients such as hydrocortisone, lidocaine, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, menthol, calamine, and pramoxine.
Hydrocortisone is a steroid hormone that can help alleviate inflammation caused by mosquito bites. Lidocaine and pramoxine are anesthetics and can numb your itching.
Menthol is derived from mint plants and can provide a cooling sensation to the skin to reduce itchiness. Camphor and eucalyptus essential oils also have the same effects.
Calamine, a combination of zinc and iron oxides, cools the skin to relieve inflammation and itching.
Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory that reduces redness, swelling, and itch. Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic that will block out the sensation of itch but will not help reduce inflammation.
I never recommend topical antihistamines like Benadryl cream. The reason is that topical antihistamines like Benadryl cream can cause allergic contact dermatitis (an itchy eczema-like skin rash), that can sensitize you to become allergic to oral Benadryl in the future. This means that you will no longer be able to take oral antihistamines like Benadryl.
The concentration of the active ingredient is another important factor to pay attention to, especially if you have sensitive skin. A cream with a low concentration of an active ingredient is less likely to trigger allergic reactions but might not give you long-lasting protection or relief from itching.
Meanwhile, a high concentration might cause irritation to sensitive skin and might not be suitable for children. So, check the directions to make sure that the cream is suitable for you or your child. Consult with your doctor when in doubt!
Also, some inactive ingredients in a mosquito bite cream might lead to allergic reactions. For example, fragrance ingredients have been shown to be one of the major causes of allergic contact dermatitis. So if you have fragrance sensitivity, go for an odorless cream without any fragrance ingredients.
Active ingredients can lead to skin irritation, too. Those with a skin infection or who are pregnant shouldn't use hydrocortisone, as it might cause a burning sensation to the skin or even lead to redness. Many people are also allergic to essential oils like eucalyptus.
Serious side effects to mosquito bite creams are unlikely. However, if you have sensitive skin, we highly suggest talking to your doctor to make sure that the cream contains safe ingredients for you.
Many effective mosquito bite creams are made with soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and colloidal oatmeal. Those ingredients not only promote healing but also calm skin inflammation and moisturize.
Keep in mind, however, that they only provide additional benefits. Active ingredients are the ones that truly relieve itching!
Dry skin, known as xerosis, can trigger itch. Having hydrated skin makes you less likely to itch. Look for products that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. If your skin is very dry choose an emollient-based moisturizer (one that is oil-based, like Aquaphor or Vaseline) that locks in hydration.
Creams that help keep mosquitoes away usually contain active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or the synthetic version PMD). Those ingredients are all endorsed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as safe and effective in repelling insects, including mosquitoes.
According to many experts, both DEET and picaridin are safe for anyone from two years old and up. To reduce bites from mosquitoes, which can carry diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika, the CDC suggests choosing a cream with a DEET concentration of more than 20 percent.
A picaridin concentration of about 20 percent also provides you with great protection against mosquitoes. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is another great ingredient that can effectively repel mosquitoes. However, it's advised to not use this ingredient for children under three years old as it can irritate their delicate skin.
Insect repellants are highly effective at preventing bites. I recommend using DEET while outside to prevent bites. Do not forget to spray your lower legs and feet, which are prone to bites.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cortisone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme With Aloe|Maximum Strength | $6.46 Mid | Thick Consistency and Suitable for Sensitive Skin | ||
2 | Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream|Maximum Strength | $4.97 Low Mid | Great Moisturizing Relief for Irritated Skin | ||
3 | Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream |Original Strength | $5.49 Low Mid | Relief From Bug Bites and Rashes | ||
4 | Nature's Willow Bug Bite Balm | $6.00 Mid | Provide a Cooling Sensation to Soothe Your Itchy Spots | ||
5 | 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion | $7.49 High Mid | Highly Effective in Preventing Mosquitoes | ||
6 | Gold Bond Multi-Symptom Pain and Itch Relief Cream | $6.74 Mid | Lidocaine to Numb Pain and Itching | ||
7 | Proven Insect Repellent Lotion|Odorless | $14.40 High | Keep Mosquitoes Away With This Repellent | ||
8 | Equate 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream |Maximum Strength | $4.52 Low | A Moisturizing Cream That Works for All Kinds of Itching | ||
9 | Caladryl Calamine Plus Itch Reliever | $5.47 Low Mid | Calamine and Pramoxine to Cool and Soothe | ||
10 | Sallyeander No-Bite-Me | $13.95 High | 2-in-1 Solution for Mosquito Bites |
This anti-itching cream contains one percent hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory steroid that can effectively ease itching and reduce swelling. The addition of aloe vera further soothes your skin and alleviates inflammation.
This cream gains many recommendations from buyers as it does a great job in soothing itching caused by mosquito bites, but some others do mention that it takes time to work on them. Even so, many reviewers like that it's gentle on sensitive skin. They further mention that the cream is thick, so a little goes a long way.
Aveeno's cream harnesses the power of hydrocortisone to relieve itching from mosquito bites. The formula also contains many soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, and oat kernel oil to relieve skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes. It's safe for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema.
The majority find this cream effective in alleviating itching and skin irritation, but some mention that the relief is only temporary. Nevertheless, many buyers find that the cream is lightweight, absorbs into the skin quickly, and has great moisturizing properties to leave the skin feeling smooth afterward.
Benadryl's Itch Stopping Cream is formulated with one percent diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an analgesic that can effectively relieve itchiness caused by insect bites and soothe minor skin irritations. This cream is suitable for those two years old and up.
Some buyers comment that it doesn't stop their itching completely, but most who mention mosquito bites say it worked great. Many agree that it provides needed relief for itching spots and rashes, and also works for irritation like sunburn. The cream is easy to apply as well, buyers say.
This Bug Bite Balm uses menthol, white willow bark, and helichrysum essential oil to palliate mosquito bites. Camphor and menthol work together to decrease the swelling, while the combination of lemongrass, lavender, and geranium essential oils soothe irritation. Jojoba, almond and sunflower oils moisturize your skin.
Some buyers mention that this itch relief cream only provides temporary relief and doesn't stop the itching completely. Still, it's a favorite of many reviewers, as it gives their skin a nice cooling sensation and is quick in easing itchiness. It's fast-absorbing and doesn't feel greasy, reviewers add.
This Ultrathon Insect Repellent is crafted with 34 percent DEET and can keep mosquitoes away for up to 12 hours. In addition to mosquitoes, the formula works for a wide variety of insects like biting flies, ticks, gnats, and fleas. The two-ounce bottle is just the right size for air travel to meet TSA requirements.
The major complaint some buyers have about this insect repellent is that it makes their skin feel sticky. However, many others consider this insect repellent an essential for traveling, saying it truly repels mosquitoes and has a long-lasting effect. They say the scent isn't overpowering, either.
With four percent lidocaine, this cream by Gold Bond has a numbing effect to relieve your itching and lessen swelling. It works well for minor burns and scrapes, too! The formula also contains aloe vera to soothe your skin and keep it hydrated.
A few buyers say this anti-itch cream feels like it's burning. But other happy reviewers comment that this cream does a great job in reducing itchiness from mosquito bites. The effect takes place quickly and lasts for a couple of hours. Many buyers also like that it doesn't have a scent and has a consistency that goes on nicely.
The active ingredient in Proven Insect Repellent is picaridin, an ingredient that's similar to compounds found in the black pepper plant. This ingredient is a safe and effective way to repel insects like mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks for up to 14 hours.
A few reviewers found that this repellent didn't work to keep bugs away at all. Some Amazon buyers were disappointed to receive the spray instead of the lotion. To make sure you receive the right order, you might want to buy from the official site instead.
On another note, the majority found that this lotion was highly effective in keeping mosquitoes away. They also like that it's odorless, goes on smoothly, and doesn't leave behind any greasy residue.
Equate's mosquito bite cream is made with one percent hydrocortisone, a steroid that can effectively reduce discomfort and swelling due to mosquito bites. This cream also contains glycerin, aloe vera, and vitamins A, D, and E, all of which have strong soothing and moisturizing properties.
Although some complain that this cream doesn't stop the itching totally, most share that it provides quick and effective relief for their itchiness and skin irritation. According to them, besides alleviating mosquito bites, this cream also works well for sunburns and minor rashes. Many praise its non-greasy and fast-absorbing texture.
Caladryl's lotion is formulated with eight percent calamine and one percent pramoxine hydrochloride to give your skin temporary relief from itching because of mosquito bites. It can also treat rashes caused by poison ivy or poison oak.
For some reviewers, one setback of this lotion is the watery consistency. On another note, most reviewers comment that this lotion cools their mosquito bites and soothes itchiness quickly. Those with sensitive skin also say that it doesn't irritate their skin.
This two-in-one mosquito repellent and after-bite relief is made of essential oils such as cedar, mint, lemongrass, and rosemary. Along with eugenol, a compound found in oils such as clove, these natural essential oils are said to effectively drive away mosquitoes and treat itchy spots.
One drawback of this cream for some buyers is the pungent herbal scent. Some others say the repellent effect doesn't last that long if you sweat.
However, most share that this cream works in discouraging mosquitoes if you re-apply every four hours. They also like that it soothes itching and swelling. Another plus point for many is that the consistency isn't greasy.
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Dr. Levy also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about mosquito bites.
Dr. Levy says, "Scratching a mosquito bite can cause more histamine to be released in the skin. Histamine is one of the substances that create inflammation and leads to itching. When you scratch, you cause more histamine to be released in the area of the bug bite. This leads to blood vessels becoming dilated and resulting in redness, swelling, and itching."
Dr. Levy explains, "Medications that can decrease inflammation in the skin, like corticosteroids, or prevent histamine release, like antihistamines, can help reduce the itch. Itching from a bite is caused by substances in the saliva from the mosquito.
The saliva triggers an inflammatory reaction in the skin, which leads to substances being released that cause itch. Eventually, the saliva will dissipate, and your body's immune system will stop reacting to the bite."
"Bug spray and repellent is the best way to prevent getting bitten by mosquitos," Dr. Levy says. "Also, wearing clothes that cover your body when outside or in the woods helps. Some people suggest taking oral Vitamin B supplements to ward off mosquitos; however, studies do not support this claim."
There are many products that can help you keep pesky insects away so you can enjoy your summer outdoors. Check out our articles for suggestions.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Cortisone 10|1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme With Aloe|Maximum Strength
No. 2: Aveeno|1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream|Maximum Strength
No. 3: Benadryl |Itch Stopping Cream |Original Strength
No. 4: Nature's Willow|Bug Bite Balm
No. 5: 3M |Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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