And how do you apply 50% of the 100% formula? Apply it to your left side only? I suspect it would be difficult to limit the dose and still cover all your exposed skin; it can only be spread so thin before it’s absorbed. Beyond a certain concentration, you would have to dilute it first.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DEET#Concentrations claims that Canada banned concentrations over 30% since 2002 due to health risks. More than 30% doesn’t seem to be any more effective, but does last longer, at least up to about 50%, which might still be worth the risk in areas with malaria. More than that doesn’t seem to help, but is more likely to have side effects or damage your clothes.
Studies suggest that DEET efficacy tends to peak at a concentration of ≈50%, and that concentrations above that do not offer a marked increase in protection time against mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, it does not cite which studies, but it’s a good reason to assume they exist, if we want to go digging.
And how do you apply 50% of the 100% formula? Apply it to your left side only? I suspect it would be difficult to limit the dose and still cover all your exposed skin; it can only be spread so thin before it’s absorbed. Beyond a certain concentration, you would have to dilute it first.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DEET#Concentrations claims that Canada banned concentrations over 30% since 2002 due to health risks. More than 30% doesn’t seem to be any more effective, but does last longer, at least up to about 50%, which might still be worth the risk in areas with malaria. More than that doesn’t seem to help, but is more likely to have side effects or damage your clothes.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods (a reasonably reputable government source) claims
Unfortunately, it does not cite which studies, but it’s a good reason to assume they exist, if we want to go digging.