Body Worn Insect Repellent Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Apparel, Sprays, Oils & Creams, Stickers & Patches), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Report Overview

The global body worn insect repellent market size was valued at USD 483.5 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2024 to 2030. Insect repellents are extensively used worldwide by people to protect themselves from the harmful effects of bites from mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other insects. A rise in awareness about negative health effects of liquid vaporizers and toxic sprays on human body is expected to result in the growth in demand for herbal body worn insect repellents. In addition, continuous research for skin-friendly and less toxic repellents having fewer side effects is expected to create significant demand and lead to steady market expansion.

A substantial rise in the popularity of outdoor sports and activities such as mountain hiking, camping in forests and on riversides, jungle safari, mountain biking, and desert trails is expected to boost the demand for insect repellents. The U.S. alone recorded over 175 million adventure enthusiasts going for outdoor recreational activities in 2023, according to an executive report by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). These groups of people prefer wearable repellents such as shirts and jackets over other types to reduce their luggage and enhance portability. Consumers in this segment are less price-sensitive as they prefer their safety over the product price, which has helped boost the demand for apparel.

Viral diseases such as Zika, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are caused by mosquito bites. Malaria often causes epidemic situations in sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, Western Pacific, and the Americas. Mosquito-borne diseases also result in a significant number of deaths worldwide, which highlights the need for mosquito repellents to prevent mosquito bites. In addition, affordability and all-age suitability are essential aspects for the success of companies developing insect repellents. Continuous efforts for product improvement and extensive research regarding the incorporation of plant-based natural ingredients are expected to positively shape market growth.

Product Insights

The apparel segment dominated the market with a 48.1% revenue share in 2023. Body worn insect repellants are available in different forms such as apparels, sprays, oils & creams, and stickers & patches. The reason for this segment’s substantial contribution is a high demand for clothing suitable for outdoor adventures and activities such as camping, trekking, and fishing. The active ingredients present in insect repellents are applied onto the apparel’s fabric to safeguard adventurers from potential insect bites, maintaining the effectiveness of these products even after several washes. Additionally, these types of apparel are more suitable for people with sensitive skin and who are allergic to chemicals used in insect repellant oils and creams, strengthening segment demand.

The sprays segment is expected to advance at the fastest CAGR of 10.7% over the forecast period. Sprays contain ingredients such as DEET, icariin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other naturally occurring or synthetically manufactured chemicals. Their effectiveness and convenience of use are major factors driving their market demand and sales. This demand particularly grows during the holiday season as people prefer to go out with their children for outdoor activities and adventures. The availability of spray bottles in different volumes and prices makes them a favorite for a large customer base.

Distribution Channel Insights  

Hypermarkets & supermarkets accounted for a substantial revenue share in 2023.Supermarkets offer a range of insect repellent products such as apparel, creams, oils, and sprays under a single roof. These stores offer discounts and price cuts on their products regularly, encouraging customers to buy products in bulk. Additionally, rising density of these stores in emerging economies of Asia Pacific such as India and China are major drivers of the overall market.

The online segment is projected to advance at the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. This is attributed to an increasing penetration of smartphones and internet users worldwide. As a result, e-commerce websites are proliferating in every region. This pushes manufacturers to enlist their products on e-commerce platforms. The convenience of buying and availability of digital payment options help consumers avoid the hassle of going to pharmacies and buying products, saving their time and fuel costs. The popularity of e-marketplaces is further expected to increase, as prominent global players such as Amazon are further expanding their operations in untapped economies.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 32.8% in 2023 majorly attributed to the high spending capacity of the regional population. Owing to a high disposable income, people prefer using body care products as a part of daily life. Furthermore, widespread prevalence of culture of outdoor activities, adventure tours, and holiday trips has resulted in the generation of a large consumer base for these products. The growing incidences of vector-borne diseases and rising awareness about precautionary measures further help fuel market growth.

U.S. Body Worn Insect Repellent Market Trends

The U.S. body worn insect repellant market is driven by the steadily increasing adventure tourism and related activities. The presence of desert trails, dense forests in states such as Idaho and California, and famous mountains and valleys such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona has fostered a traveling culture among U.S. citizens. This is fueled by the culture of outdoor activities such as gardening, fishing, camping, and adventure sports such as hiking and jungle safari. This large consumer base makes the country a high-potential market for insect repellents. Moreover, a stringent regulatory environment in the U.S. helps ensure the safety profile of chemicals used in these repellents, gaining consumer trust and loyalty.

Europe Body Worn Insect Repellent Market Trends

The Europe body worn insect repellent market showed significant promise owing to the well-informed population of Europe and increased awareness about insect-borne diseases. A strong regulatory environment in Europe further ensures that chemical components used in insect repellents are safe for humans. Additionally, the varying geography of Europe provides several opportunities for people to indulge in adventure activities. The presence of rich terrain across the continent such as river valleys, lush green forests, and mountains attracts adventure enthusiasts. This translates to increased buying of insect repellents by adventurers and travelers as part of their survival kit.

The UK insect repellant market is driven by the presence of a large population with high net disposable income. The UK population is experiencing negative impacts resulting from climate change. With increasing temperatures proving to be very suitable for insect growth, the prevalence of associated diseases are expected to rise. There is an increasing trend of using apparel in place of oils & creams due to its convenience. Additionally, a surge in demand for plant-based insect repellents, and insistence on purchasing herbal and chemical-free products, is expected to drive market expansion in the near future.

Asia Pacific Body Worn Insect Repellent Market Trends

The Asia Pacific insect repellant market is projected to expand at the highest CAGR of 11.1% over the forecast period owing to the increasing expenditure of the population in the region on body care products. Due to climatic conditions, the region experiences significant number of cases of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Increasing government expenditure on propagating awareness about precautionary measures and development of the healthcare sector is expected to propel growth of the insect repellent market.

India is facing a surge in the number of patients suffering from mosquito-borne diseases, particularly during the monsoon season. The country’s healthcare system faces severe challenges to address these epidemics. Malaria and dengue are the most commonly occurring diseases among them. With increasing awareness about precautionary measures, penetration of several manufacturers in remote rural areas of the country, and rising disposable income, the consumer base for insect repellants is increasing in India and presents promising growth prospects for this market.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some of the notable companies involved in the body worn insect repellent market include S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.; Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.; and Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.    

• S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. is a manufacturer of household cleaning products and consumer chemicals. Their household pest control chemicals range is available under different brand names in several countries, such as All Out (India), Biolit (Czech Republic), Pyrel (France), and Pest Rest (China). The company is the owner of multiple brands operating across different countries.

• Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. markets its insect repellent products under the brand name Repel. Repel offers sprays, oils, and aerosols. Some of its notable insect repellents include Sportsman Max, Repel 100, and Family Formula. They offer a special category of campsite repellents under the brand name Realm and home insect killers under the brand name Ecologic.

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences signed an MoU with Dabur India Ltd. to foster research in traditional medicines by aligning with global standards. The objective is to effectively utilize funds for medicinal plant research, quality, and safety studies.

• In September 2023, SC Johnson announced that field testing done for its Guardian spatial repellant showcased that the product can effectively repel mosquitoes for multiple rainy seasons. The development is expected to prove helpful in the global fight against malaria, which causes a high number of deaths, especially in backward regions. Spatial repellants can be conveniently placed in semi-enclosed spaces such as schools and homes.

Body Worn Insect Repellent Market Report Scope

Global Body Worn Insect Repellent Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global body worn insect repellent market report based on product, distribution channel, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Apparel

  • Sprays

  • Oils & Creams

  • Stickers & Patches

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hypermarkets & Supermarkets

  • Pharmacies & Drugstores

  • Online

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • India

    • China

    • Australia & New Zealand

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia