Age-based restrictions vary by active ingredient — DEET, icaridin and others
Wristbands and sticker patches are not approved quasi-drugs
Never spray directly on the face; avoid reapplication within four hours
With chuseok bringing a surge in outdoor activities — from grave visits to family outings — health authorities are urging the public to choose insect repellents carefully as mosquitoes and ticks become particularly active in autumn.
The active ingredient in a repellent determines which age groups can safely use it, and many popular wristband and sticker-type products sold in stores have not received official approval as quasi-drugs.
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, approved quasi-drug repellents are products applied to the skin or clothing to repel or ward off mosquitoes and ticks. Checking the user's age and the concentration of active ingredients before purchasing is essential to preventing safety incidents, the ministry said.
The four main active ingredients used in repellents are diethyltoluamide (DEET), icaridin, ethylbutylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535) and para-menthane-3,8-diol.
Age restrictions differ by ingredient. DEET, the most widely used, is regulated based on concentration.
Products containing 10 percent or less may be used on children 6 months of age and older, while high-concentration products — those above 10 percent and up to 30 percent — are approved only for those 12 and older.
Icaridin-based products must never be used on infants under 6 months of age. IR3535 may be used on infants under 6 months only after prior consultation with a physician.
Para-menthane-3,8-diol, derived from natural plant extracts, is approved only for children aged 4 and older, meaning families visiting graves with young children should read ingredient labels closely.
Particular care is needed when applying repellent to young children. Because children frequently touch their eyes and mouths with their hands, caregivers should dispense the product onto their own hands first and then spread a thin layer onto the child's exposed skin — never letting the child apply it themselves.
Repellent should never be sprayed directly onto the face. Instead, dispense it onto the hands and apply carefully, avoiding the area around the eyes and mouth.
A single application typically remains effective for four to five hours. Reapplying within four hours out of concern about insect bites can cause skin reactions such as allergies or hypersensitivity, and the ministry advises against it. Repellent should not be applied to wounds or sunburned skin. After returning home, wash thoroughly with soap and water and launder any clothing or socks worn outdoors immediately.
Scented wristbands and mosquito patches or stickers — popular for their convenience during outdoor activities — are not approved quasi-drugs with verified repellent efficacy.
"Not a single wristband or sticker-type product is among the quasi-drug repellents currently approved in South Korea," a Ministry of Food and Drug Safety official said. "Consumers should always check for the 'quasi-drug' label on product packaging to avoid mistaking ordinary consumer goods for approved products."
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