Disclosed is a method for repelling insects from the skin of a subject that reduces the absorption of insect repellent into the skin. The method includes the step of topically applying a powder insect repellent composition to the skin of the subject. The powder insect repellent composition may include solid particles of talc, calcium silicate, and/or cyclodextrin. The powder insect repellent composition may include natural oils, DEET, and/or paricidin as active ingredients. The powder insect repellent composition may also include antihistamine and/or a colorant.
