🧪 Active Ingredient Profile

Picaridin Insect Repellent

Synthetic Repellent

Picaridin is a newer alternative to DEET that's odorless, non-greasy, and won't damage plastics or fabrics. Developed by Bayer in the 1990s and widely used in Europe and Australia before US registration in 2005. CDC recommends it as equally effective to DEET for mosquito and tick prevention.

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Classification

Synthetic Repellent

EPA Signal Word

Caution

Mode of Action

Blocks insect olfactory receptors — similar to DEET but different chemistry

🎯 Target Pests

Mosquitoes (all species), ticks, biting flies, chiggers, sand flies, gnats, no-see-ums. Performance against ticks improves at 20% concentration. As effective as DEET at equivalent concentrations.

🏷️ Common Products & Brand Names

Sawyer Picaridin (20%), Natrapel (20% picaridin), Ranger Ready (20%), OFF! Clean Feel (not DEET — contains picaridin in some formulations). Available as spray, lotion, and wipes.

📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

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Picaridin Insect Repellent — Safety Data Sheet

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📄 Search for this SDS on CDMS →

📄 Picaridin Insect Repellent — Safety Data Sheet · View the complete SDS document above or download below

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

Excellent safety profile — even better skin tolerance than DEET. Odorless and non-greasy. Does NOT damage plastics, synthetic fabrics, sunglasses, or fishing line. Safe for use on children over 2 months (same as DEET). No skin irritation issues reported in extensive testing.

✅ Preferred for: People who dislike DEET's smell/feel, gear protection (won't damage equipment), frequent reapplication situations, and children.

💡 Pro Tips & Best Practices

Key advantage: Will not damage Gore-Tex, Lycra, spandex, or any synthetic fabric. DEET will. For outdoor athletes and gear-conscious users, picaridin is the clear choice.

Concentration matters: Use 20% picaridin for tick protection. Lower concentrations (5-10%) work for mosquitoes but may not fully protect against ticks.

Duration: 20% picaridin provides 8-14 hours of mosquito protection and 8 hours of tick protection — comparable to 20-30% DEET.

💡 Did you know? Picaridin was modeled after piperine, the compound that makes black pepper spicy. It's the most popular repellent in Europe and Australia, and the WHO recommends it alongside DEET for malaria prevention.

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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional. Last reviewed: April 2026.