Picaridin repels insects, ticks and chiggers. It is a human-made (synthetic) compound first made in the 1980s. It was made to resemble the natural compound piperine, which is found in the group of plants that are used to produce black pepper.

Context Explanation

Picaridin, also known as icaridin, is an insect repellent which can be used directly on skin or clothing. [1] It has broad efficacy against various arthropods such as mosquitos, ticks, gnats, flies and fleas, and is almost colorless and odorless. Picaridin — also known internationally as icaridin, KBR 3023, or Bayrepel — is a synthetic insect repellent developed in the 1980s by Bayer AG. It was designed based on the chemical structure of piperine, the compound that gives black pepper its characteristic pungency.

Insight Material

Studies have shown picaridin to be slightly more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes, and equally as effective as DEET against ticks. Unlike DEET, however, picaridin is odorless, non-greasy, and does not dissolve plastics or other synthetics. Picaridin (mosquitoes, ticks, flies): Effective against the greatest range of insects, this chemical is a synthetic version of a repellent found in pepper plants. Maximum protection is provided in formulations with 20 percent picaridin. Picaridin powers some of Consumer Reports' recommended insect repellents.

Final Conclusion

We explain what it is, how well it works, and which products to pick. Picaridin is designed to mimic the properties of DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), a widely used insect repellent, but with a more pleasant odor and lower toxicity profile. Picaridin has been classified as not likely to be a human carcinogen. Because of Picaridin’s unusual use pattern (direct application to human skin), the Agency believes it is prudent to require clear, common sense use directions and restrictions on Picaridin product labels. Picaridin is a chemical compound from the group of piperidines. It is derived from Piperine, the alkaloid that gives pepper its peppery characteristics.

It is odorless to humans but smells repulsive to insects such as flies, mosquitoes, flies, lice, mites, ticks, and fleas. Picaridin, or Icaridin is the active ingredient in many skin-­applied insect repellents. Learn what it is, how it works to repel and deter insects, and more! Picaridin: What It Is And How It Works | OFF!® Insect Repellent