icaridin

Details:

Picaridin, also known as 1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropyl ester, is a synthetic chemical used primarily as an insect repellent. It is known for its effectiveness against a broad range of biting insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

Key Points about Picaridin:

1. Effectiveness: Picaridin is effective against many types of insects, including those that are resistant to other repellents like DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide). It provides protection from insect bites by interfering with the insects' ability to detect humans.

2. Safety: Picaridin is generally considered to be safe for use on the skin. It has been extensively tested and is approved by regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Commission. It is often used in various concentrations in personal care products such as sprays, lotions, and wipes.

3. Advantages: Compared to DEET, Picaridin is known to be less greasy and has a more pleasant odor. It does not damage synthetic fabrics or plastics, which can be an issue with DEET-containing products.

4. Usage: It is applied topically to exposed skin and clothing. The duration of effectiveness depends on the concentration of picaridin in the product; higher concentrations generally offer longer-lasting protection.

5. Formulation: Picaridin is often found in concentrations ranging from 5% to 20% in commercial products, with higher concentrations providing longer-lasting protection.

Overall, picaridin is a popular choice for insect repellent due to its effectiveness, safety profile, and lower likelihood of causing skin irritation or damage to fabrics compared to some other repellents