Picaridin
Icaridin (2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester)
Is picaridin as good as DEET?
At 20%, picaridin matches or beats DEET in head-to-head field trials: 8–12 hours of complete mosquito protection and 7–8 hours against ticks, all without the odor, greasy feel, or plastic damage. It's why picaridin products top our rankings.
When to choose it: The default recommendation for most people, most of the time: long days outdoors, tick country, and anyone who hates the feel of DEET.
Synthetic repellent modeled after piperidine compounds in black pepper. Odorless and non-greasy compared to DEET.
How it works
Blocks mosquito odorant receptors, reducing attraction to treated skin.
The evidence
Multiple RCTs show comparable efficacy to DEET at equivalent concentrations for mosquitoes.
Mosquito protection by concentration: Picaridin
Complete protection time (dark = lower bound, light = upper bound) on the same 12 h scale used across the site. Modeled from published dose-response data in our research library.
- Efficacy of topical mosquito repellent (picaridin) plus long-lasting insecticidal nets versus long-lasting insecticidal nets alone for control of malaria: a cluster randomised controlled trial2016RctDefinitive evidence
Large cluster-randomized controlled trial in 117 endemic villages in Cambodia testing community-wide topical 20% picaridin plus long-lasting insecticidal nets versus nets alone for malaria control.
- Efficacy of four insect repellents against mosquito bites: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled field study in Senegal2009RctDefinitive evidence
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover field trial of icaridin (picaridin) 20%, PMD 20% and 50%, and DEET 50% sprays among 100 volunteers over five nights.
Common misconceptions
Myth: “Picaridin is a newer, less-proven DEET.”
Reality: Picaridin has been used in Europe and Australia since the 1990s and carries WHO and CDC recommendations. The field-trial record at 20% is excellent.
Myth: “Odorless means weaker.”
Reality: Repellency has nothing to do with smell you can detect. Picaridin works at the mosquito's receptors, not your nose.
Regulatory notes
EPA SRS-registered active. Not a FIFRA 25(b) minimum risk active.
Safety notes
Low skin irritation profile; suitable for many users who dislike DEET.
The best products built on it
All products using it
- BUGGINS Insect Repellent X 20% Picaridin
20% · Active repellent
- Coleman Picaridin Insect Repellent 20% Picaridin
20% · Active repellent
- Fragrance Free Insect Repellent Family Formula
20% · Active repellent
- Proven 12 Hour Mosquito + Tick Spray – Odorless
20% · Active repellent (Saltidin brand)
- Proven 14 Hour Mosquito + Tick Lotion – Odorless
20% · Active repellent (Saltidin brand)
- Natrapel Picaridin Tick & Insect Repellent Eco-Spray
20% · Active repellent
- 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
20% · Active repellent
- Bug and Tick Repellent
20% · Active repellent
- Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin 4oz. Pump Spray
10% · Active repellent
- Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Aerosol Spray
10% · Active repellent
- Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes
10% · Active repellent
- Centura Fly and Mosquito Repellent Spray
20% · Active repellent
- No Tickz Picaridin Tick Repellent Spray
20% · Active repellent
- Family & Active-Use Protection
20% · Active repellent
- Cutter Backwoods Tick Defense Insect Repellent
15% · Active repellent
- Go Ready Insect Repellent
20% · Active repellent
- GoReady Insect Repellent with Sawyer 20%
20% · Active repellent
- Ben's Tick Repellent Eco-Spray
20% · Active repellent
- Natrapel Picaridin Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes
20% · Active repellent
- MOZZ'CARE Insect Repellent Dakem
20% · Active repellent
- Ranger Ready Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
20% · Active repellent
- OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent
5% · Active repellent
- Tick Defense 15% Picaridin
15% · Active repellent
- 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
20% · Active repellent
- Walgreens Light & Clean Insect Repellent
7% · Active repellent
- Ben's Repellent Lotion
20% · Active repellent
- Zone Protects Picaridin Insect Repellent
20% · Active repellent
Frequently asked questions
How long does 20% picaridin last?
8–12 hours of complete protection against mosquitoes and 7–8 hours against ticks, the longest consumer protection window we score.
Is picaridin safe for children?
Yes. CDC lists picaridin as appropriate for children over 2 months, and it's gentler on skin than high-strength DEET.
Does picaridin damage gear?
No. Unlike DEET, picaridin doesn't attack plastics or synthetic fabrics, a major reason backpackers have switched.