Insect repellents play a crucial role in protecting human health and maintaining productivity, especially for some people who often work outdoors. Reliable insect repellents play a critical role in protecting public health, supporting workforce productivity, and ensuring the safety of outdoor activities.
Among the many active ingredients available, Icaridin (also known as Picaridin) and DEET are the two most widely recognized and trusted mosquito repellents on the market. Both are used in consumer products, industrial applications, and public health programs to reduce mosquito bites and prevent the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and the Zika virus.
This blog introduces two chemical substances and compares their chemical properties and safety. Help us choose the appropriate insect repellent.
What is Icaridin (Picaridin)?
Icaridin, also known as Picaridin, CAS 119515-38-7,Chemically, it is 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester with formula C12H23NO3. Its chemical structure is derived from piperine, a naturally occurring compound found in plants like black pepper, which gives it some unique advantages. It is a broad-spectrum insect repellent chemical originally developed by the German company Saltigo in the 1990s. It appears as a colorless, transparent liquid, mild in odor and easily soluble in water.
The repellent works by creating a barrier on the skin that blocks mosquitoes and other insects from sensing the human presence, effectively masking the odors and signals that attract them. Unlike some repellents, it does not kill insects but prevents bites by interfering with their sensory perception.
Icaridin is recognized for its excellent safety profile, with low toxicity and minimal risk of skin irritation. It does not damage plastics or fabrics and is considered non-irritating. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have approved Icaridin for use in insect repellent products due to its effectiveness and safety.
It is commonly used in various formulations such as sprays, lotions, and treated textiles, making it a flexible choice for personal and professional use in outdoor activities, travel, and occupational settings.
What is DEET?
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide),CAS 134-62-3， Its chemical formula is C12H17NO. It is currently recognized as the most effective and long-lasting mosquito repellent ingredient. It was developed in 1946 by the U.S. Army scientists to protect military personnel from insect-borne diseases during jungle warfare in World War II. Following successful testing, DEET entered civilian use in 1957 and has since become a standard in insect repellent formulations.
The mode of action of DEET is based on its ability to interfere with the insects’ olfactory receptors, making it difficult for mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects to detect human scent and locate their targets. Instead of killing insects, DEET effectively repels them, preventing bites.
DEET’s proven track record is demonstrated by its extensive use worldwide in various forms such as sprays, lotions, and clothing treatments. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have reviewed and approved DEET for public use, with concentration limits typically ranging from 5% to 50%. Concentrations above 50% do not significantly increase protection duration.
Key Comparison: Icaridin vs. DEET
It is important to understand the key differences between Icaridin and DEET when choosing the appropriate deworming agent. Although both have excellent deworming effects, they have different performances in terms of user experience, safety, and application compatibility.
Effectiveness
Icaridin: At the correct concentration, there is not much difference in the protective duration between Icaridin and DEET, especially against various insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. A high concentration formula (such as 20%) typically provides effective protection for up to 8-10 hours.
DEET: As is well known, DEET is highly effective in resisting various insects, especially at high concentrations. The duration of protection is directly related to the concentration, and high concentration products can provide the most lasting protection, making them the preferred choice in extreme environments.
Safety
Icaridin: Icaridin is generally considered to have a superior safety profile with lower skin irritation risk and is suitable for children over 6 months.
DEET: DEET can cause skin irritation in sensitive users and is not recommended for children under 2 months; concentrations above 30% are not advised for young children.
User Experience
Icaridin: Icaridin is very gentle on the skin, not easily irritating, and almost tasteless and non greasy. Its refreshing texture and residue free characteristics make it more popular in the consumer goods market that emphasizes user experience, and it is also more suitable for people with sensitive skin.
DEET: DEET may be irritating and have a strong chemical odor. It may leave a greasy feeling on the skin, which may make some consumers feel uncomfortable. Although studies have shown that it is safe at recommended concentrations, there are still potential skin irritation risks associated with long-term use and high concentrations.
Compatibility
Icaridin: One of its biggest advantages is its non corrosiveness to plastics, synthetic fibers (such as nylon, synthetic silk), and coatings. This makes it ideal for spray bottles, outdoor equipment and high-end product formulations.
DEET: DEET is a solvent that can dissolve certain plastics, paints, and synthetic fibers. This may result in damage to outdoor equipment and clothing.
Environmental impact
Icaridin: Icaridin has good biodegradability, short residual time in the environment, and low toxicity to aquatic organisms.
DEET: The biodegradation rate of DEET is relatively slow and may have potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
Summary：Icaridin vs. DEET
| Feature | Icaridin (Picaridin) | DEET |
| Effectiveness | Highly effective, comparable to DEET | Highly effective, the recognized “gold standard” |
| Skin Feel | Non-greasy, clean, no residue | Oily, can feel sticky |
| Odor | Almost odorless | Strong, chemical smell |
| Material Compatibility | Safe for plastics, synthetic fabrics, coatings | Can damage plastics, painted surfaces, and synthetics |
| Skin Irritation | Gentle, low risk of irritation | Can be irritating to skin |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, lower environmental impact | Slower to biodegrade, potential impact on aquatic life |
Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
Consumers, especially those with children and sensitive skin, are increasingly inclined to choose insect repellent products that are gentle and non irritating to the skin. Icaridin’s refreshing, non greasy texture and non irritating characteristics have placed it in a favorable position in the personal care product market. Although DEET is effective, its strong odor and greasy feel pose challenges for consumers who pursue comfort.
Consumers hope that product ingredients are simple, easy to understand, and avoid the use of synthetic additives and complex chemicals. Icaridin， Due to its environmental and material friendliness, it has gained favor in this trend. In contrast, DEET’s corrosiveness and slower biodegradability towards certain materials conflict with today’s environmental awareness.
There are also differences in market preferences among different regions. In North America, although DEET remains mainstream, the demand for Icaridin and other plant-based dewormers is rapidly growing, especially among consumers pursuing a healthy lifestyle. In Europe, Icaridin has long been a market leader due to stricter regulations and consumers’ concern for the environment and safety. In Asia, DEET is still widely used due to its reliability, but with the increasing awareness of consumer health, the demand for Icaridin is also showing an upward trend.
Conclusion
Both Icaridin and DEET are effective solutions for combating pests and protecting health. DEET, with decades of reliable records, remains the “standard” for deworming effectiveness. However, Icaridin has become the preferred choice for meeting the needs of modern consumers due to its mild and odorless nature, harmless materials, and superior user experience.
Whether you are pursuing the strongest protection or placing greater emphasis on comfort and environmental friendliness, AUTECH INDUSTRY can provide you with high-quality chemical materials and professional technical support. Contact us immediately to discuss with our expert team how to find the perfect solution for your product.
