DEET-free insect repellent.

Nine other active ingredients hold EPA registrations or exemptions. Here is each one in the agencies’ words, with the 125 skin-applied products EPA lists under them.

Every line below is the agencies’ own wording or a figure from EPA’s repellent search tool as listed on 2026-08-18; open any source for the exact quote. No verdict from us: we sell a product built on one of these actives.

Picaridin Skin-applied active

Picaridin is a human-made compound from the 1980s, NPIC says, made to resemble piperine from black pepper plants.

Source and detail: NPIC

NPIC says picaridin was first made in the 1980s, was widely used as a repellent in Europe and Australia, and has only been available in the United States since 2005. What people get wrong is the origin: NPIC says picaridin is a human-made, synthetic compound, made to resemble the natural compound piperine, which is found in the plants used to produce black pepper.

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.
NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet

Picaridin has been widely used as an insect repellent in Europe and Australia, but has only been available in the United States since 2005.
NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet

Status, hours, age, and three questions

EPA statusRegistered; 55 products in EPA's tool

Protection, per EPA’s tool3 to 14 h mosquitoes, 5 to 14 h ticks

Youngest ageNo age limit (CDC)

How does EPA treat it?

Registered since 2001; EPA's 2005 fact sheet says normal use does not present a health concern.

Source and detail: EPA

Registered: EPA's 2005 picaridin fact sheet gives 2001 as the year of initial registration. The same fact sheet says picaridin generally is of low acute toxicity and that, based on the available toxicological data, the Agency believes normal use of picaridin does not present a health concern to the general U.S. population.

Year of Initial Registration: 2001
EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005

Picaridin generally is of low acute toxicity, and based on the available toxicological data, the Agency believes that the normal use of Picaridin does not present a health concern to the general U.S. population
EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists one 20% lotion at 14 hours, a spray at 12, wipes at 8.

Source and detail: EPA, U.S. EPA

EPA's repellent search tool lists 20 percent picaridin products by form. Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, EPA Reg. No. 39967-50-58188, lists 14 hours for mosquitoes and ticks; Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, lists 12 hours, and Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent Wipes, EPA Reg. No. 56575-14, lists 8. EPA says protection times vary because testing conditions differ, and that the tool's database was last updated in June 2019.

Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion | 14 | 14 | Picaridin | 20 | Sawyer Products | 39967-50-58188
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray | 12 | 12 | Picaridin | 20 | The PIC20 Group, LLC | 93221-1
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent Wipes | 8 | 8 | Picaridin | 20 | Tender Corp. | 56575-14
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methods, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

Any products listed are for informational purposes only. Inclusion of a product listed/referenced is not an endorsement. * EPA and the U.S. Government do not endorse any product or service. * The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
U.S. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

What do the agencies say about children?

No age limit, CDC says; one label's own wording says children 1 year and older.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA stamped master label

CDC's Yellow Book says insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction. The accepted master label for a 20 percent picaridin spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, carries the optional bracketed line "Suitable for every day use on adults and children 1 year and older," one product's wording rather than an agency statement.

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

[Suitable for every day use on adults and children 1 year and older]
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

Picaridin ……………………………………………………………………….……20.00%
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

IR3535 Skin-applied active

IR3535 is a man-made repellent related to beta-alanine, which occurs naturally; it is not a plant oil.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book 2024, NPIC, U.S. EPA

IR3535 is a man-made repellent: EPA's January 2000 fact sheet describes it as structurally related to beta-alanine, which occurs naturally, and notes it had been used as a repellent in Europe for 20 years by then. CDC's Yellow Book files it with the biopesticide repellents, the ones derived from or synthetic versions of natural materials, rather than with DEET and picaridin, which EPA calls conventional. The mix-up to avoid is calling it a plant oil: NPIC's fact sheet says IR3535 is based on chemicals that occur in nature but is a man-made ingredient.

3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester is structurally related to β-alanine, which occurs naturally. The active ingredient is a liquid at room temperature. OPP Chemical Code: 113509 (CAS # 52304-36-6)
U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000

IR3535 has been used as an insect repellent in Europe for 20 years with no substantial adverse effects. Toxicity tests show that the IR3535 is not harmful when ingested, inhaled, or used on skin.
U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000

EPA characterizes the active ingredients DEET and picaridin as "conventional" repellents. The biopesticide repellents (OLE, PMD, IR3535, and 2-undecanone) are derived from, or are synthetic versions of, natural materials.
CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are based off of chemicals that occur in nature but are man-made ingredients.
NPIC, Insect Repellents General Fact Sheet

Status, hours, age, and three questions

EPA statusRegistered; 41 products in EPA's tool

Protection, per EPA’s tool2 to 10 h mosquitoes, 2 to 12 h ticks

Youngest ageNo age limit (CDC)

How does EPA treat it?

EPA registered IR3535 in February 1999 and now lists it in about 45 skin-applied products.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA

EPA registered IR3535 as an active ingredient in February 1999, and its January 2000 fact sheet says the one product then registered met the effectiveness and safety standards EPA requires of products used against public health pests. EPA's skin-applied ingredients page, updated January 2026, now lists IR3535 in about 45 registered products.

3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester was registered (licensed for sale) as an active ingredient in February 1999. As of January 2000, there was one end product containing this active ingredient.
U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000

To help protect the public's health, EPA requires registrants of products used against public health pests to demonstrate that the products meet specific standards for effectiveness as well as for safety. The product currently registered with 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester as the active ingredient has met the applicable standards.
U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000

IR 3535 -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester) (about 45 products)
U.S. EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

How long does EPA say it protects?

One label says reapply after 12 hours for deer ticks, 8 for mosquitoes and 6 for gnats.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA, U.S. EPA accepted label

The accepted label for Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition (EPA Reg. No. 806-32, 19.7 percent) says reapply after 12 hours for deer ticks, 8 hours for mosquitoes and 6 hours for gnats, no-see-ums, sand flies and biting midges. EPA's search tool, whose database EPA says was last updated in June 2019, lists Superguard 3535 (EPA Reg. No. 54287-20, 20 percent) at 8 hours for mosquitoes, with no tick registration.

FOR PROTECTION from deer ticks reapply after 12 hours, and for mosquitoes reapply after 8 hours, and for gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges reapply after 6 hours.
U.S. EPA accepted label, Avon Skin-So-Soft SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Insect Repellent SPF 30, EPA Reg. No. 806-32, January 23, 2018

| Superguard 3535 Insect Repellent (SPF 20) | 8 | X | IR3535 | 20 | Associated Registrations | 54287-20
U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for IR3535

Product Name Hourly Protection Time for Mosquitoes Hourly Protection Time for Ticks Active Ingredient(AI) AI% in Product Formula Company Name EPA Registration Number
U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for 2-undecanone

An asterisk ( * ) indicates that EPA has technical information on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks and the company chose not to have a specific time associated with their product. * An " X " indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.
U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results

Any products listed are for informational purposes only. Inclusion of a product listed/referenced is not an endorsement. * EPA and the U.S. Government do not endorse any product or service. * The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
U.S. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester* 19.7% OTHER INGREDIENTS: 80.3% TOTAL: 100.0%
U.S. EPA accepted label, Avon Skin-So-Soft SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Insect Repellent SPF 30, EPA Reg. No. 806-32, January 23, 2018

What do the agencies say about children?

CDC says no age restriction; one label says ask a doctor under 6 months, adult applies under 10.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book 2024, U.S. EPA accepted label

CDC's Yellow Book says repellents containing IR3535 can be used on children without age restriction. The accepted labels carry their own cautions: EPA Reg. No. 806-32 says ask a doctor for children under 6 months and that an adult must apply it to children under age 10, and EPA Reg. No. 54287-20 says use on children under 6 months only with the advice of a physician.

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction (see EPA webpage on Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively with Children ).
CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

An adult must apply this product to children under age 10. Children under 6 months: Ask a doctor. Do not apply over wounds, freshly shaved or irritated skin.
U.S. EPA accepted label, Avon Skin-So-Soft SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Insect Repellent SPF 30, EPA Reg. No. 806-32, January 23, 2018

CAUTION: For external use only. Causes moderate eye irritation. Do not get in eyes. Use on children under 6 months of age only with the advice of a physician.
U.S. EPA accepted label, Super Guard 3535 Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-20, December 17, 2015

Oil of lemon eucalyptus Skin-applied active

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an EPA-registered repellent active from lemon eucalyptus leaves that contains PMD.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, NPIC, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an EPA-registered repellent active that EPA's ingredients page lists with 6 products, noting it contains PMD but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical. An EPA-accepted label says the active is derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, and NPIC calls it a man-made ingredient based on a chemical that occurs in nature. The thing most often gotten wrong is the age rule: CDC says not under 3 years, while EPA says certain products with oil of lemon eucalyptus as sole active at 30 percent or less carry no under-three restriction.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (contains pmd, but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical) (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

The active ingredient in Mosi-guardTM Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025, EPA notification letter January 06, 2026

Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are based off of chemicals that occur in nature but are man-made ingredients. Because they are related to substances found in nature, they are both considered to be biopesticides . Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) may also be listed on products by its chemical name, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD).
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

According to the product labels, some oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under the age of three . There are no restrictions for use on children under three years of age for certain insect repellent products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus as their sole active ingredient at concentrations of 30% or less.
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

Status, hours, age, and three questions

EPA statusRegistered; 13 products in EPA's tool

Protection, per EPA’s tool6 h mosquitoes, 6 h ticks

Youngest ageNot under 3 (CDC); EPA exception

How does EPA treat it?

Registered: EPA lists 6 products under it, and CDC names it among EPA-registered actives for travelers.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, US EPA

Registered: EPA's skin-applied ingredients page counts 6 products under oil of lemon eucalyptus, listed separately from PMD, and CDC's Travelers' Health page names it among the EPA-registered actives it tells travelers to use.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (contains pmd, but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical) (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

p-Menthane-3,8-diol (pmd) -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 6 hours for mosquitoes and 6 for ticks at 30 and 40 percent.

Source and detail: US EPA

6 hours for mosquitoes and 6 hours for ticks: EPA's search tool lists Citrapel Lotion Insect Repellent (EPA Reg. No. 84878-1, 30 percent) and Repel Essential Insect Repellent Pump Spray (EPA Reg. No. 305-57, 40 percent) at 6 and 6. EPA says those times were approved for product labels from technical information the company provided, and that the tool's database was last updated in June 2019.

Citrapel Lotion Insect Repellent | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 30 | Citrefine International LTD | 84878-1
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Repel Essential Insect Repellent Pump Spray | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 40 | United Industries Corp. | 305-57
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Protection Times - These protection times have been approved for product labels. These times are based on the technical information provided by the company on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

The registration number means the company provided EPA with technical information on the safety of the product and its effectiveness against mosquitoes and/or ticks. While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methods, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

What do the agencies say about children?

CDC says not under 3; EPA says some sole-active products at 30 percent or less lack that restriction.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

CDC says not to use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years old. EPA's repellent-use page says some oil of lemon eucalyptus labels carry that restriction, while certain products with it as sole active at 30 percent or less have none for use under three. The EPA-accepted master label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 also permits a state-specific claim that the product is not registered by California for use on children under the age of three.

Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

According to the product labels, some oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under the age of three . There are no restrictions for use on children under three years of age for certain insect repellent products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus as their sole active ingredient at concentrations of 30% or less.
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

75. [This product is] not registered by the State of California for use on children under the age of three
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

PMD Skin-applied active

PMD is an EPA-registered repellent active, found naturally in lemon eucalyptus and chemically synthesized for commercial use.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA

PMD, p-menthane-3,8-diol, occurs naturally in the lemon eucalyptus plant and is chemically synthesized for commercial use, according to EPA's fact sheet, which records its registration in March 2000. EPA's ingredients page says oil of lemon eucalyptus contains PMD but is regulated separately, and NPIC says oil of lemon eucalyptus may be listed on products by this chemical name. The thing most often gotten wrong is strength: a registered PMD product on EPA's tool is 10 percent at 2 hours, while oil of lemon eucalyptus products are 30 or 40 percent at 6 hours.

p-Menthane-3,8-diol occurs naturally in the lemon eucalyptus plant. The natural oil can be extracted from the eucalyptus leaves and twigs. For commercial use, the active ingredient is chemically synthesized.
US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

p-Menthane-3,8-diol was registered (licensed for sale) in March 2000. A consumer spray product was registered at the same time.
US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (contains pmd, but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical) (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are based off of chemicals that occur in nature but are man-made ingredients. Because they are related to substances found in nature, they are both considered to be biopesticides . Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) may also be listed on products by its chemical name, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD).
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent | 2 | 2 | p-Menthane-3,8-diol | 10 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | 4822-515
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Citrapel Lotion Insect Repellent | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 30 | Citrefine International LTD | 84878-1
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Repel Essential Insect Repellent Pump Spray | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 40 | United Industries Corp. | 305-57
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Status, hours, age, and three questions

EPA statusRegistered; 8 products in EPA's tool

Protection, per EPA’s tool2 h mosquitoes, 2 h ticks

Youngest ageNot under 3 years (CDC)

How does EPA treat it?

Registered since March 2000, EPA says; its ingredients page now counts 6 products under PMD.

Source and detail: US EPA

Registered in March 2000, licensed for sale with a consumer spray registered at the same time, per EPA's fact sheet; EPA's skin-applied ingredients page now counts 6 products under p-menthane-3,8-diol, listed separately from oil of lemon eucalyptus. EPA says registrants of products used against public health pests must show specific standards for effectiveness and safety are met, and that the registered PMD product met them.

p-Menthane-3,8-diol was registered (licensed for sale) in March 2000. A consumer spray product was registered at the same time.
US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

p-Menthane-3,8-diol (pmd) -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (contains pmd, but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical) (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

EPA requires registrants of products used against public health pests to show that the product meets specific standards for effectiveness as well as for safety. EPA considers a public health pest as any organism that can cause or transmit human disease, or can cause human discomfort or injury. Examples include fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, and certain rodents. The product currently registered with p-Menthane-3,8-diol for use against public health pests has met the required standards.
US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 2 hours for mosquitoes and 2 for ticks at 10 percent.

Source and detail: US EPA

2 hours for mosquitoes and 2 hours for ticks: EPA's search tool lists a 10 percent p-menthane-3,8-diol product, EPA Reg. No. 4822-515, at 2 and 2. EPA says those times were approved for product labels from technical information the company provided, and that the tool's database was last updated in June 2019.

OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent | 2 | 2 | p-Menthane-3,8-diol | 10 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | 4822-515
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Protection Times - These protection times have been approved for product labels. These times are based on the technical information provided by the company on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

The registration number means the company provided EPA with technical information on the safety of the product and its effectiveness against mosquitoes and/or ticks. While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methods, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

What do the agencies say about children?

Not under 3, CDC and a label both say; the label adds children must not apply it themselves.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, US EPA accepted label

Not under three. CDC says not to use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years old, and the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 4822-528 carries the precautionary statement not to use the product on children under the age of three, and not to let children apply it to themselves.

Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

CAUTION: May be harmful if swallowed. Causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use on children under the age of three. Do not allow children to apply this product to themselves.
US EPA accepted label, Claire-1 / OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent I, EPA Reg. No. 4822-528, 10% p-Menthane-3,8-diol liquid, dated 1/31/14

2-Undecanone Skin-applied active

2-Undecanone is a biopesticide repellent originally derived from wild tomato plants; EPA lists one registered skin product.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book 2024, U.S. EPA, Witting-Bissinger BE

2-Undecanone, chemical name methyl nonyl ketone, is the active in a repellent that a 2008 Journal of Medical Entomology paper describes as originally derived from wild tomato plants and registered by EPA in 2007 at 7.75 percent. CDC's Yellow Book files it with the biopesticide repellents, derived from or synthetic versions of natural materials. The thing to get right is its size: EPA's ingredients page lists it in exactly one registered skin-applied product, and the EPA chemical fact sheet on methyl nonyl ketone we found, from 1995, covers its use as a dog and cat repellent.

2-undecanone (chemical name: methyl nonyl ketone)
CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

In 2007, a new repellent, BioUD, with the active ingredient 7.75% 2-undecanone, originally derived from wild tomato (Lycopersicon hirsutum Dunal f. glabratum C. H. Müll) plants, was registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Witting-Bissinger BE, Stumpf CF, Donohue KV, Apperson CS, Roe RM. Novel arthropod repellent, BioUD, is an efficacious alternative to deet. J Med Entomol. 2008 Sep;45(5):891-8. PMID 18826032

EPA characterizes the active ingredients DEET and picaridin as "conventional" repellents. The biopesticide repellents (OLE, PMD, IR3535, and 2-undecanone) are derived from, or are synthetic versions of, natural materials.
CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

2-undecanone -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (or methyl nonyl ketone) (1 product)
U.S. EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Methyl nonyl ketone is a dog and cat repellent/training aid and iris borer deterrent. The pesticide is used in households, paths, patios, solid waste containers and on ornamental plants.
U.S. EPA, R.E.D. FACTS Methyl Nonyl Ketone, EPA-738-F-95-033, July 1995

Status, hours, age, and three questions

EPA statusRegistered; 1 product in EPA's tool

Protection, per EPA’s tool5 h mosquitoes, 2 h ticks

Youngest ageNo age limit (CDC)

How does EPA treat it?

EPA lists 2-undecanone in one registered skin-applied product; no EPA skin-repellent fact sheet found.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA

EPA's skin-applied ingredients page, updated January 2026, lists 2-undecanone, or methyl nonyl ketone, as the active ingredient in one registered product. We found no EPA fact sheet for it as a skin repellent; the EPA chemical document we did find, the July 1995 R.E.D. Facts for methyl nonyl ketone, was written for its use as a dog and cat repellent, training aid and iris borer deterrent.

2-undecanone -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (or methyl nonyl ketone) (1 product)
U.S. EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Methyl nonyl ketone is a dog and cat repellent/training aid and iris borer deterrent. The pesticide is used in households, paths, patios, solid waste containers and on ornamental plants.
U.S. EPA, R.E.D. FACTS Methyl Nonyl Ketone, EPA-738-F-95-033, July 1995

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 5 hours for mosquitoes, 2 for ticks; the label says up to 4.5 and 2.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA, U.S. EPA accepted label

EPA's repellent search tool, whose database EPA says was last updated in June 2019, lists Bio-UD-8 Spray (EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, 7.75 percent) at 5 hours for mosquitoes and 2 hours for ticks. The product's 2009 accepted label says it repels mosquitoes for up to 4.5 hours and ticks that may transmit Lyme disease for up to 2 hours, and says for best results to spray skin every 4.5 hours.

| BIO-UD-8 Spray | 5 | 2 | 2-undecanone | 7.75 | HOMS LLC | 82669-2
U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for 2-undecanone

Product Name Hourly Protection Time for Mosquitoes Hourly Protection Time for Ticks Active Ingredient(AI) AI% in Product Formula Company Name EPA Registration Number
U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for 2-undecanone

Any products listed are for informational purposes only. Inclusion of a product listed/referenced is not an endorsement. * EPA and the U.S. Government do not endorse any product or service. * The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
U.S. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

Repels mosquitoes for up to 4.5 hours Repels mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus for
U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

Repels ticks that may transmit Lyme Disease for up to 2 hours
U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

Shake well before using. This bottle is. designed to spray upside down. For best results spray skin every 4.5 hours.
U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

What do the agencies say about children?

CDC says no age restriction; the label says an adult should apply it to children under 10.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book 2024, NPIC, U.S. EPA accepted label

CDC's Yellow Book says repellents containing 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction, and NPIC's fact sheet says that if no age limit appears on a label, EPA has not put age restrictions on the product. The accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 82669-2 says an adult should apply it to children under 10 years of age and that children should not apply it.

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction (see EPA webpage on Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively with Children ).
CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

Check the product label to see if there is a minimum age for use. If no age limit is on the label, the EPA has not put age restrictions on the product.
NPIC, Insect Repellents General Fact Sheet

An adult should apply this product to children under 10 years of age. Do not allow children to apply this product
U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

Catnip oil Skin-applied active

Catnip oil is an EPA-registered repellent active, a refined oil of Nepeta cataria from the mint family.

Source and detail: Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Catnip oil, refined oil of Nepeta cataria, is an EPA-registered repellent active from a member of the mint family, with 4 products on EPA's ingredients page and a technical grade registration granted December 5, 2008. Feaster and colleagues report that the essential oil of catmint contains nepetalactones. The thing most often gotten wrong is to hand the study results for hydrogenated derivatives at 10 percent to the 15 percent consumer products, which carry their own label figure: up to 7 hours against mosquitoes and blackflies.

Catnip oil -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint) (4 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

The active ingredient is a refined, multi-component extract of Oil Nepeta cataria which is a member of the mint family of plants (Labiatae).
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

On December 5, 2008, the Agency granted the registration for a technical grade Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria product, containing 100% by weight active ingredient. The product mentioned above, is the only registered biochemical pesticide product containing Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria as an active ingredient.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

The essential oil of catmint, Nepeta cataria L., contains nepetalactones, that, on hydrogenation, yield the corresponding dihydronepetalactone (DHN) diastereomers.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

Both DHN 1 and DHN 2 at 10% (wt:vol) conferred complete protection from bites for significant periods of time (3.5 and 5 h, respectively), with DHN2 conferring protection statistically equivalent to DEET.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15.0% Other Ingredients 85.0%
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017

Repels mosquitoes and blackflies for up to 7 hours.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

Status, hours, age, and three questions

EPA statusRegistered; 4 products in EPA's tool

Protection, per EPA’s tool7 h mosquitoes; ticks not listed

Youngest ageNo minimum age stated

How does EPA treat it?

Registered: EPA lists 4 products; a technical grade registration was granted December 5, 2008.

Source and detail: US EPA

Registered. EPA's skin-applied ingredients page lists catnip oil with 4 products, and EPA's 2008 fact sheet records that on December 5, 2008 the Agency granted registration for a technical grade refined oil of Nepeta cataria product, then the only registered biochemical pesticide product with that active.

Catnip oil -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint) (4 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

On December 5, 2008, the Agency granted the registration for a technical grade Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria product, containing 100% by weight active ingredient. The product mentioned above, is the only registered biochemical pesticide product containing Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria as an active ingredient.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 7 hours for mosquitoes and no tick registration.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

7 hours for mosquitoes, no tick registration: EPA's search tool lists a 15 percent lotion, EPA Reg. No. 71654-23, at 7 hours for mosquitoes and an X for ticks, which the tool's legend defines as not registered for tick protection. EPA says those times were approved for labels from company data, from a database last updated in June 2019. The accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says reapply after 4 to 6 hours or as needed; EPA's 2008 fact sheet says reapplication after six hours will be necessary.

Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion | 7 | X | Catnip Oil | 15 | E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company | 71654-23
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

An "X" indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Reapply after 4 -6 hours (or as needed).
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

For the active ingredient to be effective, reapplication after six hours will be necessary.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Protection Times - These protection times have been approved for product labels. These times are based on the technical information provided by the company on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

The registration number means the company provided EPA with technical information on the safety of the product and its effectiveness against mosquitoes and/or ticks. While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methods, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

What do the agencies say about children?

No minimum age from any agency or label; a label says children must not apply it themselves.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, US EPA accepted label

No minimum age appears on the label or in any agency statement read for this active. The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says only that children must not be allowed to handle the product or apply it to themselves. CDC's statement that certain actives can be used on children without age restriction names DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and 2-undecanone, and does not mention catnip oil either way.

Do not allow children to handle the product or apply it to themselves.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

Citronella Skin-applied active

Oil of citronella is a volatile oil steam-distilled from two grasses, found in both registered and exempt products.

Source and detail: Lindsay LR et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of 3% citronella candles and 5% citronella incense for protection against field populations of Aedes mosquitoes. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1996;12(2 Pt 1):293-4. PMID 8827606, NPIC, US EPA

Oil of citronella is a volatile oil steam-distilled from two Cymbopogon grasses, per EPA's 1997 fact sheet, and NPIC says it was first registered in the United States in 1948. It sits on both sides of EPA's line: EPA counts 3 registered products and notes it is also used in unregistered products that meet the exemption requirements. The thing most often gotten wrong is to read candle results as skin results; the registered skin products carry 1 hour and 2 to 3 hours on EPA's tool, and the 1996 field trial on the record tested candles and incense.

Oil of citronella is the volatile oil obtained from the steam distillation of freshly cut or partially dried grasses, (Cymbopogon nardus (Rendal) and Cymbopogon winterianus (Jowitt).
US EPA, R.E.D. FACTS, Oil of Citronella, EPA-738-F-97-002, February 1997

Oil of citronella was first registered in the United States in 1948. It is currently on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) list of minimum risk pesticides
NPIC, Citronella General Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed March 2013

Oil of citronella (3 registered products; also used in unregistered products that meet the requirements for exemption from registration)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Bug Block Sunscreen and Insect Repellent (SPF) | 1 | 1 | Citronella | 4.2 | W.F. Young Ince | 1543-14
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Buzz Away Insect Repellent | 2-3 | X | Citronella Oil | 5 | Quantum Inc. | 66551-4
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Although significantly fewer bites were received by subjects at positions with citronella candles and incense than at nontreated locations, the overall reduction in bites provided by the citronella candles and incense was only 42.3 and 24.2%, respectively.
Lindsay LR et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of 3% citronella candles and 5% citronella incense for protection against field populations of Aedes mosquitoes. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1996;12(2 Pt 1):293-4. PMID 8827606

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Status, hours, age, and three questions

EPA statusRegistered; 3 products in EPA's tool

Protection, per EPA’s tool1 to 3 h mosquitoes, 1 h ticks

Youngest ageUnder 6 months, physician only (label)

How does EPA treat it?

Both registered and exempt: EPA lists 3 registered products plus exempt unregistered ones; NPIC dates registration to 1948.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA

Both registered and exempt. EPA's ingredients page lists oil of citronella with 3 registered products and notes it is also used in unregistered products that meet the exemption requirements. NPIC says it was first registered in the United States in 1948 and is on EPA's list of minimum risk pesticides; EPA's 1997 fact sheet calls it a biopesticide registered as an insect repellent and as an animal repellent.

Oil of citronella (3 registered products; also used in unregistered products that meet the requirements for exemption from registration)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Oil of citronella was first registered in the United States in 1948. It is currently on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) list of minimum risk pesticides
NPIC, Citronella General Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed March 2013

Oil of citronella is a biopesticide (biochemical) with a non-toxic mode of action. It is registered as an insect repellent/feeding depressant and as an animal repellent.
US EPA, R.E.D. FACTS, Oil of Citronella, EPA-738-F-97-002, February 1997

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 1 hour for mosquitoes and ticks, or 2 to 3 hours for mosquitoes only.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

One to three hours: EPA's search tool lists Bug Block Sunscreen and Insect Repellent (EPA Reg. No. 1543-14, 4.2 percent) at 1 hour for mosquitoes and 1 for ticks, and Buzz Away Insect Repellent (EPA Reg. No. 66551-4, 5 percent) at 2 to 3 hours for mosquitoes, X for ticks (not registered for tick protection). The 66551-4 label says apply every 2 to 3 hours or more often as needed. EPA says those times were approved for labels from company data, from a database last updated in June 2019.

Bug Block Sunscreen and Insect Repellent (SPF) | 1 | 1 | Citronella | 4.2 | W.F. Young Ince | 1543-14
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Buzz Away Insect Repellent | 2-3 | X | Citronella Oil | 5 | Quantum Inc. | 66551-4
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

An "X" indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

For best results, apply to skin every 2-3 hours or more often as needed.
US EPA accepted label, Buzz Away, EPA Reg. No. 66551-4, Quantum Inc., accepted 10/30/2017

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Protection Times - These protection times have been approved for product labels. These times are based on the technical information provided by the company on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

The registration number means the company provided EPA with technical information on the safety of the product and its effectiveness against mosquitoes and/or ticks. While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methods, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

What do the agencies say about children?

Under 6 months only with a physician's advice, a label says; NPIC says some products carry that rule.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA accepted label

Under 6 months only with a physician's advice. The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 1543-14 says use on children under 6 months of age only with the advice of a physician. NPIC's citronella fact sheet says some oil of citronella products should not be used on children less than six months old unless directed by a doctor.

Use on children under 6 months of age only with the advice of a physician.
US EPA accepted label, Bug Block Sunscreen & Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 1543-14, W.F. Young, stamped 2002

some oil of citronella products should not be used on children less than six months old unless directed by a doctor. This information is listed on the product label.
NPIC, Citronella General Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed March 2013

Other plant oils Exempt from registration

Plant oils sold as repellents without registration under EPA's minimum-risk exemption; examples include cedar, geranium, peppermint and soybean.

Source and detail: Maia MF, NPIC, US EPA

These are the plant oils sold as repellents without EPA registration under the minimum-risk exemption: EPA names citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, peppermint oil and soybean oil as examples, and NPIC adds that no EPA-registered repellent contains lemongrass, rosemary, thyme, garlic or geraniol oils as active ingredients. EPA says it exempted them after determining the ingredients posed minimal risk to human health at the percentages found in products on the market, and it says that products made from them have not been evaluated for effectiveness. The thing most often gotten wrong is to read the exemption as an endorsement; EPA says it does not review exempted products, and Maia and Moore's 2011 review calls the common perception of plant-based products as lower-risk than synthetic ones sometimes a misconception.

Examples of ingredients used in unregistered repellents are: Citronella oil. Cedar oil. Geranium oil. Peppermint and peppermint oil. Soybean oil.
US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026

Some of these other repellents may be minimum risk pesticides and may not have to be registered with the EPA. There are no EPA-registered repellents that contain garlic oil, rosemary, lemongrass, thyme, or geraniol oils as active ingredients.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

Because EPA has determined that certain "minimum risk pesticides" pose little to no risk to human health or the environment, EPA has exempted them from the requirement that they be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
US EPA, Minimum Risk Pesticides Exempted from FIFRA Registration, last updated August 31, 2026

In the 1990s, EPA evaluated the active ingredients in these unregistered products for safety . We determined that the active ingredients posed minimal risk to human health in the percentages found in products on the market. Based on this minimal risk determination, we decided that products made from these ingredients should be exempt from registration. Note that products made from these ingredients have not been evaluated for effectiveness .
US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026

Because EPA does not review exempted products, this type of statement is misleading.
US EPA, Conditions for Minimum Risk Pesticides, Condition 6, last updated August 31, 2026

Recently, commercial repellent products containing plant-based ingredients have gained increasing popularity among consumers, as these are commonly perceived as "safe" in comparison to long-established synthetic repellents although this is sometimes a misconception.
Maia MF, Moore SJ. Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing. Malar J. 2011;10 Suppl 1:S11. PMID 21411012

Status, hours, age, and three questions

EPA statusExempt, not registered

Protection, per EPA’s toolNot in EPA’s tool

Youngest ageNo agency statement

How does EPA treat it?

Exempt from registration under FIFRA Section 25(b); EPA says it is considering removing personal repellents from the exemption.

Source and detail: US EPA

Exempt under FIFRA Section 25(b): EPA says it has determined that certain minimum risk pesticides pose little to no risk to human health or the environment and has exempted them from FIFRA registration. As of EPA's personal-repellents page, read September 2026, EPA says it is considering a future rulemaking to remove personal mosquito and tick repellents from the exemption, after which they would need registration before sale.

Because EPA has determined that certain "minimum risk pesticides" pose little to no risk to human health or the environment, EPA has exempted them from the requirement that they be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
US EPA, Minimum Risk Pesticides Exempted from FIFRA Registration, last updated August 31, 2026

On February 28, 1996, the Agency issued a rule exempting certain pesticides, including oil of citronella, from regulation under FIFRA. In order to be eligible for this exemption (under FIFRA Section 25(b)), the oil of citronella products must meet all of the criteria listed below:
US EPA, R.E.D. FACTS, Oil of Citronella, EPA-738-F-97-002, February 1997

To that end, we have explored rulemaking regarding personal insect repellents and in a future rulemaking are considering a proposal to remove personal mosquito and tick repellents from the minimum risk pesticides exemption currently in 40 CFR 152.25(f). This means that once removed from the exemption, personal mosquito and tick repellents would need to be registered as a pesticide product with EPA before sale or distribution in the United States.
US EPA, Personal Insect Repellents and Minimum Risk Pesticides

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA publishes no protection time; it says these products have not been evaluated for effectiveness.

Source and detail: US EPA

EPA publishes no protection time for these oils: its page on regulation of skin-applied repellents says products made from these ingredients have not been evaluated for effectiveness, and that repellents without an EPA registration number have not been evaluated by EPA, which cannot advise consumers about their effectiveness. EPA's search tool includes only skin-applied repellents registered by EPA; no unregistered products are listed.

In the 1990s, EPA evaluated the active ingredients in these unregistered products for safety . We determined that the active ingredients posed minimal risk to human health in the percentages found in products on the market. Based on this minimal risk determination, we decided that products made from these ingredients should be exempt from registration. Note that products made from these ingredients have not been evaluated for effectiveness .
US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026

Repellents that do not bear an EPA registration number have not been evaluated by EPA, and EPA cannot advise consumers about the effectiveness of these products.
US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026

The results from the search tool include only skin-applied repellent products registered by EPA. No unregistered products are listed.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

What do the agencies say about children?

No agency statement found; CDC's list of actives without age restriction includes no exempt plant oil.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book

No agency we read gives an age floor for the exempt oils as a class. CDC's statement that certain actives can be used on children without age restriction names DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and 2-undecanone; no exempt plant oil is on that list.

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

Permethrin Clothing and gear treatment

Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide that EPA calls a repellent when used to pre-treat clothing.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA, NPIC

Permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family; NPIC says pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that act like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower, and EPA says when used to pre-treat clothing it is an insect repellent. What people get wrong is where it goes: CDC's Yellow Book says permethrin should never be applied to the skin but only to clothing, mosquito nets or other fabrics as the product label directs.

Permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that act like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower.
NPIC, Permethrin General Fact Sheet

Permethrin is a broad spectrum, non-systemic, synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that targets adults and larvae of many species of biting, chewing, scaling, soil, and flying invertebrates. Permethrin is registered by the EPA as an insecticide for use in a variety of settings. When used to pre-treat clothing, it is an insect repellent.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

Permethrin should never be applied to the skin but only to clothing, mosquito nets, or other fabrics as directed on the product label.
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

Status, hours, age, and three questions

EPA statusRegistered since 1979; CDC says fabric only, never skin

Protection, per EPA’s toolNot in EPA’s tool

Youngest ageNo age floor stated

How does EPA treat it?

Registered since 1979, EPA says; on clothing by the military since 1990, factory-treated consumer clothing since 2003.

Source and detail: EPA

Registered since 1979, per EPA's Repellent-Treated Clothing page, which says permethrin was first registered in 1990 as a repellent on clothing by the military and that factory-treated consumer clothing was first registered in 2003. EPA's sentence is "The only insect repellent currently used for factory treatment of clothing is permethrin."

Permethrin has been registered since 1979. It was first registered in 1990 for use as a repellent on clothing by the military. At about the same time, we also approved permethrin as a spray for use on clothing and gear by consumers, as well as for commercial factory treatment of clothing and various types of gear. In 2003, we first registered consumer-oriented, permethrin factory-treated clothing products.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

The only insect repellent currently used for factory treatment of clothing is permethrin.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

How long does EPA say it protects?

Labels say six weeks or six washes when you treat clothing, 70, 50 or 25 washings when factory-treated.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA stamped label

The accepted label for a 0.5 percent permethrin clothing treatment, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, says protection lasts a minimum of six weeks, with retreatment after six weeks or the sixth laundering; the hang-tag for factory-treated apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, says repellency remains effective for a bracketed 70, 50 or 25 washings. CDC's Yellow Book says treated materials retain repellency after repeated launderings but should be retreated per the label.

This product contains an active ingredient, which actually binds to the fabric being treated, providing residual protection, which lasts a minimum of six weeks [42 days], and holds up through several machine washings. Follow standard laundering procedures. Clothing should be retreated after six weeks [42 days] or after the sixth laundering to maintain adequate protection.
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015

REPELLENCY REMAINS EFFECTIVE FOR [70][50][25] WASHINGS
EPA stamped label, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, dated May 15, 2017

Permethrin-treated materials retain repellency or insecticidal activity after repeated launderings but should be retreated as described on the product label to provide continued protection. Clothing treated before purchase is labeled for efficacy through many launderings.
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Permethrin*……..……. 0.50%
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015

What do the agencies say about children?

No minimum age stated; EPA's 2009 review called treated clothing unlikely to pose significant hazard, toddlers included.

Source and detail: EPA

No CDC, EPA or label source we read states a minimum age for wearing permethrin-treated clothing. The closest agency statement is EPA's: its 2009 revised exposure and risk assessment evaluated multiple exposure scenarios for permethrin factory-treated clothing, including toddlers wearing or mouthing the clothing, and all scenarios showed the clothing is unlikely to pose any significant immediate or long-term hazard to people wearing it.

Our 2009 revised exposure and risk assessment evaluated multiple exposure scenarios for permethrin factory-treated clothing, including toddlers wearing or mouthing the clothing, and military personnel who wear permethrin-treated uniforms on a daily basis. All exposure scenarios showed that permethrin factory-treated clothing is unlikely to pose any significant immediate or long-term hazard to people wearing the clothing.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

DEET-free products, by active ingredient.

Every skin-applied product in EPA’s repellent search tool whose active is not DEET. The hours are the mosquito protection time EPA’s tool lists for that product; a product with a comparison page here is linked.

Picaridin 55 products

Show the 27 with a page here

28 more products are listed under Picaridin without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

IR3535 41 products

Show the 23 with a page here

18 more products are listed under IR3535 without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus 13 products

Show the 1 with a page here

Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent6 h

12 more products are listed under Oil of lemon eucalyptus without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

PMD 8 products

Show the 3 with a page here

5 more products are listed under PMD without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

2-Undecanone 1 product

Show it

BIO-UD-8 Spray5 h

Catnip oil 4 products

Show them

Citronella 3 products

Show the 2 with a page here

Buzz Away Insect Repellent2 to 3 h
Natrapel Sun1 h

1 more product is listed under Citronella without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

Where we sit. Longsleeve is a 20% picaridin lotion, EPA Reg. No. 101457-1, sold by Hour 72, Inc. It is not in the EPA repellent search tool listing that the record above is built from: EPA says that database was last updated in June 2019, and this product was registered in December 2025, so the 55 picaridin products counted in the row belong to other companies. The DEET row comes first on this page, the "Pick two" view opens on DEET, and the shortcut pairs split evenly. If you want our ingredient list, it is on the ingredients page; the label is on the product page.

Sources on this page.

39 sources. Every quote was fetched on or before 2026-09-22 and is stored with the page. Last reviewed 2026-09-22. All ten actives.

NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html
EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-070705_01-May-05.pdf
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19). https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/environmental-hazards-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods.html
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/093221-00001-20180109.pdf
U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-113509_01-Jan-00.pdf
CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture). https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods
NPIC, Insect Repellents General Fact Sheet. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html
U.S. EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients
U.S. EPA accepted label, Avon Skin-So-Soft SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Insect Repellent SPF 30, EPA Reg. No. 806-32, January 23, 2018. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000806-00032-20180123.pdf
U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for IR3535. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm?Rangetime=&hidSelected=1&ProductName=&Ingredient=IR3535&Company=null&Registration=
U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for 2-undecanone. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm?Rangetime=&hidSelected=1&ProductName=&Ingredient=2-undecanone&Company=null&Registration=
U.S. EPA accepted label, Super Guard 3535 Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-20, December 17, 2015. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/054287-00020-20151217.pdf
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025, EPA notification letter January 06, 2026. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/084878-00002-20260106.pdf
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively
US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-011550_01-Apr-00.pdf
US EPA accepted label, Claire-1 / OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent I, EPA Reg. No. 4822-528, 10% p-Menthane-3,8-diol liquid, dated 1/31/14. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/004822-00528-20140211.pdf
Witting-Bissinger BE, Stumpf CF, Donohue KV, Apperson CS, Roe RM. Novel arthropod repellent, BioUD, is an efficacious alternative to deet. J Med Entomol. 2008 Sep;45(5):891-8. PMID 18826032. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18826032/
U.S. EPA, R.E.D. FACTS Methyl Nonyl Ketone, EPA-738-F-95-033, July 1995. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-044102_1-Jul-95.pdf
U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/082669-00002-20090108.pdf
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-004801_29-Dec-08.pdf
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19645285/
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000352-00905-20170310.pdf
US EPA, R.E.D. FACTS, Oil of Citronella, EPA-738-F-97-002, February 1997. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-021901_1-Feb-97.pdf
NPIC, Citronella General Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed March 2013. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/citronellagen.html
Lindsay LR et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of 3% citronella candles and 5% citronella incense for protection against field populations of Aedes mosquitoes. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1996;12(2 Pt 1):293-4. PMID 8827606. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8827606/
US EPA accepted label, Buzz Away, EPA Reg. No. 66551-4, Quantum Inc., accepted 10/30/2017. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/066551-00004-20171030.pdf
US EPA accepted label, Bug Block Sunscreen & Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 1543-14, W.F. Young, stamped 2002. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/001543-00014-20020805.pdf
US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/regulation-skin-applied-repellents
US EPA, Minimum Risk Pesticides Exempted from FIFRA Registration, last updated August 31, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides
US EPA, Conditions for Minimum Risk Pesticides, Condition 6, last updated August 31, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides/conditions-minimum-risk-pesticides
Maia MF, Moore SJ. Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing. Malar J. 2011;10 Suppl 1:S11. PMID 21411012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21411012/
US EPA, Personal Insect Repellents and Minimum Risk Pesticides. https://www.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides/personal-insect-repellents-and-minimum-risk-pesticides
NPIC, Permethrin General Fact Sheet. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PermGen.html
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/repellent-treated-clothing
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/050404-00003-20151006.pdf
EPA stamped label, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, dated May 15, 2017. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/074843-00002-20170515.pdf