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Picaridin vs IR3535

The same eleven questions, side by side, each answer in the agency's words. No verdict from us: we sell a product built on one of these actives, so the agencies do the talking.

Picaridinicaridin, KBR 3023
IR3535ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate

Per EPA's tool

Picaridin

Registered; 55 products in EPA's tool; 3 to 14 h mosquitoes, 5 to 14 h ticks.

IR3535

Registered; 41 products in EPA's tool; 2 to 10 h mosquitoes, 2 to 12 h ticks.

What is it, and where does it come from?

Picaridin

A human-made compound, NPIC says, widely used in Europe and Australia, available in the U.S. only since 2005.

Source and detail: NPIC

Picaridin is a human-made compound first made in the 1980s; NPIC's picaridin fact sheet says it was made to resemble the natural compound piperine, found in the group of plants used to produce black pepper. NPIC says it was widely used as an insect repellent in Europe and Australia but has only been available in the United States since 2005.

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
IR3535

NPIC calls IR3535 man-made, based on chemicals that occur in nature; CDC files it with biopesticide repellents.

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

EPA's January 2000 fact sheet describes IR3535, chemical name 3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester, as structurally related to beta-alanine, which occurs naturally, and records its registration as an active ingredient in February 1999. NPIC's fact sheet calls it a man-made ingredient based on chemicals that occur in nature, and CDC's Yellow Book files it with the biopesticide repellents.

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 (chemical name: 3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester)

CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

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

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

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)

How does EPA treat it?

Picaridin

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
IR3535

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

What strengths are registered, and does strength change protection?

Picaridin

EPA lists products at 5, 5.75, 7, 10 and 20%; CDC says higher concentrations generally protect longer.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA

No EPA page we read states a picaridin percentage range in prose; EPA's 2005 picaridin fact sheet lists registered formulations at 5 and 7 percent (pump sprays), 10 percent (aerosol) and 5.75 percent (towelette wipes), and EPA's repellent search tool lists 20 percent picaridin lotion, spray and wipe products. CDC's Yellow Book says higher concentrations of active ingredients generally provide longer protection, regardless of the active ingredient.

Registered: 96.8% a.i. Technical; 5% & 7% pump sprays; 10% aerosol spray and 5.75% towelette wipes

EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005

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

In general, higher concentrations of active ingredients provide longer duration of protection, regardless of the active ingredient. Products with <10% active ingredient might offer only limited protection, often 1-2 hours. Products that offer sustained-release or controlled-release (microencapsulated) formulations, even with lower active ingredient concentrations, might provide longer protection times. Studies suggest that DEET efficacy tends to peak at a concentration of approximately 50% and that concentrations above that do not offer a marked increase in protection time against mosquitoes.

CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)
IR3535

Labels declare 20 and 19.7 percent; CDC says higher concentrations generally protect longer.

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

Two accepted labels declare the active at 20 percent (EPA Reg. No. 54287-20) and 19.7 percent (EPA Reg. No. 806-32). In a 2010 Journal of Medical Entomology tick trial, the 10 percent IR3535 lotion was significantly less effective than formulations with higher concentrations of repellent, and CDC's Yellow Book says higher concentrations of active ingredient generally provide longer protection, regardless of the active.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 3-((N-butyl-N-acetyl)-amino propionic acid ethyl ester*..............................................................20% OTHER INGREDIENTS:............................................................80%

U.S. EPA accepted label, Super Guard 3535 Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-20, December 17, 2015

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

The 10% IR3535 lotion was significantly less effective than the formulations with higher concentrations of repellent. In the formulations tested, deet, picaridin, and IR3535 provided lasting protection against A. americanum.

Carroll JF, Benante JP, Kramer M, Lohmeyer KH, Lawrence K. Formulations of deet, picaridin, and IR3535 applied to skin repel nymphs of the lone star tick (Acari: Ixodidae) for 12 hours. J Med Entomol. 2010 Jul;47(4):699-704. PMID 20695288

In general, higher concentrations of active ingredients provide longer duration of protection, regardless of the active ingredient.

CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

How long does EPA say it protects?

Picaridin

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
IR3535

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

Which pests do accepted labels name, and what does CDC say those pests carry?

Picaridin

A 20% label names mosquitoes, ticks, biting, stable, black and sand flies, gnats, chiggers and Scottish biting midges.

Source and detail: EPA stamped master label

The master label for a 20 percent picaridin spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, claims 12 hour protection from ticks and mosquitoes and up to 8 hours against biting flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats, chiggers, sand flies and Scottish biting midges. The label's bracketed wording on disease is "mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue [Fever], and Zika [Virus] and ticks carrying Lyme disease and tick borne encephalitis."

[Long-lasting, 12 hour effective protection from ticks and mosquitoes including mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue [Fever], and Zika [Virus] and ticks carrying Lyme disease and tick borne encephalitis.] [Repels biting flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats, chiggers, sand flies, and Scottish biting midges for up to 8 hours.]

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

EPA lists mosquitoes, deer ticks, body lice and biting flies; a label adds gnats, no-see-ums and sand flies.

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

EPA's 2000 fact sheet lists IR3535's target pests as mosquitoes, deer ticks, body lice and biting flies; the accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 806-32 claims repellency against deer ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, sand flies and biting midges. CDC says some U.S. ticks carry pathogens that can cause Lyme disease and Powassan virus, and that mosquitoes can spread pathogens through bites, naming West Nile virus, dengue and malaria.

o Use Sites: Human skin. o Target Pests: Mosquitoes, deer ticks, body lice, and biting flies.

U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000

Strong [repellency] [protection] against deer ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges

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

In the United States, some ticks carry pathogens that can cause human disease, including: * Alpha-gal syndrome * Anaplasmosis * Babesiosis * Bourbon virus * Colorado tick fever * Ehrlichiosis * Hard tick relapsing fever * Heartland virus * Lyme disease * Powassan virus * Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis * Rocky Mountain spotted fever * Soft tick relapsing fever * STARI * Tularemia

CDC, About Ticks and Tickborne Disease (Wayback Machine capture of cdc.gov/ticks/about/index.html)

Almost everyone has been bitten by a mosquito. Mosquitoes can spread pathogens (germs) through bites. A person who gets bitten by a mosquito and gets sick has a mosquito-borne disease like West Nile virus, dengue, or malaria.

CDC, About Mosquitoes (Wayback Machine capture of cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/index.html)

What do the agencies say about children?

Picaridin

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

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

What do CDC and WHO say about pregnancy?

Picaridin

CDC lists it for pregnant and breastfeeding women; NPIC found no human data on reproductive effects.

Source and detail: CDC, NPIC

CDC's Preventing Mosquito Bites page lists picaridin among the active ingredients it names, and says that when used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are "proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women." NPIC's picaridin technical fact sheet states that no human data were found on the teratogenic or reproductive effects of picaridin.

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. DEET Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the United States)

CDC, Preventing Mosquito Bites (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-16)

Use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

CDC, Preventing Mosquito Bites (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-16)

No human data were found on the teratogenic or reproductive effects of picaridin.

NPIC, Picaridin Technical Fact Sheet (archived)
IR3535

CDC says EPA recommends no precautions for pregnant or lactating women beyond its usual repellent tips.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book 2024, NPIC, World Health Organization

CDC's Yellow Book says EPA recommends no precautions beyond its usual tips for using registered repellents on women who are pregnant or lactating, and NPIC reports that CDC recommends an EPA-registered repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus for pregnant mothers in areas with Zika risk. WHO's malaria and dengue fact sheets name IR3535 among the repellents they list, and neither fact sheet we read ties a repellent choice to pregnancy.

Other than the safety tips listed above, EPA does not recommend any additional precautions for using registered repellents on children or on women who are pregnant or lactating.

CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

CDC also recommends the use of an EPA-registered repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for pregnant mothers in areas with risk of Zika. 28 Consult a healthcare professional for more information.

NPIC, Insect Repellents General Fact Sheet

Use mosquito repellents (containing DEET, IR3535 or Icaridin) after dusk.

World Health Organization, Malaria fact sheet

To lower your risk of getting dengue, protect yourself from mosquito bites by using: * clothes that cover as much of your body as possible; * mosquito nets, ideally sprayed with insect repellent, if sleeping during the day; * window screens; * mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535); and * coils and vaporizers.

World Health Organization, Dengue and severe dengue fact sheet

What do NPIC and EPA report about absorption and toxicity?

Picaridin

NPIC says under 6% absorbs through human skin; EPA calls it low in acute toxicity.

Source and detail: EPA, NPIC

NPIC says 60 percent of picaridin applied to rat skin went through it, while in humans less than 6 percent was absorbed; both excrete almost all in urine within a day. EPA's 2005 fact sheet says technical grade picaridin has low acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity, Toxicity Category IV for acute inhalation toxicity and primary dermal irritation, and Category III for acute oral and acute dermal toxicity and primary eye irritation.

When researchers applied picaridin to the skin of rats, 60% of it went through the skin. In humans, less than 6% of the picaridin applied to skin was absorbed. Picaridin may be broken down once it is in the body. Rats and humans excrete almost all of it in their urine within a day of exposure.

NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet

Technical grade Picaridin has low acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity. It is classified as Toxicity Category IV for acute inhalation toxicity and primary dermal irritation and Toxicity Category III for acute oral, acute dermal and primary eye irritation.

EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005
IR3535

NPIC rates oral, inhalation and dermal toxicity very low, eye irritation moderate; undiluted IR3535 can irritate skin.

Source and detail: NPIC, U.S. EPA

EPA's 2000 fact sheet says toxicity tests show IR3535 is not harmful when ingested, inhaled or used on skin. NPIC's fact sheet rates it very low for oral, inhalation and dermal toxicity and moderate for eye irritation; NPIC adds that undiluted IR3535 can cause skin irritation, that skin irritation was not reported in studies with diluted IR3535, and that feeding studies show concentrated IR3535 is low in developmental and reproductive toxicity.

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

| IR3535 13 | Very Low | Very low | Very Low | Moderate | Very low

NPIC, Insect Repellents General Fact Sheet, Table 1. Short-Term Toxicity of Active Ingredients in Common Insect Repellents

IR3535 : IR3535 is an eye irritant. Human and animal studies show if it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. In studies with diluted IR3535, skin irritation was not reported. 18,19

NPIC, Insect Repellents General Fact Sheet

IR3535 : Multiple feeding studies show concentrated IR3535 is low in developmental and reproductive toxicity. 19,22

NPIC, Insect Repellents General Fact Sheet

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

Picaridin

Two labels claim no harm to plastics, fishing line, fabric and gear; no agency statement found.

Source and detail: EPA stamped label, EPA stamped master label

Two accepted 20 percent picaridin labels carry no-damage claims: EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, bracketed, "Won't Damage Fishing Lines, Plastics, or other Synthetic Materials"; EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, "Will [Does] not harm gear and equipment" and "Will [Does] not harm plastics and fabric."

[Won't Damage Fishing Lines, Plastics, or other Synthetic Materials]

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

18. Will [Does] not harm gear and equipment

EPA stamped label, Associated Registrations Inc. 20% picaridin repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, July 17, 2019

19. Will [Does] not harm plastics and fabric

EPA stamped label, Associated Registrations Inc. 20% picaridin repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, July 17, 2019

Picaridin ……………………………………………………………………….……20.00%

EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018
IR3535

Labels say keep it off plastics; one adds costume jewelry, leather, synthetic fibers and painted surfaces.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA accepted label

Two accepted labels say to keep it off plastics. EPA Reg. No. 806-32 says avoid contact with plastics, costume jewelry, leather and synthetic fibers, and that it may damage painted or varnished surfaces, including nail polish; EPA Reg. No. 54287-20 says the product contains alcohol and to avoid contact with plastics.

Avoid contact with plastics, costume jewelry, leather and synthetic fibers. May damage painted or varnished surfaces, including nail polish.

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

PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS: Flammable. Keep away from heat and open flame. Contains alcohol. Avoid contact with plastics.

U.S. EPA accepted label, Super Guard 3535 Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-20, December 17, 2015

What do the agencies say about pets?

Picaridin

Only EPA's general rule applies: nothing on pets unless the label says so.

Source and detail: EPA

No agency or label we read covers picaridin use on pets. EPA tells consumers not to use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.

EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively
IR3535

Only EPA's general rule applies: nothing on pets unless the label says so.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA

No IR3535 label we read mentions pets or other animals. The rule that applies is EPA's general one: do not use any repellent product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.

U.S. EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

Which studies are on the record?

Picaridin

One trial found 20% picaridin and 20% DEET performed equally, with 97.4% protection over five hours.

Source and detail: Carroll JF, Van Roey K

Van Roey 2014 (PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases) reported an overall five-hour protection rate of 97.4 percent, with picaridin 20 percent performing equally well as DEET 20 percent. Carroll 2010 (Journal of Medical Entomology) found no difference in effectiveness between the 20 percent spray and lotion formulations of picaridin, and concluded that deet, picaridin and IR3535 provided lasting protection against lone star ticks as tested.

Based on a total of 4996 mosquitoes collected on negative control persons, the overall five hour protection rate was 97.4% [95%CI: 97.1-97.8%], not decreasing over time. Picaridin 20% performed equally well as DEET 20% and better than picaridin 10%.

Van Roey K, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2014 Dec 18;8(12):e3326. PMID 25522134

There was no difference in effectiveness between the 20% spray and 20% lotion formulations of picaridin. The 10% IR3535 lotion was significantly less effective than the formulations with higher concentrations of repellent. In the formulations tested, deet, picaridin, and IR3535 provided lasting protection against A. americanum.

Carroll JF, et al. J Med Entomol. 2010 Jul;47(4):699-704. PMID 20695288
IR3535

A 2008 controlled-release trial: 7.1 to 10.3 hours against field mosquitoes, 9.1 to 12.2 against lab ticks.

Source and detail: Carroll JF, Carroll JF. Prolonged efficacy of IR3535 repellents against mosquitoes and blacklegged ticks in North America. J Med Entomol. 2008 Jul;45(4):706-14. PMID 18714871

Carroll et al., Journal of Medical Entomology 2010: formulations of 20 percent or more, IR3535 among them, let fewer than 10 percent of lone star ticks cross treated bands over 12 hours; the 10 percent IR3535 lotion was significantly less effective. Carroll, same journal, 2008, tested controlled-release IR3535 formulations at 10 and 20 percent: complete protection times of 7.1 to 10.3 hours against mosquitoes in the field and 9.1 to 12.2 hours against blacklegged ticks in the laboratory.

Formulations containing > or = 20% active ingredient were highly effective, with <10% of the ticks crossing through the treatment bands for any challenge during the 12 h. At least 40% of ticks exposed to any formulation for any challenge fell or crawled off the volunteers. There was no difference in effectiveness between the 20% spray and 20% lotion formulations of picaridin.

Carroll JF, Benante JP, Kramer M, Lohmeyer KH, Lawrence K. Formulations of deet, picaridin, and IR3535 applied to skin repel nymphs of the lone star tick (Acari: Ixodidae) for 12 hours. J Med Entomol. 2010 Jul;47(4):699-704. PMID 20695288

The 10% IR3535 lotion was significantly less effective than the formulations with higher concentrations of repellent. In the formulations tested, deet, picaridin, and IR3535 provided lasting protection against A. americanum.

Carroll JF, Benante JP, Kramer M, Lohmeyer KH, Lawrence K. Formulations of deet, picaridin, and IR3535 applied to skin repel nymphs of the lone star tick (Acari: Ixodidae) for 12 hours. J Med Entomol. 2010 Jul;47(4):699-704. PMID 20695288

Complete protection times ranged from 7.1 to 10.3 h for mosquitoes and from 9.1 to 12.2 h for blacklegged ticks. Long protection duration resulted in many cases being truncated by darkness or eventual subject withdrawal, which suggests that actual protection times were probably greater.

Carroll JF. Prolonged efficacy of IR3535 repellents against mosquitoes and blacklegged ticks in North America. J Med Entomol. 2008 Jul;45(4):706-14. PMID 18714871

I tested novel, controlled-release formulations of IR3535, at 10% in lotion and at 20% in pump spray and aerosol, against mosquitoes in the field and blacklegged ticks in the laboratory.

Carroll JF. Prolonged efficacy of IR3535 repellents against mosquitoes and blacklegged ticks in North America. J Med Entomol. 2008 Jul;45(4):706-14. PMID 18714871

Sources on this page.

25 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.

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