Picaridin vs Oil of lemon eucalyptus

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptusOLE, refined Corymbia citriodora oil

Per EPA's tool

Picaridin

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Registered; 13 products in EPA's tool; 6 h mosquitoes, 6 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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Made from lemon eucalyptus leaves, a label says; NPIC calls it man-made, based on a naturally occurring chemical.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Oil of lemon eucalyptus comes from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, according to the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, and EPA's skin-applied ingredients page lists it as an active that contains PMD but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical. NPIC's fact sheet calls it a man-made ingredient based on a chemical that occurs in nature, and says products may list it by its chemical name, p-menthane-3,8-diol.

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 (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

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

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

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)

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

30 and 40 percent: a label states 30 percent, and EPA's tool lists a 40 percent pump spray.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

30 and 40 percent are the strengths on the record: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 states oil of lemon eucalyptus at 30.0 percent, with a footnote giving its p-menthane-3,8-diol content as approximately 65 percent, and EPA's search tool lists a 40 percent pump spray under EPA Reg. No. 305-57. NPIC says higher concentration repellents may protect for longer but are not better at keeping insects away.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus* ………………………………………………….. 30.0% Other Ingredients …………………………………………………………… 70.0%
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

*Approx. 65% p-menthane-3,8-diol
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

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

Higher concentration repellents may protect people for longer. However, they are not better at keeping insects away. 5,6,7 Repellents with less than 10% of an active ingredient may only offer protection for short periods of time (1-2 hours).
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

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

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

A label names mosquitoes and ticks.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

Mosquitoes and ticks. The EPA-accepted master label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 gives the direction to repel mosquitoes and ticks, apply to exposed skin and clothing. No CDC statement about what these pests carry was read for this active.

To repel [insects] [mosquitoes and ticks], apply to exposed skin and clothing.
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

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

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

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)

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

CDC lists it for pregnant and breastfeeding women; NPIC reports no effects on fetal development in rats.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, NPIC

CDC's Travelers' Health page names oil of lemon eucalyptus among the EPA-registered actives it lists, and says that when used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are "proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women." NPIC reports that pregnant rats given large doses of oil of lemon eucalyptus on their skin showed only slight changes in weight gain and no effects on fetal development.

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If also using sunscreen, always apply insect repellent after sunscreen. DEET Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US) IR3535 Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) Para-menthane-diol (PMD) 2-undecanone
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

Oil of lemon eucalyptus : Only slight changes in weight gain were observed during pregnancy in rats with large doses of the ingredient put on their skin. There were no effects on fetal development.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

NPIC says it can cause significant eye damage and has been linked to skin irritation in animal studies.

Source and detail: NPIC

NPIC's fact sheet says oil of lemon eucalyptus can cause significant eye damage, that washing the eyes after exposure can reduce the risk of long-term harm, and that it has been linked to skin irritation in animal studies. Rats fed the ingredient had trouble walking, changes in breathing and lethargy. NPIC reports that when a repellent is applied to skin, about 3 to 19 percent may be absorbed.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus : Oil of lemon eucalyptus can cause significant eye damage. Washing eyes after an exposure can reduce the risks of long-term harm. It has been linked to skin irritation in animal studies. Rats fed oil of lemon eucalyptus had trouble walking. They also had changes in their breathing and were lethargic.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

When a repellent is applied to skin, about 3-19% may be absorbed into the body.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

A label claims it will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

The EPA-accepted master label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 permits the claim that the product will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding. Its optional marketing language, also accepted, says it will not harm fishing line, camping gear, watch crystals or a tackle box.

14. Will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding.
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

You can use Mosi-guardTM Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent with confidence knowing it will not harm your fishing line, camping gear, watch crystals or tackle box.
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

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

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

Source and detail: EPA, US EPA

EPA's page on using insect repellents says not to use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals, an instruction that covers every repellent rather than this active alone. The same page adds that most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals. Most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

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

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

No named human efficacy trial on record; the only duration is EPA's tool figure of 6 hours.

Source and detail: US EPA

No named human efficacy trial of an oil of lemon eucalyptus formulation is among the agency sources read for this active. The one duration on the record is EPA's search tool figure of 6 hours, which EPA says has been approved for product labels on the basis of technical information the company provided, from a database EPA says 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

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 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

Sources on this page.

16 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
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, Find the Repellent that is Right for You. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
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
CDC, Preventing Mosquito Bites (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-16). https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html
NPIC, Picaridin Technical Fact Sheet (archived). https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/Picaridintech.html
EPA stamped label, Associated Registrations Inc. 20% picaridin repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, July 17, 2019. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/054287-00022-20190717.pdf
EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively
Van Roey K, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2014 Dec 18;8(12):e3326. PMID 25522134. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25522134/
Carroll JF, et al. J Med Entomol. 2010 Jul;47(4):699-704. PMID 20695288. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20695288/
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients
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
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html