Picaridin vs PMD

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

PMDp-menthane-3,8-diol

Per EPA's tool

Picaridin

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

PMD

Registered; 8 products in EPA's tool; 2 h mosquitoes, 2 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

PMD

EPA calls it a biochemical pesticide derived from eucalyptus plants, chemically synthesized for commercial use.

Source and detail: Carroll SP, US EPA

p-Menthane-3,8-diol occurs naturally in the lemon eucalyptus plant, the natural oil can be extracted from the leaves and twigs, and for commercial use the active ingredient is chemically synthesized, per EPA's April 2000 fact sheet, which calls it a biochemical pesticide derived from eucalyptus plants. Carroll and Loye, Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 2006, describe PMD as a monoterpene spent product of distilling leaves of the Australian lemon-scented gum tree, Corymbia citriodora.

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 is a biochemical pesticide derived from eucalyptus plants. This active ingredient is used to make products that are applied to human skin and clothing for the purpose of repelling insects, such as mosquitoes.
US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

para-Menthane-3,8-diol(PMD) is a monoterpene spent product of the distillation of leaves of the Australian lemon-scented gum tree (updated nomenclature Corymbia citriodora ssp. citriodora).
Carroll SP, Loye J. PMD, a registered botanical mosquito repellent with deet-like efficacy. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2006;22(3):507-14. PMID 17067054

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

PMD

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

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)

PMD

10 percent on the record: a label states 10 percent, and EPA's tool lists a 10 percent product.

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

10 percent is the registered strength on the record: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 4822-528 states p-menthane-3,8-diol at 10 percent, and EPA's search tool lists a 10 percent PMD product. NPIC's fact sheet says repellents with less than 10 percent active ingredient may only protect for 1 to 2 hours, and that higher concentrations may protect longer without being better at keeping insects away.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: p-Menthane-3,8-diol* 10%
US EPA accepted label, Claire-1 / OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent I, EPA Reg. No. 4822-528, dated 1/31/14

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

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

PMD

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

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

PMD

A label names mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, no-see-ums and ticks.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, no-see-ums and ticks: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 4822-528 permits the optional claim that the product repels mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, no-see-ums and ticks for up to 2 hours. EPA's fact sheet describes PMD products as applied to human skin and clothing to repel insects such as mosquitoes.

Repels (mosquitoes) (,black flies, gnats, no-see-ums and ticks) (up to 2 hours)
US EPA accepted label, Claire-1 / OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent I, EPA Reg. No. 4822-528, optional marketing language, dated 1/31/14

p- Menthane-3,8-diol is a biochemical pesticide derived from eucalyptus plants. This active ingredient is used to make products that are applied to human skin and clothing for the purpose of repelling insects, such as mosquitoes.
US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

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

PMD

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

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)

PMD

CDC lists it for pregnant and breastfeeding women; no PMD-specific pregnancy finding from CDC, WHO or EPA.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health

CDC says that when used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and para-menthane-diol is on the list of actives to which CDC attaches that statement. No PMD-specific pregnancy finding from CDC, WHO or EPA was among the sources read.

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

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

PMD

EPA says animal studies showed only eye irritation; a label warns it may be harmful if swallowed.

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

In laboratory animal studies p-menthane-3,8-diol showed no adverse effects except eye irritation, EPA's fact sheet says, and special precautions were put on the label to keep the product out of eyes. The accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 4822-528 reads CAUTION, may be harmful if swallowed, causes moderate eye irritation. NPIC says about 3 to 19 percent of a repellent applied to skin may be absorbed into the body.

In studies using laboratory animals, p-Menthane-3,8-diol shows no adverse effects except for eye irritation. Therefore, special precautions were put on the label to prevent the product from contacting people's eyes.
US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

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

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

PMD

Spandex is the one material named: a label says do not apply on or around spandex.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

Spandex is the one material named: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 4822-528 instructs users not to apply the product on or around spandex. No agency statement about PMD and plastics or other gear was among the sources read.

Do not apply on or around spandex.
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

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

PMD

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; the instruction is general, and it is the only agency statement on pets that reaches PMD. That 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

PMD

One 2006 paper concluded CDC's endorsement was warranted and probably underestimated PMD's value as a DEET alternative.

Source and detail: Carroll SP

Carroll and Loye, Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 2006, concluded that the CDC endorsement was not only warranted but probably underestimated the value of PMD as a DEET alternative for public health applications. The same paper describes PMD as a spent product of distilling leaves of the Australian lemon-scented gum.

We conclude that not only is the CDC endorsement warranted but also that it probably underestimates the value of PMD as a deet alternative for public health applications.
Carroll SP, Loye J. PMD, a registered botanical mosquito repellent with deet-like efficacy. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2006;22(3):507-14. PMID 17067054

para-Menthane-3,8-diol(PMD) is a monoterpene spent product of the distillation of leaves of the Australian lemon-scented gum tree (updated nomenclature Corymbia citriodora ssp. citriodora).
Carroll SP, Loye J. PMD, a registered botanical mosquito repellent with deet-like efficacy. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2006;22(3):507-14. PMID 17067054

Sources on this page.

18 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, 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, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html
Carroll SP, Loye J. PMD, a registered botanical mosquito repellent with deet-like efficacy. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2006;22(3):507-14. PMID 17067054. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17067054/
US EPA accepted label, Claire-1 / OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent I, EPA Reg. No. 4822-528, dated 1/31/14. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/004822-00528-20140211.pdf
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites