Skin-applied active

PMD

p-menthane-3,8-diol

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

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EPA statusRegistered; 8 products in EPA's tool

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

Youngest ageNot under 3 years (CDC)

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

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

Product counts and hours are what EPA's repellent search tool listed on 2026-08-18; the other three lines are the agencies' words, sourced below.

Eleven questions.

One line each. Open any source for the full text and the exact quote.

What is it, and where does it come from?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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

Put it beside another.

PMD vs DEETPMD vs PicaridinPMD vs Permethrin

All ten actives 631 products by ingredient

Sources on this page.

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

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
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
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
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively