Picaridin at a glance
- Also called
- Icaridin, KBR 3023
- Trail strength
- 20 percent
- Labeled protection
- Up to 12 hours
- Mosquitoes and ticks, on 20% sprays
- First made
- 1980s
- Per the NPIC fact sheet
Where does picaridin come from?
The National Pesticide Information Center describes picaridin as a synthetic compound first made in the 1980s, built to resemble piperine, a natural compound in the plants used to make black pepper. Outside the United States it is usually called icaridin, and the CDC also lists it under its development code, KBR 3023.
It is one of the six active ingredients the CDC lists as EPA-registered repellents, alongside DEET, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD and 2-undecanone.
How strong should picaridin be for hiking?
Twenty percent is the strength most trail repellents use, and the one Consumer Reports found effective in its 2025 ratings. Hiking brands label their 20 percent sprays for up to twelve hours against mosquitoes and ticks and around eight against biting flies, gnats and chiggers.
Lower-strength products exist and last for less time. For ticks in tall grass, 20 percent is the one to buy.
Why do hikers choose picaridin over DEET?
Mostly for what it does not do. DEET can damage plastics and most synthetic fabrics; picaridin does not, so it is safe near sunglasses, a watch, a rain shell and fishing line. It also feels less oily and has very little smell.
The trade-off, in Consumer Reports' testing, is that not every picaridin product matched the best 25 to 30 percent DEET products. For a typical day hike that gap matters less than the comfort.
What this means when you're choosing
- 20 percent picaridin on the label
- Ticks named alongside mosquitoes
- A non-aerosol pump if you want less overspray
- A 3.4 ounce or smaller bottle for carry-on travel
The common mistake
Assuming a gentler feel means weaker protection
Picaridin feels like very little on skin, which reads as weak. At 20 percent it is on the CDC's list and labeled for ticks and mosquitoes for hours. The mistake is buying a low-strength version, not picking picaridin.
Common questions
Does picaridin work on ticks?
Yes. It is on the CDC's list of repellents for preventing tick bites, and 20 percent picaridin sprays for hikers are labeled for ticks for up to twelve hours. Pair it with permethrin-treated clothing for the best protection.
Is icaridin the same as picaridin?
Yes. Icaridin is the name used outside the United States for the same compound, and KBR 3023 is its development code.
Where this is defined
- Picaridin General Fact Sheet, National Pesticide Information Center
- Preventing Mosquito Bites, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention