Icaridin

Icaridin, also known as picaridine, KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and hydroxyethyl butyl piperidine carboxylate is an insect repellent owned and manufactured by Lanxess AG. It has a broad efficacy against different insects and is almost colorless and odorless.

The name picaridin was proposed as an International Nonproprietary Name (INN) to the World Health Organization (WHO), but the official name that has been approved by the WHO is icaridin. Bayrepel is a registered trademark of Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany. The product is marketed in the US in Cutter products as picaridin.

Empirical findings
Icaridin has been reported to be as effective as DEET without the irritation associated with DEET. According to the WHO, icaridin “demonstrates excellent repellent properties comparable to, and often superior to, those of the standard DEET.” In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using repellants based on icaridin, DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (which may require more applications ), for effective protection against mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and other illnesses.

Unlike DEET, icaridin does not dissolve plastics.