A mature father with a small toddler son outdoors fishing by a lake.

Why choose Saltidin®?

Gentle and effective protection against insects, ticks & assorted bugs

Insects and ticks can transmit dangerous diseases. This makes effective insect repellents that are at the same time gentle on the skin more important than ever. It’s in exactly this regard that Saltidin® excels, and several formulations containing Saltidin® (Picaridin) are already available on the market.

Saltidin® insect repellents provide gentle and effective protection


Saltidin® (Picaridin) is a relatively new active ingredient designed to repel insects and ticks. It was developed in 1985 as an alternative to diethyltoluamide (DEET), highly effective while gentle on the skin.

Icaridin (the internatinal non-proprietary name of the active ingredient) is a piperidine derivative, and an almost odorless and colorless liquid. Saltigo, a LANXESS subsidiary, markets the active ingredient worldwide under the trade name Saltidin®, with decades of proven expertise in large-scale production. Repellent packaging will say Saltidin® or Icaridin, in English-speaking countries, Picaridin, and in Spanish-speaking countries, Icaridina or Picaridina.

Saltidin® (Picaridin) provides effective protection against mosquitoes in different climatic zones. What's more, the repellent also keeps away numerous species of flies and ticks: the active ingredient offers reliable protection against insects and ticks, responsible for the transmission of various diseases including malaria and Lyme disease.

Portrait photo of Hassan El AmriPETER_OBENAUS www.studio-obenaus.de
Dirk Sandri, Global Business Manager Saltidin® 
“Saltidin® is a very well-balanced product, effective against a wide range of insects and ticks. The active ingredient offers a remarkable combination of efficacy and skin tolerability, as well as safety for consumers and the environment.”

Saltidin® protects against a wide variety of ticks and insects

Extensive laboratory and field tests have proven that Saltidin® (Picaridin) provides a reliable and long-lasting repellent effect against a wide range of blood-sucking insects. These include mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies as well as horseflies and fleas. Saltidin® has also proven effective against gnats, ants, and cockroaches. Amongst those, mosquitoes and ticks are very common disease carriers.

Insect repellents mitigate the risk of infectious disease

Nearly everyone, wherever they live in the world, is exposed to the risk of contracting an insect-borne disease. Every year, the WHO records well over 200 million cases of malaria and almost 100 million dengue fever infections. Dangerous diseases that may be transmitted in this way also include Lyme disease, early summer meningoencephalitis, West Nile fever and yellow fever. Various mosquito species also transmit diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, the Zika virus and the Chikungunya viral disease.

Blood-sucking insects as carriers of disease are starting to pose an increasing risk in temperate regions too. Institutions such as the Robert Koch Institute (RKI)1 in Germany are monitoring this development closely. Globalization, travel, and climate change create favorable conditions for invasive species. One of these is the Asian tiger mosquito, which can transmit several diseases.

A range of measures can be used to counteract these carriers. One of the most important measures for personal protection is the use of insect repellents. Ideally, they should be effective but gentle enough to be suitable for sensitive skin. Icaridin is one of the active ingredients recommended by numerous organizations, including the US Centers for Disease Control and the German Society for Tropical Medicine1, Travel Medicine and Global Health1 recommend the use of Icaridin.

A particularly gentle repellent for the whole family

Saltidin® (Icaridin/Picaridin) stands for gentle yet long-lasting protection. As the insect repellent remains on the skin surface very little of it is absorbed by the organism. Consumers with sensitive skin should note that Saltidin®

  • does not irritate the skin
  • does not cause skin sensitivity.

Therefore the active ingredient can be safely used in insect repellents for the whole family. Comprehensive toxicology studies have shown that Saltidin® (Picaridin) does not have any negative effects on vulnerable groups such as children or nursing mothers. Thanks to its good skin compatibility, the active ingredient is even used in hypoallergenic products – with the approval of the German Allergy and Asthma Association.

An insect repellent that even feels good on the skin

While other ingredients may influence skin feeling, insect repellents containing Saltidin® (Picaridin) generally feel very pleasant on the skin, as the active ingredient

  • is almost odorless and colorless,
  • does not feel greasy or sticky,
  • does not corrode plastics,
  • and may be used in variety of formulations and applications, from creams to sprays.

Should painted nails or sunglasses come into contact with the active ingredient, they remain undamaged. Saltidin® (Picaridin) is also compatible with most sports and outdoor equipment as well as with household items such as foil or furniture polish. This material compatibility is an important point in its favor.

Saltidin® is suitable for a wide range of applications

Saltidin® (Icaridin/Picaridin) is suited to the most varied formulations, whether for human or animal use, in solid, liquid or aerosol form. Saltidin® (Picaridin) may be used in water, oil or alcohol-based solutions. The active ingredient is compatible with many common cosmetic ingredients, including Aloe Vera, Dexpanthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and glycerin.

Saltigo assists manufacturers in the development of the most varied end-product formulations. For example, we provide guide formulations containing different concentrations of active ingredients for use in creams, gels, lotions, and pump sprays. We also offer guide formulations for wipes and other application methods.

Saltidin® provides advantages for processing and application

Manufacturers can also benefit from the advantageous processing characteristics of the active ingredient. Saltidin® (Picaridin):

  • has a long shelf life,
  • does not stick or smear,
  • is easily soluble,
  • may be processed hot or cold,
  • does not corrode processing equipment,
  • is compatible with many plastics and packaging materials, and
  • is safe to handle and to apply, as well as for the environment.

Would you like to find out more? Feel free to contact us

Your tailored end product: Saltigo is here to support manufacturers

Saltidin® (Icaridin/Picaridin) is registered as an active ingredient in numerous countries and economic regions including the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, and China. Specific regulations govern whether the ingredient is considered a biocide, medicine, or cosmetic additive. Saltigo supports manufacturers and formulators with regulatory issues, too. Take advantage of our expertise!

 

 

1 Available in German only

- Regulatory requirements in the United States differ from the EU. Please visit picaridin.saltidin.com to get in touch with our US team -




Find out more Navigation direction mobile application concept illustration

Service Center

Here you can find regulatory information and technical support.
Find out more
Find out more AdobeStock_166550057.jpeg

FAQ

What is it and how does it work? Here you will find some responses to common questions about the application and formulation of this active ingredient for repellents. 
Find out more