Saltidin^® (Picaridin) is a relatively new active ingredient that protects against insect and tick bites. It was developed in 1985 as an alternative to diethyltoluamide (DEET), offering improved tolerability with the same degree of effectiveness. Icaridin, the non-proprietary name of the active ingredient as defined by the WHO, is a piperidine derivative. Its CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number is 119515-38-7. Saltidin^® is an organic liquid that is almost odorless and colorless. Saltigo, a 100% subsidiary of LANXESS, markets the active ingredient under the trade name Saltidin^® and can offer decades of proven expertise in large-scale production. On the label, insect repellent packaging will display Saltidin^®, Icaridin or, in the English-language market, Picaridin. Saltidin^® (Picaridin) is an active ingredient that repels insects and ticks without killing or harming them.

Saltidin^® (Picaridin) acts as an olfactory shield against insects and ticks that detect the scents and smells of their warm-blooded hosts – i.e. humans and animals. This can be our breath or our perspiration as well as body odors such as sweat and some cosmetic fragrances. For blood-sucking insects those work as signposts leading the way to their sources of food. Applied in sufficient quantities across the body, insect repellents containing Saltidin^® (Picaridin) form a film on the skin that conceals the messenger scents. This means that biting insects and ticks no longer recognize properly treated humans and pets as a food source. They do not get attracted by the smell and thus do not approach the host. Even if they do settle on the skin or fur, they do not sting or bite. This can be described as a “camouflage effect”.

Saltidin^® (Picaridin) was developed specifically as an alternative to diethyltoluamide (DEET). The researchers’ aim was to achieve a high degree of efficacy, providing at the same time the best possible tolerability. Their efforts have been successful. Insect repellents containing Saltidin^® (Picaridin) are suitable even for sensitive groups such as children, pregnant women and allergy sufferers. For this reason, a number of consumer protection agencies and tropical research institutes recommend repellents containing this active ingredient. In tolerability tests, Saltidin^® (Picaridin) products regularly achieve excellent scores. In addition, Saltidin^® is compatible with plastics, metals and many other materials, meaning there is no damage if the active ingredient comes into contact with recreational and household items, including nail polish. Another advantage of using Saltidin^® is the pleasant skin feel – with no stickiness or noxious smell. 

Yes, Saltidin^® (Picaridin) is suitable for sensitive groups, including infants. Tests have shown a good level of tolerability, even for breastfeeding women. Ultimately any manufacturer is responsible for testing their final products for efficacy and tolerability, as they will contain other ingredients.

The most well-known type of mosquito in Central Europe is the common mosquito (Culex pipiens). Among other diseases, Culex mosquitoes can transmit the West Nile fever virus. Climate change, global supply chains and tourism create favorable conditions for invasive species such as the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which has spread across European countries. This species of mosquito can transmit several dangerous diseases including dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever as well as the Zika virus, being deemed a public health risk by the Robert Koch Institute¹. The Friedrich Löffler Institute is one of the institutions conducting research into the spread of invasive mosquito species¹.

Insect repellents containing Saltidin^® (Picaridin) are available across many countries and in a broad variety of applications, including:

• pump sprays,
• creams,
• lotions,
• gels,
• aerosols.

Formulations suitable for use on textiles are also available, as well as for animals, such as horses and dogs.

Saltidin^® (Picaridin) keeps ticks and bloodsucking insects away without poisoning them. This is down to the fact that the active ingredient masks body odors that attract insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. Thanks to this camouflage effect, the bloodsuckers stay away or don’t recognize their host as such, meaning they don’t sting, without being harmed or killed. Used properly, Saltidin^® is safe for humans and pets. Extensive studies also show that the correct use of repellents containing Saltidin^® (Picaridin) poses no risk to the environment either. Saltidin^® has also been shown not to be harmful to non-bloodsucking insects such as bees or wasps.

Saltigo as a company does not market personal insect repellents end products, but rather sells the active ingredient Saltidin^® (Picaridin) to manufacturers who use it to produce and distribute insect repellents. Saltidin^® products are available in many countries around the world.  Consumers have access to the products in supermarkets, drugstores, pharmacies, and online shops. Consumers will recognize repellents containing our active ingredient by the name Saltidin^® (Icaridin) or, in the English-speaking world, Picaridin, on the product label.

Saltidin^® (Picaridin) has been successfully used in repellents in various climate zones for decades. For trips to the tropics in particular, preparations containing our active ingredient can be relied on, being recommended by the German Society for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine and Global Health¹ for the prevention of malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and the Zika virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using repellents to prevent infection with yellow fever, while the Robert Koch Institute¹ (RKI) recommends using a repellent to prevent West Nile fever. Other protective measures against mosquitoes include wearing long, tightly woven clothing, impregnated if necessary, mosquito nets and insect roller blinds or screens. Avoid mosquito breeding sites such as stagnant water, and prevent those in your own garden by covering bins and cleaning bird baths and planter saucers regularly.

Since ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and early summer meningoencephalitis, it is advisable to protect yourself against their bites. This includes applying repellent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid high grass and brushwood and keep to hiking trails. Additionally, long, tightly woven clothing that is sealed at the sleeves and pant seams also offers protection. After spending time outdoors, check your body and your children or pets for ticks. Remove ticks immediately, or have them removed. Wash clothing after spending time outdoors, since ticks can remain concealed in it waiting for an opportunity. 

Natural oils often offer less effective protection than synthetic repellent active ingredients. Also, they are not always without risk – geraniol for instance can cause allergic reactions with susceptible individuals. Lavender and citronella oils can also irritate the skin.

While Saltigo specializes in human applications for its active ingredient, the global market offers products that have been very successfully used on animals such as dogs and horses. We support repellent manufacturers who have questions on products for animals. Feel free to contact us!

Saltigo provides repellent manufacturers with guide formulations tailored to the desired method of application and target group. Usually, formulations contain between 10 to 25 percent Saltidin^® (Picaridin).

The guide formulations developed by Saltigo are basic formulations that can be used as is or further developed by the customer. Naturally, all our customers are free to develop their own guide formulations. We will be happy to support you with our know-how. Feel free to contact us!

Saltigo has developed guide formulations for various methods of application, including:

• creams,
• lotions,
• pump sprays,
• gels,
• aerosols.

Pump sprays are commonly sold in Europe. If you are interested in developing this type of formulation or a different one, do get in touch.

Over the decades that Saltidin^® (Picaridin) has proved its qualities as a reliable active ingredient on the market, extensive environmental safety studies have been carried out. These studies have been used to attain registrations worldwide, most recently as part of the EU registration of the active substance under the Biocides Regulation (EU no. 528/2012). They have shown that Saltidin^® decomposes rapidly in soil and water, with icaridin acid being the main breakdown product. Based on all available acute and chronic ecotoxicological studies, Saltidin^® (Picaridin) is classified as non-toxic to aquatic life according to regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP). The environmental risk assessment carried out as part of the authorization procedure for biocidal active substances showed no risk to aquatic or terrestrial organisms in wastewater treatment plants, surface water, sediments, and soils. This applies both to Saltidin^® (Picaridin) and to the breakdown product icaridin acid. In short, when used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label, Saltidin^® can be considered safe for the environment.

The rights to the Saltidin^® trademark are the property of Saltigo GmbH. We are the main manufacturer of the active ingredient in the quality and quantity required for the commercial production of insect repellents. In the EU, Saltigo is registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as the active ingredient’s manufacturer, meaning it holds all the data and information that have to be submitted for licensing under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). Saltigo also holds the active ingredient license in many other countries and regions.

Further information for support in meeting the regulations is available here.

Saltidin^® (Icaridin) is registered as an active ingredient in the EU, the USA, Canada, China and Australia, among others. Saltigo is constantly driving market growth and registration in other countries.

Insect repellents based on Saltidin^® (Picaridin) have already been successfully registered in more than 50 countries worldwide. These include the USA, Canada, China, and other Asian countries.

Different countries and economic regions take differing approaches to regulating active ingredients, meaning that local regulations determine whether Saltidin^® (Picaridin) is considered a biocide, a medicine or a cosmetic additive. In most countries, insect repellents need to be authorized before they can be marketed. Some countries also require the active ingredient to be registered. Saltigo can arrange for the active ingredient to be registered in selected countries and help its customers with registering their insect repellents.

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