Can anyone tell me about what Picaridin is?

[pilotwife_02]

It's an ingredient in an Avon bug spray.

I was going to buy just plain old Skin So Soft from Avon as a bug repellent and my friend suggested their bug guard but Picaridin is one of the ingredients but I have never heard of it.

My son has pretty sensitive skin so I'm not sure I like that idea. I read a little about it, that it's an alternative to DEET.

Guess if I'm trying to stay away from chemicals, I need to say not to this and just stick with good old fashion SSS from Avon, huh?

 

[KristaTX]

I found this http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/factsheets/picaridin.pdf

 

[KristaTX]

And this http://www.picaridin.com/

 

[laurie31]

We use Repel with Lemon Eucalyptus instead of something with an insecticide.

I am a mosquito magnet, and while wearing Repel I actually witnessed a mosquito fly up to my arm and then fly off without trying to land.

In general, a repellent with 30% Lemon Eucalyptus oil will provide protection about equal to repellents containing 10%-15% DEET. One comparison test produced the following results:

Off Skintastic for Kids - 4.75% DEET – 88.4 minutes protection time
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent - 120.1 minutes protection time
Off Deep Woods - 23.8% DEET – 301.5 minutes protection time

Testing has shown it to be the most effective herbal mosquito repellent, outlasting citronella and soy-oil products. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus provides protection from mosquitoes, biting flies and gnats. Repel® lemon eucalyptus spray claims to also repel deer ticks (carriers of Lyme Disease) for up to 6 hours.


For short-term protection from mosquito species found in the USA, oil of lemon eucalyptus sprays and lotions are an effective alternative to repellents containing approximately 6.65% to 15% DEET.

 

[metalis4ever]

I myself have very sensitive skin; I just checked the bug spray that I use and it contains this chemical and I have never experienced any skin irritation.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center it is a synthetic compound that has been in used in bug sprays and pesticides since the 1980's.

NPIC Report

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.pdf

Pesticides are pesticides whether they are natural or synthetic as both can result in irritation in those with sensitive skin such as myself and your son, so I would go with what you know wont cause such a reaction with your son

 

[pilotwife_02]

Thanks! I saw those websites, I guess I was wondering if anyone has used a product with it in it before and if they had any problems with it, reactions, etc.

I guess I'll just stick to either original SSS or I'll try the Repel product Laurie suggested.

 

[pilotwife_02]

I myself have very sensitive skin; I just checked the bug spray that I use and it contains this chemical and I have never experienced any skin irritation.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center it is a synthetic compound that has been in used in bug sprays and pesticides since the 1980's.

NPIC Report

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.pdf

Pesticides are pesticides whether they are natural or synthetic as both can result in irritation in those with sensitive skin such as myself and your son, so I would go with what you know wont cause such a reaction with your son

Thanks! We were posting at the same time

And you are absolutely right, he has had reactions to natural sunscreens before. This kid make me work so hard to find stuff to put on his skin!

 

[krcit]

We use Repel with Lemon Eucalyptus instead of something with an insecticide.

I am a mosquito magnet, and while wearing Repel I actually witnessed a mosquito fly up to my arm and then fly off without trying to land.

Do you get this at the drugstore(CVS)? I was just about to order my Avon but would like to try the Repel. TIA

 

[chabs]

My DS and I both have very bad contact skin allergies. The first time we tried Off, he was covered in hives. Avon is the only bug spray that we can both tolerate and it works well. I highly recommend it-although you never know if it will affect you differently.

 

[Ceila]

I get eaten alive by mosquitoes, and I used to use SSS, but since it is an oil it isn't good to wear in the sun. I switched to Avon's Bug Guard and it works extremely well. I have sensitive skin, too, but of course everyone is different. Just be careful if you buy the SSS, since it will increase the potential for a bad sunburn.

 

[pilotwife_02]

I get eaten alive by mosquitoes, and I used to use SSS, but since it is an oil it isn't good to wear in the sun. I switched to Avon's Bug Guard and it works extremely well. I have sensitive skin, too, but of course everyone is different. Just be careful if you buy the SSS, since it will increase the potential for a bad sunburn.

Thanks! I was thinking of using it at night, so I don't have to worry about the oil causing sunburn! I am going to get that and the repel and see which works best. I think the SSS might be good for my son and his eczema anyway, I read the reviews on their site about people who had it and said it helped.