What ingredients are in a tick repellent product? - briefly
Typical active agents include DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD), and IR3535, while the formulation’s carrier matrix commonly consists of ethanol or water, emulsifiers, skin‑conditioning additives, and fragrance.
What ingredients are in a tick repellent product? - in detail
Tick‑repellent formulations combine one or more active agents with carriers, solvents, stabilizers, and optional fragrance or skin‑conditioning additives. The active ingredients are responsible for deterring or killing ticks, while the inert components ensure proper skin absorption, product stability, and user comfort.
Active agents
- DEET (N,N‑diethyl‑m‑toluamide): Effective at concentrations from 10 % to 30 %; higher percentages extend protection time up to 8 hours.
- Picaridin (KBR‑3023): Used at 5 %–20 % concentrations; comparable efficacy to DEET with a milder odor.
- Permethrin: Applied to clothing or gear, not skin; typical concentration 0.5 %–1 % creates a residual barrier that kills ticks on contact.
- IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate): Formulated at 5 %–20 %; provides moderate protection with low irritation risk.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD): Natural compound used at 30 %–40 % for up to 6 hours of protection.
Carrier and solvent matrix
- Ethanol or isopropanol: Volatile solvents that dissolve active agents and promote rapid skin drying. Concentrations vary from 30 % to 70 % depending on formulation type.
- Water: Base for aqueous sprays; may be deionized to prevent mineral deposits.
- Glycerin or propylene glycol: Humectants that retain moisture, improve spreadability, and reduce skin dryness.
Stabilizers and preservatives
- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA): Antioxidants that protect the active ingredients from oxidation.
- Phenoxyethanol, chlorhexidine, or parabens: Broad‑spectrum preservatives that inhibit microbial growth in the product container.
Skin‑conditioning additives (optional)
- Aloe vera gel or panthenol: Provide soothing effect and mitigate potential irritation from the active agent.
- Fragrance compounds: Low‑concentration essential oils or synthetic scents added for user preference; must not interfere with repellent efficacy.
Typical concentration ranges
- Low‑risk formulations: 10 % DEET or 5 % picaridin, combined with 40 % ethanol, 5 % glycerin, and 0.2 % BHT.
- High‑efficacy products: 30 % DEET or 20 % picaridin, 50 % isopropanol, 3 % propylene glycol, 0.5 % phenoxyethanol, optional 1 % aloe vera.
The precise ingredient list varies by manufacturer, but every commercial tick repellent must list the active chemical, its concentration, and any solvents, stabilizers, or additives required for safety, stability, and user comfort.