Picaridin is a synthetic compound that was first made in the 1980s to resemble the natural compound piperine, which is found in the group of plants that are used to produce black pepper. It is a common active ingredient used in skin-applied insect repellents. Picaridin can be used on human skin or clothing to repel mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, fleas, and chiggers. It is available in various forms such as pump sprays, liquids, aerosols, or wipes. Picaridin repels insects and makes them less likely to bite by preventing the mosquito from finding or recognizing its host. It does not kill insects. Picaridin is safe for use on clothing, backpacks, synthetic fabrics, watches, sunglasses, and wont damage plastics or synthetic coatings. It is considered to be a safe and effective mosquito repellent for children over two months old and for adults. Picaridin is a perfect balance of efficacy, safety, and user-friendliness, and it is the longest-lasting repellent with up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against a variety of flies, chiggers, and gnats.