Top 10 Companies in the Picaridin Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving Insect Repellent Innovation

In Business Insights
September 28, 2025

The Global Picaridin Market was valued at USD 120.5 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 220.3 Million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.5% during the forecast period (2023–2029). This growth is being driven by rising concerns over insect-borne diseases, increasing demand for effective and safe alternatives to DEET in personal care products, and expanding outdoor recreational activities worldwide.

As the insect repellent industry evolves toward safer, more effective formulations amid growing environmental awareness and health concerns, the spotlight is on the key manufacturers who are driving innovation in synthetic repellents like Picaridin. Known for its low toxicity and long-lasting protection, Picaridin offers a compelling alternative to traditional options. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Picaridin Industry—a blend of pharmaceutical giants, chemical specialists, and emerging producers advancing global protection against insects.


🔟 1. Bayer AG

Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany
Key Offering: Picaridin (KBR 3023), Medical Grade Insect Repellents

Bayer AG stands as a pioneer in the Picaridin market, having originally developed the compound in the 1980s as a safer alternative to DEET. Today, their consumer health division produces high-purity Picaridin for use in sprays, lotions, and wipes, serving markets in personal care and public health. With a strong emphasis on research, Bayer continues to refine formulations for enhanced efficacy against mosquitoes and ticks, supporting global efforts to combat vector-borne diseases like Zika and Lyme.

Because Bayer’s expertise spans pharmaceuticals and agriculture, they integrate Picaridin into integrated pest management solutions. Their products are widely available in over 50 countries, backed by rigorous safety testing that highlights Picaridin’s non-irritating properties on skin.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Ongoing R&D for combination repellents with natural extracts
  • Partnerships with health organizations for disease prevention campaigns
  • Commitment to reducing environmental impact through biodegradable packaging

Download FREE Sample Report: Picaridin Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Lanxess AG (Saltigo GmbH)

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Icaridin (Picaridin), Chemical and Medical Grade Variants

Lanxess, through its subsidiary Saltigo, is a major producer of Picaridin, supplying bulk quantities to formulators worldwide. Operating advanced chemical synthesis facilities, they ensure high-quality output that meets pharmaceutical standards. Their focus on scalability has made them a go-to supplier for large-scale repellent production, particularly in Europe and North America, where regulatory compliance is stringent.

Furthermore, Lanxess invests in process optimization to minimize waste, aligning with sustainable chemistry principles. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also appeals to eco-conscious brands seeking reliable Picaridin sources.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of low-odor, high-concentration Picaridin formulations
  • Collaborations with cosmetic companies for multi-functional products

8️⃣ 3. Changzhou Shanfeng Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Changzhou, China
Key Offering: Industrial Grade Picaridin, Custom Synthesis

Changzhou Shanfeng Chemical is a key Asian player in Picaridin manufacturing, leveraging cost-effective production to serve emerging markets. They specialize in both standard and customized Picaridin grades, catering to the growing demand in Asia-Pacific for affordable insect protection. Their facilities incorporate modern distillation techniques to achieve purity levels above 99%, ensuring product reliability for end-users.

However, as global regulations tighten, the company is adapting by enhancing quality controls. This positions them well in supplying to international brands expanding into high-growth regions like India and Southeast Asia.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expansion of production capacity to meet rising export demands
  • Research into eco-friendly synthesis routes

7️⃣ 4. Hero Chem Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Picaridin for Repellents, Bulk Intermediates

Hero Chem emerges as a dynamic force in the Picaridin supply chain, focusing on high-volume production for mosquito and tick repellents. Based in China, they export to over 30 countries, benefiting from strategic location near raw material sources. Their commitment to ISO-certified processes guarantees consistent quality, making them a preferred partner for generic repellent manufacturers.

In recent years, Hero Chem has diversified into medical-grade Picaridin, responding to healthcare sector needs for hospital-grade sanitizers with insect protection. This shift underscores their adaptability in a competitive landscape.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Goal to increase medical-grade output by 20% annually
  • Partnerships for localized production in key markets

Download FREE Sample Report: Picaridin Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Jaico Inc.

Headquarters: Wayne, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: Picaridin Formulations, Repellent Blends

Jaico Inc. plays a vital role in the North American Picaridin market, specializing in formulated products that combine Picaridin with synergists for prolonged efficacy. As a family-owned business with decades of experience in pest control, they supply private-label repellents to major retailers. Their emphasis on user-friendly applications, like pump sprays, has driven consumer adoption in outdoor activities.

Because of their proximity to the U.S. market, Jaico excels in rapid response to seasonal demand spikes, such as during summer travel seasons. This agility helps them maintain a strong foothold amid increasing competition from imports.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integration of Picaridin in wearable repellent technologies
  • Targets for odorless, non-greasy formulations

5️⃣ 6. FluKa (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck KGaA)

Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, USA (Global ops in Darmstadt, Germany)
Key Offering: High-Purity Picaridin for Research and Medical Use

FluKa, under Merck KGaA, provides premium-grade Picaridin for laboratory and pharmaceutical applications, renowned for its analytical purity. Researchers rely on their products for studying repellent efficacy and toxicology. With a global distribution network, they support academic and industrial R&D, contributing to advancements in vector control strategies.

Moreover, Merck’s acquisition has bolstered FluKa’s capabilities in sustainable sourcing, ensuring traceability from synthesis to end-use. This transparency builds trust among clients prioritizing ethical supply chains.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Current output exceeds 500 tons/year for specialty grades
  • Target: Double R&D collaborations by 2026

4️⃣ 7. Cognis (BASF Personal Care)

Headquarters: Monheim, Germany
Key Offering: Picaridin in Cosmetic Repellents, Sustainable Variants

Cognis, now part of BASF’s personal care division, integrates Picaridin into skincare-infused repellents, appealing to the beauty industry. Their expertise in emulsification allows for elegant, non-oily textures that protect while moisturizing. Serving premium brands, they emphasize natural-compatible synthetics to meet consumer demands for multifunctional products.

Furthermore, BASF’s scale enables competitive pricing, facilitating wider market penetration in Europe and beyond. Their focus on hypoallergenic formulations addresses sensitivities common with other repellents.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Limited involvement in green chemistry for Picaridin production
  • R&D into bio-based alternatives under corporate programs

3️⃣ 8. Wuhan Kernel Bio-Engineering Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Wuhan, China
Key Offering: Picaridin for Agricultural and Consumer Use

Wuhan Kernel Bio specializes in Picaridin for both personal and agricultural applications, bridging consumer health with crop protection. As China’s market expands, they ramp up production to supply domestic and export needs, particularly for tick prevention in rural areas. Their bio-engineering approach incorporates fermentation techniques for purer intermediates.

However, geopolitical factors influence their international reach, prompting investments in compliance with global standards like REACH. This proactive stance enhances their credibility among overseas buyers.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Indigenous research into Picaridin efficacy against local pests
  • Collaborations to scale production sustainably

2️⃣ 9. Avexa Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.

Headquarters: Hyderabad, India
Key Offering: Generic Picaridin, Pharmaceutical Intermediates

Avexa Life Sciences is rising in the Indian Picaridin scene, producing cost-effective grades for the burgeoning South Asian market. Focused on generics, they support local manufacturers in creating accessible repellents for tropical climates. Their facilities adhere to GMP standards, ensuring safety for medical applications.

In addition, Avexa’s expansion plans include exporting to Africa, where malaria prevention is critical. By prioritizing affordability, they contribute to public health initiatives in underserved regions.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Aims for 300 tons/year renewable-sourced Picaridin
  • Major supply chain enhancements in progress

1️⃣ 10. Symrise AG

Headquarters: Holzminden, Germany
Key Offering: Picaridin in Fragranced Repellents, Sensory Formulations

Symrise AG leads in sensory-enhanced Picaridin products, masking any potential odors while maintaining protection. As a flavor and fragrance expert, they collaborate with brands to create appealing consumer goods. Their global footprint supports distribution to over 100 countries, with a strong presence in premium segments.

This innovative edge sets Symrise apart, as they blend chemistry with consumer insights. Their sustainability efforts include sourcing from verified suppliers, reducing the carbon footprint of production.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • End-to-end solutions for branded repellent lines
  • Strategic alliances with fragrance houses and producers

Read Full Report: Picaridin Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Picaridin Is Safer and More Accessible

The Picaridin market is experiencing a robust transformation. While demand for traditional repellents persists, the sector is channeling significant resources into advanced formulations, purity enhancements, and sustainable manufacturing practices to meet evolving consumer and regulatory needs.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid expansion in medical-grade Picaridin for healthcare settings
  • Regulatory mandates for safer repellents in over 50 countries by 2030
  • Digital tools for efficacy tracking and consumer education
  • Alliances between chemical firms and public health entities for awareness

Read Full Report: Picaridin Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies highlighted here are not only producing Picaridin—they’re pioneering safer protection against insects, fostering a more resilient global health landscape.