Citriodiol: A naturally sourced insect repellent

With continuously changing restrictions, hesitancy over long-distance trips and prolonged uncertainty about border control, many consumers cancelled their international holiday plans for 2021, but travel agents are seeing a surge in demand for 2022.1 After postponing travel for 18 months or more, people are focused on destinations like India, South East Asia and South Africa.2

As mosquitos are found on every continent, excluding Antarctica, international travel brings a high risk of vectorborne diseases, such as malaria, chikungunya, Zika virus and Japanese encephalitis. Aside from the risk of disease, mosquito bites are a nuisance for travellers and can be uncomfortable, irritating and even painful, especially for children.

As mosquitos and other insects are difficult to completely avoid, insect repellents are an essential personal care product for travellers. With a growing awareness of vector-borne disease following the Zika virus epidemic in 20163 , and the ongoing global malaria crisis, the demand for insect repellent is anticipated to increase in line with a surge in international travel - so much so that the global market value of mosquito repellent products is forecast to exceed $6 billion by 2027.4