Which insect repellents should we choose? Implications from results of local market survey and review of current guidelines

Mosquito-borne diseases are global problems. The use of topical insect repellents is a key measure recommended by health authorities to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Despite more than a hundred commercial products available in the market, there are relatively few active ingredients used across these formulations. The most common active components are diethyltoluamide, picaridin, p-menthane-3,8-diol, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535) and a range of plant-derived products. Research has shown that each of these active ingredients vary in the duration of protection provided against biting mosquitoes. However, the wide spectrum of commercial preparations and various recommendations from different health authorities make it a challenge to pick an effective product for end users as well as healthcare personnel. A local market survey was conducted to assess the mosquito repellent formulae in available products in Hong Kong, and a review of the current recommendations issued by local and overseas authorities on choosing the suitable insect repellents is performed with consideration of recent research and currently available topical repellents in the market.