Insect Repellent Active Ingredients Market

The insect repellent active ingredients market is anticipated to be valued $1.0 billion in 2023, with a 7.6% CAGR to reach $1.5 billion by 2028.The demand for insect repellent has been steadily increasing over the years due to several factors. One of the main drivers is the growing vector population. Insect repellents focus on controlling the infestation of mosquitoes, flies, ticks, bugs, fleas, and other organisms, which can cause adverse effects on humans. There have been rising instances of epidemics caused by pests such as cockroaches, bugs, mosquitoes, flies, and ants across the globe. To prevent such epidemics, various types of insect repellent formulations are being manufactured. The manufacturing may vary according to the type of insects targeted, formulations, active ingredients, concentration, permit requirements, and product registration.

Manufacturers must ensure that new formulations are developed, keeping in mind human health and environmental sustainability. As a result, several laws and regulations have been laid out for manufacturers to protect the people, the environment, and pesticide handlers.

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Insect Repellent Active Ingredients Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing cases of disease outbreak.

More than 17% of all infectious diseases are vector-borne, according to a report released by the WHO in March 2020. Each year, these illnesses result in about 700,000 deaths. They may be caused  by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Life-threatening diseases like chikungunya, influenza, the H1N1 virus, Zika virus, and dengue have all been on the rise over the past ten years and are typically carried by insects. The Zika virus outbreak in the Americas in 2017 (spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) was the most latest outbreak caused by insect vectors.

The most harmful diseases are spread by mosquitoes. Millions of people globally contract mosquito-borne diseases including malaria and dengue each year. The need for insect repellent products has increased recently due to the spread of diseases.

Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Globally, an estimated 219 million cases of malaria are reported; it results in more than 400,000 deaths annually. Most of the deaths occur in children below the age of five years.

Dengue is another deadly infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Every year, more than 3.9 billion people in over 129 countries contract dengue. The disease reportedly claims an estimated 40,000 lives every year. According to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) (India), in 2017, about 11,552 cases of dengue were reported in Tamil Nadu, recording a 350% increase in the number of cases compared to 2016.

Restraint: Side effects on babies

The potential side effects of insect repellent chemicals on babies can impact the market for insect repellent active ingredients. Concerns regarding the safety and well-being of infants can lead to reduced consumer confidence and demand for these products. Parents and caregivers prioritize the health of their children, and if they perceive insect repellents as posing risks or adverse effects, they may seek alternative methods of protection or avoid using repellents altogether.

Opportunity: Increase in demand for insect repellent products in outdoor activities

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for insect repellent products in outdoor activities. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including an increase in outdoor recreation and travel, rising awareness of insect-borne diseases, and the growing popularity of natural and eco-friendly insect repellent products. Products, such as water-based repellents or naturally derived insect repellents, provide efficient and long-term protection against mosquitoes, fleas, bugs, ticks, and other insects.

As more people are engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing, they are increasingly concerned about protecting themselves from insect bites and the diseases that they can transmit. Insect bites can not only cause discomfort but also lead to serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021, each year, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to CDC by state health departments and the District of Columbia. As a result, people are increasingly looking for ways to protect themselves from insect bites and reduce their risk of contracting these diseases. As people become more aware of the risks associated with insect bites, they are more likely to take precautions, such as using insect repellent products. This increased awareness has led to a rise in demand for insect repellent products, particularly those that are effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other disease-carrying insects.

Challenge: Development of active ingredient-resistance among insects reducing the effectiveness of chemical compounds

The development of active ingredient resistance in insects inadvertently create a daunting challenge for effective insect repellents. Through continuous exposure to specific active ingredients, such as DEET or picaridin, insects can develop resistance over time, rendering repellents less effective. This resistance occurs when genetic mutations enable insects to tolerate or avoid the repellent's effects. For instance, mosquitoes have displayed resistance to pyrethroids, a common class of insecticides used in repellents. Such resistance jeopardizes the efficacy of repellents, necessitating the development of alternative active ingredients and strategies to combat evolving insect populations and ensure effective protection against insect-borne diseases.

Insect Repellent Active Ingredients Market Ecosystem

Prominent companies in this market include well-established, financially stable manufacturers of insect repellent active ingredients market. These companies have been operating in the market for several years and possess a diversified product portfolio, state-of-the-art technologies, and strong global sales and marketing networks. Prominent companies in this market include Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd(Japan),BASF SE (Germany), Spectrum Brands, Inc. (US), Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (UK), Henkel Ag & Co.  (Germany), Merck Kgaa (Germany), S C Johnson & Sons Inc. (US), Dabur (India), Godrej Consumer Products Limited (Us), Enesis Group (Indonesia) and Sawyer (US).

Based on concentration type, 10-50% is estimated to account for the largest market share of the insect repellent market

Based on concentration type, 10-50% concentration segment is estimated to account for the largest market share. Products containing a 10%- 50% concentration of active ingredients are most widely used in tick-infested areas with a higher risk of contracting vector-borne diseases. This is because lower concentrations of most EPA-registered repellents are not effective at warding off ticks. A repellent with at least 20% concentration is deemed effective for protection in an infested area. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 20% DEET to evade tick bites. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) 2020, it is safe to administer DEET to children older than two months old in concentrations of 10% to 30% DEET. Protection against products containing less than 20% picaridin or DEET lasts only a short time. DEET is considered to work best at a concentration of 30% to 35%. DEET and picaridin should be used by travellers of tropical regions in the recommended concentrations (i.e., 20% or greater) every 4 to 6 hours.

Aerosols segment of the insect repellent active ingredients market by end application is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on end application type, the aerosols segment estimated to account for the highest growth rate. Aerosol insect repellents are widely used and highly effective forms of insect protection, providing a convenient and versatile solution for repelling a variety of biting insects. These products come in pressurized cans or containers and are designed to disperse a fine mist or spray of repellent. Aerosol insect repellents offer several advantages. Their spray format allows for easy and even application, ensuring complete coverage on exposed skin. The fine mist enables the repellent to reach difficult-to-access areas, such as clothing folds or hair. This makes aerosol repellents suitable for outdoor activities and areas with high insect populations.

Based on type, DEET segment are anticipated to dominate the market.

Based on type, the market is segmented into DEET, Picardin,IR3535,P-Methane 3,8-DIOL (PMD),DEPA and other Types. DEET, also known by its chemical name N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is a primary ingredient in many repellents. It is frequently used for repelling biting insects like ticks and mosquitoes. According to US EPA 2021, an estimated one-third of Americans use DEET annually to protect themselves against diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever and diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as the West Nile virus, the Zika virus, or malaria. Currently, DEET-containing products can be purchased by the general public in a range of liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials (such as towelettes and roll-ons). DEET is present in formulas that can be applied directly to human skin in amounts ranging from 5 to 99%. DEET is approved for use by consumers, however it is not applied to food (apart from a few veterinary purposes).

The Asia Pacific market is projected to contribute the largest share for the insect repellent active ingredients market.

Asia Pacific region is confronted with a significant challenge posed by vector-borne diseases, transmitted primarily by insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. These diseases, namely dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis, have a profound impact on public health, resulting in substantial loss of life and economic burden. Each year, a considerable number of cases are reported across key countries in the region.

Mosquitoes, being prevalent insects in the Asia Pacific, are notorious for their role in spreading diseases like dengue fever, which affects millions of people annually. In 2021 according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), India alone reported approximately 67,377 cases of dengue fever, indicating a rising trend in the country. Similarly, Japan faces the persistent threat of Japanese encephalitis, transmitted by mosquitoes, with thousands of cases reported each year. This is expected to drive the large market for insect repellents in the region.

Key Market Players

The key players in this include Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd(Japan),BASF SE (Germany), Spectrum Brands, Inc. (US), Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (UK), Henkel Ag & Co.  (Germany), Merck Kgaa (Germany), S C Johnson & Sons Inc. (US), Dabur (India), Godrej Consumer Products Limited (Us), Enesis Group (Indonesia), Sawyer (Us), Bugg Products Llc (US), Coghlan's (Canada), Aurorium (US),Tropical Labs Inc. (US), Pelgar International (US), Clariant (Switzerland), Lanxess (Germany), ,Citrefine (UK), Cangzhou Panoxi Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), Qingdao Benzo New Materials Co., Ltd. (China), Hefei Tnj Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (China), Nk Chemiosys Private Limited (India), Shogun Organics (India) And Sarex (India).

These players in this market are focusing on increasing their presence through agreements and collaborations. These companies have a strong presence in North America, Asia Pacific and Europe. They also have manufacturing facilities along with strong distribution networks across these regions.

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Scope of the Report

This research report categorizes the insect repellent active ingredients market based on type, concentration, insect type, end application and region.

Recent Developments

• In 2022, In response to the Global Pest threat, Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc. (US) is anticipating future health threats and working to find new, non-toxic ways to reduce the transmission of disease by pests, whilst preserving beneficial insects and microbes. In collaboration with the London School of Hygiene the company is developing plant-based insect repellents to reduce pest resistance.
• In 2019, Spectrum partnered with AHS to help gain customer attention to its repellents, such as REPEL.
• In 2021, Citrefine had recently completed its new laboratory, which would serve as a climate-controlled room for its machines and would provide an expanded space to develop new formulations. This will provide best naturally derived insect repellent for company.

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