The Science

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What is PMD?

PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol) doesn’t sound like a natural compound. However it is completely plant-based, derived from citrus species such as citronella. Interestingly, not all PMD is from the same plant. The one we use is made from the Java citronella Cymbopogan winterianus herb. The other citronella species is the less potent C. nardus. To create our highly effective active ingredient, Java citronella leaves undergo a specialized laboratory process. It greatly enhances its potency, removes impurities, and results in a refined, turbocharged version of citronella-based PMD. It can also be synthesized from other citrus plants.

To be classified as a tropical-strength insect repellent, PMD must be present at a minimum concentration of 20%. These solutions are clinically proven to protect against malaria. Our entire range consist of sprays, lotions, roll-on & sunblock. They contain the purest and strongest PMD: Citrepel 75. Many natural repellents do not contain this high quality ingredient or insufficient concentration. It means that they do not give the same robust protection needed for high-risk areas of mosquito-borne illnesses all over the world. 

How It Works?

By camouflaging the wearer’s odours, e.g lactic acid, which are emitted by the body in proportion to the rate of metabolism. The more active, the more attractive a meal you are. Which is why sports players & cyclists get covered in bites in the summer months! Some kairomones, e.g. carbon dioxide, can be detected by a female mosquito from up to a kilometre away! It is like wearing Harry Potter’s Invisibility Cloak, thus making you incognito. Conversely, most synthetic IR’s interfere with an insect’s nervous system and hence are neurotoxic. 

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Mosquito Carrying Diseases & Vacinations?

44 countries are now malaria-free, Egypt being the latest. There were 263m malaria cases and 600k deaths in 2023 therefore the deadliest mosquito-borne disease is on the decline again from over 1m deaths earlier this century. Dengue fever is rapidly catching up with a record 14m cases in 2024. 

The real number of cases and fatalities is, in all likelihood, well over the official document figure because of underreporting: the illness is often difficult to diagnose & can be mistaken for other sicknesses. False positives are also common. Dengue awareness is now an important facet of our business. 

In addition there are quite a few other neglected tropical diseases, such as Zika that people need to guard against. Although all of the above infections are on the rise there are more quality insect repellents than ever before. However, only IRs containing 30% DEET & 20% PMD concentrations upwards give complete protection against these dangerous vectors, according to all Centres for Disease Controls, NHS, etc. There are 2 other IR’s also in the maximum effectiveness category but neither of these provide 100% protection everywhere in the world.

Vaccinations

Unfortunately the dengue vaccine has been withdrawn and there is no cure either.

Anti-malarials are used both for protection and cure, but none give total protection: Malarone provides around 90% which means you can still contract malaria whilst using them. As our Founder, Howard Carter, found out the hard way! Only concentrations of at least 20%, PMD and above test 100% for 4 hours or more against both Aedes species (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, the Asian Tiger mosquito, the latter is now present in small numbers within the UK.) that can carry dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika, and other NTDs. We are not doctors so please confer with your GP if you are unsure of anything on our website.

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Sugarcane Plastic?

Sugarcane plastic is a type of plastic made from sugarcane instead of oil. It looks and works just like regular plastic but is much better for the planet. That’s because sugarcane is a renewable material, absorbing carbon dioxide as it grows, reducing greenhouse gases. Plus, as a consumer, you can recycle sugarcane plastic, making it a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional plastics. 

Why Use It for Our Bottles and Tubes? 

All our bottles and tubes are made using a mix of sugarcane plastic and recycled plastic. This helps us cut down on waste and lower our environmental footprint while still creating strong, safe, and reliable packaging. 

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Howard Carter, Bite Prevention Expert & Incognito Co-Founder?

Howard writes regularly in the press including peer-reviewed journals, The Times, Sunday Times, the Daily Mail, Mirror and express, pharmacy and health magazines. He regularly appears on BBC and independent radio and is an accredited BBC expert.

Howard Carter became one of the UK’s foremost bite prevention experts, after contracting malaria and dengue in the same year. He lectures doctors and has coached numerous expeditions, including Royal Geographical, along with many celebrities, on avoiding bites from insects and ticks.  

Howard oversees all incognito testing at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and works closely with Professor James Logan. He excelled at Biology and Chemistry in education and in earlier days ran a laboratory dealing with quality assurance and quality control. Howard is a Master NLP practitioner and has a diploma from the University of London, in the Biological Basis of Human Behaviour.