Did a quick search on Google, and could not find any serious concerns with Picaridin; just the opposite in fact, in terms of OKs from those who should know.
I liked this repellent when it first came out a few years ago, because it is not oily, and while some brands drench it with perfume, the Repel Gear Smart has a pleasant scent. The earliest Cutter version was only 5%, which was ineffective, but the 15-20% versions available later, are reasonably effective so long as you don't get into a swarm of insects. But even Ben's DEET has trouble coping with that.
But I could not find Picaridin in the usual places this year, so had to mail order it.
Unfortunately, after a few days of use once a day for an hour or so to walk the dogs, and with washing thereafter, discovered tiny red lesions on my forearms. I had also experienced a kind a crawly feeling on my face that woke me up at night and raised concerns about bedbugs or noseeums. Swabbing with isopropyl alcohol seemed to help.
Wasn't sure at first what was going on, but then recalled that the irritated areas were just where the repellent had been applied. After washing and switching back to DEET, the problem cleared up within 48 hours.
I almost never have allergy issues, or at least not that I know about. So would suggest anyone using Picaridin and experiencing similar effects consider another repellent.
