Nootkatone is a natural compound found in grapefruit rinds and Alaskan cedarwood. Known for its distinctive fresh, citrusy aroma, it has been used for decades in the food and fragrance industries. Recently, it has gained attention for its powerful insect-repellent properties. 

Why is Nootkatone Special?
In 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered nootkatone as an active ingredient for use in insect repellents. This means nootkatone met strict safety and effectiveness standards for repelling mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other biting insects (EPA Press Release, 2020). 

Unlike traditional chemical repellents such as DEET, nootkatone is derived from natural sources and offers an eco-friendly alternative. It breaks down quickly in the environment and is less likely to irritate the skin, making it safer for the whole family, including children, pets and pregnant women (CDC Vector-Borne Diseases, 2024).

How Does Nootkatone Work?
Nootkatone works by disrupting insects' sensory receptors, essentially "confusing" mosquitoes and ticks and preventing them from detecting humans and animals. This mode of action makes it a highly effective natural insect repellent. 

In addition, early data from CDC-funded studies show that formulas formulated with nootkatone have been shown to provide up to 4-6 hours of protection at concentrations of 2-3%. 

Scientific Backing
Below are a few studies highlight nootkatone's effectiveness:

•  In 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered nootkatone as an active ingredient for use in insect repellents. This means nootkatone met strict safety and effectiveness standards for repelling mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other biting insects (EPA Press Release, 2020). 
  
  
• Unlike traditional chemical repellents such as DEET, nootkatone is derived from natural sources and offers an eco-friendly alternative. It breaks down quickly in the environment and is less likely to irritate the skin, making it safer for the whole family, including children, pets and pregnant women (CDC Vector-Borne Diseases).
  
  
•  Reviews by Iowa State University and Smithsonian noted that it's "better at discouraging ticks than DEET" and provides lasting protection far longer than most plant Smithsonian magazine, 2018.

Nootkatone in the News

• The New York Times featured nootkatone in a 2020 article highlighting its potential to revolutionize insect repellents as a safer, natural alternative to DEET. The article sparked widespread interest in this biotech-derived ingredient and its role in protecting people and pets from ticks and mosquitoes (NY Times, 2020). This is the article that changed my career trajectory and led to the creation of Noonka.
  
  
• It has been recognized as a game-changing, first new repellent ingredient since 2009, praised for its safety and effectiveness Public Tick IPM Working Group.