Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Rich in PMD

Lemon eucalyptus oil enriched with PMD is an effective and safe solution for repelling mosquitoes and insects. Learn more about p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) on Vietplantex!

1. Why is p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) more effective than regular lemon eucalyptus oil?

The reason is that p-menthane-3,8-diol – the most important component providing mosquito-repellent effects in lemon eucalyptus oil – only accounts for about 2%, while PMD-enriched lemon eucalyptus oil has a p-menthane-3,8-diol concentration 30 times higher than regular oil, extending the mosquito-repelling effectiveness.

2. Advantages of PMD-Enriched Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Below are the superior advantages of PMD-enriched lemon eucalyptus oil compared to regular essential oils.

2.1. Long-lasting mosquito repellency

Some studies have shown that at 20% concentration, PMD provides at least 5 hours of protection against mosquito bites (for Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, and Ochlerotatus strains) and can extend up to 8 hours. [1][2]
The main component, p-menthane-3,8-diol (>60%), synergizes with other natural components in lemon eucalyptus oil, providing superior mosquito-repelling effects compared to the pure compound.

2.2. Safety

PMD-enriched lemon eucalyptus oil contains 100% pure lemon eucalyptus extract, with no solvents or other synthetic ingredients (including alcohol), making it a completely natural product.
p-menthane-3,8-diol has low skin absorption even at high concentrations, no unwanted side effects, no irritation or burning sensation, suitable for children from 3 months old, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. When applied to the skin, it does not cause irritation but provides a cooling sensation, mild natural fragrance.

p-menthane-3,8-diol is the only natural ingredient to date that has passed the most rigorous safety and efficacy tests. In the US, this active ingredient is approved by the EPA and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of the few agents used to combat mosquito- and tick-borne diseases.

Health and medical authorities in Europe, Japan, Canada, and many other countries have also recognized the high mosquito-repelling efficacy and safety of p-menthane-3,8-diol, approving many PMD-containing products.

See more: Geranium essential oil

2.3. Environmentally friendly

PMD-enriched lemon eucalyptus oil is produced by steam distillation, a time-honored process using only leaves and branches while allowing the tree to continue growing.
p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) is entirely naturally derived from lemon eucalyptus trees grown in raw material regions in Northern Vietnam provinces, GMO-free (non-genetically modified), rapidly biodegradable, does not accumulate in soil, water, air, or alter existing ecosystems. PMD-enriched lemon eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, or other natural essential oils from VietPlantEx do not exterminate or poison beneficial insects (bees, ants, butterflies, termites…), safe for ecosystems.

3. Applications

With its superior advantages and consumer trends toward natural, safe, friendly products, PMD-enriched lemon eucalyptus oil will gradually replace chemical repellents like DEET.
PMD-enriched lemon eucalyptus oil can be used in various mosquito-repellent products, making it a promising raw material.

The VietPlantEx research team is always ready to collaborate with customers to develop products using PMD-enriched lemon eucalyptus oil.

4. Production Process of PMD-Enriched Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) is synthesized by lemon eucalyptus leaves at the highest concentration when leaves turn yellow at the end of their life cycle. This is also why regular lemon eucalyptus oil has low p-menthane-3,8-diol content, as harvesting of branches and leaves for oil occurs before yellowing; waiting for yellowing risks untimely harvest and leaf drop, affecting yield.
After extensive research and experiments, VietPlantEx simulated and accelerated the natural synthesis process of p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) in lemon eucalyptus trees, successfully enriching this active ingredient in the oil to over 60%.

VietPlantEx proudly pioneers in Vietnam the successful production of PMD-enriched lemon eucalyptus oil with high concentration.

With advantages in controlled raw material sources, mastered production processes, and modern equipment, VietPlantEx always: ready to supply large quantities, ensuring consistent and stable quality across production batches.

References:

Carroll SP, Loye J (2006), Field Test of a Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent against Leptoconops Biting Midges, J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2006 Sep;22(3), 483-485.

Carroll SP, Loye J (2006), PMD, a registered botanical mosquito repellent with deet-like efficacy, J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2006 Sep;22(3), 507-14.