PMD and the Story of incognito®: Protecting People and the Planet with Camps International

At incognito®, we’re on a mission to protect people from insect bites and insect-borne diseases while preserving the planet—values that align perfectly with Camps International’s commitment to responsible travel, sustainability, and community impact.

Whether students are embarking on a jungle adventure or hiking through mountains, the right insect repellent is crucial for their safety. This is where PMD, a natural ingredient derived from Java citronella, steps in to offer a safer, eco-friendly solution for all travellers.

Through our partnership with Camps International, we aim to help students stay safe from insect-borne diseases while supporting their ethical travel experiences.

Let’s explore why PMD is the ideal ingredient for protecting young adventurers and how our C.L.O.A.K. method ensures complete protection in the field.

PMD: nature’s answer to insect protection

PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol) is the hero ingredient powering incognito®’s core insect repellents. Derived from Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), our PMD undergoes a unique process to enhance its potency and efficacy, providing up to 100% protection* for at least four hours against the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

This mosquito species is known to carry diseases such as dengue, Chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. PMD has been identified by the WHO and NHS as being just as effective as synthetic alternatives like DEET but is also natural and eco-friendly, making it ideal for young travellers or anyone with sensitive skin.

How does PMD compare to other common repellents?

Unlike DEET, which has been linked to toxicity concerns, PMD biodegrades naturally, offering sustainable protection without lingering in the environment. Furthermore, we’ve removed common allergens from our PMD formulation, making it suitable for nearly everyone.

Our powerful and unique PMD formula is Ecocert-certified and ratified by the Soil Association as 100% natural, which has made incognito® the UK’s number one natural insect repellent.

The journey to the UK’s #1 natural insect repellent

The story of incognito® began with a personal journey that transformed the lives of our founders, Howard Carter and Patricia Conlon. Both passionate travellers, they experienced the limitations of traditional insect repellents first hand. Howard contracted both malaria and dengue fever during his travels in Thailand and India, despite using DEET-based products. Meanwhile, Patricia, while exploring the Amazon Rainforest, was struck by the harsh chemicals in traditional repellents and their impact on the environment.

These experiences led Howard and Patricia to question whether a better solution existed. They believed that people deserved effective protection from insects without compromising on safety or ethics. This desire for an alternative led to the creation of incognito®, a natural and highly effective insect repellent brand suitable for all ages and skin types.

Since its inception, incognito® has grown steadily, reaching thousands of customers across the UK and beyond, and protecting families, travellers, students, and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. The brand’s dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility has earned incognito® numerous accolades, including two Queen’s Awards for Sustainable Development and multiple P.E.A. (People. Environment. Achievement.) Awards. We are also proudly Vegan and B Corp-certified, joining a global community of purpose-driven businesses committed to social and environmental impact.

Preparing for your next Camps International expedition: travel essentials from incognito®

incognito® offers a full range of travel essentials to keep you safe during your adventure. Our flagship PMD insect repellent spray provides complete protection from a wide variety of biting insects, including mosquitoes, midges, sand flies, ticks, and even bedbugs.

Designed to provide 100% protection* for at least four hours, our PMD-based repellents are easy to reapply, making them ideal for long days outdoors.

In addition to insect repellent, incognito®’s complementary body-care products provide an extra layer of defence. Our citronella-based body wash, soap, and deodorant mask the scents that attract insects, offering added protection throughout the day.

These products work in harmony with our repellent, creating a natural barrier to reduce your attractiveness to insects.

The C.L.O.A.K. method: your guide to complete protection

To ensure you’re fully protected during your Camps International expedition, follow the C.L.O.A.K. method — a simple, effective strategy to keep insects at bay using natural solutions like incognito®’s products.

Clothing

Wear long sleeves and trousers to protect your skin. For added protection, soak your clothes in a mixture of 10–20 drops of incognito® Java citronella oil and water for 15 minutes before wearing.

Light colours

Insects are drawn to dark colours, so opt for light-coloured, loose clothing to stay cool and less attractive to mosquitoes.

Odours

Certain body odours and fragrances attract insects. Wash with unscented or citrus-based products like our Hair & Body Wash. Use a natural loofah every few days to remove oils and sweat from your skin.

Apply

Reapply incognito® insect repellent every 4–5 hours to exposed skin. Our spray, roll-on, lotion, or sunblock provides all-day protection.

Keep insects out

Use incognito®’s Room Refresher or Incense Sticks to deter mosquitoes in your accommodation. Eliminate nearby stagnant water, as mosquitoes breed in still water within just five days.

The ideal travelling companion

For Camps International students, travelling to new and challenging environments is an exciting experience that expands horizons and creates lifelong memories. But preparation is key, especially when it comes to staying safe from insect-borne illnesses.

With incognito®, students have a reliable, natural alternative that provides powerful protection even in high-risk areas. Parents can also trust that their child’s insect repellent is as safe as it is effective.

In partnership with Camps International, incognito® is proud to support young explorers on their journey to becoming responsible global citizens.

By using incognito®’s award-winning products, students can safely explore the world while helping to protect the places they visit.

So, pack your bags, prep your passport, and let incognito® take care of the rest. Wherever your adventure takes you, we’re here to help you explore safely, sustainably, and responsibly.

*Clinically tested to provide 100% protection for at least 4 hours and good protection for up to 8 hours against mosquitoes that can carry dengue, Chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika, and more.