P-Menthane-3,8-Diol

Other names: para-menthane-3,8-diol, PMD

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

P-Menthane-3,8-diol, more commonly known by the abbreviation PMD, is an organic substance that is found in two plant species, namely lemon balm and lemon eucalyptus. This chemical fraction is the most important component in the plant essences of these species, which are valuable both for their characteristic and popular scent and for their practical and medicinal uses. PMD is a translucent liquid with a bitter taste and a strong lemon aroma.

The main use of PMD is in the manufacture of insect repellents. In fact, it is one of the strongest mosquito and other stinging insect repellents on the market. It is therefore included in the formulation of insect repellents for travellers, children's repellents or repellents for pets. It is also popular in camping and gardening products. Its advantage is that, unlike many other industrially used insecticides, it is not a synthetic substance but a natural essence, making it more environmentally friendly. PMD can also be found in some cosmetic products, such as moisturisers or lip balms, not only for its scent but also for its repellent properties.