Columbia Technology Ventures

All-natural mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream

This technology is a plant-based mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream made from all-natural ingredients.

Unmet Need: Safe and effective mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream

Many over-the-counter products to treat conditions associated with itchy skin, such as eczema, inflammation, and bug bites, contain corticosteroids that can have side effects. Mosquitoes pose a risk to public health as carriers of disease. The most prominent mosquito repellent in use worldwide, DEET, may have undesirable environmental effects and side effects from prolonged or excessive exposure. There is a current need for environmentally friendly, safe, and effective mosquito repellents and anti-itch creams.

The Technology: Botanical mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream

This technology describes topical formulations for an anti-itch cream and a cream that repels mosquitoes. The non-steroidal cream treats mild and chronic itch caused by bug bites, eczema, and dermatitis. The mosquito repelling cream does not contain DEET, and uses all-natural ingredients to moisturize and soften skin. The formulations can be combined to provide an anti-itch cream with mosquito repellent, or they can be used individually. The creams are safe for prolonged use on the skin and utilize the beneficial properties of essential oils and other natural ingredients.

This technology has been validated in volunteers.

Applications:

  • Topical treatment of mild to severe skin irritation caused by bug bites, eczema, inflammation, dermatitis, and non-specific causes
  • Prevention of bug bites
  • Prevention of mosquito-borne diseases
  • Combined prevention of bug bites with simultaneous treatment of itch caused by bug bites

Advantages:

  • Anti-itch formulation and mosquito repellent formulation can be combined into one cream or used in separate creams
  • Made with natural ingredients such as essential oils, botanical extracts, and botanical emollients
  • Made with moisturizing, skin softening carrier oils, butters, plant products, ceramides, and zinc salts
  • Hydrates skin
  • Safe for topical use
  • Safe for extended and daily use
  • Non-steroidal
  • Does not contain DEET or other hazardous chemicals

Lead Inventor:

Shanta Modak, Ph.D.

Tech Ventures Reference:

  • IR CU20052, CU20254

  • Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik