OFF!
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent VIII
Spray · EPA-registered
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Pros
- A camp-trip classic that delivers: 25% DEET runs 5 to 6 hours on mosquitoes with a settled safety record.
- Cornstarch in the formula gives it a drier, less greasy finish than you'd expect from DEET this strong.
Cons
- Still DEET, so keep it off sunglasses and synthetics, and it's more than you need for a quick backyard hour.
The full review
Pairing 25% DEET with a cornstarch finish, this powder-dry aerosol is a confident recommended and does well almost everywhere. The evidence rests on DEET's definitive track record, the safety read is clean, and unusually for this lineup transparency is strong because the full formula including inerts is disclosed. Complete protection models at 5 to 6 hours against mosquitoes and 4 to 6 against ticks, strong for a 25% formula. The label's up-to-8-hours figure reflects repellency rather than bite-free time, so it sits above our estimate as expected. The dry-feel formula is the practical draw for long hikes and camp days without an oily residue, though it is still DEET around plastics and lenses, and more than a quick backyard hour calls for.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%94Mosquitoes: 5–6 h of complete protection. Ticks: 4–6 h of complete protection. Protection times are modeled from the actives, concentration, and format (see methodology). Scored on a saturating curve (each added hour counts less than the last), 65% mosquito / 35% tick, with reasonable confidence.
Mosquitoes: 5–6 h of complete protection. Ticks: 4–6 h of complete protection. Protection times are modeled from the actives, concentration, and format (see methodology). Scored on a saturating curve (each added hour counts less than the last), 65% mosquito / 35% tick, with reasonable confidence.
Evidence & honest claims25%97DEET is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 85). Of 6 marketing claims audited: 5 strong, 1 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+12).
DEET is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 85). Of 6 marketing claims audited: 5 strong, 1 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+12).
Safety15%96From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: no notable sensitization risk; low irritation; moderate aquatic toxicity (−4).
From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: no notable sensitization risk; low irritation; moderate aquatic toxicity (−4).
Transparency15%93This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 50% of all ingredient concentrations (+8); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 50% of all ingredient concentrations (+8); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
Every pillar is scored from published rules. Read how we score.
How long it protects
Complete protection ends when the first bite gets through; partial protection keeps reducing bites as repellency decays. EPA label times are verified; the rest are modeled from the actives, concentration, and format.
Mosquito estimate basis (moderate confidence)
Estimated complete protection time from active ingredient + concentration; the source research used a spray-style formulation, matching this spray (no format adjustment). Partial protection (reduced but real bite suppression) is modeled to extend to ~11 h as repellency decays.
Tick estimate basis (moderate confidence)
Estimated complete protection time from active ingredient + concentration; the source research used a spray-style formulation, matching this spray (no format adjustment). Partial protection (reduced but real bite suppression) is modeled to extend to ~11 h as repellency decays. Ticks only: estimated against Ixodes scapularis (the US Lyme vector). DEET is notably weaker against the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and some dog-tick (Dermacentor) populations, and weaker on ticks than on mosquitoes. Anchors: Burtis 2024 (CDC), 25% DEET held >=97% skin repellency through 6.5 h; Buchel 2015, 20% median tick CPT ~4-4.5 h.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 50% of all ingredient concentrations (+8); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
- DEETActive
Active repellent · 25%
- Cornstarch
Inert / powder-dry agent · concentration not disclosed
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“Up to 6 hours of protection from ticks”
DurationStrongConsistent with our complete-protection estimate (~6 h).
“Repels mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers”
EfficacyStrongStated on EPA-accepted label (Reg #4822-572) and SC Johnson page; current data only mentions mosquitoes.
“Powder-dry formula goes on dry, not oily or greasy”
OtherStrongCosmetic formulation claim; cornstarch-based dry formula per off.com FAQ.
“Up to 8 hours of protection from mosquitoes”
DurationModerateWithin the partial-protection window: complete (bite-free) protection is ~6 h, with reduced protection persisting to ~11 h. The claimed 8 h is optimistic but plausible as partial protection.
“Repels mosquitoes that may carry the Zika, Dengue, or West Nile virus”
EfficacyStrongEPA-registered label claim.
“DEET 25%”
EfficacyStrongActive ingredient concentration from the current off.com label page.
Safe around dogs & cats?
Worst case from this product’s active ingredients. Do not apply this or any human repellent to your pet.
Mainly from DEET.
Mainly from DEET.
Not veterinary advice. Full guide to repellents around pets →
The label
Ingredients, warnings, and directions from the package label. Read it before you buy.
