OFF!
OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent
Spray · EPA-registered repellent (Reg. #4822-612)
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Pros
- A plant-based pick with real evidence behind its 10% lemon eucalyptus.
- Fully disclosed and EPA-registered.
Cons
- Short runtime, 1 to 3 hours, so reapply often.
- Lemon eucalyptus can irritate skin, and it's not for children under 3.
The full review
This DEET-free spritz lands as recommended with caveats for buyers committed to a plant-based active. Its 10% PMD, the refined lemon eucalyptus compound, carries definitive published evidence and all 8 audited claims hold up (5 strong, 3 moderate), but complete protection models at only about 1 to 3 hours against mosquitoes, so reapplication is frequent. Safety is the bigger drag: PMD carries moderate sensitization risk at this strength, it is not recommended for children under 3, and a pregnancy caution applies. Transparency is middling, with the active fully disclosed but the inert list not accounted for. To its credit, the label's 2-hour reapply interval is honest about how briefly it works, which our audit credits rather than flags.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%68Mosquitoes: 1–3 h of complete protection. Ticks: 0.5–2 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: 1–3 h of complete protection. Ticks: 0.5–2 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%58p-Menthane-3,8-diol is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 42). Of 8 marketing claims audited: 5 strong, 3 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+12). Honestly labels reapplication (~every 2 h) in line with its measured protection (+4).
p-Menthane-3,8-diol is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 42). Of 8 marketing claims audited: 5 strong, 3 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+12). Honestly labels reapplication (~every 2 h) in line with its measured protection (+4).
Safety15%72From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: moderate skin-sensitization risk from p-Menthane-3,8-diol at 10% (−10); low irritation; not recommended for children under 3 (p-Menthane-3,8-diol) (−8); caution advised in pregnancy (−6); moderate aquatic toxicity (−4).
From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: moderate skin-sensitization risk from p-Menthane-3,8-diol at 10% (−10); low irritation; not recommended for children under 3 (p-Menthane-3,8-diol) (−8); caution advised in pregnancy (−6); moderate aquatic toxicity (−4).
Transparency15%75This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
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 ~5 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 ~4 h as repellency decays.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
Only active ingredients are disclosed. The full ingredient list (inerts/carriers) is not published, so this may not be the complete formula.
- p-Menthane-3,8-diolActive
Active repellent · 10%
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“Non-greasy formula that won't damage clothing or gear”
SafetyModerateStated on OFF! Botanicals retail/brand descriptions; complements existing fragrance/dye claim.
“Effective against mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus”
EfficacyModerateStated on OFF! brand/retail descriptions for Botanicals Insect Repellent IV; not in current stored claims.
“DEET-free formula with no added fragrances or dyes”
Deet FreeStrongActive is PMD, not DEET.
“Plant-based formula with active ingredient chemically synthesized from pine oil extract”
NaturalModeratePMD is synthesized rather than extracted; 'plant-based' refers to the pine-oil-derived feedstock, as disclosed on the label.
“Not registered for tick protection”
OtherStrongTicks are not a listed pest on the label and EPA repellent search data shows no tick protection time for this product.
“Reapply every 2 hours for continued protection (approx. 2-hour protection window)”
DurationStrongEPA label-approved reapplication interval; EPA's repellent search data lists 2 hours of mosquito protection for OFF! 10% PMD products.
“Repels mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, and no-see-ums”
EfficacyStrongEPA-registered label claim.
“p-Menthane-3,8-diol 10%”
EfficacyStrongActive ingredient and concentration from the current product label (cis/trans isomer ratio min. 60% cis / max. 40% trans).
How to apply it
Shake well before using. Hold the container 4 to 6 inches from skin and spray with a slow sweeping motion, using enough repellent to cover exposed skin evenly and completely; wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying. Do not spray directly on or near the face — spray into your palm and spread on face and neck — and do not apply to the face or hands of young children or use on children under age three. Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming, perspiring, vigorous activity, or toweling, and wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors. Do not use under clothing or on excessively sunburned or damaged skin.
The label
Ingredients, warnings, and directions from the package label. Read it before you buy.
