OFF!
OFF! Botanicals Towelettes
Wipe · EPA-registered
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Pros
- A plant-based pick with real evidence behind it: PMD, the refined lemon eucalyptus compound, is the one botanical active with solid data.
- Wipe format keeps it mess-free and travel-friendly, with no aerosol drift.
Cons
- Short runtime: plan on reapplying every 1 to 2 hours.
- PMD at 8% can sting near the eyes, and it isn't recommended for kids under 3.
The full review
These individually wrapped PMD towelettes are a recommended-with-caveats pick for someone who wants a plant-based active in a no-overspray format. PMD, the refined lemon eucalyptus compound, has definitive published support, all 5 audited claims came back strong, and transparency is genuinely strong because the full formula including inerts is accounted for. What holds it back is duration: complete protection models at only about 0.8 to 2 hours on mosquitoes and 1 to 2 on ticks, so plan on reapplying every hour or two. Safety is decent but not spotless, pulled down by moderate sensitization risk from PMD at 8%, an under-3 caution, and a pregnancy caution. The label's up-to-2-hours figure tracks repellency, and here it lines up closely with our shorter estimate.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%64Mosquitoes: 0.8–2 h of complete protection. Ticks: 1–2 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: 0.8–2 h of complete protection. Ticks: 1–2 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%49p-Menthane-3,8-diol is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 37). Of 5 marketing claims audited: 5 strong, 0 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+12).
p-Menthane-3,8-diol is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 37). Of 5 marketing claims audited: 5 strong, 0 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+12).
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 8% (−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 8% (−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%90This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 33% of all ingredient concentrations (+5); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 33% of all ingredient concentrations (+5); 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, adjusted down for this wipe format (×0.80). Partial protection (reduced but real bite suppression) is modeled to extend to ~3 h as repellency decays.
Tick estimate basis (low confidence)
Estimated complete protection time from active ingredient + concentration; the source research used a spray-style formulation, adjusted down for this wipe format (×0.80). Partial protection (reduced but real bite suppression) is modeled to extend to ~3 h as repellency decays. OLE/PMD is shorter-lasting and more species-variable against ticks than mosquitoes. Deer-tick CPT runs ~2.7 h (EWG pooled) to ~4.8 h at 30% (Citrefine/ARCTEC, sponsor-reported); it lasts longer against the lone star and brown dog ticks.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 33% of all ingredient concentrations (+5); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
- p-Menthane-3,8-diolActive
Active repellent · 8%
- Ethanol
Inert / solubilizer · concentration not disclosed
- PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone
Inert / emulsifier · concentration not disclosed
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“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.
“DEET-free, plant-based formula with no added dyes”
Deet FreeStrongActive is PMD, synthesized from pine oil extract.
“Repels mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus, plus flies, no-see-ums, and gnats”
EfficacyStrongEPA-registered label claim.
“Defense against bug bites for up to 2 hours”
DurationStrongConsistent with our complete-protection estimate (~2 h).
“p-Menthane-3,8-diol 8%”
EfficacyStrongActive ingredient concentration from the current product label (cis/trans isomer ratio min. 60% cis / max. 40% trans).
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 p-Menthane-3,8-diol.
Not veterinary advice. Full guide to repellents around pets →