OFF!
OFF! Botanicals Towelettes
Wipe · EPA-registered repellent (Reg. #4822-526)
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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 and 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, 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%62Mosquitoes: 0.8–2 h of complete protection. Ticks: 0.4–2 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: 0.4–2 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 (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.
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”
DurationStrongEPA label-approved protection time; label directs reapplication every two hours.
“p-Menthane-3,8-diol 8%”
EfficacyStrongActive ingredient concentration from the current product label (cis/trans isomer ratio min. 60% cis / max. 40% trans).
How to apply it
Open the package, remove and unfold a towelette, and use it to moisten all exposed skin evenly and completely. Do not apply to eyes, lips, or mouth, and do not apply to the hands of young children; do not use on children under age three or allow children to apply the product themselves. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming, perspiration, vigorous activity, or toweling, and wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors. Do not apply to excessively sunburned or damaged skin.