the BUZZ skin
BUZZ Escape Cologne + Bug Repellent
Spray · Not EPA-registered (per brand FAQ); brand cites EPA's minimum-risk exemption guidance but states oil of lemon eucalyptus as its active, which is not a 25(b)-eligible ingredient
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Pros
- A fresh, unisex cologne-style scent that wears nicely.
Cons
- An undisclosed proprietary blend with no proven repellency, so it's really a fragrance.
- Likely not EPA-compliant as a repellent.
The full review
A fresh unisex cologne that wears nicely, this is a fragrance first and a repellent only in name, which is why it earns a not recommended. Because the proprietary blend hides the active concentration, there is nothing for our model to estimate a protection time from, and the effectiveness pillar bottoms out. The stated active, oil of lemon eucalyptus, does not qualify for the FIFRA 25(b) exemption, leaving the unregistered sale on shaky regulatory ground, and the FAQ's advice to reapply hourly signals how briefly a fragrance-strength botanical lasts. Safety is the high point but still flags sensitization, irritation, pregnancy, and an under-3 caution. Enjoyable to wear, just not protection you can count on.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%10Mosquitoes: protection cannot be modeled because the active concentration is undisclosed. Ticks: protection cannot be modeled because the active concentration is undisclosed. 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 lower confidence.
Mosquitoes: protection cannot be modeled because the active concentration is undisclosed. Ticks: protection cannot be modeled because the active concentration is undisclosed. 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 lower confidence.
Evidence & honest claims25%37Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 43). Of 5 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 2 moderate, 1 weak, 1 unsupported (-6).
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 43). Of 5 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 2 moderate, 1 weak, 1 unsupported (-6).
Safety15%70From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: moderate skin-sensitization risk from Proprietary essential oil blend (undisclosed) (−10); moderate irritation risk from Proprietary essential oil blend (undisclosed) (−6); not recommended for children under 3 (Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus) (−8); caution advised in pregnancy (−6). Some of this safety data is low-confidence.
From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: moderate skin-sensitization risk from Proprietary essential oil blend (undisclosed) (−10); moderate irritation risk from Proprietary essential oil blend (undisclosed) (−6); not recommended for children under 3 (Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus) (−8); caution advised in pregnancy (−6). Some of this safety data is low-confidence.
Transparency15%45This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 0% of active concentrations (+0); discloses 0% of all ingredient concentrations (+0); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 0% of active concentrations (+0); discloses 0% of all ingredient concentrations (+0); 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 (low confidence)
No protection time estimated — this product's label doesn't disclose the active ingredient's concentration, and protection depends on both the ingredient and its strength.
Tick estimate basis (low confidence)
No protection time estimated — this product's label doesn't disclose the active ingredient's concentration, and protection depends on both the ingredient and its strength.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 0% of active concentrations (+0); discloses 0% of all ingredient concentrations (+0); the full formula including inerts is accounted for (+25).
Active ingredient concentrations are not published for this product.
- Oil of Lemon EucalyptusActive
Active repellent (per brand FAQ, not the product label) · concentration not disclosed
- Proprietary essential oil blend (undisclosed)Active
Active repellent (undisclosed blend) · concentration not disclosed
- Organic non-GMO sugarcane alcohol
Carrier (cologne base) · concentration not disclosed
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“Suitable for all skin types and all genders (unisex)”
SafetyModerateStated on brand product page.
“Safe for babies 6 months and older”
Kid SafeUnsupportedBrand FAQ claims baby safety, but CDC advises against oil of lemon eucalyptus/PMD products on children under 3 years.
“100% natural; vegan, non-GMO, cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, SLS/SLES-free”
NaturalModerateCompositional claims; cannot be fully verified because the blend is proprietary.
“DEET-free (and picaridin-free) plant-based formula without 'nasty toxins'”
Deet FreeStrongPer brand FAQ; consistent with all-botanical positioning.
“Dual-action unisex cologne + insect repellent”
EfficacyWeakRepellency relies on an undisclosed essential-oil blend; no published efficacy data, concentrations, or duration; brand recommends hourly reapplication.
How to apply it
Shake well, then spray directly onto exposed skin and/or clothing. Reapply every hour or as often as needed, since the natural formula evaporates over time. For the face, spray into hands and blot lightly, avoiding eyes, lips, and mouth; wash hands after handling.