The question of whether Avon’s Skin So Soft (SSS) bath oil repels mosquitoes has circulated for decades, transforming the cosmetic product into outdoor folklore. This belief suggests the original bath oil, intended for moisturizing, offers protection against biting insects. The mineral oil-based bath treatment is widely available and has gained legendary status among those seeking non-traditional insect deterrence. This persistent public perception warrants a fact-based look into the product’s actual performance and official status.
How the Repellent Belief Started
The idea that the original Skin So Soft bath oil could ward off insects began to spread anecdotally shortly after the product’s debut in the 1960s. This belief was often fueled by people who spent long hours outdoors, such as fishermen, campers, and military personnel. They reported a noticeable reduction in bites when using the product compared to using nothing at all.
Early formulations contained citronella, a mild natural insect deterrent, which likely contributed to its reputation. The product’s oily nature also provides a heavy, physical barrier on the skin, making it difficult for small insects like gnats and midges to land and bite effectively. This combination of scent and physical coating led to strong word-of-mouth endorsement before any formal testing took place.
Scientific Studies on Protection
Independent scientific testing has provided mixed results regarding the bath oil’s efficacy against mosquitoes. Some older studies, such as one by the Letterman Army Institute of Research, noted that the product offered some protection, though significantly less than standard repellents. A Canadian study even suggested the bath oil was about 85% as effective as a high-concentration DEET product in preventing mosquito landings and bites.
However, the duration of protection is where the bath oil consistently falls short of reliable repellents. While some tests showed protection lasting up to two hours, a more common finding is a duration of protection lasting only 30 minutes to one hour, and in some cases, less than 10 minutes. This limited time frame is often attributed to the product acting more as a temporary physical barrier or a short-lived deterrent, rather than a true chemical repellent. The oily film loses effectiveness quickly, necessitating frequent reapplication to maintain minimal deterrence.
Regulatory Status and Limited Protection
The original Skin So Soft bath oil is legally classified as a cosmetic product, not an insect repellent. Because of this classification, the product is not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which tests and approves insect repellents for effectiveness and safety. Avon itself publicly states that the bath oil is a moisturizing product and is not marketed with insect repellent claims.
The lack of EPA registration means the bath oil has not undergone the rigorous testing required to guarantee long-lasting protection, which is particularly concerning in areas where mosquitoes transmit diseases like West Nile or Zika. For dependable protection against disease-carrying insects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using EPA-registered products. These contain active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535, and are proven to offer hours of protection. Avon manufactures an EPA-registered product line called “Skin So Soft Bug Guard,” which contains ingredients like IR3535, clearly distinguishing it from the original bath oil.