Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil or Avon Bug Guard — What Really Works?
If you’ve ever searched for a natural bug repellent or heard the buzz about Avon’s Skin So Soft Bath Oil working as an insect repellent, you’re not alone — I’ve been there too! In fact, the question I get all the time is: “Does Skin So Soft really keep mosquitoes away?” With so many fans swearing by it and just as many doubting it, I decided to dig deep and clear up the confusion.
And while Skin So Soft isn’t officially registered as an insect repellent, Avon Bug Guard *is* — and it’s quickly become a trusted, DEET-free bug spray with SPF that’s safe for the whole family. So, what’s the truth? Is the original bath oil just a legend? Or is Bug Guard the real hero? Let’s debunk the myth and explore what actually works to keep bugs at bay.
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The Myth Behind Skin So Soft Insect Repellent
Some people absolutely swear by it — others say it’s nothing more than a nice-smelling bath oil. I’ve been there, too. Back when I first looked into it, I was caught between curiosity, conflicting claims, and a whole lot of questions.
Here’s what Avon officially says:
" Skin So Soft Bath Oil is not an insect repellent "
It is a moisturizing bath and body oil product. Therefore, it is not registered as such with the EPA, and we may not make insect repellent claims about it. Please see the complete line of Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellents for all your bug repellent needs.” — Avon
Skin So Soft Bath Oil is not an insect repellent. It is a moisturizing bath and body oil product. Therefore, it is not registered as such with the EPA, and we may not make insect repellent claims about it. Please see the complete line of Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellents for all your bug repellent needs.” — Avon
So there you have it. The classic Skin So Soft Original bath oil is not marketed or registered as an insect repellent — even though countless fans (including myself) have used it that way for years. Avon eventually created a dedicated line: Avon Bug Guard, which is officially registered to repel mosquitoes, no-see-ums, ticks, and more.
The Secret Ingredient in Skin So Soft Bath Oil
One possible reason Skin So Soft works for some users? A little-known ingredient called Dicapryl Adipate.
Dicapryl Adipate is not your average skincare emollient. Found in Skin So Soft's Original Bath Oil, it gives the formula a lightweight, non-greasy feel — and more interestingly, it’s believed to create a light, protective barrier on the skin that bugs don’t love. It's the third ingredient listed in the product, and while it's not an EPA-registered repellent, some researchers and users believe it may offer mild insect-deterring properties.
Did You Know!
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What is Avon Bug Guard? (And Why It Was Created)
Bug Guard was developed by Avon to offer a tested, EPA-registered repellent. It's designed to protect against:
- Mosquitoes
- Ticks
- No-see-ums
- Sand flies and biting midges
Key features:
- Active Ingredients: Picaridin or IR3535
- DEET-free
- Available with SPF 30 in select formulas
- Comes in aerosol spray, lotion, pump spray, and towelettes
Safe for adults and children
Avon Bug Guard vs Skin So Soft Oil: Which One Works Best?
A quick look at how these two stack up:
FEATURE | AVON SKIN SO SOFT | AVON BUG GUARD |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Moisturizing bath oil | EPA-registered repellent |
Official Repellent | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Active Ingredients | Dicapryl Adipate (unconfirmed) | Picaridin / IR3535 |
Repels Mosquitoes | Anecdotally, yes | Scientifically proven |
DEET-Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
SPF | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (select formulas) |
Safe For Kids | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Scent | Light floral | Mild, low-odor |
Application Types | Oil / DIY spray | Spray, lotion, towelettes |
Quick Look: Purpose
Skin So Soft Bath Oil:
Moisturizing bath oil
Avon Bug Guard:
EPA-registered repellent
Quick Look: Official Repellent?
Skin So Soft Bath Oil:
No
Avon Bug Guard:
Yes
Quick Look: Active Ingredients
Skin So Soft Bath Oil:
Dicapryl Adipate (unconfirmed)
Avon Bug Guard:
Picaridin / IR3535
Quick Look: Repels Mosquitoes?
Skin So Soft Bath Oil:
Anecdotally, yes
Avon Bug Guard:
Scientifically proven
Quick Look: DEET-Free
Skin So Soft Bath Oil:
Yes
Avon Bug Guard:
Yes
Quick Look: SPF
Skin So Soft Bath Oil:
No
Avon Bug Guard:
Yes (select formulas)
Quick Look: Safe for Kids
Skin So Soft Bath Oil:
Yes
Avon Bug Guard:
Yes
Quick Look: Scent
Skin So Soft Bath Oil:
Light floral
Avon Bug Guard:
Mild, low-odor
Quick Look: Application Types
Skin So Soft Bath Oil:
Oil / DIY spray
Avon Bug Guard:
Spray, lotion, towelettes
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Avon Bug Guard vs OFF!: How Do They Compare?
OFF! is a big name in insect repellents, so it’s no surprise many people wonder how it stacks up against Avon Bug Guard. One thing that really sets them apart: Bug Guard is completely DEET-free, while most OFF! products do contain DEET (except for their Clean Feel line, which uses Picaridin). Here's a quick look at how they compare:
Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you see the differences at a glance.
FEATURE | Avon Bug Guard | OFF! |
|---|---|---|
Repellent Type | Picaridin or IR3535 | DEET |
DEET Free | ✅ Yes, all products | ❌ No, not all products |
Includes SPF? | ✅ Yes (select formulas) | ❌ No |
Purchase Method | Avon Ambassador | Retail stores |
Target Audience | Families, skin-sensitive users | General public |
Quick Look: Repellent Type
Avon Bug Guard:
Picaridin or IR3535
OFF!:
DEET
Quick Look: DEET Free
Avon Bug Guard
Yes
OFF!
No (except for OFF! Clean Feel)
Quick Look: Includes SPF?
Avon Bug Guard
Yes (some formulas)
OFF!
No
Quick Look: Purchase Method
Avon Bug Guard
Through Avon Ambassadors
OFF!
Retail stores
Quick Look: Target Audience
Avon Bug Guard
Families, skin-sensitive users
OFF!
General public
Why You Might Love Avon Bug Guard:
Bug Guard is ideal for families and those seeking a DEET-free alternative.
It also offers SPF in some formulas, unlike OFF!
Support and personal service are available only through Avon Representatives.
Avon Bug Guard and Skin So Soft Bath Oil: Real Customer Reviews
❝
I don`t care what the na sayers preach, I have used Skin So Soft for years. In my day to day it removes grease, grime and paint off of my hands soothes rough skin and keeps the bugs at bay. I would be lost without it….awesome stuff!
Greg H.
Customer
❝
I have tried Avon Bug Guard and it’s amazing and really works great and have some stock and ready for the spring and summer. I love Avon Skin So Soft and use this all the time. I love the way it makes my skin feel it’s amazing! My skin always feels so soft after using it. Love it!
Gina F.
Customer
❝
I have been using Avon Skin so Soft for at least 40yrs. I am 82yrs old and I have been flying radio control airplanes and surf fishing and my wife and i also camped and we applied Skin so Soft for all the years. I also found out that some of the circus and horse people use Skin so Soft on there animals. All you have to do is spray a little on you and rub it in. We even sprayed our screen door on our motor home, and it also works when you go on your boat. Try it, you have nothing to loose but something to gain. Lots of luck.
George P.
Customer
❝
I love SSS and the Bug Guard. Neither one bother my sensitive skin or my young son. I have been using SSS since I was little. My mom got hooked.
Kara B.
Customer
❝
I use,the Bug Guard repellent and spf. Great product. The sss oil seems to have worked but the Bug Guard definitely does!
Karen P.
customer
❝
In bootcamp the drill instructors gave us SSS for sand fleas at Parris Island. It immediately stopped them from biting. There is no question it works for sand fleas. I’m not sure what other bugs it repels, I think they mixed it 50/50 with alcohol to make it less greasy. We called it Bug Juice and it was a Godsend on PI.
Chris A.
customer
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Where to Buy Avon Bug Guard from a Representative You Can Trust
When purchasing Bug Guard, avoid unauthorized resellers. Instead, shop directly through an Avon Ambassador for:
- Fresh, authentic product
- Access to current campaign sales and bundles
- Personalized help in selecting the right formula
- Reliable delivery from Avon’s distribution center
- Ongoing customer support
FAQ — Skin So Soft, Bug Guard & More
Not officially. It’s a moisturizing oil that many say repels bugs, but it’s not EPA-registered. Avon recommends Bug Guard for real protection.
Skin So Soft is a bath oil. Bug Guard is an EPA-registered repellent with active ingredients like Picaridin and IR3535 — and SPF in some versions.
Yes! It’s family-friendly and available in gentle, low-odor options.
Picaridin or IR3535, both DEET-free and skin-friendly.
Those are not official retailers. Only authorized Avon Reps can provide genuine products and current offers.
Yes! Avon often has exclusive offers like bundled sets, free gifts, and free shipping promotions — perks you can enjoy when shopping through an official Avon Ambassador.
Final Thoughts on Avon Bug Guard and Skin So Soft
Whether you love the legend of Skin So Soft Bath Oil or you're ready to try Bug Guard’s proven protection, having the right product can make all the difference.
Visit my Avon store to explore current offers, bundled deals, and enjoy 15% off your first order!
