Avon-Skin-So-Soft-vs-Avon-Bug-Guard

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!

  • Skin So Soft’s Bath Oil powers might come from a surprising skincare ingredient — not a traditional repellent!
  • Dicapryl Adipate is a silky emollient that not only leaves your skin soft and dry-touch, but it's also believed to create a barrier that bugs tend to avoid. According to a Google-cited source:

  • Dicapryl adipate has been shown to have insect repellent properties… without the harsh side effects of typical repellents
  • It's the third ingredient in Skin So Soft Original Bath Oil — smooth skin and bonus mosquito protection, all in one.

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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?

Avon-Skin-So-Soft-Bath-Oil
Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard mosquito repellent
Avon-Skin-So-Soft-Bug-Guard-Comparison

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

Ready To Order?

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Avon Bug Guard vs OFF!: How Do They Compare?

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard insect repellent
Off vs Avon-Bug-Guard-Comparison
Avon-Bug-Guard-vs-Off-Comparison

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 often has special offers like bundled sets, free gifts, and great sales
  • Plus, free shipping when you shop with an Avon Ambassador.

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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Shop with Avon Ambassador Dianne Hernandez 

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

Is Skin So Soft Bath Oil an insect repellent?

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.

What’s the difference between Skin So Soft and Bug Guard?

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.

Is Bug Guard safe for kids?

Yes! It’s family-friendly and available in gentle, low-odor options.

What are the active ingredients in Bug Guard?

Picaridin or IR3535, both DEET-free and skin-friendly.

Why not buy Bug Guard on Amazon or Walmart?

Those are not official retailers. Only authorized Avon Reps can provide genuine products and current offers.

Are there any special deals when buying through an Avon Representative?

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!

Dianne Hernandez

Avon Ambassador Since 2010

Hi, I’m Dianne—an Avon Ambassador since 2010 and the voice behind this blog. I’ve been helping customers all over the U.S. shop Avon online with confidence, and I created the Beauty Boss Blog to share helpful tips, product highlights, and a little real talk from my own experience. I’m so glad you’re here!

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