[toc]Next up: My review of OFF! Deep Woods with 25% DEET! Deep Woods Insect Repellent provides long lasting protection from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, fleas, gnats and no-see-ums. Granted, most brands ‘claim’ to control these pesky insects and it is difficult to know which does a better job without making a purchase and trying it out. But what we have discovered is that OFF! Deep Woods lives up to it’s claims and is formulated by a century old, popular company SC Johnson. And, it is a well know fact that when annoying mosquitoes are eating you alive, DEET interferes with neurons and receptors located on the mosquito’s antennae and mouth-parts, leaving you invisible to them!
OFF! Deep Woods Repellent claims that it does not contain harmful CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) or other substances that may cause harm to the ozone layer. Why the claim is made though, is a little odd. You see, CFC’s were popular prior to 1978 and were used as a propellant for such things as air conditioners, aerosol cans and some sprays. However, after the scientific community pointed out that these compounds were detrimental to the earths ozone layer, CFS’s were banned in 1978. So, its good to know that OFF! Deep Woods is CFC free, but that news is a bit dated.
Comparing OFF! Deep Woods to the others here, I am comfortable rating this a 4.2 out of 5 stars.
>> READ MORE: Top Rated Mosquito Repellent Reviews
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent
Pros
- It contains 25% DEET.
- OFF! is safe to use on children over 2 months of age per the FDA and EPA.
- It does not contain artificial fragrances and the odor is minimal.
- It is long lasting and economical.
Features and specifications
- 25% DEET (diethyltoluamide)
This ‘tried and true’ repellent contains 25% of the popular chemical DEET which is registered and approved by the EPA as an insecticide. DEET is a terrific repellent which protects people against mosquito bites for various periods of time, depending on concentration levels. Essentially, a product with a concentration of DEET at 5% might only last an hour or so, while a 95% DEET based formula can last up to 12 hours! So in this case, 25% is a decent level that will yield good, long term protection. Keep in mind, OFF! does not contain the highest level of DEET found in my reviews, some actually pushed much higher levels of DEET.
- Clear after application and reduced odor
OFF! Deep Woods does not contain any added odor masking agents and has a light smell after application. It goes on smooth and does not feel overly greasy once soaked into your skin. This product is also perspiration resistant and will stay on through light to mild sweating. You will want to reapply though, after swimming or heavier perspiration.
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent
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Long Lasting and Safe for Kids Over 2 Months of Age
OFF! Deep Woods contains 25% DEET which is suggested as safe for children over the age of 2 months. This is important to note since many brands must not be applied to younger kids. For example, products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should never be applied to children under the age of 3. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets strict guidelines regarding which products are suitable for younger kids. And while DEET is labeled as safe for kids over 2 months of age, oil of lemon eucalyptus has a much higher restriction and should only be used on older children.
Slight DEET Odor Practically Unnoticeable
The manufacturer, SC Johnson chose to formulate this product as an unscented aerosol spray. Most users find that the smell is minute or virtually non-existent, especially after rubbing in well. Some people have a very difficult time dealing with the smell of DEET, but that should not pose a problem here. This unscented formula does not make you smell like a chemical factory and really is a toned down version compared to powerhouse blends that contain upwards of 90% DEET.
Key Features
Safe for kids over 2 months of age and almost odorless.
Clear application with a non-greasy feel after rubbing into your skin.
A proven performer used for decades by the general public and the military.
Cost effective at only $13.55 for 12 oz. at the time of this article.
Capacity
Towelettes at 0.123 oz., and various aerosol sizes at 2, 4, 6 and 8 oz.
Cons
The main ingredient, DEET, is an effective solvent, and may dissolve some plastics, rayon, spandex, other synthetic fabrics, and painted or varnished. surfacesInitially, the lemongrass odor is strong due to the elevated active ingredient components. But, this goes away within a 60 seconds.
Also, many people refuse to apply any product containing DEET to their skin, mainly due to DEET’s possible association with various neurological issues.
Conclusion
I gave OFF! an unbiased review rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. This score was based on the products performance, reputation and exposure risk. With the ZIKA virus spreading like wildfire across North America, it is important to use a reputable product that can really guard against mosquito bites. This isn’t to say that a more ‘natural’ repellent can’t fill-the-bill, I’m merely saying that this product truly is a solid performer.
One more note: While I haven’t used them, this product comes in a towelette form which looks really cool and is perfect for application where you don’t want overspray landing on gear or other valuables that DEET can destroy.
>> READ MORE: Best Natural Mosquito Repellent