Avon Bug Guard facts & Info on how to keep you and your family safe from mosquito spread viruses.
Now that the warmer months are upon us you may find yourself spending more time outdoors or even starting to make plans for the summer. Long days at the beach, picnics, bike riding, hiking & camping with friends & family are all activities the warmer months bring. But they also bring mosquitoes!
Yes, mosquito season begins as earkt as spring and continues through the Fall. This is when most cases of mosquito spread viruses like West Nile virus occur. Per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) West Nile Virus been reported throughout the United States. But no need to worry, though there is isn’t a vaccine or medication to treat these diseases, there are things you can do to significantly reduce the risk of getting infected.
The most effective way to avoid diseases spread by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites.
Be aware of the West Nile & Zika virus activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family!
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) suggests using Insect Repelling products that have been registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
EPA registration means that EPA does not expect a product, when used according to the instructions on the label, to cause unreasonable adverse effects to human health or the environment*. DEET, Picaridan, IR3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are all EPA registered ingredients and are certified to help prevent insect bites that could lead to West Nile Virus, Zika Virus or other illnesses.
Avon Bug Guard is an EPA- registered Insect Repellent that has been around since 1999. It’s DEET-Free and has a variety of formulas to suit everyone in your family as well as every outdoor activity. It’s also been proven to be as effective as S.C. Johnson’s OFF! which contains DEET*.
As an Independent Avon Representative, Avon Bug Guard is one of my best sellers and during the warmer months it attributes to a large portion of my sales. My customers love it and you will too if you give it a try. Avon Bug Guard can be found in the Bath & Body Department in the current Avon Campaign and also at my Avon eStore.
Avon Bug Guard FAQ
Now you may have questions about Avon Bug Guard, that’s probably how you found yourself on this page so my goal here is to give you all the info you need so you can purchase with confidence knowing you’ve made the right choice in taking steps to protect you and your family from insect bites and West Nile Virus. Here are some common questions my customers ask about Avon Bug Guard. We’ll start with the active ingredients first.
What are the active ingredients in the product?
Avon Bug Guard formulas contain Picaridin or IR3535. Both are EPA registered Active Ingredients:
Picaridin is a synthetically derived ingredient and is an effective alternative to DEET. It has a low odor, with a light, clean feel. This synthetic based ingredient should be washed off after use.
IR3535 is a botanically based ingredient. It’s non-greasy and an effective repellent that protects against a broad range of insects. It is a gentle formula does not have to be washed off after use or returning from the outdoors.
Is Avon Bug Guard safe for my family?
Yes, according to the EPA, Picaridin and IR3535 is safe for the whole family but should be applied with the following guidelines in mind:
- Apply repellents only to exposed skin. Do not use repellents under clothing.Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
- Do not apply to eyes or mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays, do not spray directly on face—spray on hands first and then apply to face.
- Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin. Heavy application and saturation are generally unnecessary for effectiveness.
- If biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent, then apply a bit more.
- If using products containing Deet or Picaridin wash treated skin with soap and water after use.
Can I use Avon Bug Guard on my kids?
Yes, the product can be used on children. When applying repellent to children older than 2 these EPA recommended guidelines are suggested:
- When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child.
- Avoid children’s eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears.
- Do not apply repellent to children’s hands. (Children may tend to put their hands in their mouths.)
- Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them.
- Keep repellents out of reach of children. Do not apply repellent under clothing.
For children under 2 consult your doctor.
How about if I’m pregnant or nursing?
It’s safe for pregnant and nursing women, just keep in the mind the general recommended guidelines mentioned above when applying it.
Now that we have the safety concerns about Avon Bug Guard out of the way the next question my customers usually ask is:
Which Avon Bug Guard should I use?
The rule of thumb is this:
1) If you’ll be outdoors during dusk or dawn and in areas where mosquitoes and insects are most active Skin So Soft Bug Guard plus Picaridin would be the best choice.
2) If you’ll be out and about during the day when sun protection and insect protection is both needed then one of the Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 formulas would be best.
Will you be out during the morning or evening hours?
Avon Bug Guard Plus Picaridin protects when mosquitoes and insects are most active.
Avon Bug Guard plus Picaridin
Available in a pump or aerosal spray Avon Bug Guard plus Picaridin is DEET-FREE and has been extensively tested for protection against mosquitoes, black flies, deer ticks, gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges. It provides up to 8 hours of protection and can be used day or night but keep in mind it doesn’t contain sunscreen so using it for early mornings or in the evening when sunscreen isn’t needed is the best time to use. You’ll also need to wash it off after using as Picaridin is a synthetic based ingredient.
Hours of Protection:
Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Aerosol Spray (6 hours)
•Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Spray Pump Spray (8 hours)
•Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes (8 hours)
Avon Bug Guard plus Picaridin Ingredients:
Active Ingredient: Picaridin 10.0% Other Ingredients: 90.0% Total: 100.0%
Will you be outdoors for an extended amount of time?
Avon Bug Guard Plus IR353 products contains SPF 30 for added sun protection. Depending on your daytime activity would determine which Bug Guard Plus IR3535 formula would be the best choice for you.
Avon Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition™ SPF 30
If your outdoor activity requires you to be out for long period of time such as camping or hiking then Avon Bug Guard IR3535 Expedition would a suitable choice. Available in a pump or in an aerosol spray this extra strength formula protects from the sun as well as repels mosquitoes up to 8 hours, deer ticks up to 12 hours and 6 hour protection from gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges . This DEET-free formula is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested and does not need to be washed off after use.
Hours of Protection:
Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition™ SPF 30 Spray (Pump Spray) (8 hours)
Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition™ SPF 28 Spray (Aerosol Spray) (8 hours)
Avon Bug Guard Ingredients:
Insect Repellent Active Ingredient: beta-alanine, n-acetyl-N-butyl-, ethyl ester/carboxylic acid 20.0% Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Octocrylene 10% Octinoxate 7.5% Oxybenzone 6% Octisalate 5% Other Ingredients: SD ALCOHOL 40-B WATER HEXYLENE GLYCOL POLYURETHANE COPOLYMER FRAGRANCE ALOE BARBADENSIS EXTRACT TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
Will you be swimming or exercising or be in areas with a lot of moisture?
If you plan on swimming or exercising during the day then either of the two varieties below would be a good choice.
Avon Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotions
are water and sweat resistant insect repellent lotions that also contain SPF 30. They provide protection from the sun as well as mosquitoes, deer ticks, black flies, sand flies, gnats, no-seeums and biting midges. The nongreasy PABA-free formulas are also enhanced with vitamin E and aloe to keep skin moisturized. Although sweat and water resistant, it should be reapplied about every 2 hours as well as after 80 minutes in the water or after excessive exercise. As IR3535 is a botanically based ingredient it does not need to be washed off.
Bug Guard Plus IR3535® SPF 30 Cool ‘n Fabulous Disappearing Color Lotion
is pediatrician–tested and suitable for the whole family. Disappearing lotion goes on blue for even application then disappears into skin. This formula should be applied by an adult for children under 10 years old.
Hours of Protection
Bug Guard Plus IR3535® SPF 30 Cool’N Fabulous Disappearing Color Moisturizing Lotion (2 hours)
Bug Guard Plus IR3535® SPF 30 Gentle Breeze Lotion
is dermatologist tested and suitable for the whole family. This formula goes on like other lotions and does not contain a disappearing color.
Hours of Protection
Bug Guard Plus IR3535® SPF 30 Gentle Breeze Moisturizing Lotion (2 hours)
Avon Bug Guard Ingredients:
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: ETHYL BUTYLACETYLAMINOPROPIONATE/BUTYLACETYLAMINOPROPIONIC ACID 7.5%
OTHERINGREDIENTS: 92.5% ——- 100.0% BACK PACKAGE COPY:
ACTIVE SUNSCREEN INGREDIENTS: OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE OXYBENZONE OCTYL SALICYLATE OTHER INGREDIENTS: WATER BUTYLENE GLYCOL GLYCERIN PVP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER ALOE BARBADENSIS GEL ISOSTEARIC ACID PROPYLENE GLYCOL MYRISTYL ETHER ACETATE STEARIC ACID BENZYL ALCOHOL CETYL ALCOHOL DEA-OLETH-3 PHOSPHATE DIGLYCOL-CYCLOHEXANEDIMETHANOLISOPHTHALATES-SULFOISOPHTHALATES COPOLYMER DIMETHICONE GLYCERYL STEARATE MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE TOCOPHERYL ACETATE BARIUM SULFATE FRAGRANCE IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA XANTHAN GUM DISODIUM EDTA FD&C BLUE NO.1 D&C RED NO.33
Well, I hope I’ve answered all your questions about Avon Bug Guard and you now feel confident in trying out the product yourself. But if you still feel you need a little more information and want to hear from others who have used the product then feel free to check out the customer reviews found on Bug Guard product pages at the Avon website. And if you still have more question you’re always welcome to leave your question or comment in the comment box below and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can.
For more info about Bug Guard Active Ingredients (Picaridin & IR3535),
Frequently Asked Questions & How to Choose & Use
visit these Beauty2Makeup articles below:Skin So Soft Insect Repellent – Debunking the Myth
Skin So Soft Bug Guard 101 (.pdf download)
My Personal Experience!
the Avon Skin So Soft Experiment
Sources:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm
Environmental Protection Agency http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/
I just bought Avon’s Bug Guatd Plus Picardin pump spray. When I bought it, I read that I should be sure to read the label on the back of the bottle. I’ve received it, but I can’t read the label!
I’ll be 77 in 13 days and wear glasses, but the small print on bottles is getting hard for me to read. I attempted to take a photo and expand it, but it just comes out blurry. I read all your information above. Does that cover everything I need to know about the product. If so, I won’t have to worry about not being able to read the label. This was the only place on the internet where I got reasonable directions. Thank you!
Hi Sheila, I tried to cover as much as I could, that was available to me from Avon. I’m glad to hear you found this page helpful.
Do any of the bug guard products have an expiration date?
Hi Jim, thanks for asking this is a really good question! Yes each product should have an expiration date on it. But if can’t find the expiration date, you can go by these guidelines from the time you purchased it.
This is just a guide though and if you see any change to the product or the effectiveness isn’t what it used to be then it might be best to purchase a fresh one.
Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Lotions: 18 months
Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Pump Sprays: 3 years
Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition aerosol: 2 years
Thanks for visiting!
I am in love these sprays. They smell great and actually keep bugs off. I took the expedition camping and had zero mosquito bites.
Awesome Cassie! Thanks for sharing!
I have used the Avon Bug Guard before it really works!
I love the fact that Avon’s Bug Guard is just as effective as J&J’s OFF, even according to the EPA! I HATE the smell of OFF, especially the outdoors/woody smelling one. I love that Avon has such a variety of products, including Bug Guard, Skin So Soft Bug Guard, and Avon Bug Spray to combat against insect bites and serious viruses like West Nile and Zika. They may sound like viruses found only in 3rd world countries, but I live in the South, and we get cases of BOTH too often. NO ONE should ever contract either virus because prevention is the cure to both! With so many options available, it should not even be an issue, but the sad truth remains that both still are problems in our very own country. Avon’s Bug Guard is one of my go to products for when I am traveling and going camping outdoors. Better safe than sick, I say, so spray me up and down, please!
Best Buy spray for cimdren and adults around!
I would love to try that Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin for ticks because they are really prevalent here in the southeast.
These days its more important than ever to use insect repellent when going outside. Its great that Avon has created new products to meet this need. I like the spray-on Bug Guard, easy to use!
I love using Skin So Soft but I see the logic in the Bug Guard products. Since we’ll be in areas that are affected by the Zika virus, I don’t think I want to chance it…
I love the idea of the Avon bug wipes! So cool that Avon is Jumping on the “wipes wagon” it’s an easy yet effective way to get yourself covered. N there’sno excuse for laziness or if there’s noone around to rub in lotions.
All the information on Avon Bug Wipes is really interesting. Will need this for my trip to Africa
Skin So Soft Bug Guard sounds perfect for summer. I can’t wait to try it!
Hi Diane,
I also sell Avon however due to my health have not been very active the last couple years. I too had questions on the bug guard and you answered them above. I wish you luck with your business.
Sincerely
Sandy
Hi Sandy!
Thank you Sandy! Glad you found it helpful!
Best wishes with your Avon Business as well!
Hello I have a question can I apply skin so soft bug guard to my dog
Hi Linda, That’s a good question. Although Avon Bug Guard is safe for children animals have a different ph balance so I would recommend asking your vet. Now I do have many customers who use Avon Skin So Soft Original Bath Oil on their pets for fleas and flies and rave about the results.
I have been using skin so soft for many years. I absolutely love it.
I need to know from the Avon company whether their bug repellents are of any use after the expiration date. Sometimes they are just weaker, and if you use up the bottle by applying it twice as often or every 2 hours instead of every 8 hours, the repellant will not be wasted. Naturally we all know that fresh products are best, but we need to know what is useful too.
Hi Pat!
Sorry for the late response but I actually sent your comment over to Avon’s Product Specialist to get an official answer from Avon! I get wanting to hold on to products and using them after the expiration dates but expiration dates are there for a purpose as the integrity of the product does begin to breakdown as it ages. With that said, here is Avon’s official answer to your question:
I’m sorry I couldn’t give you more. Take care and thanks for asking
I have an unopened bottle of SSS bug guard plus with an expiry date of 2014/06. I have read though it doesn’t expire. Would this bottle still be effective to use?
Hi Lisa, unfortunately I don’t have a concrete answer for you, as an Avon Rep I need to be careful when giving information about Avon products. But I can tell you what I’ve read from the comments left here. Many have said they have had the same bottle of Skin So Soft for Years and have been using the same bottle. So maybe that will help you decide to use it or not. Remember SSS Bath Oil isn’t promoted by Avon as an Insect Repellent so please use at your own risk.
Thanks for stopping by Lisa and Good Luck!
Dianne
Can I use SSS bug guard on my pets for fleas
Hi Tracey,
This is a very good question! I wish I knew for sure but I’m not sure whether is or not because a dog’s skin & coat have a different ph balance than ours so that may be a question better suited for your veterinarian. Now there have been many comments from our readers who use Avon Skin So Soft Original Bath Oil for their pets and they say it works very well and have also been suggested by their own veterinarians. In fact one of our Beauty2Makeup readers (Jan Vee) was kind enough to share her Skin So Soft recipe.
Hope this helps and thanks for asking!
Dianne
Does this work for prevent tick bites also?
Hi Rose,
Yes, the Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin is labeled as repelling Deer Ticks. Avon Bug Guard with Picaridin is the strongest out of the Bug Guard formulas and is available in a pump or aerosal spray. “It’s DEET-FREE and has been extensively tested for protection against mosquitoes, black flies, deer ticks, gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges. It provides up to 8 hours of protection and can be used day or night but keep in mind it doesn’t contain sunscreen so using it for early mornings or in the evening when sunscreen isn’t needed is the best time to use. You’ll also need to wash it off after using as Picaridin is a synthetic based ingredient. ”
Hope this helps! Thanks for asking,
Dianne
Hello Diane!
I was doing some research on SSS spray repellent and I found your website. I have to tell you it was very good. Thank you so much for writing all this information. I trying to do a fundraiser on SSS spray repellent and they ask me all this questions that I didn’t have the answer. Now I read it all, made note and ready to respond. Thank you again.
How are you doing with your online business. That has been my goal.
Sincerely
Andrea Gonzalez
Thanks Andrea glad I could help 🙂