Multitasking skin care and color cosmetics have become the norm, Global Cosmetic Industry recently reported. In a survey by The Benchmarking Company, 67% percent of 3,900 U.S.-based beauty consumers surveyed reported regularly buying beauty products that perform more than one function or solve multiple problems. While skin care containing SPF or anti-aging makeup probably first comes to mind, this week we look to the OFF! brand Clear Gel Insect Repellent with skin-hydrating ingredients.
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Multitasking skin care and color cosmetics have become the norm, Global Cosmetic Industry recently reported. In a survey by The Benchmarking Company, 67% percent of 3,900 U.S.-based beauty consumers surveyed reported regularly buying beauty products that perform more than one function or solve multiple problems. While skin care containing SPF or anti-aging makeup probably first comes to mind, this week we look to the OFF! brand Clear Gel Insect Repellent with skin-hydrating ingredients.
OFF! Clear Gel Insect Repellent
The OFF! brand Clear Gel Insect Repellent is promoted not only for its everyday protection against mosquitoes and other insect bites, but also its skin-hydrating and softening benefits, thanks to the humectant glycerin.
Incorporating 20% picaridin, the gel-based product applies easily to skin without a mess or damaging clothes and fabrics, per SC Johnson. In addition, it is formulated to feel clean upon application.
Notably, Grand View Research estimates the global insect repellent market reached US $5.57 billion in 2024 and projects it will climb at a CAGR of 6.7% to $8.28 billion (2025 to 2030).
The source cites natural and eco-friendly options and consumer preferences for safe, long-lasting and multi-purpose products as contributors to the growing demand in this segment.
About Picaridin
Picaridin is an alternative to N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), a material to which some consumers are sensitive, according to the company website. It has reportedly been used in the U.S. since 2005 and is identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an effective mosquito repellent for adults and children when used as directed.
Picaridin acts by blocking and "confusing" the receptors of biting insects, per SC Johnson, forming a vapor barrier at the skin surface that deters mosquitoes from biting.
Additional benefits of picaridin include:
- It is odorless and
- It doesn't feel oily or greasy when applied to skin.
Ingredients: OFF! Clear Gel Insect Repellent
Active ingredient: Picaridin 20%; Other ingredients: Water (Aqua), Ethanol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Polyacrylate Polymer.
Ingredients are shown as reported on the company website as of June 16, 2025.
User Reviews: OFF! Clear Gel Insect Repellent
Following are example user reviews (edited for style), selected for their anecdotal insights on product form and function.
- First off, the squeeze bottle is way better than the spray. It's definitely not as sticky. At first it smelled like rubbing alcohol but once it dried, [there was] no smell at all.
- The gel quickly turns into a liquid that is easy to evenly spread out across the skin. It dries down pretty quickly, but gives you enough time to cover everywhere before drying down. When dry, there is little to no scent and it feels dry to the touch, almost like there's nothing there.
- The gel is easily able to be applied to your skin without feeling greasy after application. I used it for about an hour and no insects came near me or on my skin.
- The clear gel has a very mild smell that seems safe for the skin. It has skin conditioning agents included and runs in easily and quickly. The consistency is similar to pure aloe vera gel. It doesn't discolor clothes and can be used to fight dry skin as well as insects.
