Avon's Skin So Soft moisturizing oil has become an unexpected staple for travelers and military personnel alike. This £6 product is being used to ward off mosquitoes, midges, and ticks during summer excursions.
The Royal Marines' 2005 midge defense
For nearly two decades, the Royal Marines have utilized a non-traditional method to survive the harsh conditions of the Scottish Highlands. Since 2005, members of the unit have reportedly relied on Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil Spray to protect themselves from the relentless midges found in Scotland. These tiny biting insects can make outdoor operations in northern climates incredibly difficult, leading soldiers to seek out reliable, albeit unconventional, solutions.
While the product is not part of the standard-issue military gear, its effectiveness has made it a personal essential for many. As reported by the Daily Mail, Royal Navy spokesman Neil Smith told The Scotsman that "nothing works better" for the Marines, who often purchase the oil themselves to combat the local insect population.
Citronellol and jojoba oil: The science of an accidental repellent
The effectiveness of this moisturizing spray is an accidental byproduct of its chemical composition rather than its intended purpose. While Avon markets the Skin So Soft Dry Oil Spray as a post-shower moisturizer, the inclusion of citronellol and jojoba oil provides a natural deterrent against various pests. This makes the product a popular alternative for those who find traditional insect repellents to be too pungent or greasy.
The citrus-scented formula allows users to maintain skin hydration while simultaneously creating a barrier against mosquitoes and ticks.. Unlike heavy, oil-based creams, the "dry oil" texture is designed to soak in quickly, ensuring that holidaymakers are not left with an annoying, greasy residue after a day in the sun.
Four bottles sold every minute on Amazon and Avon
The massive popularity of this £6 beauty hack is backed by significant commercial data.. According to Avon's website, the company sells four bottles of the dry oil spray every single minute. This high-velocity sales pattern is mirrored on other platforms , with Amazon reporting that thousands of units are sold each month.
This surge in demand highlights a growing consumer trend where affordable , multi-purpose products are sought out for uses far byeond their original labeling. The product has achieved a "holy grail" status among travelers, moving from a simple beauty aisle item to a must-pack holiday essential.
Why the Royal Navy hasn't adopted it as official kit
Despite the anecdotal success reported by service members, several questions remain regarding the product's status within military logistics. If the oil is as effective as Neil Smith suggests, it is unclear why the Royal Navy has not integrated it into their official procurement of insect protection.. This leaves a gap between consumer satisfaction and official military supply chains.
Furthermore, while the Daily Mail notes the product's ability to deter midges and ticks, there is a lack of specific data regarding how long the citronelol-based protection lasts compared to standard military-grade repellents. it remains to be seen if the military will ever move to formalize the use of such a consumer-grade product, or if it will remain a "buy-it-yourself" solution for the troops.
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