The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate)
- Chemical class
- The label names the active ingredient beta-alanine, N-acetyl-N-butyl-, ethyl ester. IR3535 is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA.[1]
- Mode of action
- Skin-applied insect repellent: it keeps biting insects away rather than killing them, and it has no IRAC insecticide group[1]
- Signal word
- Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Insect Repellent Gentle Breeze SPF 15 Sunscreen Gel: Warning[1]
Repellent and sunscreen in one gel
Besides IR3535, the gel lists four sunscreen actives: octinoxate 7.5%, homosalate 5%, octisalate 5% and oxybenzone 4%. The label calls it very water resistant, keeping its SPF through 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.[1]
The two jobs have different reapply rules. Repellent protection is renewed every 6 hours, while sunscreen is reapplied as needed and after towel drying, swimming or sweating, still within the 9-per-day limit.[1]
Where it is used
Spread it liberally and evenly over exposed skin before you go out into sun and bugs. An adult must put it on children under 10.[1]
For insect protection, reapply every 6 hours, or sooner if it seems to stop working. Don't use more than 9 applications in one day.[1]
The gel is flammable. Keep it away from heat or open flame, and store it in a cool, dry place.[1]
Optional label statements warn it can damage painted or varnished surfaces, including nail polish, and to avoid contact with plastics, costume jewelry, leather and synthetic fibers.[1]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Insect Repellent Gentle Breeze SPF 15 Sunscreen Gel[1] | Avon Products, Inc. (distributor) | 806-25 | 7.5% | gel (repellent plus SPF 15 sunscreen) | Warning |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word WARNING: for external use only, and it causes substantial but temporary eye injury. Keep it out of eyes, and stop using it and see a doctor if a rash or irritation develops and lasts.[1]
Pets
The label's directions are for people only and give no instructions for use on pets.[1]
Bees and pollinators
The label carries no bee or pollinator statement; it is applied to skin, not sprayed on plants.[1]
Fish and water
Never pour leftover product down an indoor or outdoor drain. For a partly filled container, ask your local solid waste agency how to dispose of it.[1]
Common questions
- Can I use IR3535 on my kids?
- The label says an adult must apply it to children under 10, and to ask a doctor before using it on babies under 6 months old.[1]
- How often do I reapply Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus?
- Every 6 hours for bug protection, or sooner if it wears off, and never more than 9 times a day.[1]
- What should I do if it gets in my eyes?
- Hold the eye open and rinse slowly with water for 15 to 20 minutes, taking out contact lenses after the first 5 minutes. Then call a poison control center or doctor.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Insect Repellent Gentle Breeze SPF 15 Sunscreen Gel label, EPA Reg. No. 806-25 (EPA-stamped, July 9, 2009).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000806-00025-20090709.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)