If there’s one Avon product that surprises people, it’s Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Spray. Most folk don’t come to me looking for a moisturiser — they come because someone told them it keeps the midges away. After selling thousands of bottles over six years as an Avon Beauty Advisor & Training Ambassador, I can tell you the hype is well deserved.
I’m Carol Isherwood, and Skin So Soft is hands-down my best seller every summer. I’ve sent bottles to campers in the Highlands, gardeners battling gnats, forestry workers needing all-day cover, and dog walkers fed up with bites. Here’s everything I’ve learned.
Why Is Everyone Talking About Skin So Soft?
Avon has never officially marketed Skin So Soft as an insect repellent — it’s sold as a moisturising dry oil body spray. But its reputation as a midge deterrent has grown for decades through word of mouth.
The secret? The formula contains citronellol, a naturally derived ingredient with a fresh, citrusy scent. We find it pleasant — midges, mosquitoes, and gnats hate it. Spray it on and the fragrance creates a barrier that biting insects avoid. Better still, the oil-based formula leaves a silky layer that moisturises your skin while you’re outdoors. Double duty at its finest.
Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Spray
The classic formula loved by campers, walkers & outdoor workers across the UK. Lightweight, moisturising, and beautifully scented.
Shop Now with CarolHow to Use Skin So Soft as a Bug Spray
- Spray generously onto all exposed skin — arms, legs, neck, ankles, backs of hands.
- Don’t rub it in completely. Leave a light layer so the scent stays strong.
- Reapply every two to three hours, sooner if sweating or caught in rain.
- Apply before heading out. Give it a moment to settle before entering midge territory.
- Mist clothing too. A spray on your hat, collar, and cuffs adds extra protection.
Who Uses Skin So Soft?
Campers & hikers swear by it for Highland trips and lakeside pitches — spray in the morning and again at dusk. Dog walkers love it for daily strolls through fields and woodland. Gardeners keep a bottle by the back door for warm evenings. Forestry workers in Scotland helped build its legendary status — when the people who work in forests pick Skin So Soft over commercial repellents, that speaks volumes. And festival-goers appreciate that it doubles as a body moisturiser when you’re living out of a rucksack.
What My Customers Say
“I work for a tree surgery company in Perthshire. The midges are brutal. I’ve tried every repellent going and nothing comes close to Skin So Soft. The whole team buys it from Carol by the crate!”
— Graeme T., Forestry Worker, Perthshire
“We took the family to Fort William last August and I dreaded the midges. My neighbour recommended Skin So Soft — the kids didn’t get a single bite all week. Smells lovely too, much nicer than chemical sprays.”
— Sarah M., Holiday-Goer, Manchester
“I walk my two labradors along the canal daily. In summer the gnats are horrendous. Since using Skin So Soft before every walk I barely get bitten at all. Worth every penny.”
— Julie R., Dog Walker, Cheshire
“My mate brought Skin So Soft to Glastonbury. While everyone else scratched bites all weekend, we were absolutely fine. Already stocked up for this year’s festivals!”
— Dan K., Festival-Goer, Bristol
“I spend every spare moment on my allotment. Mosquitoes near the water butts used to drive me mad. Skin So Soft keeps them at bay and my skin feels gorgeous afterwards — as essential as my gardening gloves!”
— Margaret P., Gardener, Yorkshire
Skin So Soft vs. Chemical DEET Repellents
- Gentleness: DEET irritates sensitive skin. Skin So Soft is a moisturiser — gentle, nourishing, safe for everyday use.
- Scent: DEET smells awful. Skin So Soft has a fresh, citrusy fragrance that’s genuinely pleasant.
- Skin benefits: Chemical repellents dry skin out. Skin So Soft contains jojoba oil that leaves skin silky and hydrated.
- Multi-purpose: Daily moisturiser, after-shower spray, and outdoor deterrent. DEET does one job.
- Value: One bottle lasts weeks and costs a fraction of specialist repellents.
Skin So Soft Original — Bonus Size
The same gorgeous formula in a bigger bottle — perfect for families or stocking up for the whole summer.
Shop Bonus Size with CarolKind to Your Skin, Kind to Animals
Avon is Leaping Bunny certified and cruelty-free since 1989. When you choose Skin So Soft, you’re choosing a product never tested on animals.
Ready to Try It Yourself?
Whether you're planning a camping trip, dreading midge season in the garden, or simply want a gorgeous moisturiser that keeps bugs at bay — I've got you covered!
Shop Skin So Soft with Carol →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Skin So Soft repel midges?
Avon doesn’t market it as a repellent, but thousands of outdoor enthusiasts swear by it. The citronellol in the Original Dry Oil Spray has a scent midges find unpleasant. Forestry workers, hill walkers, and campers across Scotland and the Lake District have relied on it for decades.
Is Skin So Soft safe for children?
It’s a moisturiser, not a chemical repellent — no DEET or harsh ingredients. Many parents choose it because it’s gentle on skin. Do a patch test first and avoid broken skin. For babies under 12 months, check with your health visitor.
How do you use Skin So Soft as bug spray?
Spray onto all exposed skin before heading outdoors. Reapply every couple of hours, sooner if sweating. Don’t rub it in completely — keep the scent on the surface for maximum effect. A light mist on clothing adds extra coverage.
Does Skin So Soft keep mosquitoes away?
Many customers report it deters mosquitoes as well as midges. It’s popular with UK holidaymakers heading to the Med and for summer garden evenings. For tropical destinations with disease-carrying mosquitoes, pair it with a certified repellent.
Is Avon Skin So Soft a proper insect repellent?
Officially, no — it’s sold as a moisturising dry oil spray. But its reputation has grown over decades through word of mouth. Forestry workers, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts prefer it over DEET because it’s gentler, smells lovely, and moisturises at the same time.
Ready to Try It Yourself?
Whether you’re planning a camping trip, dreading midge season in the garden, or simply want a gorgeous moisturiser that keeps bugs at bay — I’ve got you covered. Order through my shop and I’ll get it to you quickly. Any questions? Get in touch — I’m always happy to help.
Feel fab, look fabulous! — Carol x