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Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give them a report card. (Check out all of our tried-and-tested faves here.)
The assignment…
To test Kinfield’s suite of bug-repellent products. Since we’re in the height of mosquito season, could we spend an entire evening outdoors and not be a juicy target for whatever is flying around?
What we tested…
Relief Patches: Hydrocolloid patches made with cajeput oil, arnica, and witch hazel for after-bite relief; $16/30 patches
Golden Hour Wipes: Travel wipes that contain Indonesian citronella; $20/12 wipes
Golden Hour Spray: Like the wipes, but in spray form; $22/3-ounce bottle
Relief Balm: An anti-itch stick made with cajeput and eucalyptus oils; $16
Straight A’s in…
The Relief Patches. Our three testers loved this product the most. The patches come in a variety of sizes, so if you’re caught without the spray and end up with a bite, you can apply a patch for pretty instant relief (think pimple patch, but for bug bites). With the patch on, our testers agree you quickly forget about the itchiness and don’t get the urge to scratch. Plus, they’re barely noticeable once applied.
Golden Hour Wipes: These are an excellent travel option (super easy to pack) and can be used on the go with zero mess. The formula dries quickly and won’t leave you feeling greasy. The actual wipe is made from plant fibers, so it’s compostable too.
Golden Hour Spray: One tester tried this spray on herself and her sister before an outdoor party and reported no bites. She didn’t feel like her skin was heavily coated and actually went to bed one night without washing the spray off — something she claims she would never do with traditional bug spray.
Room for growth…
Relief balm. Don’t get us wrong, it did work, but it was our testers’ least favorite product of the bunch. They agreed the patches provided greater, more constant relief, while the balm needed to be reapplied to keep them from scratching. Yes, it’s easy to throw into a bag, but we vote for the patches.
Smell. We have to admit, the smell of the spray and wipes is noticeable. Our testers reported that during and after application, they could easily smell citronella and vanilla. It took a few minutes for that scent to lessen, but it wasn’t entirely gone for the remainder of the evening.
Packaging. Some of the packaging is paper and plastic, which can be recycled, but the patch and wipe individual packets are not and need to be thrown away.
Plays well with…
Anyone who’s a mosquito magnet during the summer months.
Kids who tend to scratch bites nonstop. The patches will help them go about their business (and they’re waterproof, too).
Gets extra credit for…
Ingredients. Kinfield is very transparent about ingredients in each product (info is listed online). Everything is vegan, paraben-, phthalate-, sulfate-, and cruelty-free.
Recycling directions. On each product page, you’ll also find directions on how to recycle certain parts of each product, packaging including.
How we did our homework…
We had three testers use the suite of bug-related products over the course of one month. They used the products before long days spent outside (including meals which inevitably attract mosquitos). They also traveled with the products and applied them before hiking, fishing, playing golf, and more. To try the relief products, testers went outside without the preventative spray or wipes, because ultimately, they had to get bitten to really see how anti-itch the patches and balm are. Happy to report they get the job done.
Footnotes…
Relief Patches: $16/30 patches
Golden Hour Wipes: $20/12 wipes
Golden Hour Spray: $22/3-ounce bottle
Relief Balm: $16
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