3M Ultrathon™ Insect Repellent 
(Spray Version 170g) 
 Expiry Date: Oct 2020

Background of Ultrathon™ Insect Repellent 






Key Features of Ultrathon™ Insect Repellent (Spray Version) 


1) Contains 25% DEET and with 3M's unique technology of 'Time Release', it gives the user a balanced mix between concentration of DEET and long lasting protection. Our unique technology provides longer lasting protection with less DEET. So you don't have to reapply as often and can last outdoors with 8 hours of protection with just one spray coverage!

(Note: Some products are priced cheaper and contain less DEET or last only 3-4 hours, causing the user to have to reapply often, which in turn makes you finish the spray even earlier, and is more costly in the long run!)


2) Military tested and tested even in the harshest environments in the world - the Central American jungles. 



3) Can be sprayed conveniently with the spray can turned upside down for a good full coverage just using one hand!  

(Many of our customers love purchasing this product for their overseas holiday travel , mountain trekking, hiking, camping, fishing especially in countries that may be prone to Malaria, Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus e.t.c.)




4) Sweat & Splash Resistant (so you don't have to keep reapplying as often!)






Misconception of DEET (Diethyl-meta-toluamide)

DEET has been used by the U.S. public since 1957. Despite 40 years of testing more than 20,000 other compounds since then, DEET remains the most-effective and broad-spectrum repellent currently available. 

In recent years where there have been many new variants of insect repellents that claim that they are either "natural" or "plant-based", they may seem to imply that DEET is a "bad" component to have in insect repellents. However, all current available "natural" or "plant-based" insect repellents cannot match the broad-spectrum efficacy and long-lasting action of DEET repellents. 

Most natural repellents contain citronella, which is a lemony-scented oil derived from two cultivated grasses. Very variable efficacy has been reported in scientific studies of citronella, depending on the product tested and the species of insect examined. In general, these studies show very short protection times, lasting just a few minutes to up to two hours.  For example, many parents who send their children to a childcare or preschool with outdoor facilities may have chosen initially to go with DEET-Free sprays, wristbands or stickers but have also noted that its efficacy does not last long enough and children who especially cannot stand and control the itch, turn to scratch these bites that end up becoming open wounds or even scars later.


Picture: 3 Mosquito Bites on Child's Leg despite using Plant-based Insect Repellent Sprays

Here is also a write-up that is by Dr Cameron Webb (University of Sydney & Pathology West)  
on some of the myths of insect repellents:
















How do insect repellents work?

Biting insects have antennae that detect lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and other volatile compounds that humans and animals give off in their breath and from their skin. Mosquitoes are so sensitive to these chemicals that they can detect a potential blood meal from as far away as 100 feet! Insect repellents are believed to work by blocking the stimulation of these receptors, preventing insects from homing in on their source.


I've noticed that stores sell DEET in concentrations of anywhere from 5% to 100%. How do I know which strength is right for me?

There is no one right answer to this question. The various concentrations of DEET are out there to address different needs. As a general rule, higher concentrations of DEET will offer longer-lasting protection, but this effect tends to level out at concentrations of DEET over 30%. Under most circumstances of casual use, 10% - 35% DEET will provide adequate protection. However, there are certain conditions in which using a higher concentration of DEET may be preferable. These circumstances include the following:

  • Conditions in which there is a rapid loss of repellent to the skin due to washoff from rain, perspiration, or high ambient temperatures
  • When traveling to an area where there is a very high density of biting insects (e.g., the Everglades or Alaska)
  • When traveling to areas where insect bites can transmit serious diseases to humans (e.g., malaria, yellow fever, filariasis, viral encephalitus, etc.)


I've heard recently about "time-release" DEET repellents. Do these products have any advantages over the other DEET repellents?

Nearly all DEET-based repellents on the market contain the DEET chemical simply mixed in a base of lotion, or alcohol. Extended or time-released products, in contrast, package the DEET in a special base that allows it to be released more slowly on to the skin surface. There are several advantages to this technology: These products will give longer-lasting protection, without requiring the use of high concentrations of DEET. They also reduce the number of times that re-application of the product may be necessary. Ultrathon, which is a time-release product, contains 25% (spray) 34.34% (cream) DEET in a polymer base; the cream version is identical to the repellent used by the U.S. military.


How much repellent should I apply?

Insect repellent should be applied as a thin layer, covering all the exposed skin surface evenly. There is no need to saturate the skin in order for the repellent to be effective. Do not apply insect repellent over cuts, wounds, or inflamed or eczematous skin.

Is it O.K. to spray DEET on my clothes?

DEET can be applied to either exposed skin or clothing. It should not be applied to skin that is covered by clothes. DEET should also not be applied to synthetic fabrics such as rayon or to plastics (e.g. spectacles), because it can damage these products.


I purchased DEET-based wristbands, which claimed that they would repel mosquitoes, but they don't seem to work. Why?

DEET essentially only protects the areas to which it is applied. Its repellent effect cannot travel far. The application of DEET to a few points of the body, therefore, will not "cloak" the user in protection. All exposed skin must be treated with DEET in order for it to be protected. Hungry insects will readily find any areas of unprotected skin.


Is it O.K. to spray for use on children?
This product should not be used on infants 6 months and below. Do not allow children to handle this product.  Do not apply to children's hands.  When using on children, apply to your own hands, and then put it on the child.  Use just enough repellent to cover all exposed skin.  Do not use under clothing.  Avoid over-application of this product.  After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.