Liposome-based Controlled Release Technology

Featured in Sawyer’s Ultra 30™ products, liposome-based controlled release repellent is the newest advancement in insect repellent technology. Liposomes were first used to deliver medicine in pharmaceutical lotions because they are very effective at controlling the release of the active ingredient, while remaining gentle to the skin. We have applied the same technology to insect repellent to control the release of DEET in its Ultra 30™ products.

Similar to the earlier generation of polymer-based controlled release systems, the liposome envelops the DEET and slowly time-releases it as needed, thereby extending the effectiveness of the repellent. Unlike polymers, however, liposomes are a natural compound which is more comfortable to the skin and easier to wear. The liposome base enables Sawyer’s 30% DEET lotion to be non-greasy, with little to no odor. Ultra 30™ is also non-staining, resists perspiration, and is effective for up to 11 hours; which makes it one of the best controlled release repellent on the market.

Sawyer’s Controlled Release Technology

Sawyer’s Controlled Release Insect Repellents use a patented Sub Micron Encapsulation process by which DEET is captured inside a Micale protein. As shown in the diagram below, each microscopic particle of protein contains chambers which hold the DEET. Over a period of up to 24 hours your skin slowly dissolves the protein particles. As the particles are dissolved, DEET is released from the chambers for evaporation: the function which keeps the bugs away.

In traditional repellents, all of the DEET is present directly on the skin until it evaporates, which leaves much more of the chemicals to be unnecessarily absorbed. In the Controlled Release formula virtually all of the DEET remains in chambers until it is released. Which means only very minimal amounts of DEET are ever on the skin at any one time for possible absorption.

Our controlled release repellent was specially formulated to nestle the small protein particles into the skin, utilizing similar techniques found in today’s most advanced sun blocks. With this method, Sawyer Controlled Release insect repellent provides benefits such as significant water resistance, a non-alcohol, non-greasy dry feel, and long lasting protection. At any point in time you may simply wash the remaining formula off your skin with soap and water.