Everything you want to know about The Superbloc, PMD, and plant-powered bug protection.
Ingredients & Science
What is natural mosquito repellent made from?
Natural mosquito repellents use plant-based active ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals like DEET. The Superbloc uses PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), derived from lemon eucalyptus oil. PMD is the only plant-based active ingredient recommended by the CDC as effective against mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, Zika, and dengue.
What is Superbloc made from?
Our Bloc Off products contain: PMD (8%), Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil (1%), Cedarwood Virginian Essential Oil (0.5%), Copaiba Essential Oil (0.5%), plus water, hydrogenated castor oil, glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and chamomile extract.
Bloc & Chill uses the same base formula plus menthyl lactate (2%) for its cooling effect. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and contain no DEET, no alcohol, and no harsh chemicals.
Is natural mosquito repellent as effective as DEET?
PMD-based repellents like The Superbloc provide up to 6+ hours of protection — comparable to low-concentration DEET products in clinical studies. A 2006 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association concluded that PMD provides DEET-like efficacy. PMD is the only plant-based active ingredient recommended by the CDC.
What is PMD and how is it different from DEET?
PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol) is a plant-based compound derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree. It is the only plant-derived mosquito repellent active ingredient recommended by the CDC. Unlike DEET, PMD has a pleasant citrus scent, does not damage plastics or synthetic fabrics, and has a favorable safety profile with no documented neurological adverse effects at recommended use levels.
Is PMD the same as lemon eucalyptus essential oil?
No — this is an important distinction. PMD is the refined, concentrated active compound from the lemon eucalyptus tree that provides proven mosquito repellent action. "Lemon eucalyptus essential oil" is the raw, unrefined distillation product and has not been validated as an effective repellent. The CDC specifically recommends PMD/OLE products — not lemon eucalyptus essential oil.
Have your products been tested in a lab?
Yes. Our products are lab-tested for 6+ hours of mosquito protection against key species including Aedes aegypti (Zika and dengue vector) and Culex species (West Nile vector). PMD as an active ingredient has been validated in multiple peer-reviewed clinical studies published in journals including the Journal of Medical Entomology and Scientific Reports.
What is a 25(b) exempt product?
Under FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act), Section 25(b) exempt products are minimum risk pesticides that use active ingredients the EPA considers safe enough to be exempt from federal registration requirements. The Superbloc's products qualify as 25(b) exempt because they use PMD and other plant-based ingredients recognized as posing minimal risk to human health and the environment.
Safety & Family
Is The Superbloc safe for babies and young children?
Yes. The Superbloc is safe for children 6 months and older. It is DEET-free, alcohol-free, and formulated with skin-soothing aloe vera and chamomile. Apply to your own hands first, then rub onto the child's exposed skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
For babies under 6 months, use mosquito netting on strollers and carriers instead of any repellent.
Are your products safe?
Yes. The Superbloc products are DEET-free, alcohol-free, and formulated as 25(b) exempt minimum risk pesticides under FIFRA. They are safe for children 6 months and older, and the CDC considers PMD products safe for use during pregnancy. Our products have a Health (H), Flammability (F), and Reactivity (R) rating of 0 across the board per our Material Safety Data Sheets — the lowest possible hazard ratings.
Is The Superbloc safe during pregnancy?
The CDC considers EPA-registered PMD products safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The Superbloc is DEET-free and alcohol-free, making it a gentle option. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider for personalized advice during pregnancy.
Are your products pet friendly?
The Superbloc products are formulated for use on human skin. While our plant-based ingredients are generally gentle, we recommend consulting your veterinarian before using any repellent product around pets, as some animals may have sensitivities to essential oils.
Can I use The Superbloc every day?
Yes. The Superbloc is formulated for daily use. The alcohol-free formula with aloe vera and chamomile is gentle enough for regular application without drying out or irritating skin.
Is the formula G6PD-friendly?
Our products do not contain naphthalene, camphor, or other ingredients commonly flagged as triggers for G6PD deficiency reactions. However, if you or your child has G6PD deficiency, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before using any new topical product, including natural repellents.
Are your products vegan?
Yes. All Superbloc products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. We use only plant-based and mineral-derived ingredients. No animal-derived ingredients are used in any of our formulations.
Are your products environmentally friendly?
Yes. Our formulations are readily biodegradable according to OECD testing methods and pose no hazard to air, water, aquatic life, or humans in disposal testing. They are not classified as hazardous by DOT and contain no volatile organic compounds. Unlike DEET, which persists in surface water and soil, our plant-based ingredients break down naturally.
Our Products
What types of pests do your repellent products work against?
Our personal care products (Bloc Off and Bloc & Chill) repel mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, and biting flies. Our Home Series tags target dust mites, clothes moths, and silverfish. The Superbloc repels mosquito species known to carry West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya.
What is the difference between Bloc Off and Bloc & Chill?
Both lines provide the same core mosquito protection using PMD. Bloc Off features a lemon eucalyptus and cedarwood scent. Bloc & Chill adds peppermint (menthyl lactate) for an instant cooling sensation — ideal for hot weather. Both come as sprays (80ml, 2-pack) and individually wrapped wipes (10-pack, 2-pack).
How do I use Superbloc?
Spray: Hold 6–8 inches from skin and spray evenly on all exposed areas. Wipes: Open individual towelette and wipe onto exposed skin.
For children, apply to your own hands first, then rub onto the child's skin. Avoid eyes and mouth. Reapply after 6 hours, after swimming, or if sweating heavily.
How long do the products last?
Our personal care sprays and wipes provide 6+ hours of protection per application. Reapply if sweating heavily, after swimming, or if you start getting bitten. Our Home Series tags (Bloc & Protect and Bloc & Refresh) provide long-lasting protection for indoor spaces — simply hang and replace as needed.
Does The Superbloc smell bad like traditional bug spray?
Not at all — that's one of our core differentiators. Bloc Off has a fresh lemon eucalyptus scent with grounding cedarwood and pine notes. Bloc & Chill adds refreshing peppermint. Customers describe it as something they'd actually enjoy wearing.
How do the Home Tags work?
Bloc & Protect uses PMD, eucalyptus oil, and thyme oil to repel dust mites, clothes moths, and silverfish. Bloc & Refresh uses Zinc Ricinoleate and Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract to neutralize odors naturally. Hang them in closets, drawers, bathrooms, shoe cabinets, or door entries for long-lasting freshness and protection.
Orders & Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. All transactions are processed securely through Shopify Payments.
How can I check my order status?
Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking number. You can also check your order status by logging into your account at thesuperbloc.com. If you checked out as a guest, use the tracking link in your shipping confirmation email.
Are sale items final sale?
Sale and clearance items may be final sale. Please check the product listing for specific return eligibility. If you're unsure, contact us at hello@thesuperbloc.com before purchasing.
Shipping & Returns
Where do you ship?
We ship across the United States and to select international destinations. Shipping rates and delivery times vary by location and are calculated at checkout.
How long does shipping take?
Domestic US orders typically arrive within 5–10 business days. International shipping times vary by destination. You'll receive a tracking number once your order ships so you can follow its progress.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes! We offer free shipping on orders over $70 within the US.
Can I track my package?
Yes. Once your order ships, you'll receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number and link. You can use this to track your package in real time.
What should I do if my shipment is delayed?
If your order hasn't arrived within the estimated delivery window, first check your tracking link for the latest status. If the tracking shows no movement for more than 5 business days, contact us at hello@thesuperbloc.com and we'll investigate and make it right.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, contact us at hello@thesuperbloc.com within 30 days and we'll work with you to make it right.
How do I return an item?
To start a return, email us at hello@thesuperbloc.com with your order number and reason for return. We'll send you the return shipping address and instructions. Customers are responsible for return shipping costs. Refunds are processed within 5–10 business days of receiving the returned item.
Which items are not eligible for return?
Opened or used wipe packets, items marked as final sale, and free promotional items are generally not eligible for return. If you received a damaged or defective product, we'll always make it right — just contact us.
What should I do if I receive a damaged or incorrect item?
We're sorry! Please email us at hello@thesuperbloc.com with your order number and a photo of the issue. We'll send a replacement or issue a full refund — no need to return the damaged item.
Where to Buy & Contact
Where can I buy The Superbloc?
The Superbloc is available at thesuperbloc.com, at Anthropologie stores (URBN), and on Amazon. For wholesale inquiries, email hello@thesuperbloc.com.
Do you have physical stores?
The Superbloc is stocked at Anthropologie stores across the US. We don't operate our own retail locations, but you can always shop our full range at thesuperbloc.com and on Amazon.
How can I contact your customer service?
You can reach us by email at hello@thesuperbloc.com or DM us on Instagram @thesuperbloc. We do our best to reply within 48 business hours. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 10am–5pm GMT+8.
Does The Superbloc make home mosquito protection products?
Yes. Beyond personal repellent sprays and wipes, The Superbloc makes home defense tags — including the Bloc & Protect Home Tag in Fuzzy Citrus and the Bloc & Refresh Home Tag in Cedarwood. These tags provide passive, continuous bug protection for your home environment using natural plant-based ingredients.
How do The Superbloc home tags work?
The Superbloc home tags use natural plant-based active ingredients that continuously release a protective scent barrier to deter mosquitoes and bugs from your living spaces. Simply hang or place them in rooms, near windows, or outdoor areas for passive, ongoing protection without sprays or chemicals.
What is the difference between The Superbloc sprays and home tags?
The Superbloc sprays and wipes are designed for personal, on-body protection — apply directly to skin before heading outdoors. The home tags are designed for passive home and space protection — hang them in rooms, near entry points, or outdoor areas to create a continuous bug deterrent without any application needed.
Still have questions?
We'd love to help. Email us at hello@thesuperbloc.com or DM us @thesuperbloc on Instagram.