NasalGuard Ingredients: What's in the Gel, in Plain Language

Before you put something new on your face, it makes sense to read what is in it. "NasalGuard ingredients" is one of the questions people search most about the gel, so here is the answer in one place.

Below is the full list, followed by a short, everyday explanation of what each group of ingredients is there for. No lab vocabulary required.

What NasalGuard is

NasalGuard® Airborne Particle Blocker is an invisible, drug-free gel applied around the outside of the nostrils and above the upper lip to help reduce inhalation of everyday airborne particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. It uses positive ion technology to create an invisible gel barrier around the outside of the nostrils.

It is a topical gel. It is not a medicine or a drug, and it is not intended to be inserted into the nose. For a longer look at how the barrier works, see Does NasalGuard Work?

The full NasalGuard ingredients list

Here are the NasalGuard ingredients for NasalGuard Airborne Particle Blocker:

Purified Water, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Benzalkonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Steareth-2, Dimethicone, Menthol, Fragrance.

Menthol and fragrance are in the Cool Menthol versions. The Unscented versions leave them out.

What the ingredients do, in everyday words

Eleven names can look like a lot. They fall into four simple groups.

A water-and-gel base

Purified water, hydroxyethylcellulose, and glycerin make up the base. Together they give NasalGuard its soft gel texture, so a small amount stays where you put it.

A smooth, even feel

Caprylic/capric triglyceride, steareth-2, and dimethicone help the gel spread smoothly between your thumb and finger and go on in a thin, even layer.

Preservatives

Potassium sorbate, benzalkonium chloride, and phenoxyethanol are preservatives. Their job is to keep the gel in good condition from the first use to the last.

Menthol and fragrance, in Cool Menthol only

Menthol and fragrance give the Cool Menthol versions their fresh, cool scent. If you would rather have nothing to smell, choose Unscented.

Unscented vs Cool Menthol

The difference between the two scents comes down to those last two ingredients. Both versions use the same invisible gel barrier, applied the same way. Pick the one you like wearing.

• Unscented suits people who prefer no scent near their nose, or who wear it at a desk or around other people. Try NasalGuard Airborne Particle Blocker, Unscented.
• Cool Menthol suits people who like a fresh, cool scent when they apply it. Try NasalGuard Airborne Particle Blocker, Cool Menthol.

Both scents also come in the For Air Travelers line, sized for a carry-on, and in a larger 10g size. You can see every version on the all products page.

What the gel looks like, and how to apply it

Straight from the tube, NasalGuard is an opaque, milky-white gel. Once you spread it into a thin layer, it goes on invisibly.

To apply: place a small amount on a fingertip, spread it between the thumb and finger, and apply around the outside of the nostrils and above the upper lip. Reapply according to the current directions and after the area becomes wet. Check the label of your exact version for directions and how much to use.

If you have questions

If you have a question about any ingredient on the list, or whether NasalGuard is right for you, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you use it. You can also email the NasalGuard team at info@nasalguard.com. Our post on what a topical nose barrier is and isn't covers the other questions people ask most often.

Frequently asked questions

What are the NasalGuard ingredients?

NasalGuard Airborne Particle Blocker contains Purified Water, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Benzalkonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Steareth-2, Dimethicone, Menthol, and Fragrance. Menthol and fragrance are in the Cool Menthol versions only. In everyday terms, that is a water-and-gel base, ingredients for a smooth feel, preservatives, and the Cool Menthol scent.

Which NasalGuard has menthol?

The Cool Menthol versions contain menthol and fragrance, which give them a fresh, cool scent. The Unscented versions do not include them. Both use the same invisible gel barrier and are applied the same way, around the outside of the nostrils and above the upper lip, so the choice comes down to whether you like a scent.

What color is NasalGuard gel?

NasalGuard is an opaque, milky-white gel when it first comes out. After you spread it between your thumb and finger and apply a thin layer around the outside of the nostrils and above the upper lip, it goes on invisibly. Use a small amount and follow the current directions for how much to apply.

Is NasalGuard a medicine?

No. NasalGuard Airborne Particle Blocker is a topical gel. It is not a medicine or a drug. It is designed to help reduce inhalation of everyday airborne particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, using positive ion technology to create an invisible gel barrier around the outside of the nostrils.

Does NasalGuard go inside the nose?

No. NasalGuard is applied around the outside of the nostrils and above the upper lip. It is not intended to be inserted into the nose. Place a small amount on a fingertip, spread it between the thumb and finger, then apply it to the outside area, and follow the current directions on the label.

If you have read this far, you know what is in the gel. The next step is choosing a scent: Unscented if you want nothing to smell, Cool Menthol if you like a fresh, cool scent. NasalGuard® Airborne Particle Blocker is an invisible, drug-free gel applied around the outside of the nostrils and above the upper lip to help reduce inhalation of everyday airborne particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander.

Sources:

• NasalGuard Airborne Particle Blocker ingredient list (NasalGuard)