Imagine conquering countless trails without a single itch in sight. That's the Tecnu dream! This handy cleanser washes away the nasty rash-causing oil (urushiol) from your skin (and gear!) after any exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. ️
Think you ran into poison ivy? No worries! Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is a poison ivy wash created to combat urushiol. This effective yet gentle soap is the first line of defense against a potential rash. It works to wash away the oil before it takes hold.
It's best to act within the first 8 hours after exposure. Apply Tecnu Original directly to dry skin, massaging thoroughly for two minutes. Rinse with cool or tepid water to remove the rash-causing oil.
If you are not near a water source. you can simply wipe it off with a cloth. Remember, time is of the essence. The sooner you act, the higher your chance of preventing the rash altogether.
Even if a poison ivy or oak rash develops, Tecnu Original remains your ally. Removing unbonded urushiol oil will prevent further spread.
And beyond the immediate application, Tecnu Original safeguards your gear. Apply it to potentially contaminated objects like tools, clothing, or pet fur. Coming in contact with objects that have urushiol on them can start a new rash.
So, ditch the itch and embrace the adventure! With Tecnu Original by your side, every trail becomes a possibility, not a potential itchy nightmare. Get your bottle of freedom today!
Fun fact: The name "Tecnu" was given by its inventor (Doctor Robert Smith), meaning "technically new"; you have likely seen it misspelled as Tech Nu or Technu Outdoor Skin Cleanser.
Removes poison oak and ivy oil, urushiol, that causes rash and itching
Tecnu is most effective when used within the first two hours after exposure or as soon as rash appears
Warnings:
Keep out of reach of children.
For external use only.
Should not be applied to raw or oozing area of skin.
If redness occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician.
Keep out of eyes and other mucous membranes.
Directions: Before the rash has started:
Apply Tecnu to exposed unwetted skin within 8 hours after exposure to poisonous plants.
Rub vigorously for 2 minutes to remove oil and other contaminants from skin. If hyper-sensitive, wash entire body with Tecnu.
Rinse skin clean with cool running water or wipe off with a cloth. Repeat.
As soon as rash appears:
Apply Tecnu to affected skin and surrounding areas. For best results apply to entire body. Rub in for 2 minutes but avoid breaking the skin.
Rinse with cool running water to remove Tecnu and poison oils. If itching persists, reapply Tecnu, then rinse in a very warm shower (not a bath).
Towel dry gently
Repeat as necessary and before retiring.
To clean pets:
Saturate a cloth with Tecnu and wipe down the pet's coat.
Follow with pet shampoo and water bath.
Tecnu can also remove skunk spray from your pet's fur.
To clean clothing:
Saturate unwetted clothing with Tecnu in a bucket for several minutes.
Launder by itself with detergent and hot water.
Check for color fastness by testing a concealed corner of the fabric.
To clean tools:
Wipe down tools with a cloth saturated with Tecnu.
Wash with soap and water.
To remove sap and pitch:
Apply Tecnu directly and rub until stain dissolves to clean pitch, tree sap, road tar, grass stains and other substances from skin, tools and clothing.
It is best to use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser in the shower. Tecnu Original bonds with the urushiol to remove it from the skin, and in the shower, the urushiol will wash down the drain with the water. In a bathtub however, the oil can disperse into the water and possibly spread to other areas of your body.
Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is designed to be used full strength. To use, apply the cleanser directly to the skin (or item being cleaned) without adding water. Rub vigorously for 2 minutes into the affected area and then follow up by rinsing with water or wiping off with a cloth. If water is mixed with Tecnu Original before application, it will be diluted and not effective.
If you are looking for a cleanser to use with water, while taking a shower for instance, we recommend using Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub which is designed to be used with water.
No, using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser before exposure to poison ivy will not help prevent the rash. Tecnu Original is a cleanser that is formulated to unlock the urushiol bond with your skin so you have to use afterward to wash off the poison ivy oil.
Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is a cosmetic cleanser that does not contain an active drug ingredient that would interfere with taking an oral antihistamine such as Bendaryl.
Yes, however, consult your physician first. During pregnancy you are more likely to develop allergies, so use with caution. Nursing mothers should thoroughly rinse Tecnu Original from their skin.
Yes, you can use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser on your face, but use at your discretion. Tecnu is a detergent, and if you have sensitive skin, irritation may occur. Definitely do not use Tecnu near your eyes.
Do not physically MIX Tecnu & other medications, this may cause irritation or reaction. Always use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser and other products separately. When using other medications, cleanse with regular soap before applying Tecnu. Thoroughly rinse Tecnu before applying any other medications.
The sooner you remove urushiol from your skin the better as the poison ivy and oak rash is caused by your body's reaction to the bond of the plant's oil to your skin. Everyone's body is different so some people react to urushiol sooner than others which is why we have a time range on there. We have found that, for most people, it is best to remove the oil within 2-8 hours of exposure.
When using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser on items such as clothing, fabric, or painted surfaces, we recommend spot testing in an inconspicuous area first to test for color-fastness. Apply Tecnu Original to the test area, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then wipe down with a cloth saturated in water.
Tecnu is a cleanser and does not have an expiration date. However if you notice it is turning a yellowish or brown color, it is no longer good and you should replace it. Be sure to shake Tecnu Original before using.
Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser can be used without water. Shake the bottle well, wipe the product on the area where you need to remove urushiol, and then wipe off with a cloth.
The problem with dogs running through poison oak is that the oil will stay on their fur until it is removed. The only way to prevent having to clean your dog daily would be to keep her from coming in contact with the plants in the first place, such as keeping her close on a leash or taking a different path that does not contain poison oak. To remove the oil, you can use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser. Saturate a cloth with Tecnu Original and wipe down her coat. Follow up with a pet shampoo and water. You want to make sure to remove all of the Tecnu so that she doesn't lick her fur and ingest it.
Tecnu breaks the bond that the poisonous oil makes with the proteins in our skin, it does not break it down, chemically into inert substances. It may be possible that some of the oil residue could reside where you rinse off, but we have never tested that theory. We have never heard of anyone becoming re-contaminated from such exposure.
Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser removes the urushiol from your skin the first time you use it. You can repeat use to remove any urushiol you missed or to remove any urushiol oils that you have come in contact with after the first use.
Tecnu Original is a skin cleanser that is safe to use as often as you would like. However, if it starts drying out your skin or irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is a cleanser that removes the oil that causes poison ivy and oak rash. At this point, you are better off using a product with an anti-itch medication to relieve your itching.
Anything that can be carried along with steam has the potential to be breathed into the lungs. It's always advised to use Tecnu Original in a cool shower to keep from opening the skin's pores.
Yes, Tecnu Original is safe to use on your children when used according to directions. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the area after use to ensure that any residue has been washed away.
Follow the directions on the label for "As Soon as Rash Appears:" 1. Rub Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser on affected skin & surrounding areas. Avoid breaking skin. 2. Rinse off with cool running water (not a bath) to remove Tecnu & poison oils.
You can use Tecnu Original before using a hydrocortisone ointment. Just make sure to wait at least 3 days after using a hydrocortisone ointment, before using Tecnu.
The reason is that the use of hydrocortisone thins the skin, allowing any topical application to the skin to penetrate more readily. If you are slightly sensitive to a detergent, like Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser, it will aggravate the skin more quickly and severely.
For the initial wash with Tecnu after exposure to poison oak or poison ivy, it is best to use cold water. Hot water opens the pores, which can allow the urushiol to penetrate deeper, possibly increasing your chances of developing a rash.
If the poisonous oil has already penetrated the epidermal layer of the skin and bonded to the deeper skin cells, it's too late to stop the reaction from occurring. The benefit of using Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser is if there is still urushiol oil on the top layer of skin, Tecnu will remove it and prevent further contamination.
Keep in mind that the body grows new skin underneath the blistered area. This new skin area is usually a dark red and even looks bruised on some individuals depending on skin type. This difference in coloring blends in a few weeks and doesn't leave permanent marks.
31 reviews for Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser
Rated 5 out of 5
Scott Nemtzow (verified owner)–
I have used your product (Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser) for about four years and have had great success with it. Ever since I was a little boy I have had poison ivy. It got so bad that when I was about 10 years old the doctor gave me shots to prevent it. The shots did not work. I suffered every single summer form severe cases of poison ivy until I found your product at CVS.
This letter is to thank you and to say that I use it every time I work in our yard and the woods. Your product works wonders!!!
P.S. I am 54 years old now!
Rated 5 out of 5
DH in Austin, TX (verified owner)–
Greetings! I was just going to send a quick THANK YOU for developing the first product I have ever used that keeps poison ivy from infecting me, and am quite pleased to see I am not the only VERY HAPPY customer!! I have used products like Calamine Lotion to help me stop itching for many years, and was very interested when I spotted your product in a pharmacy (I was really kind of doubtful when I spotted it, but anything that would help me avoid the ITCH was worth the try). I bought it last summer and put it on a shelf, and I immediately forgot about it. Well, last week I walked my dog along the creek behind my house. After walking a mile from the house my dog decided to chase a squirrel, and I had to go get her when she ignored my calls. When I bent down to get her, I noticed too late that ALL of the plants I was in contact with (it was touching my legs, arms, and FACE) were poison ivy. When I got home I washed the dog, and then I took a shower. After I was done I looked in the medicine cabinet for Calamine, but I spotted your product (Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleaner)and gave it a try. After I was finished, I rubbed some on the dog too. I followed the instructions to the letter, and one week later I can happily report that I HAVE HAD NO RASHES AT ALL! I am amazed and impressed! Thank you for a great product! I am actually going to BUY a bottle for a friend of mine - telling him about it just isn't as convincing as giving him a bottle to try.
DH in Austin, TX –
Greetings! I was just going to send a quick THANK YOU for developing the first product I have ever used that keeps poison ivy from infecting me, and am quite pleased to see I am not the only VERY HAPPY customer!! I have used products like Calamine Lotion to help me stop itching for many years, and was very interested when I spotted your product in a pharmacy (I was really kind of doubtful when I spotted it, but anything that would help me avoid the ITCH was worth the try). I bought it last summer and put it on a shelf, and I immediately forgot about it. Well, last week I walked my dog along the creek behind my house. After walking a mile from the house my dog decided to chase a squirrel, and I had to go get her when she ignored my calls. When I bent down to get her, I noticed too late that ALL of the plants I was in contact with (it was touching my legs, arms, and FACE) were poison ivy. When I got home I washed the dog, and then I took a shower. After I was done I looked in the medicine cabinet for Calamine, but I spotted your product (Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleaner)and gave it a try. After I was finished, I rubbed some on the dog too. I followed the instructions to the letter, and one week later I can happily report that I HAVE HAD NO RASHES AT ALL! I am amazed and impressed! Thank you for a great product! I am actually going to BUY a bottle for a friend of mine - telling him about it just isn't as convincing as giving him a bottle to try.
Rated 5 out of 5
Darren (verified owner)–
I just mainly wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what a great product you've made.
The Tecnu outdoor skin cleanser was SUCH a lifesavor for me this past weekend. I decided to help a friend remove some panels off the side of a barn that had been falling apart. Not knowing there were large amounts of poison ivy vines that have been growing along the side of this barn over a period of time, right there I KNEW my arms and face had been exposed to the oils when I had to remove the vines from the panels. Luckily I had a bottle of the Tecnu skin cleanser in my first aid kit. As soon as I got home from doing this job, I IMMEDIATELY applied the cleanser to my hands, arms, and face and rubbed it in, then rinsed. As of now I STILL don't feel any itching.
Before I discovered your product, I use to have to resort to getting rid of poison ivy by stratching my skin until it literally was bleeding, then poured bleach on it. What a PAINFULL procedure to say the least. But now thanks to your Tecnu skin cleanser it's sooo much easier to deal with any poison ivy when ever I feel like I'm exposed to it. Keep up the GREAT work. Thanks again.
Rated 5 out of 5
Rachael Parker (verified owner)–
Dear Tecnu, I wanted to thank you for sponsoring the Wicked 24 adventure race as part of the 2008 gorge games. Also, I wanted to let you know that the sponsored Tecnu team were a delight to race along side of. Our paths crossed many times over the grueling 24hr race and they were always cheerful, motivated, and good ambassadors of your product. They handed out trial samples before the race that I used afterwards and I have not had any outbreak at all even though I did substantial bushwhacking and certainly was exposed.
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Scott Nemtzow (verified owner) –
I have used your product (Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleanser) for about four years and have had great success with it. Ever since I was a little boy I have had poison ivy. It got so bad that when I was about 10 years old the doctor gave me shots to prevent it. The shots did not work. I suffered every single summer form severe cases of poison ivy until I found your product at CVS.
This letter is to thank you and to say that I use it every time I work in our yard and the woods. Your product works wonders!!!
P.S. I am 54 years old now!
DH in Austin, TX (verified owner) –
Greetings! I was just going to send a quick THANK YOU for developing the first product I have ever used that keeps poison ivy from infecting me, and am quite pleased to see I am not the only VERY HAPPY customer!! I have used products like Calamine Lotion to help me stop itching for many years, and was very interested when I spotted your product in a pharmacy (I was really kind of doubtful when I spotted it, but anything that would help me avoid the ITCH was worth the try). I bought it last summer and put it on a shelf, and I immediately forgot about it. Well, last week I walked my dog along the creek behind my house. After walking a mile from the house my dog decided to chase a squirrel, and I had to go get her when she ignored my calls. When I bent down to get her, I noticed too late that ALL of the plants I was in contact with (it was touching my legs, arms, and FACE) were poison ivy. When I got home I washed the dog, and then I took a shower. After I was done I looked in the medicine cabinet for Calamine, but I spotted your product (Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleaner)and gave it a try. After I was finished, I rubbed some on the dog too. I followed the instructions to the letter, and one week later I can happily report that I HAVE HAD NO RASHES AT ALL! I am amazed and impressed! Thank you for a great product! I am actually going to BUY a bottle for a friend of mine - telling him about it just isn't as convincing as giving him a bottle to try.
DH in Austin, TX –
Greetings! I was just going to send a quick THANK YOU for developing the first product I have ever used that keeps poison ivy from infecting me, and am quite pleased to see I am not the only VERY HAPPY customer!! I have used products like Calamine Lotion to help me stop itching for many years, and was very interested when I spotted your product in a pharmacy (I was really kind of doubtful when I spotted it, but anything that would help me avoid the ITCH was worth the try). I bought it last summer and put it on a shelf, and I immediately forgot about it. Well, last week I walked my dog along the creek behind my house. After walking a mile from the house my dog decided to chase a squirrel, and I had to go get her when she ignored my calls. When I bent down to get her, I noticed too late that ALL of the plants I was in contact with (it was touching my legs, arms, and FACE) were poison ivy. When I got home I washed the dog, and then I took a shower. After I was done I looked in the medicine cabinet for Calamine, but I spotted your product (Tecnu Outdoor Skin Cleaner)and gave it a try. After I was finished, I rubbed some on the dog too. I followed the instructions to the letter, and one week later I can happily report that I HAVE HAD NO RASHES AT ALL! I am amazed and impressed! Thank you for a great product! I am actually going to BUY a bottle for a friend of mine - telling him about it just isn't as convincing as giving him a bottle to try.
Darren (verified owner) –
I just mainly wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what a great product you've made.
The Tecnu outdoor skin cleanser was SUCH a lifesavor for me this past weekend. I decided to help a friend remove some panels off the side of a barn that had been falling apart. Not knowing there were large amounts of poison ivy vines that have been growing along the side of this barn over a period of time, right there I KNEW my arms and face had been exposed to the oils when I had to remove the vines from the panels. Luckily I had a bottle of the Tecnu skin cleanser in my first aid kit. As soon as I got home from doing this job, I IMMEDIATELY applied the cleanser to my hands, arms, and face and rubbed it in, then rinsed. As of now I STILL don't feel any itching.
Before I discovered your product, I use to have to resort to getting rid of poison ivy by stratching my skin until it literally was bleeding, then poured bleach on it. What a PAINFULL procedure to say the least. But now thanks to your Tecnu skin cleanser it's sooo much easier to deal with any poison ivy when ever I feel like I'm exposed to it. Keep up the GREAT work. Thanks again.
Rachael Parker (verified owner) –
Dear Tecnu, I wanted to thank you for sponsoring the Wicked 24 adventure race as part of the 2008 gorge games. Also, I wanted to let you know that the sponsored Tecnu team were a delight to race along side of. Our paths crossed many times over the grueling 24hr race and they were always cheerful, motivated, and good ambassadors of your product. They handed out trial samples before the race that I used afterwards and I have not had any outbreak at all even though I did substantial bushwhacking and certainly was exposed.