AHFS LegShield

These are the key ingredients doing the heavy lifting:

• Dimethicone
  → This is the most important ingredient for water repellency.
  It forms a smooth, breathable silicone film that:
  • Repels water
  • Reduces mud sticking
  • Adds slip so dirt slides off
• Lanolin
  → Naturally water-resistant wax (sheep-derived)
  • Helps seal moisture out
  • Adds durability to the coating
• Jojoba Oil
  → Technically a wax, not a true oil
  • Reinforces the protective film
  • Mimics natural skin oils, improving spread and adhesion

2. Supporting hydrophobic oils (help repel mud & water)

These enhance the barrier but are lighter:

• Coconut Oil
• Aloe Vera Oil

They:

• Add water resistance (oily layer)
• Condition hair so mud doesn’t cling as easily
• Improve spreadability of the formula

Ingredients that reduce water resistance (important trade-off)

These are hydrophilic (water-attracting):

• Glycerin
  • Pulls moisture into the skin
  • Can actually reduce water repellency if too high
• Witch Hazel
  • Mostly water/alcohol based
  • Good for skin health, but not for waterproofing

These are beneficial for skin care, but they work against a strong barrier effect.

4. Skin care & antimicrobial support

These don’t repel water but are helpful for horse leg health:

• Tea Tree Oil
  • Antimicrobial (helps prevent mud fever)
• Bisabolol
  • Anti-inflammatory, soothing
• Geogard Ultra
  • Keeps the product stable and safe

So how does the whole formula repel mud?

When sprayed:

1. Dimethicone + lanolin + jojoba form a thin, invisible film
2. This film:
   • Repels water droplets
   • Reduces surface friction
   • Prevents mud from sticking tightly
3. Oils condition the hair → smoother surface = less mud adhesion
4. Result:
   Water beads up and runs off
   Mud dries and flakes off more easily

Important limitations

• This is not fully waterproof (like a raincoat)
• Effect is:
  • Temporary (wears off with movement, washing, heavy rain)
  • Dependent on concentration (especially dimethicone)
• Too much glycerin or water-based content can weaken the barrier