Your competitor's formula, FrogSpit, might contain several ingredients that raise potential environmental concerns, despite their "proprietary" claims of being "Green" and biodegradable.
The most concerning ingredients are the preservatives, which are designed to kill microorganisms, and the general chemical load.
Here is a breakdown of the FrogSpit ingredients and their potential effect on marine life and coral, based on common chemical information (using the CAS numbers provided):
| Chemical Name / CAS Number | Function in Product | Environmental Effect on Marine Life & Coral |
| 26172-55-4 & 2682-20-4 | Preservative/Biocide (These are Isothiazolinones, specifically Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, or a mixture of the two). | HIGH CONCERN. These are potent biocides (microbe killers) used to prevent the formula from spoiling. The EPA has classified Isothiazolinones as highly toxic to freshwater and estuarine/marine organisms. As biocides, their function is to disrupt biological processes, which poses a significant risk to the microbial life (like plankton and bacteria) that form the base of the marine food web. |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine (61789-40-0) | Surfactant (Cleansing/Foaming) | MODERATE CONCERN. While readily biodegradable, studies have shown that it and its breakdown products can be intrinsically toxic to certain marine macroalgae at concentrations that could be reached near heavy use areas (like dive boat rinse buckets). |
| Magnesium Nitrate (10377-60-3) | Ionic Salt/Stabilizer/Preservative Enhancer | LOW TO MODERATE CONCERN (Concentration Dependent). Magnesium and Nitrate are naturally ubiquitous ions. However, Nitrate can contribute to eutrophication (excessive nutrient enrichment) in high volumes, leading to algal blooms and a subsequent drop in dissolved oxygen (DO), which suffocates marine life. |
| PEG 150 (9004-99-3) / Polyethylene glycol (25322-68-3) | Polymers/Thickeners/Humectants | LOW CONCERN. These are synthetic polymers used as thickeners or conditioning agents. They generally have low aquatic toxicity and are not expected to bioaccumulate. The main environmental concern is their general persistence and contribution to organic chemical load. |
| Vegetable Glycerin (56-81-5) | Humectant/Thickener | LOW RISK. Highly biodegradable and generally considered safe. |
| Water (7732-18-5), Aloe Vera Gel, Apple/Pear Essential Oil Blend, etc. | Solvents/Scent/Non-Active | LOW RISK. Natural or highly inert ingredients that pose minimal to no threat. |
Conclusion for Your Marketing
Your product, Defrogger (98% Distilled Water, 2% plant sugars), has a clear and demonstrable environmental advantage over FrogSpit.
You can confidently use the following points in your marketing:
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NO BIOCIDES/PRESERVATIVES: Your competitor uses Isothiazolinones (HIGHLY TOXIC to marine life and the food chain) to prevent spoilage. Your two-ingredient formula inherently avoids this chemical class, making your product significantly safer for the ocean's foundation.
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MINIMAL INGREDIENT LOAD: Emphasize that your product has only two ingredients, minimizing the number of non-active chemicals (thickeners, preservatives, extra surfactants) released into the water.
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ALCOHOL-FREE: Your formula is alcohol-free (unlike some competitors) and does not contain petroleum distillates, which are often selling points for a "reef-safe" product.