| Active Ingredient | Gum-based adhesive (latex-free) |
| Alcohol Content | None β alcohol-free formula |
| Dry Time | 30β60 seconds |
| Pack Sizes | 50 or 100 individually wrapped wipes |
| CGM Compatibility | Dexcom G6/G7, FreeStyle Libre 2/3, Medtronic Guardian |
| Skin Type | Suitable for sensitive skin; hypoallergenic |
Key Takeaways
- Skin Tac wipes create a tacky barrier that dramatically extends CGM sensor wear time
- Safe for sensitive skin and compatible with all major CGM brands including Dexcom, Libre, and Medtronic
- Apply before sensor insertion, never underneath the needle/cannula area
- Each wipe is individually packaged, sterile, and contains no latex or alcohol
- Particularly beneficial for swimmers, athletes, and people with oily skin
What Are Skin Tac Barrier Wipes?
Skin Tac barrier wipes are medical-grade adhesive-enhancing wipes designed to improve the bonding of medical devices β including CGM sensors, insulin pump sites, and wound dressings β to the skin. Manufactured by Torbot Group, they contain a hypoallergenic liquid adhesive (gum-based) that dries to a clear, sticky film, creating an ideal surface for sensor adhesion.
Why CGM Users Need Them
Continuous glucose monitors rely on consistent skin contact. Sweat, water exposure, body oils, and movement cause premature sensor detachment β a costly and disruptive problem. Skin Tac wipes address this by preparing the skin surface before application, extending sensor life to its full manufacturer-intended duration or beyond.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Gum-based adhesive (non-latex) |
| Alcohol content | None (alcohol-free) |
| Format | Individual foil-wrapped wipes |
| Typical pack size | 50 or 100 wipes per box |
| Dry time | 30β60 seconds |
| Compatible devices | Dexcom G6/G7, FreeStyle Libre 2/3, Medtronic Guardian |
How to Apply Skin Tac Correctly
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean the skin: Wash the application site with soap and water; dry thoroughly.
- Open and unfold: Remove the wipe from its foil packet without touching the center.
- Apply in a donut pattern: Wipe the area where the sensor adhesive will contact skin, leaving a small clear circle where the needle/filament will insert. Do NOT apply directly under the insertion point.
- Allow to dry: Wait 30β60 seconds until the skin feels tacky, not wet.
- Insert sensor normally: Apply your CGM sensor as usual over the prepared area.
Skin Tac vs. Competing Products
| Product | Format | Alcohol-Free | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Tac | Wipe | Yes | All-round use, sensitive skin |
| Skin Prep | Wipe | No | General skin prep |
| Mastisol | Liquid | No | High-adhesion needs |
| IV Prep | Wipe | No | IV/catheter sites |
Who Benefits Most?
- Athletes and swimmers: Sweat and water are the #1 cause of early sensor loss
- Children and teenagers: Active lifestyles demand stronger adhesion
- People with oily skin: Natural oils break down sensor adhesive quickly
- Hot climate residents: Heat accelerates adhesive failure
Removal and Skin Care
Skin Tac residue requires an adhesive remover for clean, pain-free removal. Do not pull sensors off dry β use Uni-Solve adhesive remover wipes or baby oil to dissolve the bond first, protecting your skin from tears and irritation. Rotate sensor sites regularly to allow skin recovery.
Where to Buy
MDS Diabetes stocks Skin Tac wipes alongside a complete range of CGM adhesive accessories. Buying in bulk (100-wipe boxes) reduces per-wipe cost significantly for daily CGM users.