Stream2Sea Mask Defog Review
Last updated: July 2025
- Reliable anti-fog performance: Stays clear through quarry, lake, and ocean dives.
- Sticks through floods: Keeps working even if the mask gets dunked or dropped.
- Eco-tested formula: Independently tested for aquatic safety.
- Comfortable on skin: No stinging or irritation during long training days.
- Worth the price: Costs more than DIY options but saves dives.
Overall Score: 8.3 / 10 (Strong)
See current pricing at: Dive Right In Scuba or Paragon Dive Shop
How Dive Otter scores scuba gear
My default anti-fog solution for both freshwater and saltwater diving. I use it in quarries, Lake Michigan, and on ocean dives, and it has proven far more reliable than spit, baby shampoo, or random boat defogs. It continues working even if the mask floods or gets dunked during setup, and it is the only defog I trust around aquatic environments. It costs more than DIY options, but the reliability easily justifies the per-dive cost.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable and consistently effective | More expensive than DIY options |
| Resists rinsing when mask is dropped or flooded | Harder to find in stores |
| Lab-tested safe for marine and freshwater environments | Does not last for multiple dives without reapplication |
Why I Chose Stream2Sea Mask Defog
I’ve tried spit, baby shampoo, and random boat defogs over the years, but I was always chasing something that just worked without needing to reapply constantly or worry about what chemicals I was putting into the water. As a Chicago-based diver, most of my dives are in freshwater quarries or Lake Michigan, and I wanted a defog that would not fail during cold or rushed kit-ups. Stream2Sea checked those boxes and has never let me down. I’ve shared it with students and buddies who used to rely on baby shampoo or boat juice, and every single one reported a noticeable improvement.
Verdict
Stream2Sea has earned a permanent place in my kit. It is not magic and still requires reapplication for each dive, but it works consistently and predictably in conditions where cheap defogs fail. Given the minimal per-dive cost and the environmental testing behind it, this is an easy recommendation.
Would I buy it again? Yes. This is the only defog I actively recommend and repurchase.
Who Stream2Sea Mask Defog Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers who need a reliable defog for skills-focused training or teaching sessions
- Freshwater quarry and Lake Michigan divers who deal with cold conditions and rushed entries
- Eco-conscious divers who want products tested for aquatic safety
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers who prefer ultra-low-cost, DIY alternatives
- Charter days where you expect one application to cover multiple consecutive dives
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score | Raw Score | Weight | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | Exceptional | 9.0 | 30% | 2.7 |
| Ease of Use | Exceptional | 9.0 | 20% | 1.8 |
| Versatility | Fair | 6.0 | 15% | 0.9 |
| Durability & Build Quality | Good | 7.0 | 15% | 1.1 |
| Value | Strong | 8.0 | 10% | 0.8 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | Exceptional | 10.0 | 10% | 1.0 |
| Total | Strong | 8.3 / 10 | ||
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 9: Excellent anti-fog performance in real-world conditions. Rarely fails when used properly.
- Ease of Use – 9: No dilution needed. Squeeze, rub, rinse, and go.
- Versatility – 6: Needs to be reapplied for each dive. Not ideal for all-day multi-dive charters without a rinse and reapply break.
- Durability & Build Quality – 7: Nozzle works fine and travel-safe cap is secure, but nothing special about the bottle.
- Value – 8: Yes, it is more expensive than baby shampoo, but the per-dive cost is still just a nickel and worth every cent.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 10: Stream2Sea publishes full ingredient lists and third-party test results. No greenwashing.
Performance in the Water
- Fog Prevention: Very effective when applied correctly. I’ve never had a fog issue with it when using a pea-sized amount.
- Flood Recovery: It holds up better than baby shampoo if the mask is dropped in water during setup or floods during the dive.
- Skin and Eye Comfort: No irritation reported, even after repeated use in sensitive freshwater environments.
- Environmental Safety: Stream2Sea is the only option I trust around aquatic ecosystems because it is actually tested and documented for safety.