The material used is said to be an organic and non-toxic blend of baking powder, yeast, and other ingredients. Deriving its name from the animal of the same name which is known for its ability to spray a foul-smelling fluid, "Skunk" is dispersed as a form of yellow mist, fired from a water cannon, which leaves a powerful odor similar to rot or sewage on whatever it touches. Skunk is also sold in handheld canisters and in grenades which can be thrown or fired as projectiles (see riot gun). The company later marketed Skunk to law enforcement agencies worldwide, specifically American local police departments. Several US police departments, including the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department,  purchased it.
A BBC reporter describes its effects as follows:
A reporter for Reuters described its effect in the following words:
However, when tested in India, the product failed miserably:
In December 2017, Haaretz reported:
 Some report that the smell is so potent it can linger on clothes for months, if not years.