The Famous Shark Tank Pitch
The question "What nasal spray was on Shark Tank?" leads to a couple of memorable pitches, but the most fitting answer is BoomBoom, a brand of nasal inhalers featuring essential oils. In Season 10, founders John and Chelsea Pinto entered the tank seeking a $300,000 investment for 10% equity in their company [1.2.3, 1.2.6]. They presented their product as "gum for your nose," a fun and natural way to awaken the senses and promote clearer breathing [1.2.6].
At the time of their pitch, BoomBoom had impressive sales, with $754,000 in the previous year and a projection of $1.1 million [1.2.3]. The product's low production cost of $0.70 per unit also caught the sharks' attention [1.2.3]. Despite the strong numbers, concerns about wholesale profit margins arose. Robert Herjavec made an offer of $300,000 but for a much larger 36% stake in the company [1.2.3]. Believing in their valuation, the Pintos declined the offer and left without a deal [1.2.3, 1.3.7]. The post-show "Shark Tank effect" nevertheless led to a significant sales spike and rapid growth for the company [1.2.3].
Another notable nasal product, though not a spray, was First Defense Nasal Screens. In Season 2, founder Joseph Moore pitched his innovative adhesive nasal filters designed to block airborne allergens and pollutants [1.3.3, 1.3.5]. His pitch sparked a massive bidding war, culminating in a historic $4 million offer from Robert Herjavec to buy the entire company, which Moore declined [1.3.3, 1.3.2]. He ultimately accepted a deal with three other sharks, though it did not close after the show [1.3.5].
Pharmacology: How Do These Products Work?
The nasal products seen on Shark Tank represent a shift towards drug-free solutions, contrasting with traditional medicated nasal sprays.
BoomBoom's Mechanism: BoomBoom utilizes the principles of aromatherapy. The inhalers are sticks containing a blend of essential oils (like peppermint and eucalyptus) and menthol [1.2.1]. When inhaled, these vapors provide a cooling sensation that can make nasal passages feel more open. This is not a pharmacological decongestant effect that shrinks blood vessels; rather, it's a sensory one that helps users feel more refreshed and perceive easier breathing [1.2.1].
Drug-Free Saline and Xylitol Sprays: Many over-the-counter nasal products are drug-free. Standard saline sprays help to moisturize dry nasal passages and wash away irritants and mucus. An increasingly popular alternative adds xylitol, a five-carbon sugar alcohol [1.5.1]. Xylitol has unique properties that benefit nasal health:
- Anti-Adhesive: It helps prevent bacteria and other contaminants from sticking to the nasal tissues, allowing the body's natural cleansing mechanisms to work more effectively [1.7.1, 1.7.6].
- Moisturizing: Unlike saline alone, which can sometimes be drying, xylitol is a humectant that helps pull moisture into the nasal passages, keeping them hydrated [1.7.3, 1.7.4].
- Reduces Swelling: By increasing the tonicity of the solution, xylitol helps draw water out of swollen tissues, naturally opening the airway [1.7.1, 1.7.3].
Traditional Medicated Sprays: These sprays contain active pharmaceutical ingredients to treat congestion and allergies.
- Decongestants (e.g., Oxymetazoline): Found in brands like Afrin, these medications work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages (vasoconstriction) [1.4.4, 1.7.1]. This reduces swelling and congestion quickly but can cause rebound congestion if used for more than three consecutive days [1.4.5, 1.6.1].
- Corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone): Found in brands like Flonase, these are considered a first-choice treatment for allergy symptoms. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages [1.6.4, 1.6.6]. Their effect is not immediate and they work best when used consistently [1.6.1].
- Antihistamines (e.g., Azelastine): These sprays block the action of histamine, a chemical the body releases during an allergic reaction, to relieve sneezing and a runny nose [1.4.7, 1.6.3].
Comparison of Nasal Health Products
| Product Type | Primary Mechanism | Best For | Usage Limit | Shark Tank Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Oil Inhaler | Aromatherapy, cooling sensation [1.2.1] | Feeling refreshed, mental boost, perceived clear breathing | None (for daily use) | BoomBoom [1.2.1] |
| Nasal Filter | Physical barrier against airborne particles [1.3.5] | Allergy and pollutant-heavy environments | Varies by product | First Defense [1.3.3] |
| Saline/Xylitol Spray | Cleanses, moisturizes, anti-adhesive (xylitol) [1.7.1, 1.7.4] | Daily hygiene, gentle congestion relief, moisturizing | None (safe for daily use) [1.7.5] | None |
| Decongestant Spray | Vasoconstriction (shrinks blood vessels) [1.4.4] | Fast relief from severe, acute congestion | Do not use for more than 3 days [1.6.1] | None |
| Corticosteroid Spray | Reduces inflammation [1.6.4] | Long-term management of allergy symptoms | Daily use for months, as directed [1.6.1] | None |
Conclusion
While several entrepreneurs have pitched nasal-related products, BoomBoom's essential oil inhaler is the most direct answer to the query about a "nasal spray" on Shark Tank. Their story, along with that of First Defense Nasal Screens, highlights a growing consumer demand for drug-free alternatives to traditional pharmacology. While medicated sprays like decongestants and corticosteroids remain powerful tools for acute congestion and chronic allergies, the market for products that support daily nasal hygiene and wellness through natural ingredients like essential oils and xylitol continues to expand, validated by the national attention received on shows like Shark Tank.
For more information on the science of xylitol, you can review studies from sources like the National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
