What to Buy Skincare Products The 10 Best Face Mists for Instant Hydration of 2023 La Roche Posay’s Thermal Spring Water is hydrating, soothing, and contains simple, natural ingredients. By Kayla Blanton Kayla Blanton Kayla is a freelance writer who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle for Prevention, Everyday Health, People, and more. She's always open to conversations about fueling up with flavorful dishes, busting beauty standards, and finding new, gentle ways to care for our bodies. She thinks therapy is for everyone, and earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University with specializations in women, gender, and sexuality studies and public health. She's a born-and-raised midwesterner living in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and ornery tabby cat. health's editorial guidelines Updated on March 14, 2023 Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD William Truswell, MD, FACS, operates his own cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery practice. Dr. Truswell was the first in his area in Western Massachusetts to have an accredited private office surgical suite. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected What to Know How to Use Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / David Hattan Tight, dehydrated skin, cakey makeup, and even some skin irritations can benefit from the refreshing, enveloping spritz of a hydrating face mist. Depending on their ingredients, mists can serve various purposes, including hydration, anti-inflammation, and even sun protection, says Kristina Collins, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Foy. They’re also a great first and finishing step in makeup application, and best of all, they’re portable and mess-free—the ideal bag staple for glowing on the go. The best hydrating face mists contain humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “These ingredients boost hydration and plump skin cells,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery and advisor of BioRepublic. “They also help to hold in moisture and heal the damaged skin barrier.” Other ingredients to look for, she suggests, are soothers like rose water, aloe vera, and green tea extract. “Face mists may also be formulated with specialized thermal water rich in nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants,” Garshick adds. Because most face mists contain universally nourishing, non-comedogenic ingredients, they’re safe for every skin type. “A good face mist is one of the few beauty products anyone and everyone could use,” says Dr. Garshick. However, those with dry, irritated skin will especially love the limitless dewy invigoration because there’s no such thing as too many sprays. We consulted three dermatologists and dozens of product reviews to find the top performers. A board-certified plastic surgeon on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Here are the best hydrating face mists you can buy right now. Our Top Picks Best Overall: La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Curel Deep Moisture Spray at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist at Dermstore Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Travel: Evian Facial Spray Travel Duo at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Toning: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray at Sephora Jump to Review Best Anti-Aging: Tata Harper Floral Essence at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Glowing Skin: Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist at Amazon Jump to Review Best with SPF: Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It Thermal spring water contains natural antioxidants and trace minerals that calm and restore hydration to the skin. A fine, continuous mist offers a cloud-like application. It’s Worth Noting The bottle cap can sometimes be loose, even when just purchased. Whether you want to refresh your skin mid-day or calm sensitivity, you’ll like this spray. “The thermal spring water contains natural antioxidant properties and can be used by all skin types,” says Dr. Garshick. Rebecca Marcus, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD, adds that the French water comes from the town of La Roche Posay (given the brand name) and contains a relatively high concentration of selenium, which has proven to be anti-inflammatory. “In fact, La Roche Posay even operates a treatment center where those with inflammatory skin disorders receive high-pressure showers with this water, and it helps to clear their eczema!” Marcus adds. Price at time of publication: $14Product Details: Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water, seleniumSize: 5.2 ouncesSkin Type: AllBenefit: Hydration, anti-inflammation Best Budget Curel Deep Moisture Spray Curel View On Amazon Why We Like It Replenishing ceramides and glycerin helps protect and restore the skin barrier on your face and body. It’s Worth Noting Your skin may feel slightly sticky after application. This affordable, no-frills spray is packed with hydrating ceramides and glycerin “that offer an extra layer of hydration and also serve to prepare skin for maximum absorption of moisturizing cream,” says Dr. Marcus. It’s also fragrance- and alcohol-free, and the dispenser offers an ultra-fine, soothing continuous mist of product. Think of it as a moisturizer in spray form that gives your daily cream an added boost. Price at time of publication: $14 Product Details: Key Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin Size: 5 ouncesSkin Type: Dry, sensitiveBenefit: Hydration, barrier repair Best for Acne-Prone Skin SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist 50ml Dermstore View On Dermstore View On Skinceuticals.com View On Skinstore.com Why We Like It Hydrating and calming ingredients work together to balance redness in the skin. It’s Worth Noting It has a strong scent, which may not appeal to everyone. Dr. Collins recommends this spray because it “contains excellent skin hydration, including hyaluronic acid and glycerin.” What makes it ideal for those who are breakout-prone is its green tint—which is thanks to its phyto-botanical blend of boldus leaf, cucumber, thyme, and rosemary extracts—that helps to counteract and calm redness. Even if you’re not breakout prone, but you, say, get red after working out, this could be a gym bag staple. Price at time of publication: $69Product Details: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, botanical extractsSize: 1.7 ouncesSkin Type: Acne-prone, red, dryBenefit: Hydration, anti-inflammation Best for Sensitive Skin Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It An ultra-fine mist of calming minerals soothes various types of inflammation, and the bottle is a good size. It’s Worth Noting Continuous sprayer can be finicky. Similar to our Best Overall pick, the main ingredient in Avene’s facial spray is French thermal spring water, which contains naturally soothing minerals and silicates that help to soften the skin and restore the skin barrier, says Dr. Garshick. “It’s also thought to have the ideal ratio of calcium to magnesium, which can help with skin texture,” she adds. Not only can it hydrate, soothe skin, and set makeup, but because it promotes healing and calms inflammation, the brand goes as far as to recommend it for use on sunburns, wounds, and even diaper rashes. Price at time of publication: $18Product Details: Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water, silicatesSize: 10.1 ouncesSkin Type: Sensitive, dryBenefit: Hydration, anti-inflammation Best for Travel Evian Facial Spray Travel Duo Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It Air travel-friendly cans packed with cooling, hydrating mineral water make great travel companions in a dry plane cabin or during a warm-weather vacation. It’s Worth Noting It may run out quickly. Most picks on this list won’t make it through airport security, and pressurized cans remove the option of decanting your full-sized bottle. Thankfully, Evian, a mist beloved by celebrities and makeup artists, offers travel-sized sprays to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed in the dry plane cabin and beyond. The mineral water from the French Alps offers the skin a pure, pH-neutral drink. Especially great for those who run hot, the metal can give the application an added cooling sensation. Price at time of publication: $14.45Product Details: Key Ingredients: Mineral waterSize: 1.7 ouncesSkin Type: AllBenefit: Hydration Best for Toning Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray 5 Sephora View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty View On Tower28beauty.com Why We Like It Hypochlorous acid is a natural disinfectant to prevent breakouts, irritation, and environmental stress from showing up on naturally reactive skin. It’s Worth Noting It does not contain any humectants. A unique formula, this toning mist’s main ingredient is hypochlorous acid, a disinfectant also naturally created in the body to fight inflammation. Those who get regular flare-ups or have acne-prone skin can benefit from a spritz before makeup and at night to avoid irritation and environmental stress. Don’t let the term “acid” scare you, either. The spray is delivered in water and sodium chloride to make it just as refreshing and hydrating as other face mists. Price at time of publication: $28Product Details: Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous acidSize: 4 ouncesSkin Type: Reactive, sensitive, acne-proneBenefit: Disinfecting, protective, hydration Best Anti-Aging Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It It contains natural ingredients sourced on a farm in Vermont. It’s Worth Noting The price reflects its origins and luxurious packaging. Dr. Marcus says this mist contains botanical ingredients that plump and hydrate skin while prepping it for additional skincare steps, like creams and oils. The botanicals include natural humectants and rose, lavender, and neroli hydrosols, which work together to hydrate, smooth, and deliver antioxidants to the skin, ultimately helping fight free radicals and minimize the look of wrinkles. All botanical ingredients are organically sourced from Tata Harper’s Vermont farm, and its scent is beautifully floral, as the name implies. Price at time of publication: $76 Product Details: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, lavender, rose, and other botanicalsSize: 1.7 ouncesSkin Type: Dry, matureBenefit: Hydration Best Splurge Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Skinstore.com Why We Like It It contains soothing, refreshing botanicals and hydrating glycerin. It’s Worth Noting Nozzle does not deliver a continuous mist. The Queen of Hungary Mist is more than a facial spray. It’s an experience, given that, according to legend, the formula was inspired by the world's first recorded perfume made for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary in the 14th century. Dr. Garshick is a fan. “Containing Hungarian thermal water, this can be used one to two times per day or whenever the skin needs a refresher, as it works to purify and hydrate the skin,” she says. “Afterward, the skin appears firmer and more supple.” Price at time of publication: $95 Product Details: Key Ingredients: Thermal water, glycerin, orange blossom, rose, sageSize: 3.4 ouncesSkin Type: AllBenefit: Hydration Best for Glowing Skin Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Nordstrom Why We Like It A super-fine mist and pleasant rose scent create a relaxing application experience. It’s Worth Noting The strong scent may not appeal to everyone. If your skin tends to dry throughout the day or your makeup easily loses its luster, this hydrating face mist will reset your complexion and leave behind the added glow. “Rose water calms inflammation, and the hyaluronic hydrates—a great combo!” says Dr. Collins. It also contains replenishing coconut water and hibiscus extract, which helps soften the skin, so it looks and feels better over time. Price at time of publication: $34Product Details: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rose, coconut water, hibiscus extractSize: 4 ouncesSkin Type: AllBenefit: Hydration Best with SPF Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45 Ulta View On Amazon View On Target View On Target Why We Like It A hydrating face mist that offers sun protection and hydration without feeling greasy or leaving behind a white cast. It’s Worth Noting It has a strong banana scent. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours, but it’s not always convenient to slather on more lotion—especially if you’re wearing makeup. That’s where a spray SPF like this one comes in handy. Formulated specifically for the face, this non-aerosol sunscreen spray is clear and lightweight. It’s hydrating but won’t cause your mascara to run or burn your eyes. Best of all, it boasts a UV protection level of SPF 45, which surpasses the AAD’s recommended SPF 30. Price at time of publication: $18Product Details: Key Ingredients: Homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, witch hazelSize: 3.4 ouncesSkin Type: AllBenefit: Sun protection How We Selected We consulted three dermatologists for advice on ingredients to look for, how to use, and what skin types benefit from hydrating face mists. Those we spoke with included: Kristina Collins, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Foy Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery and advisor of BioRepublic Rebecca Marcus, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD They also shared product recommendations, and best-selling face mists were researched to narrow down the top picks. What to Know About Face Mists Skin Type “Really, anyone of any skin type can use a face mist,” says Dr. Collins. “They are completely non-comedogenic and can be a great way to get a more dewy, refreshed, hydrated look. Even those with very sensitive skin or multiple allergies can enjoy a variety of face mists because they typically have less complex ingredient lists.” Dr. Marcus adds that mineral water face mists can be particularly helpful for those with inflammatory skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis. Ingredients to Look for A good face mist contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. “Hyaluronic acid is a low molecular weight product, meaning it is very tiny, so it can function really well applied in this way and absorbs easily into the skin,” says Dr. Collins. “From there, hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrator and even helps increase collagen synthesis.” Bonus ingredients to consider are naturally soothing and hydrating thermal spring water and other calming botanicals like rose, green tea, and aloe vera. As for what to avoid, Dr. Garshick advises staying away from artificial fragrances, certain essential oils, and drying alcohols “which may lead to dryness and irritation, making them counterproductive for a face mist.” How to Use Face Mist There’s really no wrong way to use a face mist. It’s as simple as spritzing as needed. “Face mists are incredibly versatile products. If you use a face mist after cleansing, it will actually improve the absorption of your serum or moisturizer,” explains Dr. Collins. “If you use the mist after moisturizer, it can help prime your skin for makeup application, and if you wait and use it after makeup application, it can help set your look.” Collins continues: “One of my favorite times to use face mist is when I need to ‘revamp’ myself, for example, when I have an event after work. I find that face mist works great to spray and refresh before and after touching up makeup, especially when there’s no time to completely wash off and reapply. However, if you are using the face mist to take advantage of its active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, then application after cleansing but before moisturizing is a must.” Your Questions, Answered What does a face mist do? There are several types of face mists ranging from simple, clean water mists to products that deliver active ingredients in a mist form, explains Collins. There are also face mists that serve to prime or set makeup applications. Most of them are great for a mood boost and also help hydrate the skin, and many also have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties to balance skin and calm redness. So, depending on the product, mists may function to hydrate, reduce inflammation, protect from UV or environmental stressors, prime or set makeup, or create a more dewy, refreshed look. When should I apply face mist? In short, whenever you want, but mists are optimally applied before moisturizer to help nurturing ingredients more easily penetrate and hydrate the skin. In addition, you can spray a face mist when you wake up, before and after makeup, throughout the day, after working out, and more. Are toner and face mist the same? Some toners come in the form of face mists, but most of them don’t. And it’s important to note that most toners aren’t meant for hydration. “Toner is an astringent product, often made with alcohol, that is intended to help clean skin and especially pores,” says Dr. Collins. More often than not, toner is applied using a cotton round or something similar. You may also see the term “essence” on certain face mists, which usually means the spray contains a concentration of active ingredients, often for hydration, in a very lightweight product that is applied after cleansing but before moisturizer, Collins adds. Does face mist go on before or after makeup? “For hydration, a mist should be used before makeup,” says Dr. Marcus. “But, even once makeup has been applied, you can still use a face mist throughout the day to help replenish moisture in extra dry skin or to impart a dewy glow to your makeup look.” Who We Are Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a specialization in public health and women, gender, and sexuality studies. She's covered health, nutrition, lifestyle, and beauty at various outlets for five years. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit