The 10 Best Hydrating Face Mists
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in June of 2018. When your skin feels dry, one of these hydrating face mists can be a lifesaver. They not only provide a quick dose of much-needed moisture, they're also cooling and refreshing on hot summer days. Many of the options on our list can double as makeup setting sprays, and several come in bottles that are small enough to tuck into your purse or backpack, so you can take them with you on the go. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Mario Badescu Herbs
2. Evian Facial Spray
3. Glow Recipe Watermelon
Editor's Notes
May 29, 2020:
Facial mists have become all the rage, and it's no surprise when you consider their versatility. They usually come in compact bottles ideal for throwing in a purse or carry-on to refresh your skin during the day or on a flight, tend to moisturize and tone at the same time, can act as pore minimizers and enhance makeup, and work as setting sprays.
Every company seems to have an ingredient it champions, whether that's the pectin and pineapple of MyChelle Fruit Enzyme, hyaluronic acid of Derma E, or plain and simple rosewater like the Teddie Organics Rose Water. This range of components makes it easier than ever to experiment and find a spray that works for you, but remember that all skin reacts differently and you never know what you might be allergic to. Always do a small patch test to see how you feel and read ingredient labels thoroughly.
Joining the ranks today is Glow Recipe Watermelon, formulated after Korean fog mists that are popular overseas. It's a blend of 84% watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus, with a delicate fruity scent and no parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, or phthalates. Its relatively sparse ingredient list makes it helpful for sensitive skin types and appropriate for use throughout the day. If you want to achieve a dewy effect, this one's for you.
We also brought on Caudalie Soothing, which is entirely made up of grape water culled from organic grapes in France. That means it has no fillers or additives in addition to channeling some of the enriching properties of grape, which is rich in polysaccharides, mineral salts, and potassium.
To make room for these two additions, we said goodbye to InstaNatural Calming, which we still like but felt that this list didn't need two rosewater options when the Teddie Organics selection is triple-distilled and already so exemplary. We also removed Ariul 7 Days, which tends to feel sticky and has a combination of ingredients that heighten the chance of causing an allergic reaction.
Special Honors
Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence This lightweight face spray from Chanel is intended for all skin types. It's infused with camellia alba PFA1, an exclusive patented ingredient developed by the company, and blue ginger PFA, a powerful antioxidant. It also boasts hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E that Chanel claims will help boost hydration and restore the skin's moisture levels. chanel.com
Dr. Barbara Sturm Hydrating This vitamin E rich offering from Dr. Barbara Sturm provides an invigorating boost and was designed to give skin a natural glow. Its formulation of hyaluronic acid allegedly delivers potent hydration, while purslane supposedly helps calm the skin and reduce irritation. It also features lemon, aloe vera, and broccoli. molecularcosmetics.com
Vertly Soothing Florals Fans of CBD oil will appreciate this mist from Vertly, a botanical selection packed with antioxidants. It's supposedly good for toning and calming sensitive skin, and contains the company's signature CBD oil that's naturally filled with vitamins A, D, and E, as well as fatty acids. It uses locally-grown calendula flower extract, rose, witch hazel, and aloe, and comes in a recyclable glass bottle. vertlybalm.com
4. Caudalie Soothing
5. Teddie Organics Rose Water
6. Optimized Anti-Aging
7. Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist
8. Derma E
9. MyChelle Fruit Enzyme
10. Mad Hippie
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.