The Truth About Face Mists

It seems like every other week we see a skincare product get its time in the social media spotlight. Whether it's Dr. Jart’s rubber masks, gold-infused formulas, or mini skincare fridges, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have a way of making must-haves. What often remains unclear, however, is if these products are actually as beneficial as they appear to be online.

As you may recall, face mists had their moment a few years ago. During that time, it seemed like you couldn’t scroll through your social media feed without seeing someone dousing their skin in Mario Badescu’s rosewater spray. While peak face mist fervor has calmed down, the market is still ripe with options and you may still be wondering just how they work on the skin. Do face mists deserve a spot in your skincare regimen? To find out, we talked to two skincare experts for the inside scoop.

Face Mists 101

The first thing you need to know? Face mists are actually a pretty important part of skincare. While they’re not totally necessary, the benefits are plenty. “They are a great idea to include,” says Cassandra Bankson, a medical aesthetician and skincare expert. “They are very relaxing, they can help other products penetrate better, and some companies claim that micronizing skincare into mists with ultrasonic technology allows products to be more effective.”

Face mists can help with the condition of your skin, says Jessica Houston, lead aesthetician and vice president of operations at BeautyBeez. “They’re an added element of hydration, if you tend to be on the drier side,” she shares. “If your skin is oily, facial mists can be used to balance the oil production while also helping with hydration.”

You can use face mists a few different ways. As part of your A.M. or P.M. routine, they can be spritzed after cleansing but before serums and moisturizers. Basically, they can be used in place of a toner or essence. But the beauty of mists is that they are so easy (and hands-free) to apply. Most mists can be sprayed throughout the day as a complexion pick-me-up or to refresh your makeup.

How to Add Face Mists to Your Skincare Routine

Your skin type is one of the main things that you should consider when shopping for a face mist, as different mists will address different skincare concerns (our recommendations are below!). Bankson notes that “anyone who has sensitivities or medical conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should consult with a dermatologist or doctor first.” As she explains, it’s especially important to make sure the ingredients are compatible with your skin.

Speaking of ingredients, you’ll want to make sure that the mist doesn’t include ones that could be irritating, particularly if your skin tends to be sensitive. “Ingredients should be the first element to consider when purchasing a facial mist,” Houston says. “You want to stay away from mists that are too fragrant or contain ingredients that could potentially sensitize the skin, such as rosemary or lemongrass.”

And as for that myth about spritzing your face before flying, both Bankson and Houston have personal experience with the arid and sometimes uncomfortable moisture levels on airplanes. “I’ve personally taken a barometer on a plane to measure humidity levels and, by the time the meter hit 10 percent, it completely bottomed out and said that the humidity was unreadable,” Bankson reveals. “This is why facial mists, hydrators, and moisturizers are essential for long flights.” Her advice? “Use a good skincare mist and even a thick moisturizer to back it up!”

In the absence of ‘fresh’ air, Houston says face mists can be the next best thing. “As someone who uses a facial mist when I fly, my skin does appear more hydrated once I arrive at my destination,” she notes. “Because our skin is not able to get those fresh nutrients from ‘fresh’ air, using a facial mist will help to supplement those nutrients.”

Expert-Approved Face Mists

Now that you know the benefits of a face mist, it’s time to add a new one to your arsenal. Below are the best formulas for every skin type.

For All Skin Types: Repechage Algo Mist Hydrating Seaweed Facial Spray

Suitable for pretty much all skin types — including sensitive, dry, and combination — this mist contains a blend of seaweed extract, vitamin C, ginkgo biloba, and aloe to keep skin smooth and soft. $37, repechage.com

For Dull Skin: Peach & Lily Glass Skin Veil Mist

This spritz combines cucumber water, lotus and peach extract, and reishi mushroom to keep the complexion radiant and plump. Formulated at a 5.8 pH to support the skin barrier, it can be used both under and over makeup for a luminous finish. $29, ulta.com

For Mature Skin: Réduit One Treatment Device & Skinpods

A high-tech take on the face mist trend, Réduit’s sustainable skincare system features a misting device that helps the brand's specially formulated skincare pods better penetrate the skin. With formulas that focus on everything from moisture and aging (hi, Hydro Boost and Ageless Mist) to brightening and protecting (here's look at you, Pearl Diffusion and Precision Shield), there is a 'skinpod' for every concern. from $30, reduit.com

For Acne-Prone Skin: Uma Deeply Clarifying Aloe Alum Toner

Formulated with Ayurvedic principles in mind, this skin-clearing fluid features aloe, tea tree, and rose water to both expel bacteria and combat blemishes in one simple step. The best part? It nouishes the complexion instead of drying it out. $60, umaoils.com

For Tired Skin: Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea

Since you’ve likely heard about the brand’s rosewater mist ad nauseam at this point, allow us to introduce you to its more under-the-radar cousin. Soothing aloe and cucumber combine with antioxidant-rich green tea to instantly revive dull or tired-looking skin. $7, sephora.com

For Dry Skin: Biossance Squalane & Hyaluronic Toning Mist

You would never guess such a lightweight mist could pack such a moisturizing punch, but this formula features two types of hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws water into the skin, and squalane, an emollient that locks that water in. The result? Seriously hydrated skin and a minimizing of the appearance of fine lines. $32, biossance.com

For Flying: Evian Moisturizing Facial Spray

This cult-favorite is beloved by skincare professionals, and it’s best known for its moisturizing power when traveling. Like Evian bottled water, this mister is packed with skin-soothing minerals that calm irritated skin and help heal a damaged skin barrier. $13.50, sephora.com

For Sensitive Skin: Lumion Miracle Mist

It's a big claim, but this mist is nothing short of a miracle if you are dealing with any skin sensitivities. The star ingredient is hypochlorous acid (HOCL), which is naturally produced by white blood cells to fend off harmful bacteria. When applied topically, it helps keep the complexion clear and calm. This mist pairs HOCL with oxygen to further stimulate the body's natural healing function. $28, lumionlife.com

All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.