Feel like face mists are a scam? These 10 will prove you wrong

Few things feel better when temperatures rise than a chilled face mist, especially straight from the fridge. Yet, these light, fragrant sprays do more than cool you down. Chosen wisely, they can also deliver skin-friendly actives and help maintain a healthy complexion.

Related: Your guide to the best vitamin C serums of 2025, glow guaranteed

A well-formulated mist can function almost like a spray-on serum, quenching parched skin and calming seasonal sensitivities. But simply spritzing plain water often does the opposite by evaporating quickly and leaving the surface even drier. “Face mists can increase hydration, but only if they contain humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, which help the skin to retain moisture,” says Elemis co-founder Noella Gabriel. “Water sprayed onto the face will simply evaporate and make the skin feel dehydrated.”

Thanks to advanced research, many modern mists now double as pollution protectors. Take Bigelius Skincare Facial Mist, with a formula that forms a breathable film (thanks to Biosacharide Gum-4) to bind to free radicals, working like a second skin against carbon particles and other daily pollutants.

Meanwhile, Icon Beauty Vitamin C Anti-Pollution Face Mist creates a protective veil against blue light and other contaminants, and Indy Beauty’s Antioxidant Hydrating Facial Mist uses white peony and water lily to eliminate toxins and defend skin against oxidative stress.

Certain mists also cater to the skin’s microbiome. Fermented ingredients, such as kefir in Elemis Superfood Kefir Tea Mist, settle on the surface, where beneficial bacteria reside. By breaking down natural ingredients into smaller compounds, fermentation may help these actives penetrate more effectively, tackling dryness, irritation, and even breakouts.

Another innovative spin on face mists is Woods Copenhagen Niacinamide Lifting Mist uses niacinamide to strengthen the skin’s barrier, soothe trouble spots, and minimise the look of large pores.

Related: How to use honey in your skincare routine

For the longest time, dermatologists have sworn by the three-minute rule: apply your moisturiser in the first few minutes after cleansing whilst the skin is still slightly damp and more receptive to the topical actives. As for mists, the best way to ensure that face mists shift from a skincare extra to a year-round essential is to use them as a step before serum for greater hydration. Similarly to the three-minute rule, this helps lock all the benefits into the skin. And if you're one to want the most out of your products, why not mist between each skincare step to really pack a hydration punch?

As for specific ingredients, be vary that Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture from wherever it can find it to hydrate the surface of your face – including the deeper layers of your skin, if there is no humidity in the air. As such, when using a hyaluronic acid face mist, it is advised to pay attention to the environment in which you’re spritzing. Unfortunately, spraying a hyaluronic face mist onto dry skin whilst in an airplane cabin, where humidity plummets to a mere 12 per cent - drier than the Sahara desert – can easily backfire. That is why a cocktail of moisturising ingredients in your face mist is especially helpful, since it ensures that there are hydrating molecules for the hyaluronic acid to latch onto.

There’s hardly a wrong time to reach for a facial mist. It’s more about personal preference. Spritz whenever you’d normally use a toner or before moisturizing to seal in hydration. You can also stash a smaller bottle in your bag for an afternoon refresh, especially in dehydrating or polluted environments.

Face mists have quickly become a mainstay in modern skincare routines. They’re adaptable, easy to layer, and often brimming with ingredients you’d expect from high-performing serums. Below, we highlight ten products that prove face mists are far from a skincare scam:

What you need to know: This face mist is loaded with ingredients destined to deliver stellar results. Antioxidant-rich coconut water, rooibos tea, and vegan kefir ferment all aim to soothe, tone, and refresh.

Why we love it: A few spritzes and you’re set all day. The gentle fragrance is rejuvenating, and the results are instant. Plus, it acts as a 4-in-1 (toning, priming, setting make-up, and refreshing the skin) which is perfect for those who don’t want too many products in their routine.

What you need to know: While it may seem costly, you certainly get a lot with this mist. Powered by the brand’s signature TFC8 technology and infused with Orpheus flower extract to boost elasticity, it also features antioxidant-rich cress sprout extract to even out skin tone and reduce dark circles, while a polysaccharide complex protects against environmental aggressors.

Why we love it: We love a touch of luxury, and this product adds exactly that while delivering real complexion-boosting action. Its non-occlusive shield also protects from pollution and oxidative stress.

What you need to know: Featuring Tri-Ceramides, this budget-friendly mist supports the skin’s barrier while delivering rejuvenating moisture. The super-fine spritz is perfectly pH-balanced, offering instant soothing that supports your skin’s microbiome.

Why we love it: For such a low price, you get surprisingly luxe results. This is a go-to for plumped, hydrated skin without breaking the bank.

What you need to know: Packed with 5% niacinamide, açai berry, and mango fruit extract (plus glutathione and silk amino acids) this blend helps maintain moisture levels and refine texture.

Why we love it: It’s a gentle way to give your skin an effective treatment. Spritz in the morning, then layer on other skincare or makeup. It’s also easy to reapply throughout the day for a top-up.

What you need to know: Harnessing organic grapes, this fan-favourite mist provides instant hydration while soothing and toning. With only three ingredients, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free – nothing to aggravate sensitive skin.

Why we love it: When it comes to skincare, French pharmacy often comes out on top, and this mist from Caudalíe is no exception. Plus, its sleek packaging and formula makes it a must-try for anyone seeking to calm redness or irritation.

What you need to know: True to Dr. Sturm’s line, this is chock-full of remarkable ingredients aimed at boosting hydration with a single spritz. Purslane plant extract offers antioxidant protection, while aloe and prickly pear extracts soothe. Broccoli extract adds a hint of UV protection.

Why we love it: We adore how many moisturising ingredients can be found in this spray. It is a quick fix for anyone needing that extra hit of hydration. Plus, you can easily reapply if your skin starts feeling parched. Who doesn’t love a bit of extra UV coverage?

What you need to know: Cloud Mist is a unique hybrid between a replenishing mist and an SOS spray, providing an instant cloud of calm for distressed skin. Formulated with hypochlorous acid (documented to help rebalance skin and address common concerns like breakouts, redness, and sensitivity) the mist also contains centella to soothe, plus electrolytes, minerals, and glycerin to reinforce the skin barrier and lock in essential moisture.

Why we love it: The hero ingredient, hypochlorous acid, is known for visibly reducing breakouts, soothing active inflammation, and calming redness. It gently restores balance, helping to strengthen and calm the skin barrier. Plus, its fragrance-free formula ensures minimal risk of irritation, making it ideal for frequent application throughout the day, whenever skin needs quick relief.

What you need to know: Drawing extracts from deep within the lotus flower (packed with minerals and antioxidants) alongside deep-sea magnesium, this mist quickly calms and soothes irritated skin.

Why we love it: This mist gets to work the second it comes into contact with your skin; there is no need to use it for weeks until you begin to see results.

What you need to know: Powered by pre- and post-biotics to keep your skin’s microbiome in check, this also boasts Damascus rose water for pore tightening and radiance enhancement.

Why we love it: There is no denying that we are all obsessed with lit-from-within skin, so anything to help enhance that is welcome in our routines. And this mist is sure to deliver glowing result.

What you need to know: Powered by the brand’s iconic thermal water, this mist purifies the complexion while zinc sulfate and sodium chloride help remove dead skin cells and banish breakouts.

Why we love it: The formula creates a mattifying effect, making it ideal for anyone battling shine throughout the day. Simply blot, spritz, and let the magic happen.