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For those seeking an alternative to traditional body lotions, moisturizing mists provide a convenient solution with a quick spray. Renowned dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose emphasizes that effective hydrating mists can be as beneficial as creams or serums. “The format is less critical than the formulation itself. For instance, both the jar and spray forms of Aquaphor are effective at locking in moisture and preventing transepidermal water loss,” she explains.
Vogue’s Top Moisturizing Body Mists
In This Article
Moisturizing mists offer a lighter application compared to conventional lotions, making them perfect for those who prefer not to get their hands messy. According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, these mists are particularly useful for applying to hard-to-reach areas and are often more hygienic. However, for longer-lasting hydration, it may be beneficial to layer a lotion afterward. Below, we explore some of the best moisturizing mists that offer both hydration and a healthy glow.
Best Overall: Topicals Like Butter Moisturizing and Soothing Mist
Topicals
Like Butter Moisturizing and Soothing Mist
Why We Love It: Launched in 2020, Topicals’s Like Butter quickly gained popularity due to its impressive formula. This mist not only hydrates but also helps with issues like sunburn, heat rashes, and irritated skin. Enriched with anti-inflammatory botanicals such as green tea extract and ginseng root, it is also safe for eczema-prone skin.Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, allantoin, Size: 3.4 fl oz
Best Derm-Approved: Aquaphor Healing Ointment Body Spray
Aquaphor
Healing Ointment Body Spray
Why We Love It: Dr. Murphy-Rose praises Aquaphor’s body spray for its effectiveness, comparable to the classic jar version. This formula is free from water, enabling it to provide longer-lasting moisture. It offers quick hydration for arms, legs, and other areas without the heaviness associated with creams.Key Ingredients: Butane, petrolatum, mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin, bisabololSize: 6.2 oz
Best for an Instant Glow: Kai Body Glow
Why We Love It: Combining the benefits of a moisturizer and a highlighter, this body mist provides a luminous finish without grease. Its formulation includes jojoba oil, aloe, chamomile, and cucumber extract for nourished and radiant skin.Key Ingredients: Chamomile extract, jojoba oil, aloe vera, cucumber extractSize: 4 oz
Best Dry-Oil Mist: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil
Kiehl’s
Creme de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil
Why We Love It: Kiehl’s mist combines squalane with grape seed oil to offer a lightweight layer of hydration that absorbs quickly. It leaves no trace, only a smooth finish, making it perfect for everyday wear.Key Ingredients: Grape seed oil, squalane, sesame seed oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, rosemary extractSize: 5.9 fl oz
Best for Gentle Exfoliation: Flamingo Women’s Light Hydrating Spray
Why We Love It: Flamingo’s Hydrating Spray serves dual purposes by providing moisture and gentle exfoliation in one. Infused with squalane, it hydrates while ingredients like white willow bark and apple extract help refine the skin’s texture.Key Ingredients: Squalane, white willow bark, papaya extract, apple extractSize: 6.7 oz
Best with SPF: Kopari Golden Sunglaze Body Mist Sunscreen
Kopari
Golden Sunglaze Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 50
Why We Love It: This body mist offers SPF 50 protection while ensuring skin hydration. Lightweight and non-greasy, it leaves a radiant finish and combines hyaluronic acid for moisture, along with vitamins C and E for antioxidant defense against environmental stressors.Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 0.5%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%, tocopherol, castor seed oil, hydrogenated castor oilSize: 5 oz
Best Splurge: La Prairie Cellular Energizing Mist Body Spray
La Prairie
Cellular Energizing Mist Body Spray
Why We Love It: Known for its luxurious products, La Prairie’s body mist combines energizing oils with hydrating agents like sodium hyaluronate. Antioxidants from green tea and ginseng nourish the skin while providing gentle exfoliation with lactic acid.Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, ginseng extract, lactic acidSize: 3.4 oz
Best for Summer: Hanni Water Balm Hydrating Body Mist
Hanni
Water Balm Hydrating Body Mist
Why We Love It: Formulated specifically for those who prefer mists over lotions, Hanni’s Water Balm blends aloe, hyaluronic acid, and red algae extract for effective hydration. Additionally, its essential oils act as a natural insect repellent, making it ideal for summer use.Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf extract, red algae extract, glycerinSize: 6.76 oz
Best Moisturizing Fragrance: Whind Medina Drench Body Mist
Why We Love It: Whind’s Medina Drench serves as both a fragrance and moisturizer, offering a blend of soft floral notes and vanilla. Its formulation includes hyaluronic acid and soybean extract for hydration, complemented by antioxidant-rich ingredients for added skin protection.Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, prickly pear extract, soybean extract, hyaluronic acidSize: 5.07 oz
Understanding Moisturizing Body Mists
What is a Moisturizing Body Mist?
Moisturizing body mists can be viewed as lightweight alternatives to traditional lotions. Dr. Murphy-Rose describes them as delivering hydration through a fine spray, often containing humectants and emollients that support skin barrier function in a user-friendly format.
According to board-certified aesthetic injector Natia Rufolo, these mists are perfect for refreshing skin throughout the day. Common hydrating ingredients in body mists include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe, which help retain moisture without the heaviness of thicker products. However, caution is advised during application to avoid slippery surfaces from residual spray.
How to Apply a Moisturizing Body Mist
For optimal results, Dr. Murphy-Rose suggests applying mists right after drying off from the shower. Spraying on damp skin enhances moisture retention, as open pores make the skin more receptive to hydrating ingredients.
Can you skip lotion if using a moisturizing body mist?
Dr. Murphy-Rose believes it depends on individual preferences and skin types. Some may find a mist sufficient in humid climates or for oily skin, while others, especially those with drier skin, might prefer layering a lotion for better barrier support. On the other hand, Rufolo advocates using both for maximum hydration, suggesting starting with a mist and then applying lotion to lock in moisture.
Source
www.vogue.com