So, you’re ready to jump in the facial mist game: Now what? 

Maybe you’ve noticed them on your co-workers desk, in your BFF’s purse, or in the hands of travelers on an airplane. However, you’ve yet to buy your own because you aren’t sure which facial mist is right for you. Don’t fret: Beia is here to get down and dirty on what ingredients and qualities to look for (and which to avoid!) in a hydrating facial mist, which can be used on all skin types.

What Is A Face Mist?

Face mists are powerful products because they are able to quickly penetrate into skin. Skin is more permeable when it’s damp, and water acts as a carrier for beneficial active ingredients — which allows you to achieve maximum glowing results. Adding a hydrating facial mist into your daily skincare routine will supercharge the luminous results you’ve been vying for.  

What Ingredients To Look For In A Facial Mist

Unfortunately, not all facial mists are created equal. Water-based facial mists without humectants (such as hyaluronic acid) will actually dry out your skin, instead of hydrating it. 

The best hydrating facial mists all contain humectants. These ingredients help fight against transdermal water loss because they bind onto water molecules and draw them into the skin, leaving it hydrated and plump. Without humectants, the water evaporates— leaving your skin even drier than it was before.

• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a skin-identical ingredient that holds up to 1000x its weight in water. Our body naturally produces this natural moisturizer. However, as we age, we produce less of it — which is why it’s a common ingredient found in skincare products.
• Glycerin: Glycerin also serves as a powerful humectant in skincare. But wait, there’s more: Glycerin also shields skin from irritation,  strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, and enhances penetration of other skin-loving ingredients. Basically, glycerin = the secret sauce for youthful radiance.

Ingredients To Avoid In A Facial Mist:

You already know hyaluronic acid and glycerin are ingredients to look for in a facial mist. However, for optimal hydration, there are a few ingredients we recommend you avoid: 

Fragrances, essential oils, and *some alcohols can be irritating or even dry out your skin when used in a facial mist, which is obviously not ideal. Steer clear of these ingredients when looking for a hydrating facial mist.  

*Like facial mists, not alcohols are created equal. Solvent alcohols — including denatured alcohol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol — can dry out the skin. However, fatty alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol and vitamin E, have the exact opposite effect and are known for their moisturizing properties. No need to cancel alcohol in skincare: Just be weary of this before you load up your cart!

The Glow Down:

Hydrating facial mists are the skincare step you’d be remiss not to take advantage of. If you want glowing, soft, supple, radiant skin, we recommend adding in a facial mist: 

• After you cleanse
• Before you moisturize
• Before you apply makeup
• After you apply makeup 
• Throughout the day 

As a reminder, always look for facial mists enriched with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin — and avoid fragrances, essential oils, and drying alcohols.