5 Face Mists to Freshen Up Acne-Prone Skin

Breakouts can be irritating, itchy and straight-up uncomfortable. For instant calming relief, there’s nothing like a refreshing face mist. Spritzing on the right mist can not only help boost your skin’s moisture levels, but it can also deliver a soothing pick-me-up for inflamed, acne-prone skin. Looking for a rec? That’s what we’re here for. Read on for our top picks.  

What Is a Face Mist?

If you’re new to using face mists, allow us to explain their benefits. Face mists are hydrating and often soothing formulas that are sprayed onto skin. Some are meant to give skin a quick boost, while others contain concentrated ingredients and can be used as a toner or essence. 

When and How to Use a Face Mist

There’s no wrong way to use a face mist — it really comes down to personal preference. Face mists can be used to set your makeup at the end of your routine or any time throughout the day to refresh, hydrate and soothe skin. If the product is formulated as a toner or essence, it can be used after washing your face, before serum or moisturizer. 

The Best Face Mists for Acne-Prone Skin, According to Our Editors

Garnier SkinActive Balancing Facial Mist with Green Tea

This face mist’s star ingredient, green tea, has soothing properties to relieve inflamed skin. In addition to calming breakouts, it also helps balance oil production to help prevent future pimples from forming. 

Thayers Natural Remedies Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Mist

Available in unscented and a variety of calming scents including rose water, lavender and cucumber, this mist helps keep sebum production in check thanks to witch hazel, a natural astringent. Witch hazel also contains anti-inflammatory properties to soothe redness.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Mist

Use this fragrance- and paraben-free face mist as a mattifying spray under or over your makeup. It contains zinc sulfate to absorb excess shine and helps soothe oily, sensitive skin types. 

Kiehl’s Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist

Cactus flower helps skin retain moisture while Tibetan ginseng revitalizes dull skin. The cooling formula can be used on all skin types and over makeup. It’s especially great for reviving skin that’s dehydrated from harsh acne treatments. 

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

De-stress red, irritated skin with this pH-balanced facial mist. It’s infused with hypochlorous acid, an antimicrobial agent that’s naturally found in our white blood cells to help calm inflammation and speed up healing. 

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

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