If you don’t want to spend time applying body lotion, moisturizing mists offer the same skin-nourishing benefits with just a quick spritz. According to top dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, the best body mists can be just as effective as creams or serums. “What matters most is the formula, not how it’s delivered. For example, both the jar and spray versions of Aquaphor are highly occlusive and work well to lock in moisture and prevent water loss, even though they come in different forms,” she explains to Vogue.
### Vogue’s Top Moisturizing Body Mists
– Best Fragranced Moisturizer: Whind Medina Drench Body Mist, $40
– Best with SPF: Kopari Golden Sunglaze Body Mist Sunscreen, $39
– Best Splurge: La Prairie Cellular Energizing Mist Body Spray, $180
– Best Derm-Approved: Aquaphor Healing Ointment Body Spray, $19
### What You Need to Know
What is a moisturizing body mist?
How to apply it
Can I skip lotion if I use a body mist?
Expert insights
For those who prefer a lighter feel, moisturizing mists are a great alternative to traditional lotions. “They’re ideal for people who don’t want product on their hands and work well for hard-to-reach areas,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “They’re also more hygienic—think spraying Aquaphor during a diaper change.” However, for deeper hydration, experts recommend layering a lotion over the mist for longer-lasting moisture. Below, we break down the best moisturizing mists for an effortless glow.
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### Best Overall: Topicals Like Butter Moisturizing & Soothing Mist
Price: $30 at Amazon
Why We Love It: Topicals’ Like Butter mist went viral after its 2020 launch—and for good reason. This fine mist hydrates more than just dry skin; it also soothes sunburn, heat rash, chafing, and even fresh tattoos. Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea, allantoin, rhubarb, and ginseng, it’s gentle enough for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, allantoin
Size: 3.4 fl oz
### Best Derm-Approved: Aquaphor Healing Ointment Body Spray
Price: $19 ($16 at Amazon)
Why We Love It: Dr. Murphy-Rose swears by this spray, which is just as effective as the classic jar version. Unlike many spray lotions, Aquaphor’s formula is water-free, so it’s not diluted—meaning longer-lasting moisture. It hydrates instantly without the greasy feel of a balm.
Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, panthenol, glycerin
Size: 6.2 oz
### Best for an Instant Glow: Kai Body Glow
Price: $38 at Nordstrom & Amazon
Why We Love It: This mist gives the luminous finish of a body oil without the greasiness. Infused with jojoba oil, aloe, chamomile, and cucumber extract, it leaves skin nourished and subtly radiant.
Key Ingredients: Chamomile extract, jojoba oil, aloe vera
Size: 4 oz
### Best Dry-Oil Mist: Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil
Price: $44 at Nordstrom
Why We Love It: This lightweight mist combines squalane and grape seed oil for lasting hydration that absorbs instantly—no residue, just smooth, silky skin.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, grape seed oil
Size: 5.1 ozIngredients: Grape seed oil, squalane, sesame seed oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, rosemary extract
Size: 5.9 fl oz
### Best for Gentle Exfoliation: Flamingo Women’s Light Hydrating Spray
Price: $13 (Amazon)
Why We Love It: Flamingo’s Hydrating Spray is a multitasking favorite in my routine, offering both moisture and gentle exfoliation in one spritz. Plant-derived squalane delivers deep hydration, while white willow bark and apple extract work to smooth and refine skin naturally.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, white willow bark, papaya extract, apple extract
Size: 6.7 oz
### Best with SPF: Kopari Golden Sunglaze Body Mist Sunscreen
Price: $39 (Nordstrom)
Why We Love It: This SPF 50 body mist provides high sun protection without feeling heavy or greasy. It leaves a radiant glow thanks to mica, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and vitamins C and E protect against environmental damage.
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 0.5%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%, tocopherol, castor seed oil, hydrogenated castor oil
Size: 5 oz
### Best Splurge: La Prairie Cellular Energizing Mist Body Spray
Price: $180 (Nordstrom)
Why We Love It: A luxurious treat, this mist hydrates with sodium hyaluronate and glycerin while energizing scents like ruby red grapefruit and cardamom awaken the senses. Green tea and ginseng extracts nourish, and lactic acid gently exfoliates for smoother skin.
Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, ginseng extract, lactic acid
Size: 3.4 oz
### Best for Summer: Hanni Water Balm Hydrating Body Mist
Price: $34 (Amazon)
Why We Love It: Perfect for those who skip lotion, this mist hydrates with hyaluronic acid, aloe, and red algae extract. Bonus: essential oils like palmarosa and pink pepper naturally repel mosquitoes.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf extract, red algae extract, glycerin
Size: 6.76 oz
### Best Moisturizing Fragrance: Whind Medina Drench Body Mist
Price: $40 (BlueMercury)
Why We Love It: A fragrance and moisturizer in one, this mist blends rose and vanilla with hyaluronic acid and soybean extract for 72-hour hydration. Aloe and prickly pear extract soothe and protect skin.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, prickly pear extract, soybean extract, hyaluronic acid
Size: 5.07 oz
### Everything You Need to Know
What Is a Moisturizing Body Mist?
Think of it as a lightweight, spray-on lotion. A moisturizing body mist delivers hydration through a fine spray, often including humectants, emollients, or occlusives to support skin barrier function—just in a lighter, easy-to-use form.
—Dr. Murphy-Rose, Board-Certified Aesthetic Injector, Natia RufoloMoisturizing body mists are a convenient way to refresh your skin throughout the day. Many contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe, which help attract and retain moisture—keeping skin soft, supple, and glowing without feeling heavy or greasy. Just be careful when applying, as residue on the floor can become slippery.
### How to Apply a Moisturizing Body Mist
For best results, pat your skin dry after a shower and mist immediately. Applying to damp skin helps lock in hydration, whether you’re using a mist, lotion, or cream. Since pores are still open post-shower, your skin absorbs moisture more effectively, and the water left on your skin enhances the mist’s hydrating benefits.
### Can I Skip Lotion If I Use a Moisturizing Body Mist?
It depends on your skin type and needs. For some, a mist alone may be enough, especially in humid climates or for normal to oily skin. Those with dry or sensitive skin may benefit from layering a richer moisturizer over the mist for extra barrier support. Some experts recommend using both—first applying the mist for a hydrating boost, then sealing it in with lotion for longer-lasting moisture.
### Meet the Experts
– Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C – A board-certified aesthetic injector, PDO thread specialist, and founder of INJX BY NAT Aesthetics.
– Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD – A cosmetic and medical dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation at Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery and a clinical instructor at Cornell. She’s also the founder of Skincare Junkie.