We can think of three reasons why you’re searching for the best spray moisturizer. First, you want a non-greasy, lightweight lotion that makes getting ready go faster. Second, you’d like a moisturizer that requires minimal effort to apply. And third, it would be nice to have a spray-on lotion that can cover hard-to-reach places like your back.
What else might motivate you to try a spray lotion? Well, spray-on moisturizer is handy for taking care of new tattoos, too.
Let’s be honest, this is kind of a niche market. Most people are still buying pump-top lotions, body butter, and face creams instead of moisturizer that comes in a spray. Also, the sad thing is that you still have to rub in spray-on lotion if you want good coverage. But don’t let that stop you because spray moisturizer is a godsend for people in a hurry, persons with a limited range of movement, and sensitive activities like tattoo aftercare.
Moreover, spray moisturizer can be layered to soothe dry skin. Even in layers, it’s designed to absorb quickly. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution to hydrate your face and body, check out the best spray moisturizers below:
| The best spray moisturizers | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray |
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| Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Lotion |
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| CETAPHIL Sheer Hydration Body Moisturizer Spray |
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| Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Dry Body Oil Mist |
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| Kiss My Face Lotion Light Moisturizing 2 in 1 Lotion Spray |
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| MANSCAPED™ UltraPremium Hydrating Body Spray |
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| Twinlab Na-PCA Spray with Aloe Vera |
|
Best Spray Moisturizers in 2024
Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray
If we can give you one piece of advice, try the Aquaphor spray moisturizer. It’s fragrance-free and contains no parabens or preservatives like phenoxyethanol. The hypoallergenic formula is mild enough for moisturizing new tattoos without stinging, plus people undergoing chemo find it helpful and gentle.
Be sure to shake the can first then hold the nozzle about three and a half inches away when you spray. For best results, rub in the lotion, or apply a second coat if you can’t.
It comes out in a continuous mist as long as you press the trigger. It’ll even spray upside down, making it practical for reaching the back.
Similar to Aquaphor’s ointment, the spray-on lotion is waterless. This means it performs better on damp skin because it seals in moisture instead of adding it. Emollients like mineral oil and petrolatum reinforce the skin’s barrier to hold in water.
Happily, the moisturizer also has glycerin, a humectant, plus panthenol and bisabolol to strengthen and soothe the skin. Clinical studies show that it’s capable of alleviating dryness throughout the day.
If there’s any downside, it’s that the bottle seems small.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and waterless
- Emollient formula proven to seal in hydration all day long
- Soothes sensitive skin with bisabolol and panthenol
- Continuous spray and the fact that it works upside down makes it easy to reach the back
Cons:
- Small bottle
Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Lotion
Vaseline’s spray moisturizer is popular and affordable, but it contains two kinds of parabens and phenoxyethanol. If that doesn’t bother you, it’s got some good qualities.
In the first place, it’s a continuous spray. There is no need to pump the top so it’s easy to cover hard-to-reach spots. The lotion works best if it’s rubbed in because it contains micro-droplets of Vaseline jelly. Massaging it into the skin disperses it evenly.
Next, compared to petroleum jelly, the lightweight texture is not at all greasy or sticky. We prefer the unscented version so that it doesn’t clash with perfume or cologne.
Like similar products, it behaves better if applied right after a shower, but feel free to put it on whenever your skin feels dry. Dermatological tests say that it’s safe for sensitive skin.
However, unlike Aquaphor’s spray lotion, the label doesn’t list vitamins or soothing ingredients we recognize other than glycerin and dimethicone.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Unscented
- Continuous spray
- Tested for sensitive skin
- Has micro-droplets of Vaseline jelly but not sticky or greasy
Cons:
- Contains parabens, a potential hormone disrupter
CETAPHIL Sheer Hydration Body Moisturizer Spray
It’s not an aerosol. Instead, this spray-on moisturizer gives you full control and better accuracy with a pump top. Of course, it’s not so convenient if you’re trying to spray your back. (We suggest spritzing the lotion on a loofah or similar tool to reach the dry spots. In a pinch, you can use an old towel, but the fabric will soak up some of the lotion). The nozzle squirts rather forcefully, at least.
Oddly for Cetaphil, this moisturizer has a fragrance and not everyone loves it. It’s described as a “gentle, refreshing scent”, but reviewers say the odor hangs around long after the lotion absorbs. Honestly, we’re a little disappointed because artificial fragrances are often the culprit when sensitive skin has an adverse reaction.
The good news is that the formula is paraben-free and infused with skin-friendly vitamins and extracts. It features vitamin B5 (panthenol), hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and blue daisy. The lightweight texture is fast-absorbing and doesn’t leave the skin greasy or sticky. It actually feels rather refreshing, plus the hydrating effects are supposed to last up to 48 hours.
Pros:
- Hydration lasts up to 48 hours
- Non-sticky and non-greasy, lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Infused with blue daisy, vitamins E and B5, and hyaluronic acid
Cons:
- No continuous spray to help coat the back of the body
- Has a strong artificial fragrance
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Dry Body Oil Mist
What is a dry oil? It’s an addictive type of body moisturizer that leaves the skin smooth and conditioned without feeling greasy like it would with regular oil. This spray-on product promises to significantly rejuvenate the skin within a week. Ninety-two percent of participants in a study said that there’s an instant improvement right after applying it.
One of the active ingredients is oat oil, naturally, because this is made by Aveeno. It not only soothes the skin but helps it retain moisture because it’s packed with fatty acids and lipids.
Next, there’s jojoba oil, rich in vitamin E and very similar to the skin’s sebum. It’s accompanied by vitamin C and lecithin.
Moreover, the hypoallergenic formula contains no mineral oil, silicone, artificial color, phthalates, or parabens. Nevertheless, it has an artificial fragrance, but we’ve heard very few complaints – most people seem to enjoy it.
What’s the catch? Although the oil absorbs rapidly, it will make your hands slippery if you’re rubbing it in, then the bottle becomes difficult to manipulate. Also, this is a pump-top, not an aerosol.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and free of mineral oil, silicone, phthalates, parabens
- Fast-absorbing, doesn’t leave an oily residue
- Conditions the skin instantly with jojoba and oat oils plus vitamins
- Pleasant light fragrance
Cons:
- Does not spray continuously
- Bottle gets slippery
Kiss My Face Lotion Light Moisturizing 2 in 1 Lotion Spray
Kiss My Face makes both fragrance-free and tropical coconut-scented sprays. (The unscented version features olive and aloe). Each one is designed to absorb in seconds, refreshing extra dry skin.
The air-powered spray works continuously while you press the button, making it easy to reach the back. It doesn’t use harmful propellants that could damage the environment. Also, the bottle is recyclable. But we wouldn’t expect anything less from this brand.
The eco-friendly formula contains no parabens or phthalates and is cruelty-free. It soothes the skin with coconut oil, chamomile, calendula, and aloe. For best results, apply it while the skin is still damp.
The main con is that the delicious fragrance fades rather quickly. Also, if you spray it while standing in the tub, it will make the floor slippery because the material can’t absorb the lotion as the skin can.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly with no harmful propellants, packaged in a recyclable can
- Continuous spray to hit all the hard-to-reach spots
- Cruelty-free with no parabens or phthalates
- Moisturizes with coconut oil and aloe, soothes with calendula and chamomile
Cons:
- Be careful if using this product in the tub or shower because overspray will make the floor slippery
- Coconut fragrance doesn’t last long
MANSCAPED UltraPremium Hydrating Body Spray
Move over, Axe, MANSCAPED has one up on you now. This spray moisturizer for men has a manly fragrance plus it smooths the skin. It’s an all-in-one system for a busy guy.
The aluminum bottle has a 360° continuous spray valve so you can do your whole body in one go. Rub it in if you like, or else wait a few seconds before dressing. In either case, there’s no grease and no sticky leftover.
The water-based moisturizer provides a soothing dose of moisture with hyaluronic acid and red marine algae. In other good news, this is a cruelty-free, vegan product. It contains no parabens, phthalates, or formaldehyde.
Pros:
- Manly-scented moisturizer for men
- 360° continuous spray and lightweight aluminum bottle
- Softens the skin without leaving a visible or noticeable residue
- Has water, hyaluronic acid, and algae to hydrate the skin
- Vegan, cruelty-free, with no parabens or phthalates
Cons:
- If you’re not a fan of masculine fragrances, at least this one is not overpowering
Twinlab Na-PCA Spray with Aloe Vera
This might be the best spray moisturizer for the face since it does triple duty as aftershave and makeup setting spray, too. With that said, there’s nothing wrong with using it on your body. It’s just that the pump top isn’t as convenient for reaching the back.
It restores the skin’s youthful appearance with sodium PCA. This essential ingredient is part of the skin’s normal makeup but it declines with age. The moisturizer uses it to turn back time and leave your face with a dewy glow. Happily, the formula is hypoallergenic and doesn’t clog pores.
Furthermore, it has eucalyptus essential oil, a natural antimicrobial agent that feels cooling to the skin. Spritzing it on after shaving your face, legs, etc. will refresh you and help keep razor rash at bay. Just remember to close your eyes tightly, or better, dispense it into your palms before massaging it into your face.
Lastly, the seven-ingredient formula contains no parabens or artificial fragrance.
Pros:
- Face and body moisturizer that serves as aftershave and makeup setting spray
- Restores a healthy glow with sodium PCA and eucalyptus oil
- No parabens or artificial fragrance
Cons:
- If you have issues with eucalyptus or phenoxyethanol, it’s best to try something else
Conclusion
We hope our spray lotion reviews helped you find what you need today. Isn’t it nice to live at a time when so many products exist to help us maintain healthy, youthful skin?
If you’re satisfied with your purchase, feel free to leave us a comment to tell us about your experience using it.