Unlike harsh astringents of the past, today’s mists and toners are multitasking heroes. The right one will hydrate and soothe, rebalance your skin’s pH, and even kill acne-causing bacteria, all while delivering a cooling, refreshing moment in the middle of your day. Especially during sweaty, humid months, adding a mist or toner to your morning routine—or using one to refresh throughout the day—can help keep your skin clean, clear, and calm.

So, what should you look for?

Why You Need a Toner or Face Mist When It’s Hot and Humid

During hot, humid weather, your skin produces more sweat and oil, which can lead to clogged pores and bacterial buildup. Facial mists and toners help to:

• Rebalance pH: Sweat and excessive cleansing can throw your skin’s natural pH off, making it more vulnerable to breakouts.

• Hydrate without heaviness: In sticky weather, layering a heavy moisturizer isn’t ideal. A hydrating mist delivers moisture in a feather-light form.

• Soothe and calm: Heat inflames the skin. Ingredients like aloe, cucumber, and thermal water help cool and reduce redness.

• Fight bacteria: Mists with hypochlorous acid or antimicrobial botanicals support your skin’s microbiome and help keep breakouts at bay.

Our Favorite Facial Mists & Toners for Summer Skin

(Sorted from least expensive to most expensive)

💧 Fortify+ Face Mist Hydrating Spray – $7

This mist combines hyaluronic acid for hydration with aloe vera and a mineral complex to support skin's immunity. It also contains zinc, a natural antimicrobial, which helps combat acne-causing bacteria.

Best for: Combination to acne-prone skin
Bonus: Fragrance-free and TSA-approved.

💧 Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber, & Green Tea – $8

A cult classic for a reason. This gentle, budget-friendly mist uses aloe to hydrate, cucumber to refresh, and green tea to protect. Ideal for quick midday pick-me-ups or post-sweat cooldowns.

Best for: Normal to oily skin, cooling on the go
Bonus: Can be used over makeup without disrupting it.

💧 Briotech Hypochlorous Acid Spray – $15

A minimalist formula with a powerful purpose. Hypochlorous acid is naturally found in your immune system and kills bacteria on contact—making this a game-changer for sweaty, breakout-prone skin.

Best for: Acne-prone, irritated, or inflamed skin
Bonus: Can be used anywhere on the body (including scalp!).

💧 La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist – $20

This French pharmacy favorite is packed with selenium-rich thermal water, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s soothing, hydrating, and perfect for calming sun-stressed or irritated skin.

Best for: Sensitive, red, or overheated skin
Bonus: Non-comedogenic and microbiome-friendly.

💧 Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner – $25

This antioxidant-rich mist tones, hydrates, and balances the skin’s pH all at once. CoQ-10 helps reduce free radical damage, while hyaluronic acid and chamomile calm and hydrate.

Best for: Dry to combo skin, or skin needing antioxidant protection
Bonus: Great under SPF and makeup.

💧 Tower 28 Daily Rescue Facial Spray – $28

A dermatologist-recommended hypochlorous acid spray designed for rosacea, eczema, and acne-prone skin. It purifies without stinging or drying—perfect for heat-triggered flare-ups.

Best for: Very sensitive or inflamed skin
Bonus: Clean at Sephora and fragrance-free.

💧 Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator – $40

A favorite among estheticians and beauty editors, this multitasking mist hydrates, tones, and preps the skin with aloe, green tea, and a blend of antioxidant herbs. It smells divine and leaves your skin feeling dewy, not damp.

Best for: All skin types, especially dull or dehydrated
Bonus: Helps your serums absorb better post-mist.

💧 Naturopathica Lavender & Manuka Honey Balancing Mist – $44

This soothing mist blends lavender hydrosol and manuka honey to calm redness, balance oil, and support your skin’s barrier. It smells like a spa and works like a treatment.

Best for: Oily but sensitive skin, skin prone to redness
Bonus: Naturally antimicrobial without being harsh.

💧 Pai Skincare Century Flower: Lotus + Orange Blossom Soothing Tonic – $64

This alcohol-free toner is pH-balanced and full of calming ingredients like lotus flower, orange blossom, and magnesium. Perfect for sensitive skin that needs TLC.

Best for: Redness-prone, reactive skin
Bonus: Certified organic and pregnancy-safe.

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to mean breakouts, oil slicks, and redness. A well-chosen face mist or toner can be your skin’s best friend when the heat is relentless. Whether you’re looking to kill bacteria, refresh after a sweaty walk, or rebalance your complexion mid-day, these mists and toners do the job—without clogging pores or overwhelming your routine.

Pro tip: Keep your mist in the fridge for an extra-refreshing boost when you need it most.