Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
Summer skin creates an interesting conundrum. Spending time in the sun inevitably dries it out (no matter how militant you are about sunscreen), and yet, the last thing anyone wants to do during the hottest months of the year is slather on a heavy moisturizer from head-to-toe to combat it. Even just thinking about that is enough to make you sweat. The good news for all of us lotion haters out there is that there’s an entirely new category of the stuff to make hydrating summer skin a literal breeze.
Spray lotions have taken the body-care world by storm, and offer all of the benefits of your favorite creamy formulations without any of the goopy, greasy side effects. Much like spray-on sunscreens, they’re applied to the skin in a fine mist and instantly absorb with no film to speak of. They’re the perfect fix for anyone who hates lotion, but loves the feel of smooth, hydrated skin.
In addition to the ease of use they offer, there’s another reason why derms have hopped on board the spray lotion fan bus. “What’s great about spray lotions is that there’s no contamination of the cream, because the top is completely sealed, versus tubs of moisturizer where you are plunging your hands in to grab it,” says board-certified dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD.
However, she warns that since spray lotions tend to be thinner than your usual creams and lotions, you’ll want to make sure you’re applying enough product to reap the full benefits. Thankfully, they’re so much fun to use that that shouldn’t be a problem. Scroll through for the ones you’ll want to be spritzing on your summer skin all season long.
Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray, $10
This lotion takes everything there is to love about Aquaphor—aka the “Swiss Army Knife” of the skin-care world—and puts it into an easy-to-use spray bottle. Which means you get all of its hydrating and moisture-locking properties with none of the usual goop or grease.
Rahua Enchanted Island Ocean Mist, $38
Go on a mini-vacation in your bathroom with this mist, which combines botanical ingredients that melt instantly into your skin. There’s antioxidant-packed guayasa extract to reduce free-radical damage, healing aloe vera, and morete oil, which acts as a natural UV protectant. It’s also got guava and passion fruit, which are chock-full of vitamin C and will leave your skin smelling like a tropical paradise. .
Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer, Aloe Fresh, $16
If you’ve ever dreamt of soaking your body in a vat of Vaseline, this is your chance. The spray contains micro-droplets of the miracle balm—plus aloe—which absorb instantly into your skin with a fine mist. It’s perfect for using post-shower, or after a long day with a little too much sun.
Acqua di Parma Arancia di Capri Spray Body Lotion, $55
This little bottle does a whole lot more than just look pretty on the shelf above your sink. It takes a cue from Italian skin care and combines almond, olive, and grapeseed oils to hydrate and nourish skin. Plus, the citrusy scent will instantly transport you to Capri (mentally, at least) without ever having to leave your bathroom.
Yes To Coconut Hydrate & Restore Ultra Light Spray Body Lotion, $13
Coconut oil‘s skin benefits have been well-documented, but it’s nearly impossible to apply without leaving your entire body (and bedroom) a greasy mess. This lotion solves for that by putting the hydrating and anti-bacterial ingredient in a spray bottle, and upping its moisturizing factor by pairing it with sunflower seed oil.
One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum, $39
Take your body-care routine to the next level with a spray-on serum, like this one, which can be used on its own or layered under a lotion (the way you would with a facial serum and moisturizer). In addition to hydrating and antioxidant-rich marine ingredients, like seabuckthorn oil, it’s also got pumpkin seed oil, which acts as a natural exfoliant. The result? Smoother skin in a single spray.
Kiss My Face 2-in-1 Lavender Shea Light Moisturizing Air Powered Spray, $12
The “two-in-one” that this lotion boasts about includes both skin hydration and protection. The lightweight formula nourishes skin with shea butter, and defends against free-radical damage with antioxidant-heavy botanicals. Plus, the lavender scent is perfect for spritzing on after your evening shower to help lull you off to sleep.
St Ives Hydration Lotion Spray, Naturally Energizing Citrus and Vitamin C, $24
Give skin its daily dose of vitamin C with this spritz, which is made with detoxifying grapefruit extract plus nourishing shea butter and hydrating glycerine. And, bonus, its citrus-y scent will give your brain a boost of energy every time you inhale.
For more ways to amp up your body-care routine, check out what a dermatologist keeps in her shower:
Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter
Get all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered right to your inbox.
Got it, you've been added to our email list.
