I’m a bad skincare blogger. There, I said it. I love doing the whole shebang (you know, cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, sunscreening, seruming?… ok, you got it) on my face. But on my body? Most days I’m too lazy even to moisturize it. And then I wonder why it always feels so dry… Ahem…
That’s why I love the idea of an after shower mist. You can just spray it and go after a shower. But, then, I also loved the idea of an in-shower moisturizer and that didn’t really work out too well… There was only one thing to do: put it to the test. The chosen mist? Aveeno Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist.
What’s In Aveeno Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist?
AVENTA SATIVA PEPTIDE TO SOOTHE SKIN
There’s a reason why I keep going back to Aveeno: oats. These little thingies go by many names in skincare. On the label, you’ll find them as Avena Sativa Peptide. The scientific name is Colloidal Oatmeal. We normal people call them oats.
Either way, oats are super soothing. They calm down irritations, rashes, hives, sunburns, pruriritic conditions… You name it, oats can handle it. They’ll fade the redness, reduce the itchiness and get your skin back to health again. Plus, oats are moisturizing. When your skin’s natural protective barrier gets damaged and starts losing moisture, oats patch it back up. Bye bye, dry skin!
Related: Spotlight On Colloidal Oatmeal
GLYCERIN TO HYDRATE SKIN
There’s a reason why glycerin is everywhere (seriously, have you ever come across a skincare product without it? I’m sure they exist, but…). Glycerin is a humectant. That’s science jargon for moisture magnets: a humectant attracts moisture from the air into the skin and binds it there. All of a sudden, your skin is a lot softer and plumper.
Need help creating the best skincare routine for you dry skin? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Dry Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).
PETROLATUM TO MOISTURISE SKIN
I was surprised to see petrolatum here because the texture is sooooo light (but, I’ll tell you more about that later). Petrolatum is derived from petroleum but the two don’t have much in common. Petroleum undergoes such a strict purifying process to remove any toxins it may contain, the end product has a completely different molecular structure from petroleum. Petrolatum is an occlusive moisturizer. It forms a protective barrier on the skin that locks moisture in. No chance of it escaping on its watch.
Related: 7 Skincare Ingredients With An Undeserved Bad Reputation
The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
- Aqua (Water): This is the base that makes everything else possible. Think of it as the canvas where all the other ingredients are mixed in. It hydrates a little on its own, but its main job is dissolving and carrying the actives so they spread evenly on your skin.
- Isopropyl Palmitate: An emollient that makes skin feel smooth and soft. It creates that “slip” so products spread easily. The downside? It’s comedogenic for some people, so if you’re acne-prone, it might clog pores.
- Dimethicone: A lightweight silicone that gives a silky finish and prevents moisture loss without the heavy feel of petrolatum. It also smooths over fine lines and rough patches so skin feels instantly soft.
- Isohexadecane: Another emollient that gives formulas a lightweight, non-greasy feel. It softens the skin but evaporates fairly quickly, leaving behind that “velvety” texture.
- Caprylyl Glycol: A multitasker: part moisturizer, part preservative booster. It helps keep skin soft while also preventing bacteria from throwing a party in your jar.
- 1,2-Hexanediol: Mostly here as a preservative and solvent. It makes sure the formula doesn’t separate and also helps other ingredients dissolve better.
- C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside: An emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed together. Without it, your lotion would split into layers like salad dressing.
- Polysorbate 60: Another emulsifier, but this one also doubles as a stabilizer. It keeps the cream smooth and uniform so you don’t get weird clumps or separation.
- Sorbitan Isostearate: Yet another emulsifier, giving the product that creamy consistency and helping oils blend seamlessly with water.
- C14-22 Alcohols: Fatty alcohols (not the drying kind!) that thicken the texture and add a creamy feel. They also double as emollients, softening and conditioning the skin.
- Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer: A fancy-sounding texture enhancer. It gives the formula its smooth, gel-like consistency and keeps it stable.
- Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer: Another texture builder and stabilizer. Together with the one above, it makes sure the lotion doesn’t feel watery or separate in the tube.
- Sodium Hydroxide: A pH adjuster. On its own, it’s very harsh (it’s literally lye), but in small amounts it’s just balancing the formula’s acidity so it matches your skin better.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E): An antioxidant that helps protect the oils in the formula from going rancid. On skin, it offers a little antioxidant support too, though its main job here is formula protection.
- Benzyl Alcohol: A preservative that keeps bacteria and mold from growing. It can be irritating for very sensitive skin, but in small amounts it’s generally fine.
- Chlorphenesin: Another preservative that boosts the overall protection system of the product. Its job is basically making sure you don’t get funky microbes in your cream.
- Benzoic Acid: A preservative that helps prevent mold, yeast, and bacteria. It also slightly adjusts the pH.
- Sodium Benzoate: Same family as benzoic acid, but in salt form. Works as a preservative and stabilizer, keeping everything safe and extending shelf life.
Texture
It feels like spraying on water with a bit of slip. No thick cream, no heavy layer – just a light mist that soaks in before you even think about it. You spray, swipe your hand over it, and your skin already feels softer. Zero stickiness, zero faff.
Fragrance
There isn’t really a “scent” here, just that faint oat smell you always get with Aveeno. It’s not strong, it doesn’t hang around, and honestly you forget about it two minutes later.
How To Use It
The trick is in the name: spritz it on right after your shower, while your skin’s still damp. That way it locks in all that extra water your skin soaked up. You don’t even need to rub it in much – a quick once-over with your hands and you’re done. Great for lazy mornings or when you’re rushing out the door but don’t want to skip moisturizer altogether.
Packaging
It comes in a spray can, which makes it so much easier than a pump or squeeze bottle. You can mist it all over in seconds, no scooping, no pumping, no mess. The only catch? Because it’s a spray, it’s a little harder to know how much you’ve actually used, and you’ll probably go through it quicker than a regular body lotion.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Aveeno Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist has a super lightweight texture that absorbs immediately. It leaves no greasy residue behind so I can just spray it on and get dressed. So far, it’s a lazy gal’s dream. But, how moisturizing is it?
Well, that depends on your skin. Mine’s super dry. The spray mist hydrates it well and keeps it soft and smooth… for a few hours. I have to reapply it once or twice during the day. If your skin’s oily or just not that dry, the soft, moisturized feel would last much longer. You can replace your body lotion with this and be ready in minutes. Why does my skin have to be so dry? (Don’t answer that!) *sighs*
What I Like About Aveeno Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist
- Super lightweight – feels like nothing on the skin.
- Absorbs instantly so you can get dressed right away.
- Spray format = lazy-girl approved. No endless rubbing in lotion.
- Leaves skin soft and smooth without greasiness.
- Quick and easy for mornings when you’re rushing.
What I DON’T Like About Aveeno Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist
- Not moisturizing enough for really dry skin – I have to reapply.
- Because it’s a spray, you go through it faster than a regular body lotion.
- The hydration doesn’t last all day if your skin drinks up moisture like mine does.
Who Should Use This?
This mist is made for anyone who hates the whole body-lotion routine but still wants soft skin. If your skin is normal or just a bit dry, you can spray this on after a shower and be done in seconds – no rubbing, no waiting around. It’s also great if you want something light that won’t feel greasy in summer. But if your skin is seriously dry (like mine), it’s more of a quick fix than a one-and-done. You’ll either need to reapply or bring in a heavier cream when your skin’s craving more.
Does Aveeno Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| This fast-absorbing mist locks-in moisture to help prevent and protect dry skin for 48 hours. | It is fast-absorbing, but its moisturising effects barely last a few short hours. |
| AVEENO® Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist with Oat Extract improves your skin’s natural balance for healthy looking and more resilient skin from 1st use. | True. |
| Nourishes Normal to Dry Skin. | I’d say normal to slightly dry skin. |
Price & Availability
£9.00 at Asos, Look Fantastic, and Superdrug
Do You Need It?
Not really. There are more moisturising body lotions out there.
Aqua, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Avena Sativa (Oat) Peptide, Isohexadecane, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Benzyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
