Formulate a hydrating body mist with tropical extracts

Body mists are a type of cosmetic product used to lightly fragrance the body. They are particularly popular during the summer months when thanks to their cooling and refreshing properties they are a quick and convenient way to freshen up during the day.

They are usually packaged in a spray bottle to allow easy and even dispersion on the skin and typically have a far lower concentration of fragrance than perfumes, eau de toilettes or even colognes. They are designed to be more subtle, providing a gentle and lingering scent that is not overpowering.

The formula composition of body mists can vary depending on the brand and specific product. However, they generally consist of a mixture of water, a small amount of alcohol, and essential oils/fragrance ingredients, and may also include active ingredients that support moisturisation or hydration of the skin.

The water component provides a cooling effect upon application, as does the alcohol which also helps the mist to evaporate quickly to leave a subtle scent on the skin. Thermal water may be included to support the skin with essential minerals. Body mists may also contain some small portion of sebum-reducing active ingredients or even some deodorising agents to give a sense of freshness to the skin.

Why use a body mist?

People use body mists for various reasons. Here are just a few of the most common purposes:

Fragrance: a primary purpose of a body mist is to add a pleasant, subtle scent to the body. If you’ve browsed body mists in the stores, you will probably have seen a wide range of scents available from floral and fruity to musky and woody.

Hydration and moisturising: in addition to offering hydration thanks to their high water content, some body mists contain moisturising and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, as well as humectants like glycerine or forms of hyaluronic acid which attract and lock in moisture to the skin. These ingredients are especially useful as body mists are often used in dry and/or hot environments. See also our formulation for a repairing aloe body mist.

Cooling Effect: body mists are often used during hot weather or after physical activity to provide a cooling sensation. As they evaporate, the water, and any alcohol in the mist, help create a refreshing and cooling sensation on the skin.

Sensory enhancement: fragrance can have a positive impact on our mood and emotions. Certain scents in body mists, such as citrus or lavender for example, are known for their uplifting or relaxing properties. We use tropical fruit extracts in our formulation to create a refreshing, summer theme and opted for rose geranium as the scent. You can use your preferred scents to create a sense of well-being that resonates with you.

Versatility: body mists can be used on various parts of the body, including the neck, wrists, and even hair. They can be reapplied throughout the day as needed, allowing you to enjoy a burst of fragrance and freshness whenever desired.

Body mist: our ingredients

A body mist formula should be lightweight, non-sticky, lightly scented and nicely hydrating. Our formula contains some appealing tropical fruit extracts, as well as those powerhouse hydrating ingredients ectoine and hyaluronic acid. Let’s take a closer look at the formula composition and individual ingredients.

Ectoine – this has excellent water-retention properties, allowing it to bind and hold water molecules. This helps to maintain cellular hydration and optimal cell functioning to prevent dehydration. See our guide to ectoine.

Panthenol – also known as provitamin B5, panthenol is a popular ingredient in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products as it has the ability to attract and retain moisture from the environment. It helps to hydrate the skin and hair, preventing moisture loss and maintaining their natural moisture balance. This moisturising effect makes it suitable for dry or dehydrated skin. You may be interested in seeing our formulation for a vitamin B micellar water with niacinamide.

Fragrance – our chosen main fragrance is rose geranium which complements the very mild, light fruit scents of the pineapple and kiwi extracts.

Tropical extracts – these extracts were chosen not only because they suit our theme, but also because both pineapple extract and kiwi extract are rich in enzymes, minerals and antioxidants, which bring benefits to the skin by helping to enhance its radiance and give it a more even complexion.

Centella asiatica extract – this possesses potent anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerating properties. It can help calm and soothe irritated or inflamed skin (for example after sunbathing), making it beneficial for various skin conditions. It helps reduce redness, swelling, and itching, promoting a more balanced and comfortable complexion. We’ve a guide to Centella asiatica, also called Gotu kola, which is a fascinating and trending ingredient.

Pentylene glycol – we selected this ingredient for its moisturising, antimicrobial, and emollient properties.

Sodium hyaluronate – as noted above, this helps to hydrate the skin by drawing moisture from the environment and binding it to the skin’s surface. It promotes optimal skin hydration, leaving it feeling moisturised and supple.

Our Formulation: hydrating body mist with tropical scents

This type of product is based on water-soluble ingredients, with a small portion of lipophilic ingredients that are not soluble in water, which is why we recommend using a solubiliser.

Makes: recommended trial batch size: 100g.
Formulation: a cold process.
Time taken: 15 minutes.
Level: beginner-level formulation to personalise and adapt.

Equipment:

• Scales
• pH meter
• Glass beakers, glass rods and some spatulas
• Watch glasses
• Pipettes
• Suitable container with spray or atomiser

Formulation notes

• The formulation is provided as a starting point for your own creations. You can substitute our fruit extracts with your favourite ones, or with some delicate flower distillates or extracts; the choice is yours. You can add some other hydrating and moisturising ingredients, as well as actives.
• Pay attention to the compatibility of ingredients and their optimal working pH. Lipophilic ingredients should be used at a minimum and should be correctly incorporated into the solution using a proper amount of solubiliser.
• When using a preservative with an oil-soluble component in it, it is always recommended to solubilise it with other lipophilic ingredients to prevent separation of the lipid portion, which, if it occurs, may increase the risk of irritation as well as lower the preservative efficacy.

Suggested suppliers

Many of the suppliers below ship internationally. We have given their home country base.
Aromazone (EU).
Aromantic (UK)
Alexmo Cosmetics (EU) – Ectoine, and hyaluronic acid.
Manske (EU)
Soap Kitchen (UK)
Elemental (EU)
Lotioncrafter (USA)
Essential Wholesale (USA)
Makers Ingredients (UK)
Go Native (New Zealand)
Naturally Balmy (UK)
Soap & More (Canada)

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Miroslava is a grading tutor at Formula Botanica. She has a Ph.D in neuroscience, expertise in biology and chemistry, and a lifelong passion for natural cosmetic formulation.