CLAY+essence
Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner
hydrating toner,  mist,  Swisse

Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner

the claim

The Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner is a natural mist spray to hydrate and tone the skin.
 
Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner
 

the science

Included at the highest concentration in the formulation is Aqueous Extract of Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf, a multi-purpose ingredient suited to all skin types, particularly that in need of hydration or repair. Helping to nourish the skin are vitamin B complex, folic acid, vitamin C and carotene. Polysaccharides create a protective barrier on the skin, delivering hydration and emollient properties. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory behaviours come from a high number of anthraquinones and phytosterols which help to soothe and moisturise skin while flavones protect from free-radical damage. Finally, glycosides promote healthy cell regeneration.
 
Sea Salt (Maris Sal) from Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin region is rich in minerals that mimic those found within our skin, assisting to regulate skin moisture, promote healing and smooth texture respectively. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is able to visibly reduce the appearance of large pores, uneven skin tone, dullness and fine lines.
 
Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner
Rosa Damescena Flower Oil works to soften, hydrate and calm the skin. Essential fatty acids and Vitamin E help to strengthen the skin barrier thus boosting moisture retention. The antibacterial properties of naturally occurring citronellol and geraniol in rose oil help prevent breakouts while an assortment of minerals treat inflammation-related conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
 
Finally, Glycerin is a commonly included humectant that both draws water from the air to the skin and also forms a protective layer to prevent moisture loss.
 

the ingredients

Aqueous Extract of Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf, Glycerin, Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Niacinamide, Rosa Damescena Flower Oil, Water (Aqua), Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Carrageenan, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Nerol*, Linalool*, Octanol*, Nonanol*, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol   [*allergens from essential oils]  
The formulation is 98.81% naturally derived.
 
Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner Ingredients
 

the packaging

The mist comes in a plastic brown tint bottle with spray dispenser and clear cap.
 

the analysis

The presence of fragrance and preservatives that may cause irritation or allergic reaction reduce the product’s safety rating. Both the CosDNA report and the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic Database give the formulation a fair rating with warning against the fragrance allergens. Note too, Swisse responsibly declares that these are allergens from essential oils within their ingredient list.
 
Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner CosDNA analysis
 

the application

Shake before use. Apply as required to face and neck. Close eyes and spray from a distance.
 
Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner Spray
 

the scent

This mist has a light soapy scent.
 

the cost

The RRP for the 125ml bottle is AUD$9.99, however, you can often find it on sale.
 

the availability

It is widely sold online and in Australia in leading pharmacies, supermarkets and department stores. Buying it supports local business as it is Australian made.
 

the expiry

Swisse recommend using the product within 12 months of opening.
 

the performance

In general, mists are very much a hit-and-miss type application. A lot of the product is essentially lost to the air. Thankfully with this one, the very affordable price tag means it really doesn’t matter. I actually picked my bottle up at Chemist Warehouse as an impulse buy, simply because they were offering 50% off the entire Swisse range. So, 125ml of mist cost me a measly AUD$5.00 (around US$3.70), definitely putting this into the budget friendly range.
 
The packaging is effective and highly portable, although the protective cap dislodged quite easily and as a result, I lost it early on. Nonetheless, I kept this spray in my handbag and used it whenever I felt the need for a burst of freshness. The bottle’s tinted brown finish provides protection against light degradation and the labeling is simple and very consistent with the brand.
 
The nozzle depresses easily to deliver a very light spray which is even and well angled to give you a good coverage (dispenses droplets within around a 90 degree range) without needing too many pumps. I don’t love the fragrance but it’s not offensive either. I don’t like ingredients to be included in a formulation simply to improve its smell. This just adds a layer of complexity and risk. There are a lot of fragrance ingredients included, derived from essential oils which are known sensitizers for some. As such, it is probably a good idea to swatch test on your arm perhaps before applying this to your face just to be sure.
 
Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner
The application is easy and the mist is highly absorbent, sinking in without a trace after only seconds. It feels refreshing, although a spray of water also delivers this effect. In order to test its ability to hydrate and soothe, I sprayed it continuously (reapplying every few minutes, probably 10 applications) onto the back of my left hand only and compared the difference in skin condition to my right. After the half hour mini trial, my left hand looked and felt significantly more hydrated than the right which in comparison now seemed dry. Although we don’t apply mist with this obsessive regularity, the occasion burst throughout the day will therefore ensure moisture loss is compensated a little at a time.
 
Furthermore, I was surprised by the improvement observed in both the appearance of pores and skin brightness. I had not noticed this during the two months I was using this product on my face as detecting it from a spray here and there, usually on the go, without a mirror in sight, is near impossible.
 
Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner Performance
Looking at the image above, the left hand is clearly brighter and the pores enormously reduced in appearance. The skin looks fresher and healthier. This image alone is sufficiently convincing to conclude the product claims are definitely met. The aloe vera succeeds in achieving a burst of hydration making the skin feel refreshed and rejuvenated. The niacinamide in the formulation, clearly performs to give a brightening effect. As for skin firmness, I can’t say I honestly observed an improvement, but the sea salt and rose oil definitely made the skin feel softer and smoother after application. The effects are visible for a few hours so with 2-3 hourly applications should achieve the set goals throughout the day.
 

the conclusion

This AUD$10.00 mist is a clear winner. It’s cheap, it’s readily available and it’s efficacy is unquestionable.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Over 98.81% natural, paraben free Includes fragrances derived from essential oils
Readily available in Australia
Great for all skin types
Highly portable, great for on-the-go application
Brightens skin tone
Visibly reduces the appearance of pores
Australian made

 

the references

Swisse skincare website
Benefits of using aloe vera in your natural skincare products School of Natural Skincare
Dead Sea Salt From Nature With Love
How Niacinamide Helps Skin Paula’s Choice Skincare
Rose Oil Beauty Heroes
Is Glycerin Good of Bad for your skin Truth in Aging

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shares