Setting Sprays
Description
November 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
Setting sprays provide a finishing touch to makeup and may help it last longer.
I have yet to try out any products from this category, but put together a list of some products with cleaner ingredient lists that might be worth considering.
Hopefully soon, I can do some experimentation with these products and share thoughts about them here.
Note: This page contains affiliate links, which means that Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website.
Honest Save Face Shielding & Setting Spray – $22
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Drying Alcohols: None
The description of this product reads, “This multitasking setting spray is designed to help improve the look of your face makeup, while defending against the effects of environmental stressors known to age the skin. This is the perfect finishing spray to add to your makeup routine for fresh, long-lasting wear. The active ingredients in this makeup setting spray include a sugar shielding blend that acts as a weightless second skin, while extremolyte (aka the stress-protection molecule) helps to defend against the effects of environmental aggressors like blue light from tech devices, indoor, and outdoor pollutants. Please use this setting spray with SPF for protection.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 3.1 oz.
Honest Rating: 4.6 Stars (8 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None. (Also contains Citric Acid.)
All Ingredients: Water, Propanediol,Ectoin, Sea Water, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid
Ilia Blue Light Mist – $38
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Phenethyl Alcohol, Lavender Oil, Linalool
Drying Alcohols: None
The description of this product reads, “A non-sticky, 3-in-1 mist that hydrates, sets makeup, and helps defend skin from the harmful effects of blue light and pollution. The ultra-fine spray envelops skin in a weightless veil that helps boost skin’s defenses against environmental stressors. The natural lavender scent soothes your senses at first spritz—perfect for whenever you need a moment to ground yourself during the day.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.1 oz (984 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Sodium Benzoate, Natural Fragrance, Citric Acid)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Linalool (3). (Also contains Citric Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Lavender Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lavender Oil, Phenethyl Alcohol, Linalool
All Ingredients: Water, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sea Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Gluconate, Lavender Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Algin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Mastic Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sucrose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Levulinate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Sodium Anisate, Sunflower Sprout Extract, Linalool.
Item Beauty One Hit Clean Dewy Setting Spray – $18
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Drying Alcohols: Alcohol Denat.
The description of this product reads, “Prime, set and refresh your makeup with one quick hit of this triple-action hydrating facial mist. Infused with aloe vera and tiger grass extracts to help calm and soothe, lavender and rose waters to help tone and brighten, and sodium hyaluronate to hold in moisture. Hit it up for a quick makeup or skin refresh anytime of day.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 3.2 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.2 Stars (76 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Ethyl Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Ethyl Hexanediol (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Sodium Benzoate (3). (Also contains Alcohol Denat., Citric Acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lavender flower water, Centella asiatica extract, Rosa damascena flower water
All Ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat., Lavender Flower Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Octanediol, PVP, Ethyl Hexanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ – $31
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(2 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Fragrance
Drying Alcohols: None
The description of this product reads, “A lightweight mist of water packed with vitamins and minerals, infused with a blend of green tea, chamomile and cucumber to gently soothe and refresh the skin. Gives an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup. This holy grail of hydrating mists can be used with other products in near-endless ways – improve the wear of makeup, or moisturize and soothe tired skin.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 3.4 oz.
MAC Rating: 4.4 Stars (757 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Fragrance, PEG, Phenoxyethanol)
EWG Product Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil (3), Fragrance (8), Phenoxyethanol (4).
Fragrance Ingredients: Cucumber Fruit Extract, Matricaria Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Fragrance
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Matricaria Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caffeine, Panthenol, Arginine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Spray – $36
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Drying Alcohols: None
The description of this product reads, “An alcohol-free, dual-phase makeup setting spray that locks in makeup for up to 12 hours, hydrates skin, and provides a breathable, glassy glow. This product is vegan, clean, cruelty-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free, sulfate-free, phthalates-free, and talc-free.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 3.38 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (1368 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Picks: Maybe (Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Propylene glycol (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Benzoic acid (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Blue #1 (7). (Also contains Caprylyl Methicone, Citric Acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Sweet Cherry Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Orchis Mascula Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Eggplant Fruit Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Turmeric Leaf Extract, Hemp Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
All Ingredients: Water, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Caprylyl Methicone, Octyldodecanol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hemp Seed Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Sweet Cherry Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Orchis Mascula Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Eggplant Fruit Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Turmeric Leaf Extract, Hemp Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vegetable Amino Acids, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Maltose, Sodium Phytate, Glycerin, Erythritol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Pentylene Glycol, Polyester-5, PVP, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Amber Powder, Homarine HCl, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Acetate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Blue 1.
Sephora Collection All Day Makeup Setting Spray – $13
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Drying Alcohols: Alcohol Denat.
The description of this product reads, “This vegan, long-wearing, humidity-proof, and lightweight spray made from natural-origin ingredients keeps makeup looking fresh for any occasion. Infused with ginseng, which is believed to have energizing properties, this spray is suitable for all skin types.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 2.7 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (428 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium Hydroxide (4), Sodium Benzoate (3). (Also contains Alcohol Denat., Citric Acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Panax Ginseng Root Extract
All Ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat., PVP, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Carbonate.
W3LL People Dew Your Makeup Mist – $15
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Drying Alcohols: None
The description of this product reads, “This 3-in-1 dewy setting spray is where skincare meets makeup. Spritz the lightweight mist to prime skin, set your makeup, or refresh your face throughout the day. The plant-powered formula contains Aloe Vera, Snow Mushroom, and Willowbark to hydrate, soothe, and clarify, and give skin an energizing boost.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 1.75 oz.
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4). (Also contains Citric Acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lavender Flower Water, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water
All Ingredients: Water, Lavender Flower Water, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pullulan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Gluconic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Willow Bark Extract, Betaine, Raspberry Fruit Extract, Witch Hazel Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Lawless Glam Guard Long-Wearing Setting Spray – $20
PYT One & Done Setting Spray – $20
Smashbox Photo Finish Endurance Breathable Setting Spray – $32
Youthforia Pregame Setting Spray – $36
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Credo, Honest, Ilia, Item Beauty, Lawless, MAC, Milk Makeup, PYT, Sephora, Smashbox, Ulta, W3LL People, Youthforia.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean shopping site!
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