The Best Non-Toxic Setting Spray for Clean Beauty

If you’re looking to take your clean beauty routine to the next level, one product you don’t want to skip is a non-toxic setting spray. While many people focus on foundation, concealer, or setting powder, a makeup setting spray can make all the difference in how your makeup looks throughout the day.

Unfortunately, many mainstream setting sprays are packed with harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and ingredients that can irritate the skin—especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts. Luckily, there are now amazing natural alternatives that deliver a flawless finish without compromising your skin’s health.

In today’s post, I’ll share everything you need to know about switching to a non-toxic setting spray, including:

• Why it matters

• Ingredients to avoid

• The best clean setting sprays

• How to choose the best non-toxic setting spray for your skin type

Why Choosing a Non-Toxic Setting Spray Is So Important

Let’s be real: setting spray gets spritzed all over your entire face—often multiple times a day. So whatever’s in that spray ends up sitting on your skin for a long time.

Traditional makeup setting sprays and other makeup products often contain ingredients like alcohol denat, acrylates copolymer, benzyl alcohol, and synthetic fragrances. These can cause dryness, irritation, and even hormone disruption over time. If you’re using these products daily, it’s worth taking a second look at the ingredient list. If you’re not sure where to start, I am sharing a few brands I love that don’t have any harsh chemicals, but I also want to encourage you to research Environmental Working Group and their SkinDeep Database. It’s an excellent tool to help you research products and find alternatives that are safe for your beauty routine!

By switching to a non-toxic setting spray, you’re giving your skin a break from harsh ingredients and instead nourishing it with natural ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, and green tea extract—all known for their anti-inflammatory properties and skincare benefits.

Ingredients to Avoid in Conventional Setting Sprays

When shopping for a non-toxic setting spray, keep an eye out for these toxic ingredients that may be hiding in conventional options:

• Alcohol denat – Extremely drying and irritating, especially for dry skin

• Acrylates copolymer – A synthetic binding agent linked to allergic reactions

• Synthetic fragrances – These can trigger irritation and are often linked to hormone disruption

• Benzyl alcohol & benzoic acid – Preservatives that may cause skin sensitivity

• Propylene glycol & PEGs – Potentially irritating and often contaminated with harmful byproducts

• Parabens – Preservatives known to interfere with hormone function

Instead, look for clean beauty brands that use plant-based preservatives, essential oil blends, and skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and aloe barbadensis (aloe vera leaf juice).

The Best Non-Toxic Setting Sprays to Lock In Your Look

Let’s get into the good stuff! Here are some of the best setting sprays on the market that are non-toxic, effective, and perfect for a variety of skin types, including oily, dry, and combination skin.

ILIA Blue Light Filter Protect + Set Mist

• Skin Type: All, especially dry and sensitive
• Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, green tea extract, mastic
• Finish: Dewy finish
• Why I love it: This ultra-refreshing, hydrating mist helps defend your skin from blue light while setting your makeup with a natural glow. Bonus: It’s packed with antioxidants and smells like a spa.

Price: $18

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

• Skin Type: Sensitive, acne-prone, oily areas

• Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous acid, sodium chloride, water

• Finish: Natural look

• Why I love it: Though technically a facial mist, this doubles as a mattifying setting spray for sensitive skin. It is great for calming redness, fighting breakouts, and boosting hydration without clogging pores.

Price: $28

Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Face Mist

• Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, mature

• Key Ingredients: Coconut water, rose water, hibiscus flower extract

• Finish: Radiant glow

• Why I love it: This is your go-to for that dewy finish. Lightweight, nourishing, and packed with skin care product ingredients like vitamin C and antioxidants for a quick extra boost of hydration. While I prefer a mattifying product, this is an excellent option for a dewy finish. 

Price: $36

RMS Beauty Radiance Locking Setting Spray

• Skin Type: All, including combination skin

• Key Ingredients: Green tea, white tea, and chamomile

• Finish: Natural finish

• Why I love it: This lightweight mist, with a blend of plant-powered ingredients, holds your base makeup in place all day long while enhancing your skin tone and soothing inflammation.

Price:$45

100% Pure Green Tea Setting Mist

• Skin Type: Oily skin and combination skin

• Key Ingredients: Green tea, witch hazel, aloe vera

• Finish: Matte finish

• Why I love it: It’s a great option for anyone struggling with shine or breakouts. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helps tighten pores, while green tea calms the skin.

Price:$45

How to Choose the Right Non-Toxic Setting Spray for Your Skin

Every skin type has different needs, so it’s important to pick a spray that complements your routine!

• Oily skin? Go for mattifying sprays with witch hazel or green tea extract.

• Dry skin? Look for ultra-hydrating mists with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.

• Sensitive skin? Choose minimal, calming formulas with ingredients like colloidal silver or chamomile.

• Combination skin? A natural-finish setting spray with gentle astringents is your best bet.

Pro tip: Always patch-test a new cosmetic product to avoid irritation—especially if you’re sensitive to essential oil blends or natural fragrances.

How to Use a Setting Spray for a Flawless Finish

Here’s how to get the most out of your non-toxic setting spray:

1. Shake the bottle well.

2. Hold about 8-10 inches away from your face.

3. Close eyes, then mist evenly over your entire face.

4. Allow it to air dry—no touching!

5. Use it before and after makeup application for extra staying power.

You can even use it mid-day as a hydrating mist or to freshen up your look!

Bonus Tips

• Always check the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database for your beauty products.

• Look for brands that offer free shipping or have samples so you can test before committing.

• Read the label closely—some brands use a proprietary blend, so transparency is key.

• Don’t forget to subscribe to brand emails, but be mindful of marketing emails vs. true ingredient education.

Final Thoughts: Upgrade Your Routine with Clean Beauty

Switching to a non-toxic setting spray is a small change that can make a big difference in your beauty routine—and your skin’s long-term health. Whether you’re aiming for a dewy glow, a matte finish, or all-day hold, there’s a clean option out there that won’t compromise your skin or your standards.

The best part? These setting sprays are packed with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid—so you’re not just locking in your makeup, you’re giving your skin a little extra love, too.

As with any cosmetic product, check the ingredient list, consider your skin type, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect match. Clean beauty is all about progress, not perfection—so take your time and enjoy the journey!

When you’re ready to swap out more of your personal care products, check out my other posts on non-toxic beauty swaps!

Best non-toxic concealer

Non-toxic tinted moisturizer

Clean mascara options