I’m not one to chase every TikTok-viral beauty trend, but when I stumbled across Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, I couldn’t resist. This little bottle promises to calm angry skin, reduce redness, and tackle breakouts with its hero ingredient, hypochlorous acid.

Spoiler alert: it’s become a staple in my routine, and I think you’ll love it too. Whether you’re battling sensitive skin, acne, or just need a refreshing spritz, this product delivers. Trust me, you’ll want to grab one before you finish reading this.

My Journey with Tower 28 SOS Spray

Picture this: I’m staring at my reflection, frustrated by a patchwork of redness across my cheeks and a stubborn pimple that’s decided to set up camp on my chin. My skin’s been a rollercoaster—combination with a side of sensitivity, prone to flare-ups when I’m stressed or try a new product. I’d heard the buzz about Tower 28’s SOS Spray, especially from friends with eczema and acne-prone skin, so I snagged the 1-ounce travel size to test the waters.

From the first spritz, I was intrigued. The mist felt light, almost like water, but there was a subtle, pool-like scent that caught me off guard. Don’t worry, it fades fast, and my husband didn’t even notice it when I asked him to sniff my face (yes, I’m that person). I followed the brand’s advice, using it morning and night after cleansing, focusing on my problem areas. By day three, I noticed my redness was less intense, and that pesky pimple? It was shrinking, not screaming for attention anymore.

I took the spray on a recent trip, and it was a game-changer. Planes dry out my skin, leaving it tight and irritated, but a quick mist in my seat (discreetly, of course) kept things calm. I even used it after a long day of sightseeing when my face felt grimy. The best part? It didn’t mess with my makeup when I spritzed it midday for a refresh. After 11 days, my 1-ounce bottle was nearly empty, but my skin looked clearer and felt happier than it had in months. I was hooked.

The Pros Of Tower 28 SOS Spray

Soothes Sensitive Skin Like a Dream: If your skin throws a tantrum at the slightest provocation, this spray is your new best friend. My face, which can go from calm to red and itchy in seconds, loves the gentle formula. Hypochlorous acid, the star here, is naturally found in your body’s immune system, so it’s like giving your skin a familiar, calming hug. I’ve used it on everything from post-workout irritation to a rash from a too-harsh cleanser, and it works wonders every time. Plus, it’s got the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so you know it’s legit for sensitive types.

Tackles Redness and Breakouts: I can’t overstate how much this spray has helped with my redness. Whether it’s stress, mask-wearing, or just my skin’s natural mood swings, a few spritzes visibly calm things down. It’s also a champ at keeping breakouts at bay. I’ve noticed fewer whiteheads and cystic pimples since incorporating it into my routine, and when I do get a spot, it heals faster. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of hypochlorous acid are doing some serious heavy lifting here.

Versatile and Travel-Friendly: This spray is the Swiss Army knife of skincare. Use it as a toner, a midday refresher, or even on your body for sweat-induced breakouts. I love that it’s safe for piercings, rashes, and minor cuts too—I’ve spritzed it on a scraped knee with great results. The 1-ounce bottle is perfect for tossing in your carry-on, and the larger sizes (4-ounce and 16-ounce refill) are great for home. It’s non-sticky, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave your face feeling like you just dunked it in oil.

Clean and Cruelty-Free: Tower 28 walks the talk when it comes to clean beauty. The formula is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, with no animal-derived ingredients. I feel good knowing I’m not slathering my face with something that harms animals or the planet. The recyclable packaging is a nice touch too, making it a win for both my skin and my conscience.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Chi Thermal Protection Spray

The Cons Of Tower 28 SOS Spray

The Price Can Sting: Let’s be real: $28 for a 4-ounce bottle isn’t pocket change, especially if you’re spraying it multiple times a day. My 1-ounce bottle lasted about two weeks with twice-daily use, so the cost adds up if you’re a heavy spritzer like me. There are cheaper hypochlorous acid sprays out there, like Briotech, which I’ll touch on later. If you’re on a tight budget, this might feel like a splurge, though I think the results justify it for most.

That Pool-Like Smell: The spray is marketed as fragrance-free, but don’t be fooled—it has a distinct chlorine-like scent. It’s not overpowering, and it disappears within seconds, but the first few uses threw me off. If you’re sensitive to smells or expecting a floral mist, you might need a moment to adjust. My husband didn’t mind it, but I’ve read reviews where folks found it unpleasant.

Potential for Irritation in Rare Cases: While this spray is a godsend for most sensitive skin types, it’s not perfect for everyone. I experienced a slight tingling the first couple of times I used it, which went away quickly. However, some users report dryness or irritation if they overdo it. One reviewer even said it caused a rash, though that’s rare. If your skin is ultra-reactive, patch-test first to avoid any surprises.

Small Bottle, Big Expectations: The 4-ounce bottle looks sleek, but it’s smaller than you’d expect for the price. If you’re using it generously, like I do, you’ll burn through it fast. The 16-ounce refill is a better value, but it’s $68, which isn’t exactly budget-friendly. I wish Tower 28 offered a mid-size option to bridge the gap between the travel size and the giant refill.

Tips For Tower 28 SOS Spray

Store It Properly for Longevity: To keep your spray effective, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Hypochlorous acid can be finicky, and heat or light can degrade it. I keep my 4-ounce bottle on my bathroom counter, but I make sure it’s not near a window or radiator. The brand says it’s good for 18 months if stored correctly, so don’t let it sit in a hot car or steamy bathroom for too long.

Use It Consistently for Best Results: This isn’t a one-and-done miracle. To see real changes, like reduced redness or fewer breakouts, you need to use it regularly. I spritz it on clean skin morning and night, letting it dry before layering on serums or moisturizers. If you’re dealing with a specific issue, like a rash or pimple, apply it 3-5 times a day for faster healing. Consistency is key, so make it a habit.

Don’t Overdo It: It’s tempting to douse your face with this stuff, but less is more. One or two spritzes per use are enough to cover your face. Over-spraying can lead to dryness, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. I learned this the hard way when my cheeks felt a bit tight after going overboard. Stick to the recommended amount, and your skin (and bottle) will thank you.

Pair It with a Gentle Routine: The SOS Spray plays well with other products, but it shines in a simple, gentle routine. I use it after a mild cleanser and before a hydrating serum or moisturizer. Avoid pairing it with harsh actives like retinol or strong acids right away, as they might irritate your skin. Let the spray dry completely before applying other products to ensure it works its magic without interference.

Refill Smartly to Save Money: If you’re hooked like me, the 16-ounce refill bottle is your best bet. Decant it into a smaller spray bottle for daily use to keep things convenient and prevent contamination. I use a clean, opaque mister to avoid exposing the formula to light. This stretches your dollar and ensures you’re never without your SOS fix.

Comparing Tower 28 SOS Spray To Other Brands

Briotech Topical Skin Spray: Briotech’s hypochlorous acid spray is often touted as a budget-friendly alternative to Tower 28, and I get why. A 32-ounce bottle costs about $30, compared to Tower 28’s $28 for 4 ounces. I tried Briotech for a month, and it did a decent job soothing my skin, especially on body acne. However, the spray bottle is clunky, and the mist isn’t as fine, so I used more product per spritz. Some users also report a stronger smell, which was a dealbreaker for me. While Briotech is great for bulk buyers, Tower 28 feels more refined and tailored for facial use.

Active Skin Repair: Active Skin Repair is another hypochlorous acid spray, marketed for everything from cuts to acne. I tested it on a sunburn, and it helped with healing, but it’s not designed specifically for facial skincare. The formula feels slightly thicker, and it doesn’t absorb as quickly as Tower 28’s lightweight mist. It’s also pricier for smaller sizes, with a 3-ounce bottle costing around $25. If you want a multi-purpose spray for wounds or kids, Active Skin Repair is solid, but for daily facial use, Tower 28 wins for its finesse and sensitivity-friendly formula.

Magic Molecule: Magic Molecule is a newer player in the hypochlorous acid game, and it’s gained traction for its clean formula and versatility. I used it on my son’s scraped knee and my own face, and it performed well, reducing irritation fast. However, its pH is slightly higher than ideal (around 5.5), which can affect stability and efficacy. At $30 for 4 ounces, it’s priced similarly to Tower 28 but lacks the same brand trust and eczema seal. If you’re looking for a jack-of-all-trades spray, Magic Molecule is worth a try, but Tower 28 remains my go-to for facial skincare.

Byoma Balancing Mist: Byoma’s Balancing Mist is a different beast, focusing on hydration with ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides. I used it before discovering Tower 28, and while it was refreshing, it didn’t tackle redness or breakouts as effectively. The 4-ounce bottle lasted longer than Tower 28’s 1-ounce, but my acne didn’t improve much. Byoma’s mist is also stickier, which I didn’t love under makeup. If your skin needs moisture over calming, Byoma might suit you, but for angry, sensitive skin, Tower 28’s SOS Spray is the clear winner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should you use Tower 28 SOS Spray?

You can use the SOS Spray 2-5 times a day, depending on your needs. I spritz it morning and night after cleansing as a toner replacement, letting it dry before other products. For specific issues like redness or a breakout, I’ll add a midday spritz or two, especially post-workout. Just don’t overdo it—one or two sprays per use is plenty to avoid dryness.

What does Tower 28 Spray smell like?

It’s got a faint, chlorine-like scent that reminds me of a pool. Don’t panic—it’s not bleach, just the hypochlorous acid at work. The smell fades within seconds, and most people, like my husband, barely notice it. If you’re sensitive to odors, it might take a few uses to get used to, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Is the Tower 28 Spray just salt water?

Not quite. It’s made with water, sodium chloride, and hypochlorous acid, but calling it “just salt water” is like saying coffee is just beans. Hypochlorous acid is the magic ingredient, with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that soothe irritation and fight bacteria. It’s way more effective than plain water or saline for calming angry skin.

Is the Tower 28 SOS Spray ok for kids?

Yes, it’s generally safe for kids, as it’s gentle and hypoallergenic with the National Eczema Association’s approval. I’ve used it on my nephew’s scraped knee with no issues. That said, always patch-test first, especially for young or sensitive skin, and consult a pediatrician if you’re unsure about using it on babies or for specific conditions.

Final Thoughts

I’ve tried countless skincare products, but Tower 28’s SOS Spray stands out. It’s a lifesaver for my sensitive, acne-prone skin, calming redness and keeping breakouts in check with minimal effort. The clean, cruelty-free formula and travel-friendly sizes make it a no-brainer for anyone who wants happier skin. Whether you’re dodging maskne or soothing a rash, this spray delivers. Grab a bottle—you won’t regret it.

Tower 28 SOS Spray Reviews: Is It Worth It?