We spent weeks testing Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray on acne-prone, sensitive, and easily inflamed skin to see if the hypochlorous hype holds up. Here is what it does well, where it falls short, and how to use it for calm, clear, resilient skin.
Overview
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray is a minimalist, fragrance-free mist made with hypochlorous acid, water, and sodium chloride. If you have ever heard that hypochlorous acid is used in hospitals to soothe and cleanse stressed skin, you already understand the pitch. SOS aims to calm redness, help keep acne-causing bacteria in check, and support an irritated skin barrier without the sting or dryness you might get from harsh actives. It is not a dewy hydrating mist. Think of SOS as a skin-soother and reset button you use before the rest of your routine, or anytime your face feels angry.
The bottle is clear plastic with a simple fine spray. It comes in multiple sizes, including a travel size that is easy to toss in a gym bag or carry-on. The ingredient list could not be simpler, and the formula is alcohol free and essential oil free. What you will notice is a faint clean, pool-adjacent scent from the hypochlorous acid. It dissipates quickly after spraying.
Bottom line: SOS is best treated as a calming, daily maintenance step for sensitive, breakout-prone, and easily flushed skin. It will not replace your moisturizer, and it will not act like a makeup-setting mist. Used consistently, it can help reduce the look and feel of inflammation and make the rest of your routine more comfortable.
Who it’s for
Because SOS is so pared down, it slots into a surprising range of routines. Here is who gets the most from it, and who may want another type of mist.
- Great for: acne-prone skin that flares with sweat, masks, or stress; reactive or sensitized skin after over-exfoliation; redness-prone complexions that flush with heat or workouts; eczema-prone or rosacea-friendly routines looking for a very gentle step; anyone who wants a calming spritz post-cleanse, post-shave, or post-workout.
- Also helpful for: teens who need something mild that will not wreck a fragile moisture barrier; frequent travelers who deal with tight, irritated skin; gym-goers who want a quick post-sweat reset before they can properly wash.
- Not ideal for: those seeking a plumping, dewy, glycerin-rich hydrating mist; anyone who is very scent-averse to the faint saline or pool-like note; shoppers who want instant glow or a product that doubles as a makeup setting spray.
If your main goal is hydration, SOS is not the right tool. It will not leave a cushiony film or a glossy finish. If your main goal is calmer, less reactive skin that still needs separate hydration and moisture, this is where SOS shines.
How it feels and performs
Mist quality and feel: The sprayer releases a light, even mist that covers the face in 3 to 5 pumps. Hold it 8 to 10 inches from your face for a fine cloud. Too close and it can feel splashy. It goes on like water, dries quickly, and leaves no tacky or filmy residue. There is no slip, glow, or dew added, so makeup does not slide around afterward.
Scent and first contact: You may catch a faint saline or pool-like whiff when it first lands. That is the hypochlorous acid and salt water, and it fades within seconds. On compromised areas, like a fresh popped blemish or over-exfoliated patch, you might feel a brief tingle that settles fast. There is no lingering sting.
Day-to-day results: SOS does not replace your acne treatment, but it can support clearer skin by calming inflammation and being inhospitable to acne-causing bacteria. In testing on combination, acne-prone skin, it reduced morning redness around active spots in 24 to 48 hours and seemed to shorten the life of small whiteheads. It was most noticeable where skin runs reactive, like around the nose, chin, and under a face mask. It will not collapse a deep cyst overnight, but paired with your regular routine, it helps keep the surrounding area calmer and less angry.
For irritation and barrier support: After overdoing exfoliants, SOS provided welcome comfort. It made retinoid nights feel less prickly, and it cut the aftershave flush on neck and jawline. On a flaky, tight-feeling morning, it did not hydrate, but it did quiet the hot, tingly feeling enough that hydrators and moisturizer applied more comfortably.
Makeup compatibility: Since SOS dries to nothing, it is easy to use under sunscreen and makeup without pilling. Spraying lightly over set makeup is possible if you keep the bottle further away and mist sparingly, but it is not a setting spray and will not add glow. If you want a true makeup refresh, you will still want a hydrating or glycerin-containing mist.
Body and on-the-go use: Spritzing the chest, back, or along the hairline after a workout helped reduce redness and the look of sweat-induced bumps over a week of consistent use. Spraying the inside of a clean mask and letting it dry before wear kept maskne-prone areas calmer during a long day.
Stability and shelf life in real life: Hypochlorous acid is inherently delicate, so store the bottle closed, away from direct sun and heat. With normal bathroom storage and daily use, the bottle maintained that faint clean scent and the same performance over several months. If the product begins to smell like plain water and seems to lose effect, it may be time to replace it.
How to use for best results
You will get more from SOS if you place it at the right step and pair it with the right companions. Here is a simple framework.
- Morning: Cleanse, pat dry, then mist SOS 3 to 5 times over face and neck. Let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds. Follow with hydrating serum or essence, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
- Night: Cleanse, mist SOS, wait a minute, then apply any treatment serums, retinoid or spot care, followed by moisturizer.
- Post-workout or after shaving: Mist on bare skin as soon as you can, let it dry, then cleanse when you get home and continue your routine.
- Mask days: Lightly mist the inside of a clean, dry mask and let it air dry before wearing. Spritz your face and let it dry after you remove the mask.
- Targeted application: For stubborn areas like the sides of the nose or along the jawline, spray a cotton pad until damp and press it on for 20 to 30 seconds.
Layering tips: SOS plays well with vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide. Use SOS directly on clean skin, let it dry, then continue. If you are using an acid toner, apply SOS first, allow it to dry, then use the acid on a cotton pad. If your skin is very sensitive, try alternating: SOS after cleansing in the morning, then your stronger actives at night.
Storage and handling: Keep the cap on, store at room temperature out of direct sunlight, and avoid decanting into non-airtight or metal containers. This preserves the activity of the hypochlorous acid. There is no need to refrigerate unless you enjoy the cooling feel.
Pros and cons
- Pros
- Three simple ingredients with no fragrance or alcohol, friendly for sensitive routines
- Calms visible redness and post-workout flush without adding weight or shine
- Helps keep acne-prone areas cleaner between washes, especially around masks and along the jawline
- Dries to nothing, so it layers cleanly under sunscreen and makeup
- Travel size is easy to use on the go for gym bags and flights
- Cons
- Not hydrating and will not deliver a dewy finish
- Faint saline or pool-like scent may bother very scent-sensitive users
- Can tingle on compromised skin for a few seconds
- Results are subtle and rely on consistent use, not a one-spray miracle
Final verdict
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray earns a place in a routine that prioritizes calm skin and fewer flare-ups. It is a straightforward, no-frills way to reduce the look and feel of irritation and to support acne-prone areas without piling on more actives. Expect subtle but steady benefits rather than an overnight transformation. If you want a mist that leaves skin juicy and dewy, SOS is not it. If you want skin that looks less red, feels less prickly, and behaves better around workouts, masks, and stressful weeks, SOS delivers.
The smartest use is daily, right after cleansing, paired with real hydration and a good moisturizer. Keep your expectations aligned with its job description, and SOS becomes a dependable, quiet workhorse that helps the rest of your routine do its job with less drama.
See also
If you want a mist that adds hydration in dry environments, our guide to Best Facial Mists for Dry Offices and Airplane Air spotlights formulas that cushion skin when recycled air takes a toll. To protect that calmer skin every morning, see makeup-friendly picks in Best Mineral-Only Face Sunscreens for Daily Makeup Wearers.
For routine building around SOS, start with cleansers that match your skin type: breakout-prone readers should check Best Facial Washes for Acne-Prone Skin: Clear, Calm, Not Stripped, while drier complexions will appreciate the options in Best Face Cleansers for Dry Skin. When you are ready to reintroduce exfoliation thoughtfully, our Sunday Riley Good Genes Review explains where lactic acid fits and how to avoid irritation.
FAQ
Will Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray help active breakouts, and how fast can I expect results?
It can help reduce the look of inflammation around breakouts and keep acne-prone areas cleaner between washes, which often makes spots look smaller and less red within 24 to 48 hours. It is not a spot treatment that collapses deep cysts by itself. Use it after cleansing, then follow with your usual acne actives and moisturizer for best results.
Can I use SOS with vitamin C, retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide?
Yes. SOS plays well with common actives. Apply it on clean skin, let it dry for about a minute, then continue with your vitamin C or other treatments. If your skin is sensitive, use SOS in the morning and stronger actives at night to reduce the chance of irritation.
Does SOS hydrate, or do I still need a toner or essence?
SOS does not meaningfully hydrate. It dries to a clean, bare finish without a dewy film. Plan to follow it with a hydrating serum or essence and a moisturizer. If your skin feels tight, add a separate hydrating mist or serum rich in humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
Is SOS safe for eczema or rosacea and during pregnancy, and will it sting?
The minimalist, fragrance-free formula is designed for sensitive routines and is generally well tolerated by eczema-prone and rosacea-friendly skin. You may feel a brief tingle on freshly compromised areas, which fades quickly. Many expectant users choose it because it is free of common irritants, but if you have specific medical concerns, check with your healthcare provider.
What is the difference between SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray and the Intensive Rescue Serum, and which should I buy?
The Daily Rescue Facial Spray is a light, all-over mist for frequent use to calm and support skin. The Intensive Rescue Serum is a thicker, leave-on treatment designed for targeted, stubborn areas that need extra attention. If you are new, start with the spray for daily maintenance. Add the serum only if you want more concentrated care on specific spots.
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