African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist Review

African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%) and Polyglutamic Acid (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of African Botanics Micro-Hydration Activator Mist to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
5
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Colloidal Silver
Function:
Origin:
Polyglutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cannabis Sativa Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Function:
Origin:
Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Spirulina Maxima Extract
Function:
Origin:
Himanthalia Elongata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Gigartina Stellata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Azelamidopropyl Dimethyl Amine
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Kigelia Africana Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf/Twig Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Commiphora Myrrha Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.2
5
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.2 10
10.0
5
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.2 10
10
All humectants
10.2
5
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 5 6
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.4
Niacinamide
5
Spirulina Maxima Extract
0.3
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
0.3
Palmaria Palmata Extract
0.3
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
0.3
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
0.3
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
0.3
All soothing 5.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.3
5
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Niacinamide
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Colloidal Silver
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Colloidal Silver
Polyglutamic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polyglutamic AcidA natural polymer with incredible water-binding properties that is prepared from glutamic acid through fermentation.
Cannabis Sativa Leaf Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cannabis Sativa Leaf Extract
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Rice ProteinA protein derived from rice bran with film-forming abilities. It can help increase moisturization in skin.
Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract
Propanediol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract
Spirulina Maxima Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Spirulina Maxima ExtractA dark green emollient and antioxidant extract derived from spirulina - a dried mass of tiny blue-green algae. It is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins (namely B1 and B2).
Himanthalia Elongata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Himanthalia Elongata Extract
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Crithmum Maritimum ExtractDerived from sea fennel, this extract contains antioxidant flavonoids and organic acids and has a spicy, herbaceous aroma.
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmaria Palmata ExtractAn extract derived from a species of large red algae that has various amino acids, lipids, and algal pigments. Not much is known about its effects on the skin.
Gigartina Stellata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gigartina Stellata Extract
Azelamidopropyl Dimethyl Amine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Azelamidopropyl Dimethyl Amine
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Isostearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearyl Alcohol
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Ethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylcellulose
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum Fruit ExtractA pomegranate fruit extract that contains antioxidant polyphenols and a rare emollient punicic acid. It is aimed at dry, irritated skin.
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit ExtractA soothing, cooling, and emollient extract derived from cucumbers. Cucumber has been used in skincare for centuries and is used to treat skin problems such as eye swelling, sunburn, and itchy and irritated skin.
Kigelia Africana Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Kigelia Africana Leaf Extract
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf ExtractA derivative from Rooibos bush leaves, which are rich in antioxidant flavonoids and astringent tannins. It has been claimed that this ingredient has an anti-wrinkle effect when mixed with green tea extract.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Oil
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf/Twig Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf/Twig Oil
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil

An essential oil expressed from the peels of the bergamot orange. The scent of bergamot oil is woodier than those of other citrus essential oils. This essential oil is still not recommended if you are sensitive to citrus fruits.

Commiphora Myrrha Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Commiphora Myrrha Oil
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.