Alo Airbrush vs. AloSoft: What's the difference?

The Alo Airbrush and AloSoft product lines from Alo are designed with different skin goals in mind. Alo Airbrush is a lightweight, breathable formula that creates a smooth, matte finish, making it an excellent primer or daily moisturizer for normal to oily skin. In contrast, AloSoft offers a richer, more intensive formula focused on deep hydration and skin barrier repair, ideal for those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Alo skincare line for you.

Alo Airbrush

The Alo Airbrush line is formulated to feel weightless while delivering a smooth, perfected finish. It acts as a perfect base for makeup or can be worn alone to give your skin a natural, shine-free glow. Its focus is on creating a visibly smooth texture without the heaviness of traditional moisturizers, making it a favorite for daily use.

• What it is: A line of lightweight, breathable skincare designed to provide a smooth, matte finish while offering light hydration.
• Key features: Formulated with aloe vera, squalane, and other botanical extracts to soothe and lightly moisturize. It primes the skin for makeup and helps control shine throughout the day.
• Price: Around $40 for a 1.7 oz (50 ml) bottle.
• Materials/Construction: Features a lightweight, easily absorbed consistency. The formula is clean, plant-based, and cruelty-free.
• Sizing/Fit: Comes in a standard 1.7 oz bottle, which is convenient for both home use and travel.
• Pros: Creates a beautiful matte finish, feels weightless on the skin, works exceptionally well as a makeup primer, and is suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin types.
• Cons: May not provide enough hydration for very dry skin types. The focus is more on finish and texture than on deep moisturization.

This line is an excellent choice for individuals who want a multi-purpose product that can moisturize, prime, and perfect the skin's appearance with a minimal feel.

Shop this product: https://www.alo.com

AloSoft

AloSoft is designed for skin that needs a higher level of moisture and care. This line targets dehydration and irritation with rich, soothing ingredients that help repair the skin's natural barrier. While deeply hydrating, the formulas are crafted to absorb well without leaving a greasy residue, providing long-lasting comfort and resilience.

• What it is: An intensive skincare line focused on deep hydration, skin barrier repair, and soothing compromised skin.
• Key features: Powered by hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and oat extract to deliver intensive moisture and calm irritation.
• Price: Approximately $50 for a 1.7 oz (50 ml) jar.
• Materials/Construction: Has a richer, more emollient texture designed to soothe and protect. The formula is clean, plant-based, and Leaping Bunny certified.
• Sizing/Fit: Also offered in a 1.7 oz format, with its rich texture meaning a little goes a long way.
• Pros: Provides deep, long-lasting hydration, excellent for soothing dry or irritated skin, helps repair the skin barrier, and feels comforting on sensitive skin.
• Cons: May feel too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin types. The price is higher, reflecting its more treatment-focused formulation.

Think of this line as a comforting solution for skin that craves intense moisture and relief from dryness or environmental stressors.

Shop this product: https://www.alo.com

Alo Airbrush vs. AloSoft Comparison

Texture & Finish

The most immediate difference between Alo Airbrush and AloSoft is their texture and the finish they leave on the skin. Airbrush is very lightweight, almost serum-like, and absorbs quickly to leave behind a smooth, matte look. It’s designed to blur imperfections and create a perfect canvas for makeup, controlling shine without drying out the skin.

AloSoft, on the other hand, is richer and more cream-like. It has a more emollient texture that feels nourishing upon application. While it absorbs fully, it leaves the skin with a soft, hydrated, and slightly dewy finish rather than a matte one. Its purpose isn't to prime for makeup, but rather to deliver deep, lasting comfort and moisture.

Key Ingredients & Benefits

Each line's formula directly reflects its purpose. The Airbrush line contains ingredients like aloe vera and squalane, which offer light hydration and soothing properties while maintaining a weightless feel. Its benefits are primarily aesthetic - creating a smooth texture and shine-free finish.

The AloSoft line focuses on restorative ingredients. With hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin, ceramides to rebuild the skin's barrier, and oat extract to calm inflammation, its benefits are more therapeutic. It targets the root causes of dryness and sensitivity, aiming for long-term skin health.

Ideal Skin Types

Your skin type will be the biggest factor in your decision. Alo Airbrush is best suited for individuals with normal, combination, or oily skin who are looking for shine control and a lightweight base. It's also great for those who value minimalistic skincare and want a single product to act as both a moisturizer and a primer.

AloSoft is the clear choice for those with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. If your skin often feels tight, irritated, or looks flaky, the deep hydration and barrier support from AloSoft will provide much-needed relief and comfort, especially during harsh weather.

Price & Value

At around $40, Alo Airbrush is positioned as a mid-range daily skincare essential. Given its dual function as a moisturizer and primer, many find it offers good value for a versatile, everyday product. AloSoft is slightly more expensive at approximately $50, which reflects its concentration of active, treatment-oriented ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. While the initial cost is higher, its value lies in its ability to address more complex skin concerns like severe dryness and barrier damage.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both collections showcase Alo's commitment to clean, plant-based skincare, they are tailored to very different needs.

Choose Alo Airbrush if:

• You have normal, combination, or oily skin.
• You want a lightweight moisturizer that won't feel heavy or greasy.
• You want a smooth, matte finish that works perfectly as a makeup primer.
• Your main goal is to control shine and create an even-textured base.

Choose AloSoft if:

• You have dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin.
• Your skin feels tight, irritated, or looks flaky.
• You need deep, lasting hydration and support for your skin's barrier.
• Your skin priority is comfort and nourishment over a matte finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Alo Airbrush and AloSoft?

The main difference is their purpose and texture. Alo Airbrush is a lightweight product designed to create a smooth, matte finish, making it ideal for normal to oily skin. AloSoft is a richer, deeply hydrating cream formulated to repair and soothe dry, sensitive skin.

Which is better for oily skin?

Alo Airbrush is the better choice for oily skin. Its formula is designed to absorb quickly and control shine, providing a matte base that won't feel heavy or contribute to excess oiliness.

Can I use Alo Airbrush as a makeup primer?

Yes, absolutely. One of the primary benefits of the Alo Airbrush line is its ability to create a smooth, perfected canvas, making it an excellent primer for makeup application.

Is AloSoft greasy?

While AloSoft is a rich cream, it's formulated to absorb well without leaving a heavy, greasy feeling. It provides deep hydration and a soft finish, but people with oily skin might find it too emollient for their preference.

Are Alo skincare products clean and cruelty-free?

Yes, Alo is committed to clean beauty. Their products are free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. They are also Leaping Bunny certified, meaning they are 100% cruelty-free.

Which is better for sensitive skin?

AloSoft is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. It contains soothing ingredients like oat extract and ceramides that help calm irritation and repair the skin's protective barrier.

Where can I purchase Alo skincare products?

You can purchase Alo Airbrush and AloSoft directly from the official Alo website. They are also available at select retailers like Sephora.

Can I use both products in my routine?

Yes. For example, someone with combination skin might use Alo Airbrush in their t-zone to control oil and AloSoft on drier areas like their cheeks. You could also use Alo Airbrush for day and the richer AloSoft as a night cream.