How do cooling mist sprays work?

[Kos]

You know what I mean--those aerosols that you spray on your body and they keep you cool.
Are they worth the money and are they any good for cooling sunburn?

[jessybean]

haha i thought that they just contained water..like when you get in a cold shower it cools you down..the same sort of thing..no?

[fo3nix]

Have a look here.

[joko]

i find just cold water in a spray bottle works fine

[squidgy plum]

i bought one last summer for a trip and it was really expensive and didnt work, i recommend a big bottle of water and just stand outside and tip it over yourself, you look a bit silly but it works.

[rhona_j]

Is it not something like, the fine spray of water on your skin evaporating in the heat and thus cooling you down?
If that sounds about right then just a spray bottle with tap water would work just as well as those expensive canned ones.
You can buy empty bottles in Boots that I'm sure that would do the trick!

[woola]

My sister suffers terribly with heat rashes, more than anyone else I know. She finds cooling sprays, such as Magicool, work better than just water - the results last longer and seem to soothe the skin more. I tried it on sunburn a few weeks ago and have to agree the cooling effect lasts longer than water. But I'll be sticking to a water spray - if I get sunburn it's my own fault for not putting enough suncream on. Aftersun lotion is best for sunburn - keep it in the fridge and it's lovely!