My trick for using a freight forwarder to get the 16 oz Tower 28 spray to France fast
Table of Contents
Why I obsessed over the Tower 28 16 oz Refill
I have been seeing the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray everywhere in 2026. While it originally gained massive popularity in humid climates like the Philippines for its hypochlorous acid magic, I realized my skin in France needed that same soothing relief. The problem I faced was that resellers in Europe and Asia mostly stock the tiny 4 oz bottles at a premium price. I found that the 16 oz 'Value Size' refill is a US-exclusive offering that provides significantly better value for my money.
I noticed on several us trends lists that savvy shoppers were ditching the small bottles and going straight for the bulk refill. It makes sense if you use it daily like I do. However, getting a liquid product from the US to my door in France required a bit of strategy.
My logic for buying from US stores
I decided to shop us store options directly because the price difference is staggering. Even with the cost of international shipping, the 16 oz refill remains cheaper per ounce than buying four smaller bottles locally. To make this happen, I used comGateway, a freight forwarder that provided me with a tax-free us address in Oregon. This meant I didn't have to pay US sales tax on my purchase, which saved me even more upfront.
Shipping estimates for your 16 oz bottle
I know many of you are worried about the cost of moving liquids across the ocean. When I prepared my shipment, I used the shipping calculator to get a clear picture of my expenses. Here is what I found for the Tower 28 16 oz refill:
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 2 lbs (0.9 kg) including packaging |
| Box Dimensions | Small (approx. 10 x 4 x 4 inches) |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. Since the bottle is heavy for its size, you will likely be charged by actual weight rather than volume. |
| Battery Check | None. This product contains no lithium batteries, so no special handling fees apply. |
If you have more questions about specific shipping restrictions, I recommend checking the FAQ on their site. I found it very helpful for understanding what can and cannot be shipped to France.
How I bypassed US store payment blocks
One of the biggest hurdles I encountered was the checkout process. Some major US retailers, including Sephora and even the Tower 28 official site at times, are notorious for declining international credit cards or orders shipped to a package forwarding address. I didn't want my order cancelled after waiting for a restock.
I solved this by using the BuyForMe service. This is a proxy shopping solution where comGateway actually buys the item on my behalf using a US-based payment method. I simply sent them the link to the 16 oz refill, and they handled the transaction. It is easily the safest way to guarantee your order goes through when a store is being difficult with international buyers.
Handling import tax in France
Shipping to France means we have to be mindful of the import tax and VAT. For skincare products, I prepared for a 20% VAT based on the total value of the item and shipping. I find it much easier to manage these expectations beforehand so there are no surprises when the courier arrives. You can check out more details on how these are calculated in this guide on GST/VAT and customs duties.
My step-by-step speed run
I wanted to get my spray as fast as possible, so I followed this exact workflow. If you want to replicate my results, here is how it works in a few simple steps:
- Step 1: I signed up for a comGateway account to get my US address.
- Step 2: I used the BuyForMe service to place my order for the 16 oz refill.
- Step 3: Once it arrived at my Oregon address, I received a notification.
- Step 4: I selected DHL international shipping for the fastest transit time to France, though FedEx international shipping was also a great option.
- Step 5: My package arrived at my door in Paris just 4 days after leaving the US warehouse.
I am now set for months with my SOS spray, and I didn't have to deal with the constant out-of-stock messages from local shops. If you are tired of waiting for European retailers to catch up with US trends, this is the most efficient path I have found.
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