Describe the brand in three words.
Korean-inspired. American.
Who is it for? Suggested skin type and age?
All skin types, especially ‘oily to combination’.
What’s in it?
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Glutamic Acid (Derived from Fermented Grains), Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate (Derived from Olive), Sorbitan Olivate (Derived from Olive), Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Xanthan Gum, Apricot Kernel Amino Acid, Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa (Peony) Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Beta-Glucan, Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Wax, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Ipomoea Batatas (Sweet Potato) Root Extract, Fragrance
What's not in it?
Parabens, sulfates, phthalates
How does it smell?
A tad watermelon-y.
Possibly acne/allergy ingredients?
Fragrance
Suitable for pregnancy/breastfeeding?
Yes
Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
The inci list reads pretty man made. The brand describe themselves as ‘harsh-free’ which is a new one to me. The brand claims to have no ‘parabens, triclosans, hydroquinone, BPAs, tar, talc, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, PVC, phthalates’ in any of their products.
Sustainability? (Micro plastics/fair trade/eco-conscious)
The brand don’t talk about sustainability per se, but they do have a curation process on their website listing their requirements.
Tested on animals in home country/EU/sold in territories that require testing?
Unknown, but doubtful.
How do you use it?
Dispense one pump onto fingertips and apply all over to face.
Where does it sit in your routine?
Either as a serum - or as a moisturiser to lock in a hyaluronic acid-type serum.
Can it be taken around the eyes?
Yes
Best for winter or summer?
For me, summer. For oily skins, year-round.
How long did I test it for?
I bought it in March.
Works well with/suggested combinations?
I use it on top of all my serums, whether oil-based or hyaluronic based.
When should you avoid this product?
There are no immediate contraindications.
Will you ‘see’ results or does it work behind the scenes?
You’ll see hydrated skin and your skin will feel softer.
How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
$39.00 for 60ml – should last a few months if used daily AM.
What’s good about it?
This has a lovely light texture, absorbs nicely and plays well with others. It doesn’t leave residue and works well under makeup.Hydrates nicely, which is what you want from a moisturiser.
What’s not so good about it?
It obviously has colouring and fragrance, albeit potentially natural (both), which seems a little unnecessary given their stance on how they collate products for their site (see below). It is not EU compliant in the current packaging – the inci would have to be changed to read ‘water’ first, as opposed to ‘watermelon fruit extract’.
Would I purchase/repurchase?
Potentially, it 'is' nice and light. Even if only for Ava, who stole it immediately (I got it back).
Do you need it?
If you live in the USA, have easy access to Sephora, you may want to check it out.
Do you need this if you are young? (I.e. preventative)
You will like this if you are young and have a normal to combination/oily skin.
Is it worth the price?
It’s a little on the high side for a basic moisturiser, but it’s a nice moisturiser.
Hype scale 1-10?
7. It’s pretty hyped up in Sephora’s Pick’n’Mix section. Well, enough to make me buy it.
What’s the website like?
So I picked this up from Sephora, but the actual Glow Recipe website appears to be a sort of Korean-inspired Cult Beauty-type offering, founded by two women who say they have 20 years’ experience in the industry, but don’t say how or where. Here’s the thing: they have a large retail website selling a vast array of Korean products. And then an entire section pushing Glow Recipe own label saying they ‘couldn’t find what they were looking for so they made it’.
Imagine a Glossier, selling Glossier products, because they couldn’t find what they wanted on the market – but at the same time they sold a ton of other skincare and cosmetic brands on their site. Strange no? I may be entirely wrong, feel free to let me know if so and I will, as always, adjust accordingly.
How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?
Sephora for the Glow Recipe products and GlowRecipe.com for the entire site.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice is $39.00 and available from Sephora.com
