Since my original Glow Recipe roundup, there have been some exciting additions I’ve been testing and loving. From my now repurchased favorites like the Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser to the brand new Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush Blush and trendy Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin—this updated guide covers everything you need for hydrated, plump, and radiant skin. Scroll down for the latest formulas, my take on each, and tips on how to incorporate them into your routine.
As many beauty enthusiasts know, great makeup starts with the base and essentially, your skincare routine. I have had quite the skincare journey myself through the years. In the past I would aimlessly choose popular products mixing and matching to find the savior, seeing no results and then giving up soon after. I felt my skin was just too sensitive to most products, leading me to use high coverage foundations to cover my imperfections, which may or may not have clogged my pores further and contributing to a vicious cycle. Years later, I am thankful to say I love my skin more than ever and I do attribute it to my constancy with choosing a regimen and sticking to it.
I started the Glow Recipe system months ago and while I have dabbled with a new product here and there, I truly notice a difference in my skins health when using these products morning and night. I rarely have breakouts which can be tamed by products like the Salicylic Acid serum and there is a great glow to my skin even when it is dry. I think the ingredients are clean,basic and balanced so that it really is a great line for anyone who wants to give it a shot regardless of your age.
A little more On The Brand
Bringing the best of Korean beauty to your daily routine with a focus on fruit-powered ingredients and effective, gentle formulas. Co-founders Christine Chang and Sarah Lee launched the brand with the mission to make skincare fun, easy, and accessible, while delivering real results.
The Philosophy Behind Glow Recipe
Glow Recipe’s philosophy revolves around using natural, fruit-based ingredients that are both gentle and effective. By combining the best of K-beauty innovation with clean formulations, the brand has created a line of products that cater to various skin types and concerns. Their goal is to demystify skincare and make it enjoyable, ensuring that everyone can achieve a healthy, radiant glow.
The Glow Recipe Routine
They emphasize the importance of listening to your skin and adjusting your regimen accordingly. By focusing on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and the use of antioxidant-rich ingredients, their products work synergistically to enhance your natural glow.
Highlighting:
- Natural Ingredients: Prioritizing fruit extracts and plant-based ingredients.
- Effective Formulations: Backed by K-beauty science and innovation.
- Sustainability: Committed to eco-friendly packaging and cruelty-free practices.
- Inclusivity: Products designed for all skin types and concerns.
Glow Recipe keeps in mind and hopes that their products not only deliver visible results but also encourage a deeper appreciation for self-care and natural beauty that is inclusive whether you are new to skincare or a seasoned enthusiast.
Product Rundown
Cleanser
Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
What it is: A gentle cleanser and makeup remover, packed with antioxidant-rich blueberries, hyaluronic acid, and gentle AHAs.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Pores, Oiliness, and Acne and Blemishes
Formulation: Lightweight Gel
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Blueberry Extract: Packed with antioxidants to protect skin against environmental stressors.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates skin by holding up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture.
- AHA: A blend of lactic acid (derived from plants) and glycolic acid that gently exfoliates and hydrates to reveal smoother, brighter skin over time by removing dead surface skin cells.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan and gluten-free.
What Else You Need to Know: This cleanser delivers all the antioxidant-rich benefits of blueberries. The gentle formula is packed with nourishing oils to remove makeup with minimal rubbing, while hyaluronic acid and AHAs help improve the look of pores. Skin is left clear, radiant, and glowy.
Clean & Planet Aware:Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
I think that the Blueberry Bounce gentle cleanser is what it claims to be, a gentle cleanser. A little goes a long way as it lathers up nicely and does a good job cleaning the face without feeling stripping. I think that if you want to stick to the system it wont disappoint.
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm & Makeup Remover
Brand Claims:
What it is: A PEG-free cleansing balm that smooths the look of skin with natural papaya enzymes, while melting away stubborn makeup, dirt, oil, and SPF.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Pores, Dullness, and Uneven Texture
Formulation: Lightweight Cream
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Papaya Enzymes: Smooth, resurface, and soothe skin.
- Papaya Seed Oil: Keeps skin hydrated.
- Blueberry Extract: Protects skin against environmental stressors.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.What Else You Need to Know: This sorbet-like cleansing balm harnesses papaya enzymes to gently resurface skin while dissolving makeup, dirt, and oil, creating a baby-soft canvas for skincare and makeup. It is also formulated with antioxidant-rich blueberry, soothing apricot kernel oil, and moisturizing camellia seed oil to leave skin looking clean, bouncy, and glowing.
Ophthalmologist tested and safe for those with sensitive skin, sensitive eyes, and contact lens wearers. The polyethylene in papaya is a safe, cosmetic-grade polymer in liquid form and is different from the polyethylene that makes up common, everyday household plastics or microbeads
Research results: In a consumer study of 32 subjects, after 2 weeks:
- 100% agreed their skin had a healthy and glowing radiance after use
- 100% agreed the cleansing balm removed their long-wear and stubborn makeup
- 100% agreed the cleansing balm doesn’t leave their skin feeling stripped or tight
Clean & Planet Aware:Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
The cleanser was good while it lasted and does do a good job at removing makeup however this is one thing that the Clinque take the day off still holds in first place for me as far as balms go. I also prefer the Avocado Cleanser as far as a makeup remover and two in one double cleanse product.
Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser
Ingredients & purpose:
- Avocado oils + ceramides to nourish the skin while maintaining and strengthening the moisture barrier.
- Colloidal oatmeal + prebiotics to soothe sensitivity and keep the microbiome balanced.
- Soft gel-to-foam formula that cleans without stripping — ideal for dry, irritated, or reactive skin.
How to use:Use morning and night as your first step. Massage onto damp skin to dissolve impurities, sunscreen, and light makeup. Rinse thoroughly and follow with hydrating serums (like the Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum).
Perfect when your skin feels tight, flaky, or over-treated — it leaves you clean without that squeaky, barrier-damaged aftermath. A go-to everyday cleanser that keeps your glow comfortable, not compromised.
My Thoughts
This is definitely one of my favorite products from the glow recipe line, as well as one of my top favorite cleansers in general. I love how gentle it is on the skin and doesn’t strip it but how intensely it cleans and even acts as a fantastic makeup remover. I can easily use this as a double cleanse product and it leaves my skin feeling clean and even nourished and dare I say hydrated.
Toner
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Brand Claims:
What it is: A bestselling, gentle PHA- and BHA-infused watermelon toner that hydrates, gently exfoliates skin and minimizes the appearance of pores.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Pores, Dryness, and Dullness
Formulation: Lightweight Liquid
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Watermelon Extract: Hydrates, soothes, and delivers essential vitamins and amino acids.
- Hyaluronic Acid and Cactus Water: Hyaluronic acid quickly quenches thirsty skin, while cactus water seals in moisture and delivers electrolytes.
- PHA and BHA: PHA gently exfoliates, while BHA cleanses pores for smoother, clearer-looking skin.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: Suitable for all skin types, this bouncy, alcohol-free toner is made with PHA and willow bark (a natural form of BHA) to unclog pores and hydrate skin. Watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and cactus water combine to smooth and intensely hydrate while visibly reducing the appearance of pores. Cactus water and cucumber add a herbal scent with a fruity finish.
Clinical Results: Based on instrumental testing on 31 women when used as directed After 2 weeks:100% showed a significant reduction in the appearance of pore size
Clean & Planet Aware: Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
It took me to stop using it to realize the importance of this product in the system. I think it really does a nice job of clearing out the extra impurities to layer the rest of your skincare on top of. My pores did feel a little more clogged when switching it out.
Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner™ Serum
Claims:
What it is: A concentrated essence toner formulated with cloudberry, a superfruit rich in vitamin C, and powerhouse antioxidant CoQ10.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Dullness, and Uneven Texture
Formulation: Liquid
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Cloudberry Concentrate: Is fermented for enhanced absorption and efficacy and is also packed with vitamins C and E to visibly brighten and hydrate skin.
- Coenzyme Q10: Is a powerful, highly biocompatible antioxidant that visibly strengthens skin while synergizing with the active ingredients in your routine, boosting the benefits you see.
- Glycerin 5% and Rice Water: Seal in moisture, hydrate, and nourish skin.
Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan, and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: This powerful essence toner brightens and evens your complexion, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation while hydrating and softening dull, dehydrated skin for visibly enhanced radiance. The multitasking formula also works as a serum booster. Use it as your first step post-cleanse to maximize the absorption and visible benefits of the rest of your routine.
Glow Recipe sources ingredients with a lower environmental impact whenever possible. The cloudberry seed oil and fruit are both wildcrafted in their natural habitat and grown pesticide-free using organic practices. They are processed through a freeze-drying method known for using less energy and water while preserving nutrients at maximum potency.
Clinical Results: In a consumer-use study of 33 participants, after 2 weeks:
- 90% said this product made their serums more effective
Clean & Planet Aware
Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
I enjoy this product and enjoy having a toner as a step to prep and have that layer to the skin but while I think that this product is fine, it made me realize the significant difference in results between the Watermelon Toner and this one. I realized after using this actually how much of a different the other product made and it made me like it more, while this one was more of a “nice to have” but not an essential.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist
Brand Claims:
What it is: An ultra-fine, hydrating mist formulated with a juicy blend of 84-percent watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus to refresh skin and enhance makeup.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Redness, and Dullness and Uneven Texture
Formulation: Lightweight Liquid
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Watermelon: Soothes irritated skin, hydrates, and delivers essential vitamins and amino acids.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates skin by holding up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture.
- Hibiscus Flower AHA: Gently smooths the look of texture, softens, and hydrates skin for optimal makeup application.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
What Else You Need to Know: This ultra-fine, hydrating, fog-like mist is designed for ultimate skin radiance and makeup enhancement. It’s uniquely formulated with hibiscus flower which naturally contains AHAs to smooth the look of skin, apple cider vinegar (ACV) which naturally helps balance oil production, and rice germ oil which helps protect against free radicals.
Clean & Planet Aware:Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum
Brand Claims:
What it is: A breakthrough, multi-use highlighting serum that hydrates and visibly reduces the look of hyperpigmentation for a dewy, reflective glow—without mica, glitter, or gray cast.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness and Dullness
Formulation: Lightweight Gel
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Niacinamide: Vitamin B3 and antioxidants visibly reduce the look of hyperpigmentation, correct the look of dullness, and minimize the appearance of pores.
- Watermelon: Hydrates, delivers essential vitamins and amino acids, and visibly brightens skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that anchors moisture within the skin, keeping it hydrated and bouncy by retaining 1000 times its weight in water.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: Unleash a dewy glow with this versatile skincare and makeup hybrid. This lightweight gel delivers a glow quickly and over time for a dewy complexion. Use as a hydrating, visibly brightening serum for all skin types before moisturizer, as a primer or highlighter in your makeup routine. This product is ophthalmologist tested.
Clinical Results: Based on a consumer use study of 32 participants
After 4 weeks:
97% agree this product made their skin look more glowy.
94% agree this product made their skin look brighter
94% agree this product made their skin look and feel more hydrated.
Clean & Planet Aware : Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency
Niacinimide Drops:
If you frequent the site and any of my other beauty posts or makeup routine, you would know how much of a fan I am of this product. I think that this product is the perfect skincare topper to seal everything in for an extra shock of hydration and glow but more importantly underneath makeup as a primer. It is the perfect base and I feel equally about the new edition of the **Tinted Sun Glow Drops. ****I think the performance is pretty similar with the edition of that subtle color and bronzy glow from within that is still natural to just stop there as a final skincare step to walk around or add a bit of extra warmth and color to the makeup routine. The tinted version will definitely be a summer staple for me..
Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin
Glow Recipe’s newest hero product is Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin — a 100% vegan alternative to snail mucin, harnessing the water-storing magic of the prickly pear cactus.
Why it works
- Contains 81% prickly pear extract, delivering hydration, barrier support, and antioxidant defense.Includes 3% bio-active peptides to help improve elasticity, smooth texture, and refine pores.Formulated with ectoin (a stress-protection molecule) and hyaluronic acid to further support hydration balance.
- No added fragrance; any scent you detect is the natural aroma of cactus.
Texture & feel: Lightweight, “bouncy,” glides in without feeling sticky. Many users say it layers beautifully under moisturizer and makeup.
How to use: Apply 1–2 pumps after cleansing (or after toning) on slightly damp skin. Gently pat in, then follow with your moisturizer. Glow Recipe even suggests that, for extra dryness, layering 2–3 light coats can help build a dewy, hydrated base.
Consumer results:
- 96% agreed their skin looked bouncier and smoother immediately.
- 96% saw better hydration and barrier function in four weeks.
Callout: This is a standout pick if your priorities are hydration + bounce without heaviness. Use it morning and night — it’s flexible and gentle.
My Thoughts
I am actually a big fan of this product. It has almost exactly what you would expect out of it as a consistency. Almost like a thin slimy texture but it does add a nice hydrating almost gripping texture like everything is being locked in.
Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment Serum
Brand Claims:
What it is: A potent, visibly brightening serum that reduces the appearance of dark spots with five forms of vitamin C, guava, and tranexamic and ferulic acids for visibly glowing, even-toned skin.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dark Spots, Dullness, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity
Formulation: Lightweight Serum
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Five Forms of Vitamin C: Visibly brighten and even dull skin.
- Guava Extract and Seed Oil: Protect against free-radical damage with rich vitamin C and antioxidant levels.
- Tranexamic Acid: Reduces the look of dark spots and redness over time.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: Delivering an effective performance with minimal irritation, the encapsulated time-release vitamin C in this serum combines with vitamin C-rich guava and visibly brightening tranexamic acid to visibly delete dark spots and help keep future ones from appearing. Ferulic acid, vitamin E, and peptides partner with vitamin C to visibly firm skin and boost radiance.
Clinical Results: Based on an independent consumer-use study of 29 individuals during a 4-week period:
- 100% agree that this serum is gentle enough for everyday use
- 96% noticed that their skin appears brighter and more radiant
- 96% noticed a visible improvement in overall skin tone
- 96% agree their skin looks less dull
- 96% noticed their skin texture has significantly improved
- 89% noticed a visible reduction in post-acne marks
- 86% agree this serum diminishes hyperpigmentation from sun spots
Clean & Planet Aware:Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
I think that again, this is a nice gentle intro to Vitamin C serums, as such it doesn’t do “the most” but is a nice starter to get used to using the ingredient in your routine.
Glow Recipe Plum Plump™ Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Brand Claims:
What it is: A deeply hydrating serum with juicy plum and 5 weights of hyaluronic acid that fill each skin layer with hydration for visibly plump skin.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Loss of Firmness and Elasticity, and Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Formulation: Lightweight Serum
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Next-Gen Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful blend of multi-weight hyaluronic acids (ultra-low, low, medium, high, and ultra-high molecular weights) that hydrate layers of skin for plump-, bouncy-looking skin.
- Plum: Three antioxidant-rich plums (kakadu, illawarra, and burdekin) hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate skin‘s appearance quickly and over time while working with hyaluronic acid for intense, juicy hydration.
- Vegan Collagen and Silk Proteins: Potent, plant-based, powerhouse ingredients that support a healthy-looking skin barrier by guarding against free radicals and hydrating skin.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: An innovative treatment with plum and 5 molecular weights of next-gen hyaluronic acid that fill each skin layer with hydration for visibly plumper skin. This lightweight serum deeply hydrates dry, dehydrated skin and diminishes the appearance of visible fine lines for healthy, bouncy, youthful skin.
Clinical Results: In a consumer study of 36 subjects, after one day:
- 100% agreed their skin felt hydrated.
- 100% agreed this serum absorbed easily into their skin.
- 94% agreed their skin felt softer and smoother.
- 94% agreed their skin had a healthy, glowing radiance after use.
- 92% agreed their skin felt supple and plump.
Clean & Planet Aware:Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
On its own, I dont know if this is the most potent and hydrating hyaluronic acid on the market. However, I do notice an intense difference when I make a little cocktail with the Avocado Skin Barrier Serum With Ceramides. Together they are a match made in heaven and really give some life back into the skin. I love adding a pump of each and going over my face with a gua sha as part of my morning skincare routine.
Glow Recipe Avocado Soothing Skin Barrier Serum with Ceramides
Brand Claims:
What it is: A skin-barrier-strengthening serum formulated with ceramides & antioxidant-rich avocado to help soothe and visibly reduce redness, dryness, and irritation caused by a weak skin barrier.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Redness, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity
Formulation: Lightweight Serum
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Ceramide 5: A blend of 5 skin-identical ceramides that support the skin barrier & help visibly reduce redness and dryness.
- Avocado: A combination of butter + extract for ultimate soothing and nourishing.
- Allantoin: A soothing & calming ingredient found naturally occurring in body & nature.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: Calming ingredients like avocado, ceramide-5, rice milk, and allantoin visibly reduce redness and soothe irritated or sensitized skin. Skin barrier health is strengthened, resulting in more hydrated, resilient skin. This product has been dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to reduce redness over time.
Clinical Results: In a consumer-use study of 30 women, over a 4-week period:
- 96% said their skin feels soothed & rebalanced.
- 90% said there is a lasting improvement in my skin dryness.
- 86% said this serum lessens visible redness
Clean & Planet Aware
Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency
Glow Recipe Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum
Brand Claims:
What it is: A clinically effective serum packed with polypeptides and pomegranate to visibly smooth, hydrate, and firm the look of skin while targeting the prevention of fine lines over time.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity
Formulation: Liquid
- Polypeptides: Signal peptides work closely with carrier peptides to help rebuild & repair damaged skin while supporting collagen and elastin to help skin look more lifted and increase firmness.
- Pomegranate Seed Oil: All parts of the pomegranate, including the oil, seeds, extract and enzymes, provide strength and elasticity to the skin to visibly soften, soothe, and tighten the look of skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Capable of binding over 1,000 times its weight in water, it restores visible volume and lost hydration to prevent future fine lines and wrinkles.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: This silky, nourishing serum is packed with polypeptides, including copper peptides, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and visibly smooth and plump skin. Antioxidant-rich pomegranate supports and protects skin from future damage. Use daily to target prevention, to visibly smooth fine lines, and to keep skin looking firm and bouncy.
Clinical Results: In a consumer perception survey of 31 subjects after 4 weeks of use:
- 93% agreed skin looks firm, lifted, and smooth
- 100% agreed this product made lines and wrinkles on neck area less visible
- 100% agreed the serum immediately moisturized and made skin feel softer
- Based on expert clinical grader evaluation on 31 subjects when used as directed, after 4 weeks of use:
- 97% improvement in reduction of the appearance of lines and wrinkles
- Based on instrumentation testing on 31 subjects when used as directed, after 8 weeks of use:
- 84% improvement for lifted appearance
Clean & Planet Aware: Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
I guess this product leaves me stumped because I suppose it is more of an over time product. Perpahs for psychological reasons and the fact that my skin is overall looking great, I am enjoying adding this product and typically use it right before my hyaluronic and skin barrier serum cocktail.
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum
Brand Claims:
What it is: A powerful yet soothing AHA and BHA acid serum that gently smooths, addresses the appearance of breakouts and helps clear blemish-prone skin, and visibly refines pores for clear, hydrated skin.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Pores, Uneven Texture, and Acne and Blemishes
Formulation: Lightweight Serum
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Clarity Acid Complex 10%: Visibly diminishes blemish-causing pore buildup, gently exfoliates dead skin cells, and smooths the look of bumps and fine lines.
- Strawberry: Helps reduce excess oil, exfoliate, and even the look of skin tone.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates skin by holding up to 1000 times its weight in moisture, keeping skin visibly plump.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: This powerful clarifying treatment gently smooths rough texture and visibly clears pores and breakouts while calming and hydrating skin. It is formulated with a 10 percent Clarity Acid Complex including two percent salicylic acid and one percent mandelic acid blend to visibly clarify, decongest, soothe, and help prevent blemishes.
Clinical Results: In a clinical study of 34 participants, after 4 weeks of use:
- 100% had a significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles
- In a clinical study of 34 participants, after 6 weeks of use:
- 100% had shown an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles
- 100% had significant decongestion and reduction in pore size
Clean & Planet Aware: Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
Again this BHA + AHA Salucylic Serum is one I don’t think I will ever do without in my collection again. I notice a huge differnce when I forget to use it or run out and think that for such a gentle product it does wonder at keeping acne at bay or pores clear. If you could get one product from the Glow Recipe line I think that this would be it for me.
Retinol (Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum)
Their main retinol entry.
Core ingredients & purpose:
- Encapsulated retinol (gentler release) to help firm, smooth, and promote cell turnover.
- Blackberry extract and other soothing agents to buffer irritation and provide antioxidant support.
How to use: Start gradually — e.g. 2–3 nights a week — especially if you’re new to retinol. Use after your water or lightweight serums (like the Prickly Pear), then follow with moisturizer (e.g., the Cloudberry Cream) to buffer potential dryness.
If age, texture, or firmness are your goals, this is your “active” powerhouse. Pair it smartly (alternate nights, use SPF daytime) for best results.
My Thoughts
Personally, I did like this retinol and found it to be gentle and beginner friendly just like the Vitamin C serum. However I do think that the star evening product for me is is the Strawberry AHA BHA Salycilic Acid serum.
Glow Recipe Avocado Fine Line Eye Cream with Retinol
Brand Claims:
What it is: A best-selling eye cream with encapsulated retinol, avocado & coffeeberry to visibly firm, smooth fine lines around the eye area, and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dark Circles and Puffiness, Dryness, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity
Formulation: Rich Cream
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Encapsulated Retinol: Helps visibly reduce fine lines & wrinkles. Safe for the eye area.
- Avocado Oil + Extract: Rich in vitamin E + C to fight wrinkles & environmental aggressors for ultimate soothing & nourishing.
- Coffeeberry: Packed with antioxidants to revitalize, neutralize free radicals, & soothe.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan and cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: Potent, yet gentle encapsulated retinol gently time-releases for hours to effectively smooth fine lines and firm the delicate eye area. Paired with avocado extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and coffeeberry, this creamy yet lightweight formula helps to nourish, brighten, and depuff by morning. This eye treatment has been ophthalmologist tested and dermatologist tested.
Clinical Results: In a clinical study of 33 subjects, after 4 weeks:
- 97% of subjects had a significant improvement in fine lines & wrinkles.
Clean & Planet Aware: Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts On The Eye Creams
So for here I think I will two in one for the eye creams. I think think that both are good depending on your needs and it is hard to say which over the other because I use the vitamin C brightening gel cream in the morning and the retinal eye sleeping mask at night. I will say I don’t have any major revelations in my eye area but it does look good and most importantly, neither of these products causes milia (the white little bumps under the eye) which has been a major issue with other eye creams in the past.
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream
Brand Claims:
What it is: A potent, yet gentle brightening eye cream to visibly reduce dark circles, hydrate, & depuff the entire eye area with 10% encapsulated vitamin C complex, niacinamide blend, & peptides.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Dark Circles, Puffiness
Formulation: Cream
Highlighted Ingredients:
- 10% Encapsulated Vitamin C Complex: Visibly brightens dark circles and firms under-eye area.
- 3% Niacinamide Blend: Targets the appearance of dark circles and skin tone.
- Peptides and Green Caffeine: Reduce the look of puffiness and visibly firm skin under the eye.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: The 10 percent encapsulated vitamin C complex gently releases over time to maximize brightening and minimize irritation. It’s combined with vitamin C-rich guava to help brighten the look of dark circles and is formulated for the entire eye area, including the under-eyes, eyelids, in-between brows, and inner and outer corners. This 360-degree eye cream will visibly illuminate, hydrate, and firm the eye area.
Clinical Results: In a clinical study of 32 subjects after 2 weeks, results showed:
- 100% agreed the eye area, including eyelids, appeared firmer (less crepiness, sagging, and drooping)
- 100% saw visibly less dullness and fatigue around eyes
- 96% agreed this product softened the appearance of dark circles
- Clean & Planet Aware: Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Refillable Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Brand Claims:
What it is: A hydrating, skin-balancing, whipped gel cream in a refillable jar, packed with polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, and plum for visibly plump, glowing skin.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Dullness, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity
Formulation: Cream
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Polyglutamic Acid: A hydrating peptide to boost the efficacy of hyaluronic acid and lock in moisture.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A blend of multi-weight hyaluronic acids to hydrate skin and to keep it looking plump and bouncy.
- Plum and Ice Willowherb: Plum brightens and hydrates while Ice Willowherb visibly balances skin.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: This lightweight whipped gel cream hydrates and visibly balances unpredictable skin and delivers a dewy-looking glow. It features plum, multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid for long-lasting, visibly skin-balancing hydration. Plus, ice willowherb helps to balance oil and support the skin barrier. Best for combination skin.
Clinical Results: In a consumer use study on 33 subjects, after 3 days:
- 100% agree that this moisturizer keeps them hydrated all day
- 96% agree that their skin looks healthy and refreshed
- 96% agree that their skin feels replenished and nourished
- 93% agree that this moisturizer hydrated their skin, without making it oily
- 93% agree that their skin feels soft and supple after use
- 93% agree that this moisturizer does not clog their pores after use
- 93% agree that this moisturizer has improved the overall appearance of their skin
- 90% agree that their skin feels balanced after using this product
Clean & Planet Aware: Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
Now this is a product that is a staple in my collection now and immediately became so. The texture is rich but gel-like so it feels very nourishing and hydrating but doesn’t clog my pores. Even during the cold winter months, this provides my skin the boost it needs and continues to leave it glowing
Cloudberry Bright Refillable Moisture Cream
Brand Callouts
Once your skin is prepped, seal in that glow with Cloudberry Bright Refillable Moisture Cream. This whipped, buttery formula is one of Glow Recipe’s richer offerings.
Key ingredients:
- Cloudberry seed oil (a potent antioxidant fruit oil with vitamin C & E) for brightening and nourishment.
- CoQ10, which supports cellular energy and protects against oxidative stress.
- A peptide-lipid complex that blends fatty acids and peptides to fortify barrier strength and smooth texture.
Texture & performance: This cream boasts a plush, whipped consistency that absorbs luxuriously without leaving heaviness. It’s rich yet breathable, making it suitable for many skin types.
Usage tip: Apply a dime-size amount as the final step (or nearly final in your routine) morning and night. Because it comes in a refillable format, you can reorder the refill pods for sustainability.
Callout: Great for dry, combination, or normal skin types that crave glow + barrier repair. Lock in your actives under this, or it can act as your overnight finish.
My Thoughts
I also very much enjoy this moisturizer. It is nourishing but still lightweight, and has a divine smell to it. I notice with consistency it does give a fresh bright look to the skin and is a nice final step in my am routine.
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss Balm
Brand Claims:
What it is: A nonsticky, hyaluronic-acid-infused gloss balm for long-lasting hydration and a juicy, high-shine finish.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Dullness
Formulation: Balm
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Boosts moisture to give lips a full appearance.
- Kakadu Plum Blend: Contains vitamin C, which smooths the look of lip lines and wrinkles.
- Raspberry Extract: Hydrates and protects against moisture loss.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: Experience the long-lasting hydration you love from Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Refillable Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer (sold separately)—now in an ultra-moisturizing, high-shine lip-gloss balm. Infused with a natural raspberry flavor for a subtle scent and sensorial experience, this formula is packed with clinically effective hyaluronic acid, responsibly grown Kakadu plum, and raspberry extract to deliver long-lasting hydration and protection against moisture loss.
Clinical Results: In a consumer-perception study on 39 participants, after 1 day:
- 100% agreed lips were nourished and hydrated after 1 use
- 97% agreed their lips felt smooth
- 92% agreed this product minimized the appearance of lip lines
In a consumer-perception study on 37 participants, after 2 weeks:
- 100% agreed lips looked plump with hydration
- 95% agreed this product worked well over makeup as a lip gloss
This product is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.
Clean & Planet Aware: Our ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My thoughts
Again to consolidate my thoughts a little here. Both of these products are FANTASTIC.
I am absolutely obsessed with the Plump Plump Hyaluronic Cream and think that it gives mega hydration and glow with an incredible hybrid leaning more gel like formula that wont clog my pores. My skin looks almost wet after in the best way and it really lasts well.
Similarly the plum plump balm is also an outstanding lip balm product and is so high shine sometimes I wear it alone with my makeup.
Glass Balm Lip Treatment
Why it stands out:
- Infuses hyaluronic microspheres for sustained moisture up to 12 hours, helping smooth lip lines.
- Offers a glassy shine with a sheer tint (several “Bingsoo”-style shades) that can double as a balm + gloss.
- Enriched with fruit-derived actives and antioxidants.
Application tip: Use alone for sheer shine or over a lip stain/lipstick for gloss and hydration. It’s ideal for daily wear and boosted lip comfort.
Callout: The perfect “finishing touch” product — treat your lips with the same care as your skin!
My Thoughts
If you want a high shine glossy finish with that plushy nourashing feel this is definitely a great product.
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush: The Skincare-Infused Blush
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush is not just a blush—it’s a skincare-infused serum that delivers a natural, dewy flush while offering multiple skin benefits. Launched with a 35,000-person waitlist, this product has quickly become a favorite for those seeking a “no-makeup makeup” look.
Key Ingredients & Benefits
- 3% Niacinamide: Brightens dark spots, improves skin texture, and minimizes pores.
- Watermelon Extract & Centella Asiatica: Hydrate and soothe the skin, reducing redness and promoting a plump appearance.
Application & Finish
The Dewy Flush features a gel-like serum consistency that blends effortlessly, leaving a second-skin finish. It’s designed for a sheer, buildable application, allowing you to customize your desired intensity. The product sets to a weightless, skin-like finish, making it ideal for layering over skincare or foundation.
Shades Available
Currently, the Dewy Flush is available in two shades:
- Watermelon Flush: A cool-toned pink that delivers a fresh, youthful appearance.
- Berry Flush: A natural berry mauve that provides a deeper, more defined flush.
Both shades are designed to complement a wide range of skin tones, enhancing your natural complexion
My Thoughts
I am obsessed with this blush. It is so lightweight almost like another skincare product in its thin and easy to blend consistency. It gives the most beautiful flush of color to the cheeks and for being so lightweight, has incredible lasting power.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial Mask
Brand Claims:
What it is: A non-drying clay mask with hyaluronic-infused clay, BHA, PHA, and watermelon enzymes to unclog pores, smooth, and hydrate for softer, clearer-looking skin.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Pores, Uneven Texture, and Acne and Blemishes
Formulation: Mask
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Clay: Whipped non-drying clay infused with hyaluronic acid to clear pores & hydrate, even for sensitive/dry skin.
- Watermelon Enzymes: Visibly brighten and exfoliate skin.
- BHA/PHA: Clear pores and gently exfoliate.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: Unlike traditional drying clay masks, this facial decongests pores while delivering maximum hydration with hyaluronic-infused clay. Paired with pore-purifying BHA, smoothing PHA, brightening watermelon enzymes/extract, & micro-exfoliating blueberry seed powder, this mask unveils clear, baby-soft skin in 5 min; utes.
Clean & Planet AwareOur ambitious curation of beauty made without controversial ingredients from brands dedicated to making meaningful environmental commitments, including sustainable ingredients and sourcing, packaging, corporate commitments, and consumer transparency.
My Thoughts
I love that this product is so mighty and yet so gentle. I think that while you wont look at yourself as like a day and night difference, that post mask and following with the skincare regimen, I do feel fresh and clean like I am giving my skin a little restart. I especially love using it to clear out my face after a week of heavy makeup looks or heaven forbid falling asleep in my mak
Discontinued But Occasionally Return
Lip Pop Lip Balm
What it is: A three-in-one scrub-to-balm that smooths, hydrates, and tints lips with a universal pop of color, now with more product and amped-up hydration.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Dullness, and Uneven Texture
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Fruit Extract: Choose from watermelon to soothe, or blueberry for antioxidants.
- Coconut: Coconut flower sugar hydrates and provides physical exfoliation to gently remove dead skin, while coconut oil moisturizes preventing further dryness and flaking.
- Flower-Derived AHA: Extracts derived from hibiscus, wild pansy, and hawthorn that gently smooth, soften, and hydrate lips.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: This new and improved formula is infused with macadamia seed oil for increased hydration, plus the original blend of soothing watermelon extract and naturally smoothing flower-derived AHAs and coconut flower sugars that melt away upon application. Apply for a pop of color or use as a primer for lip makeup.
Currently I think that the Lip Pop Balms are off the market (although there are a few shades still available and linked below) but I do enjoy this product as well as it gives a nice subtle bitten look to the lips.
Overall Thoughts
Now having tried and finished many of the products in the line, I can genuinely say I recommend them especially if you’re new to developing a skincare routine or of a younger age group. The products are really gentle and more focused towards balancing and hydrating than any major concerns like anti aging, acne or dark spots – so it gives you that nice starting off point to experiment without worrying about irritating ingredients, and all the products work beautifully together. They are also a great skincare line to use under makeup as it gives a nice fresh base. Over the course of using this products I haven’t had any major irritation or breakouts due to the products and feel overall happy with my skin.
As this goes live (Nov 3,2025) the Sephora Savings event is currently taking place and a great chance to try any and all of these products on sale. Sephora also has incredible Glow Recipe Value Sets and Advent Calendars to try many of the products at once as delux samples and even full size products for an incredible deal.
