Byrdie editors test hundreds of products a year—so it’s a big deal when a brand stands out among the masses. One of our favorites is Glow Recipe, a K-beauty-inspired skincare brand that uses fruits (most notably, watermelon and guava) alongside other effective, derm-recommended ingredients to promote a smooth, dewy complexion. From exfoliating overnight masks to creamy serums, the brand has tons to choose from—and we’ve tested many of them. Keep reading to see the Glow Recipe products used in our daily routines.
Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Refillable Moisture Cream
$34 at Sephora $34 at Kohls.com
Who doesn’t love a whipped, creamy moisturizer? This one from Glow Recipe might be our favorite. While rich, it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and provides deep, long-lasting hydration for skin that feels super soft. The key ingredient is cloudberry, an antioxidant packed with vitamins C and E for a radiant, even complexion. It also has CoQ10 to stimulate collagen and a peptide lipid complex to smooth the skin and treat signs of aging. Associate content editor Derek Deng is a big fan of the formula, calling it “luxuriously rich.” “This moisturizer has secured a spot in my nightly skincare ritual, not just because of its brightening and skin-quenching properties, but above all because of its dreamy texture,” he says. We love it as the perfect night cream before bed—or even as a daily moisturizer in the winter.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum
Toeing the line between skincare and makeup, the Hue Drops brightening serum hydrates and soothes the skin while providing a sheer, bronzy glow for a sun-kissed effect. It’s formulated with niacinamide, Centella, hyaluronic acid, and watermelon to keep the skin looking even and dewy, so the subtle tint—which comes in two shades to match a variety of skin tones—is just the cherry on top. “The gel formula is so easy to blend; it absorbs right into my skin and doesn’t leave behind any patchy or streaky residue,” says editor Olivia Hancock. “Applying a little bit to your bare skin or mixing it in with your foundation is the key to achieving a glowy complexion.” The moisturizing formula immediately soothes her dry skin, and she loves that it sinks into the skin immediately without feeling greasy.
Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner
$38 at Amazon
Essence is an essential skincare step in K-beauty, and this one is a favorite of Byrdie’s editor-in-chief, Hallie Gould. Don’t let its thin texture fool you—the formula is packed with plenty of skin-loving ingredients, like cloudberry extract, rice water, glycerin, and more. It has antioxidant properties to protect the skin from free radical damage and treat fine lines and wrinkles with continued use. Gould uses it a few times a week, and she says she’s never loved an essence as much as this one. “Since using it, I’ve noticed a glow return to my skin,” she says. “It boosts vibrancy, keeps my skin feeling bouncy and hydrated, and my skin laps it up.”
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
$21 at Sephora
Gel-cream moisturizers are a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin, and we love that this one doesn’t skimp on hydration while still being lightweight. It’s made with multiple types of hyaluronic acid to nourish dryness and plum extract to brighten, but the polyglutamic acid in the formula is what gives the product its name. The ingredient is known for being incredibly hydrating, effectively plumping the skin and locking in moisture for a soft and bouncy complexion. Hancock agrees, saying the moisturizer leaves her skin plump and healthy. “The whipped, gel-cream formula delivers intense hydration,” she says. “It rejuvenates your skin, adding tons of moisture and hydration as soon as you apply it.”
Shop Other Glow Recipe Products
While these are our favorites, the brand has plenty of other products that we love—including a barrier-strengthening cleanser and a radiance-boosting vitamin C serum.
Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser
$28 at Amazon Glow Recipe Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Glow Recipe Cleansing Balm
Glow Recipe Strawberry Blur Drops
