Emily Weiss mixed Vaseline with a highlighter backstage. That was the prototype.
The real genius? Selling a basic in a pastel tube for $12. It wasn’t about the formula — it was about belonging to the Glossier club.
A thick, waxy skin salve. $12-$18. They call it a “universal skin salve,” which is code for “put it anywhere you have dry skin.”
The Tube
Squeezes out like toothpaste — you control the amount.
The Flavors
Wild Fig smells like candy. Birthday is pure cake batter with glitter.
The Finish
Leaves a visible, glossy sheen. Not a matte look.
Photo: Jocelyn Morales / Unsplash
It’s a petrolatum-based occlusive. That means it sits on top of skin to lock moisture in — it doesn’t add moisture itself. The rest is flavor and feel.
- Petrolatum: Seals in moisture like Saran Wrap
- Lanolin: Emollient from sheep’s wool (skip if allergic)
- Castor Seed Oil: Adds that signature gloss
- Flavor/Oil: For scent and a thin oil layer
Photo: Laura Chouette / Unsplash
Thick. Sticky for a second. Then it settles into a slick, waxy coat. The tinted ones leave a faint, pretty stain.
After two weeks? My cuticles were saved. But on lips alone, I needed a hydrating balm underneath — this just sealed the deal.
Flaky patches on my elbows? Gone. Chapped lips? Needed a hydrating layer first. The cult status is for the experience, not a miracle.
It’s a vibe. Not a necessity. I keep one in every bag because it’s cheerful and reliable — not because it’s the best.