Is This ‘Clean’ Moisturizer Actually Clean? We Investigate

Greenwashing Check
Glossier’s viral ‘clean’ glow-maker is under our microscope for greenwashing claims.
Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results
1.🔍The Viral Glow-Up

Future Dew is everywhere. That dewy, glass-skin look? Glossier promises it in a bottle.

But the ‘clean’ label feels sticky. It’s a marketing term, not a regulation. So what are we really putting on our faces?

2.🌿The Pitch

A $28 oil-serum hybrid. The claim? A “clean” formula for instant, lasting radiance. I wanted the glow without the guilt.

1

Texture

Thick, golden syrup — not a runny oil.

2

Finish

High-shine, not subtle. You’ll look glossy in a Zoom call.

3

Packaging

Squeeze tube is practical. But the metallic coating started peeling after a month.

Woman applying face cream in front of a mirror

Photo: Christian Agbede / Unsplash

3.⚠️The Ingredient Reality

It’s a cocktail of humectants, emollients, and sparkle. The ‘clean’ part? Debatable. It uses synthetic ingredients like dimethicone and phenoxyethanol (a preservative).

  • Jojoba Esters: Silicone-like slip, but plant-derived
  • Squalane: Lightweight hydration hero
  • Sodium Hyaluronate: Plumps with water
  • Mica: The literal shimmer particles
woman putting makeup in front of mirror

Photo: kevin laminto / Unsplash

4.📊On My Skin

Feels like slick velvet. Absorbs in about 90 seconds, leaving a tactile film. Smells like nothing — a win.

Surprise: It pills under mineral sunscreen. Every time. You have to pat, not rub.

💡

One Thing: Use ONE pump max. Mix it with your moisturizer to avoid the greasy film.
5.💡Who It’s For

My skin was dewy, sure. But no more hydrated than with a good HA serum. The glow is cosmetic — it washes off.

Buy if
You have dry skin and want a primer-like glow for a no-makeup day.
⏭️

Skip if
You’re oily, hate texture, or want actual skincare benefits over optics.
💰

Worth it?
Only if you treat it as makeup. As skincare, it’s overpriced.
6.Final Shine Check

It’s a pretty, overpriced highlighter in serum clothing. The ‘clean’ claim is greenwashing — it’s a synthetic blend designed to look good, not be pure.

6.5/10
A fun gloss, not a skincare staple.
🛍️

Where to Buy: Get it from Glossier directly. Try the travel size first — a little goes a very long way.