My feed was a sea of dewy cheeks. So I caved.
Not for the glow—for the promise of shrinking my pores. A real, visible difference.
It’s a $39 serum from Glow Recipe. They claim it’s a “radiance-boosting, pore-refining cocktail.” I call that a challenge.
Niacinamide
5% to visibly minimize pores and smooth texture.
Watermelon Extract
Hydrates and supposedly gives that “glass skin” look.
Hyaluronic Acid
Pulls moisture into the skin—plumps from within.
It’s a short, focused list. No filler fairy dust. The niacinamide is the star, backed by humectants.
- Niacinamide (5%): The pore refiner and tone evener
- Watermelon Extract: Lightweight hydration, contains amino acids
- Hyaluronic Acid: Binds water for a plump feel
- Cactus Water: Electrolytes for an extra hydration hit
Texture is a thin, slick gel—smells like a Jolly Rancher. Absorbs in 8 seconds flat. Leaves a tacky film for a minute, then just dew.
By week two, my makeup was sliding off my nose. The dew is real—maybe too real for oily zones.
My cheeks? Luminous. Pores on my nose? Slightly softer, but not erased. Zero irritation—that’s a win. But it’s a hydrator first, pore-tamer second.
It delivers on the viral glow—but manages expectations on everything else. A very good, one-trick pony.