Laneige Lip Glowy Balm Reformulation: Better or Worse?

Reformulation Alert
The viral lip balm millions loved just got a new formula—and early reviews are split.
Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results
1.💋They Changed It

Everyone’s favorite sleeping mask for lips just got a wake-up call. Laneige reformulated the Lip Glowy Balm — and the internet is fighting in the comments.

The old one felt like a thick, cozy blanket. This new one is more like a really good satin sheet. Same brand. Very different vibe.

2.🔬What You’re Getting

$18. The claim? “Intense moisture that lasts.” I tested it because I refuse to let my lips peel in January.

1

New Texture

Gone is the almost-sticky balm. Now it glides on like warm butter — no drag.

2

Scent Shift

Berry flavor is dialed way back. Smells more like a subtle fruit tea now, not a Jolly Rancher.

3

No More Grit

Old formula had tiny sugar crystals. New one is completely smooth. Weirdly satisfying.

red stain on white wall

Photo: Etienne Girardet / Unsplash

3.⚠️The Ingredient Swap

They swapped out the heavy waxes for something lighter. Hero move? Shea butter and murumuru seed butter — but without the greasy residue that usually comes with them.

  • Murumuru Seed Butter: Locks moisture in without feeling like a slug crawled on your mouth
  • Shea Butter: Softens the lip surface in under 10 seconds
  • Vitamin E: The antioxidant that keeps chapping at bay
  • Coconut Oil: The reason it melts on contact, not sits on top
silver iPhone 6 beside makeup brush

Photo: Katie Harp / Unsplash

4.📝How It Feels

First swipe: slick, almost wet. Then it absorbs in about 15 seconds and leaves zero sticky residue. I actually forgot I was wearing it — which never happened with the old one.

Two weeks in: my lips aren’t peeling anymore, but they’re also not that “plump” look the old balm gave. It’s more of a hydrated, natural finish. Took me a week to stop missing the gloss.

💡

One Thing: Apply on damp lips right after washing your face. The water locks in the shea butter — dry application feels half as effective.
brown makeup brush on white table

Photo: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

5.Did It Work?

No more dry flakes by noon. But I lost that glassy shine that made me look awake at 8 AM.

Buy if
You want a lip balm that disappears under matte lipstick without pilling
⏭️

Skip if
You loved the old sticky-thick feel and want that mirror shine back
💰

Worth it?
$18 for a tube that lasts 3 months — fair, but buy the mini first to test the texture
black and white labeled bottle

Photo: Elsa Olofsson / Unsplash

6.💬Final Word

It’s a better lip treatment now, but a worse lip gloss. If you wanted hydration without the drama, you’ll love it. If you wanted the drama, mourn the old one.

7.5/10
Better formula, worse experience
🛍️

Where to Buy: Sephora — grab the “Mini Duo” set so you get both flavors, because commitment is hard