Glow Recipe Glossy Skin Spell

Glow Recipe Glossy Skin Spell

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing
16 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“It will drench your complexion in plumped, juicy hydration and luscious, long-lasting moisture.”
Source: Cultbeauty

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glutamic acid, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: helianthus annuus seed oil, cetyl alcohol.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.5–0.8%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.5–0.8%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.55–0.8%
Glutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.4–1.7%
Hydrolyzed soy proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing~0.7–1.1%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~4.4–5.4%
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten~0.9–1.1%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.45–0.65%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.7%
Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~0.45–0.7%
Moringa oleifera seed oil· EmollientEffect: LowA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid~0.25–0.5%
Polyquaternium-51Effect: LowAn emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin~0.3–0.55%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~3.5–4.3%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.45–0.7%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.5–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Benzyl benzoate, Limonene + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~3.5–4.3%est.
Paeonia suffruticosa root extract—High~2.7–3.3%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.7%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.45–0.7%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.45–0.7%est.
Eclipta prostrata extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.65%est.
Melia azadirachta leaf extractA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.65%est.
Citrullus lanatus fruit extractA plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compoundMedium~25–30%est.
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~1.7–2.1%est.
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to glutenMedium~0.9–1.1%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extractPlant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.5–0.7%est.
Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Moringa oleifera seed oilA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acidMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Citrullus lanatus fruit extract~25–30%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound

More about Citrullus lanatus fruit extract
Water~13–16%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Cetyl alcohol~4.4–5.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~3.5–4.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAntibacterialReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extract
Paeonia suffruticosa root extract~2.7–3.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation
More about Paeonia suffruticosa root extract
Glycerin~2.1–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~1.7–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
Cetearyl olivate~1.5–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate
Glutamic acid~1.4–1.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutamic acid
Sorbitan olivate~1.1–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate
Hydrolyzed wheat protein~0.9–1.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten

More about Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Hydrolyzed soy protein~0.7–1.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-inflammatory

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing

More about Hydrolyzed soy protein
Hydrolyzed corn protein~0.65–1%
Formula
Sodium hyaluronate~0.65–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum~0.65–1%
Formula
Xanthan gum~0.6–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Apricot kernel amino acids~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Alkanna tinctoria root extract~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Beta-glucan~0.55–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Jasminum sambac flower wax~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

Plant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract
Ipomoea batatas root extract~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.5–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Tocopherol~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Butylene glycol~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
1,2-hexanediol~0.5–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Benzyl benzoate~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Limonene~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Parfum~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Water~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Propanediol~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Glycereth-26~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Glycereth-26
Glycerin~0.5–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Niacinamide~0.45–0.7%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
2,3-butanediol~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about 2,3-butanediol
1,2-hexanediol~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Cetyl ethylhexanoate~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture

More about Cetyl ethylhexanoate
Citrullus lanatus fruit extract~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound

More about Citrullus lanatus fruit extract
Sodium hyaluronate~0.4–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Eclipta prostrata extract~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It can be irritating

More about Eclipta prostrata extract
Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating

More about Melia azadirachta leaf extract
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate
Tromethamine~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Glyceryl stearate~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Carbomer~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Polyquaternium-51~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin

More about Polyquaternium-51
Moringa oleifera seed oil~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid

More about Moringa oleifera seed oil
Parfum~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Benzyl benzoate~0.1–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Ingredient list view

Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, Water, Cetyl alcohol, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Paeonia suffruticosa root extract, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Cetearyl olivate, Glutamic acid, Sorbitan olivate, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Hydrolyzed corn protein, Sodium hyaluronate, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum, Xanthan gum, Apricot kernel amino acids, Alkanna tinctoria root extract, Beta-glucan, Jasminum sambac flower wax, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract, Ipomoea batatas root extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Tocopherol, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Benzyl benzoate, Limonene, Parfum, Water, Propanediol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 2,3-butanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Eclipta prostrata extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Tromethamine, Glyceryl stearate, Carbomer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan gum, Polyquaternium-51, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Parfum, Benzyl benzoate

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Glow RecipeGlossy Skin SpellYOUR PRODUCTBentonSnail Bee Ultimate Eye CreamNEOGEN X SUR.MEDICSurmedic 24K Gold Caviar Repair Vital CreamMedipeelHyaluronic Acid Layer Mooltox Cream
Match—79%77%76%
Price$26.44$14.58−$11.86$39.59+$13.15—
Shared key ingredients—7 of 86 of 87 of 8
Key difference—Copper Tripeptide-1Copper Tripeptide-1Anhydroxylitol
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 38 studies and safety reviews.

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Glow Recipe Glossy Skin Spell
Glow RecipeGlossy Skin Spell

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.