Glow Recipe literally set social media on fire. On TikTok, the hashtag #glowrecipe has billions of views. And the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops serum, the undisputed star of the brand, has alone generated more than 100 million views on the platform. Suffice to say that it is unanimously appreciated by skincare fans around the world.
But Glow Recipe isn’t just about colorful bottles or fruity scents. It is also an extraordinary entrepreneurial adventure, led by two friends, Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, the founders of the brand who combine expertise in k-beauty and an ultra-modern vision of skin care. Today, they take us behind the scenes of their success: from the iconic watermelon to their next innovations. Discover 5 things you didn’t know about the cult brand Glow Recipe!
An adventure born from friendship and a common vision
The story of Glow Recipe begins long before the brand was launched. Sarah Lee and Christine Chang met when they first started at L’Oréal Korea, where they formed bonds that were both professional and personal. , confides Sarah Lee. Then, their destinies crossed again in New York, where Christine studied at Columbia and Sarah continued her career at L’Oréal US.
In 2014, they made a bold decision: quit their respective jobs to launch glowrecipe.com, a platform dedicated to emerging Korean brands. , explains Christine.
Then, in 2017, they unveiled their own skincare line: Glow Recipe Skincare. Their goal? Combining clinical effectiveness and sensory pleasure, drawing inspiration from Korean beauty rituals. , adds Sarah.
Why is watermelon Glow Recipe’s DNA?
If watermelon has become emblematic of Glow Recipe, it is not by chance. Sarah and Christine drew on their childhood memories to make them the star of their formulas. , says Sarah.
This ingredient, still underused at the time, is full of benefits: hydration, soothing and antioxidant properties. “Watermelon contains lycopene, which protects the skin from external aggressions and reduces the visible signs of aging,” explains Christine. Their best-seller, Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, perfectly illustrates this approach: a hybrid product that combines skincare and make-up, for an instant, long-lasting glow.
A search for clinical effectiveness
Glow Recipe has also built a reputation for formulas that are both gentle and powerful. , shares Christine. And the founders proudly display these results, through 100% authentic campaigns: no retouching, only images of real skin, highlighted by truly effective treatments.
And it is this authenticity that makes the brand successful. As proof: , rejoices Sarah. This toner (key product of the famous Korean glass skin) intensely hydrates while tightening pores thanks to a perfect balance between exfoliation and hydration, all delicately scented.
Sensory, key to a successful skincare experience
From melting textures to gourmet scents, at Glow Recipe, each product is designed to awaken the senses and offer a soothing break. , says Christine.
And to make the products accessible to as many people as possible, all added fragrances represent less than 0.5% of the formulas, or even completely fragrance-free, in order to be suitable for the most sensitive skin.
An eco-responsible commitment
It’s impossible to miss the brand’s colorful packaging: unique glass bottles, with shapes inspired by the ingredients. explains Sarah,
But beyond story-telling, the brand is truly committed: , confides Christine. In line with this approach, the brand is also committed to reducing its ecological footprint while emphasizing thoughtful consumption.
And tomorrow? What’s new to watch out for?
Innovation is at the heart of the Glow Recipe philosophy. In 2025, the brand will unveil its new shade of Hue Drops Rosy Glow, a tinted serum that diffuses a natural, rosy light on the skin, perfect for a “make up no make up” healthy glow effect.
Christine teases. One thing is certain: the Glow Recipe brand has not finished surprising us!
