Glow Recipe Dew Drops: Detailed Guide with Reviews

Discover the Glow Recipe Dew Drops, a hydrating serum that delivers a dewy, glowing complexion. Infused with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this skincare essential revitalizes your skin’s natural radiance.

2. Ingredient List

Aqua/Water/Eau, Propanediol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Watermelon Rind, Citrulline, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/Parfum1

3. You Should Know

Contains 5% niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative that helps brighten skin and improve texture1
Features sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) to hydrate skin
Includes watermelon extract and rind for antioxidant benefits
Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
Has a light watermelon scent from a natural fragrance

4. Ingredient Info

Key ingredients:

Niacinamide: Helps minimize pores, improve uneven skin tone, brighten complexion
Sodium Hyaluronate: A humectant that attracts moisture to hydrate skin
Watermelon Fruit Extract/Rind: Rich in vitamins A, and C, and amino acids to nourish skin

5. Ingredients Overview

Humectants (glycerin, sodium hyaluronate) to hydrate
Niacinamide for brightening and evening tone
Botanical extracts (watermelon, apple, lentil) for antioxidants
Thickeners (cross polymers) for texture
Preservatives to extend shelf life

6. Ingredients Explained

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps minimize pores, improve uneven skin tone, brighten complexion, and reduce dullness. It’s an antioxidant that can help strengthen skin’s barrier2.

Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and seals in moisture. It hydrates skin and helps reduce visible signs of aging3.

Watermelon Fruit Extract/Rind is rich in vitamins A and C, amino acids like citrulline, and antioxidants that can help nourish and protect skin4. The rind contains concentrated nutrients.

Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin and prevents dryness5.

Botanical Extracts like apple, lentil, and chamomile provide additional antioxidant benefits to help neutralize free radicals that can damage skin1.

The remaining ingredients are thickeners to create the serum texture, preservatives for shelf life, and fragrance from natural sources to give the watermelon scent1.

When to Use Glow Recipe Dew Drops

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops can be used morning and night as part of your skincare routine:

Morning: Apply a few drops after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer and sunscreen. The hydrating serum will prep skin for makeup application.
Night: Use after double cleansing to deliver nourishing ingredients while you sleep. Follow with moisturizer or facial oil.

It can be used daily or a few times per week, depending on your skin’s needs. Those with dry skin may want to use it daily for extra hydration.

8. How to Use It

After cleansing, take 2-3 drops of serum into palms and rub hands together to distribute.
Gently press and pat the serum into the face and neck until fully absorbed. Avoid pulling or rubbing.
Allow a minute or two for full absorption before applying additional serums, moisturizers, etc.
Can be used on its own or mixed into moisturizer/foundation for a dewy glow.
Tip: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

9. Use It With

The Watermelon Glow Serum layers well with other hydrating, brightening, and antioxidant-rich products:

Vitamin C serums in the morning for extra brightening
Hyaluronic acid serums or essences for plumping hydration
Lightweight gel or water-based moisturizers
Facial oils or balms at night for nourishing moisture
Makeup primers and foundations for a dewy base

10. Don’t Use With

Avoid using the serum with products containing:

High concentrations of acids like glycolic, lactic, etc. can deactivate niacinamide
Retinoids/retinol – use them at separate times to prevent irritation
Benzoyl peroxide – can oxidize and deactivate niacinamide

Space out the use of strong actives like acids and retinoids to different routines.

11. Compared With

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops vs. Glossier Super Bounce Serum

Both contain hyaluronic acid for hydration
Glow Recipe has 5% niacinamide, and Glossier has none
Glossier is gel-based, and Glow Recipe is more serum-like
Glow Recipe $34 for 1 oz, Glossier $28 for 1 oz

Glow Recipe vs. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Glow Recipe has a lower 5% niacinamide concentration
The Ordinary adds zinc for oil control
Glow Recipe is more hydrating with watermelon extract
Glow Recipe $34 for 1 oz, The Ordinary $5.90 for 1 oz

12. Dupes to Check Out

Affordable Dupes

The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum ($7)
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner ($14)
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% ($16)

K-Beauty Dupes

Isntree Green Tea Niacinamide Serum ($15)
Purito Niacinamide Serum ($15)
Missha Ayayoung Niacinamide Serum ($20)

These contain niacinamide and hydrating ingredients like the Glow Recipe serum but at lower price points. Check reviews for texture and finish comparisons.

here are some thoughts from trusted skincare experts and reviewers on the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops:

Renee Rouleau, Celebrity Esthetician:

“It has a lovely lightweight gel-serum texture that glides onto skin and provides an instant hydrating glow…While it won’t provide dramatic brightening benefits, it can help give skin a healthy radiance over time.”

Jude Chao, Skincare Blogger at FiddySnails:

“It’s a nice basic serum with niacinamide and some antioxidants, but nothing too special…Good for normal/combo skin, but may not be hydrating enough for dry types.”

Jessica Defino, Beauty Writer at The Zoe Report:

“It gives skin an instant dewy look thanks to the watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid…A solid option if you want a niacinamide serum that’s gentle and non-irritating.”

Overall, experts seem to view it as a nice hydrating serum with niacinamide, but not a heavy-hitter in terms of brightening or anti-aging benefits. The texture and glow factor are praised.

14. Before/After Results

While Glow Recipe shares some customer before/after photos, I couldn’t find any particularly compelling transformation shots from real users for this specific serum. Most show a subtle healthy glow after use.

15. Video Demos

Here are some helpful video reviews showing the texture, application, and results:

Glow Recipe’s official demo reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPYG3XBMGQQ
Skincare blogger Harper Neidig’s review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu0Qs9Yl4Ys
Influencer Miki Torres’ first impression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu0Qs9Yl4Ys

The videos give a good sense of the lightweight, gel-serum texture that absorbs quickly and leaves a dewy finish on the skin.

16. Where to Buy

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops is available at:

Glow Recipe’s website ($34 for 1 oz)
Sephora ($34 for 1 oz)
Cult Beauty ($34 for 1 oz)
Amazon ($34 for 1 oz)
Dermstore ($34 for 1 oz)

You can sometimes find value sets bundling the serum with other Glow Recipe products.

Glow Recipe shares some customer before/after photos,

most of them only seem to show a subtle healthy glow after using the serum, rather than significant changes in skin concerns like dark spots, texture, etc.1

One Redditor commented, “I don’t think I’ve seen much of a difference in my dark spots from acne scarring because of the dew drops.”1 Another said, “It’s very dewy and plumping but not strong enough to fade dark spots.”1

A few key points from the search results:

The serum provides an instant dewy, glowy look due to the watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid, but dramatic brightening or anti-aging benefits are not really highlighted.3 4
It can take 4-6 weeks of consistent use to potentially see improvements in skin tone and texture from the niacinamide.1
Experts view it more as a hydrating makeup primer/base rather than a heavy-hitting treatment product for specific concerns.3 4

So in summary, while the Dew Drops give a nice glowy finish, the search results did not contain any standout before/after photos demonstrating major skin transformations from using this particular serum.

Some of the most common complaints or criticisms about the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops include:

Lack of noticeable brightening or fading of dark spots/acne scars
Several users mentioned that they did not see much improvement in hyperpigmentation or acne marks after using the Dew Drops, despite the niacinamide ingredient.1 4 Comments like “not strong enough to fade dark spots”1 and “I don’t think I’ve seen much of a difference in my dark spots from acne scarring”1 indicate it may not deliver dramatic brightening results.
Unclear percentage of niacinamide
Glow Recipe does not disclose the exact percentage of niacinamide in the formula, leading some to believe it may not contain an effective amount. One user said “They also don’t give you the percentage of niacinamide, which makes me think that there isn’t enough to show a difference in your skin.”1
More of a makeup primer than treatment product
A few comments suggest the Dew Drops function better as a hydrating, glowy makeup primer rather than a targeted niacinamide treatment serum.1 3 4 “I use it as a makeup primer…but not as a niacinamide product.”1
Overpriced for the ingredients
Some felt the $34 price tag was too high for the basic niacinamide and hydrating ingredients in the formula, describing it as “overpriced”4 or having “minimal effective skincare ingredients.”1
Artificial watermelon scent
While some enjoyed the watermelon scent, others disliked the artificial fragrance, with one reviewer calling it “the fake melon scent I absolutely can’t stand.”3

So in summary, the main gripes centered around lack of visible brightening benefits, uncertainty around the niacinamide concentration, positioning more as a makeup primer, high cost relative to ingredients, and the polarizing watermelon fragrance.

17. FAQs

What percentage of niacinamide is in it?

While Glow Recipe doesn’t disclose the exact percentage, expert estimates put it between 2-5% niacinamide.

Can I use it with vitamin C?

Yes, you can use the niacinamide serum alongside vitamin C products in the same routine. Just allow each to fully absorb before applying the next.

How often should I use it?

The serum can be used once or twice daily, either AM and/or PM. Those with dry skin may want to use it twice a day.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, the formula is designed to be gentle and non-irritating for all skin types, including sensitive.

How long until I see results?

You may notice an immediate healthy glow after applying, but it can take 4-6 weeks of consistent use to see brightening and texture benefits from the niacinamide.

Glow Recipe Dew Drops Benefits:

Provides hydration from ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid)1 3 4
Contains niacinamide (estimated 2-5%) which can help brighten skin, improve texture, and provide antioxidant benefits1 4
Gives an instant dewy, glowy look to the skin from the watermelon extract1 3 4
Has antioxidants from botanical extracts like watermelon, apple, and lentil1 4

Can you use it everyday?

Yes, the Dew Drops can be used daily, either in the morning or evening routine, or both. Those with dry skin may want to use it twice daily for extra hydration.1

Safe for 11 year olds?

While not specifically mentioned, the ingredients appear gentle enough to potentially be safe for younger skin. However, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before using it on pre-teens.

Use before or after sunscreen?

It should be applied before sunscreen in the morning skincare routine – cleanse, tone, serum (Dew Drops), moisturizer, then sunscreen as the final step.1

How long until results?

You may notice an instant dewy glow after applying, but it can take 4-6 weeks of consistent use to see benefits like brightening and improved texture from the niacinamide.1

Worth it?

Opinion is mixed – some find it overpriced for the ingredients ($34 for 1oz), while others enjoy the hydrating, glowy effect. It’s viewed more as a makeup primer than a heavy-hitting treatment product.1 3 4

Use of Dew Drops:

It can be used as a hydrating serum in a morning or evening skincare routine to deliver niacinamide, antioxidants and a dewy finish. It can also be used as a makeup primer or mixed with foundation for a glowy base.1 3

Q: What do you use Glow Recipe Dew Drops for?

A: The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops can be used for several purposes:

As a hydrating serum to deliver niacinamide and antioxidants
As a makeup primer or mixed with foundation for a dewy, glowy base
As a highlighter by patting it on the high points of the face after makeup

Q: Is dew good for your skin?

A: Yes, the “dew” or hydrating effect from ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid in the Dew Drops can be beneficial for keeping skin moisturized.

Q: Do you put Glow Recipe Dew Drops before or after moisturizer?

A: The Dew Drops should be applied before your moisturizer, as part of your serum/treatment step in your skincare routine.

Q: What do Dew Drops do for your face?

A: The key benefits include:

Hydrating skin with humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid
Brightening and evening skin tone over time from the niacinamide
Providing antioxidant protection from botanical extracts
Giving an instant dewy, glowy finish

Q: What are the side effects of Dew Drops?

A: No major side effects are reported, though some found the artificial watermelon fragrance irritating. As with any new product, do a patch test first.

Q: Do I put Dew Drops before moisturizer?

A: Yes, you should apply the Dew Drops serum before your moisturizer in your AM/PM routine.

Q: When to use Glow Recipe Dew Drops?

A: You can use the Dew Drops morning and/or night after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer and sunscreen.

Q: What is the difference between Dew Drops and Serum?

A: The Dew Drops are considered a serum, specifically a hydrating, niacinamide-containing serum with a lightweight gel texture.

Q: Is the Glow Recipe Korean?

A: Yes, Glow Recipe is a Korean skincare and makeup brand founded by Christine Chang and Sarah Lee.

Q: Does the Glow Recipe contain retinol?

A: No, the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops do not contain retinol or retinoids.

Q: How do you use Sephora Glow Recipe Dew Drops?

A: After cleansing and toning, take 2-3 drops and gently press/pat them into the face and neck until fully absorbed. Then follow with moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup etc.

So in summary, the Dew Drops provide hydration, a subtle glow, and some brightening from niacinamide when used consistently over time. But it may not deliver dramatic results for concerns like dark spots or anti-aging.1 3 4