Glo Skin Beauty Review: These Highly Active Formulas Will Transform Your Complexion

When it comes to anti-aging, retinol is the hero ingredient you will hear endorsed widely and loudly. Retinol is known for its ability to amp up cellular turnover, increase collagen, promote elasticity, and brighten skin. I was quick to jump on the retinol bandwagon several years ago but after a bad reaction (user error: I applied too much, too fast) I’ve been hesitant to make another go of it. I still wanted the texture-smoothing and fine-line-reducing benefits of retinol (but preferably without the redness it can cause) so I was thrilled to discover all of the retinol alternative ingredients that Glo incorporates into their formulas.

One such ingredient is Phyto-Retinol, which is a plant-based retinol alternative that provides similar smoothing, refining, and elasticity-boosting benefits. However, its approach is gentler than retinol so if you have sensitive skin this is a great option to avoid irritation. I’ve been reaping the benefits of Phyto-Retinol by using the HA-Revive Hyaluronic Hydrator ($80) as my day cream and I’m pleased to report it’s caused me no irritation whatsoever. It has a lightweight texture and silky feel that makes your skin feel immediately hydrated. While you’re instructed to ease into retinol and apply it in a very gradual manner, Phyto-Retinol doesn’t require this same caution. After weeks of daily use I’ve experienced no redness and the texture of my skin is noticeably smoother.

Glo introduced me to another retinol alternative known as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), which earned its discoverers a Nobel Prize. EGF boosts collagen and elastin production (which can improve elasticity and lead to a more youthful appearance) by mimicking a protein natural to human skin. The Bio-Renew EGF Cream ($175) delivers this innovative reparative ingredient alongside a Phyto-Retinol Complex and Bio-Recovery Peptides. This combination of dream team ingredients strengthens your moisture barrier while also revitalizing both surface and deep within your skin. Compared with the HA-Revive Hyaluronic Hydrator mentioned above, the EGF cream has a thicker texture and a slightly sticky feel so I prefer to use it at night. It absorbs very quickly and I find that I use more quantity than I do with the Hydrator product.

After the formula, my second favorite aspect of the EGF cream is the dispensing system. It has a press-to-release mechanism (similar to the Skinfix favorite Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream) that, unlike your standard jar, will not collect bacteria. It keeps the moisturizer clean and if there’s residue on the platform, I swipe it away with a rubbing alcohol swab.

If I had to choose one product to take to a desert island, I’d go with Glo’s C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint SPF 30 ($50). Tinted moisturizer is my must-have step and this formula provides excellent sheer coverage in addition to SPF 30, squalane, and vitamin C. It blends effortlessly with fingers (no brush/sponge necessary) and hydrates without adding weight. There are ten shades to choose from and I was pleasantly surprised that even though it stays put throughout the day, it’s a breeze to wash off.

For cleansing, I turn to the Hydra-Bright AHA Cleanser ($40) that foams gently and removes makeup as well as most makeup-removing-specific cleansers. It combines a hydrating blend of lactic acid, moringa seed extract, and antioxidants to exfoliate the skin. I try to do an AHA peel once a week but I often forget so I love that using this cleanser once a day (I opt for the evening) ensures that I get a dose of the brightening ingredient.

One of Glo’s newer products is the Essential Eye Base ($28) which works both as a primer and as a standalone product. I’m not an eyeshadow person, but I like to use an eye primer to keep my eyeliner from smearing. This eye base — available in six shades — was a huge improvement on my non-tined basic primer because it smoothed and evened my lid texture while blending seamlessly with the concealer in my eye area. It features caffeine, which helps to relieve eye puffiness and reduce the appearance of fine lines, while cucumber extracts soothe and hydrate the skin. Ordering the right shade can sometimes involve missteps and Glo has a generous return policy in case you end up with the wrong shade: You have 15 days to return it for credit.