Brand

Glossier

Glossier was founded in 2014 by Emily Weiss, growing directly out of her popular beauty blog Into The Gloss, which she launched in 2010 while working as a fashion assistant at Vogue. The blog's community-driven approach -- interviewing real people about their beauty routines rather than pushing products -- revealed a gap between what legacy brands offered and what millennial consumers actually wanted. Weiss launched Glossier with just four products (a moisturizer, face mist, skin tint, and lip balm) after raising $2 million in seed funding, with 11 of 12 venture firms initially turning her down. The brand achieved unicorn status in 2019 at a $1.2 billion valuation and surpassed $100 million in annual revenue. Originally direct-to-consumer only, Glossier has since expanded into Sephora and other retail partners. The company is headquartered in New York City.

Mid-Range Dermatologist Recommended Est. 2014 New York City, USA Independent (venture-backed)
4 Products
36 Evaluations
80 Avg Score
3 Categories

Brand Philosophy

Glossier's founding principle is 'Skin First, Makeup Second' -- the belief that great skin is the foundation of beauty, not something to be concealed. The brand champions a natural, low-effort aesthetic that celebrates individuality over perfection. Product development is heavily influenced by community feedback, with formulas designed to be effortless, buildable, and suited to real life. The minimalist approach extends to packaging (signature millennial pink) and ingredient lists, prioritizing approachable essentials over complex multi-step routines.

Who It's For

Millennials and Gen Z consumers who prefer a natural, low-maintenance approach to skincare and beauty. Ideal for those who want effective, unfussy products with approachable ingredients and a brand that values community over marketing hype.

Known For
  • Skin First, Makeup Second philosophy
  • Community-driven product development from Into The Gloss blog
  • Milky Jelly Cleanser, Boy Brow, and Cloud Paint cult products
  • Minimalist millennial pink branding
  • Direct-to-consumer pioneer in beauty
Signature Ingredients
  • Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
  • Glycerin
  • Rosa Damascena Flower Water
  • Aquaxyl Complex
  • Sodium Hyaluronate

Glossier at a Glance

Strongest Categories

Glossier performs best in: Cleanser (2 products, avg 80/100); Moisturizer (1 product, avg 80/100); Exfoliant (1 product, avg 80/100).

Best Conditions Served

Across all products, Glossier scores highest for: Dry/Dehydrated Skin (avg 87/100); Eczema-Prone Skin (avg 85/100); Rosacea (avg 84/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, Glossier products are particularly worth considering.

Certifications

Common certifications include Dermatologist-Tested, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Hypoallergenic, Ophthalmologist-Tested, Non-Comedogenic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Glossier

What is the best Glossier product?
Based on our scoring, Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich is the highest-rated Glossier product with a score of 94/100 for dry/dehydrated skin. Luxurious barrier-repair cream that transforms chronically dry skin. Rich but fast-absorbing, exceptional winter performer.
Is Glossier worth the price?
Glossier products are positioned at the mid-range tier with an average score of 80/100 across 4 evaluated products. This represents strong value, with several products matching or exceeding more expensive alternatives.
What skin type is Glossier best for?
Glossier scores highest for dry/dehydrated skin, with an average score of 87/100 across relevant products. They also perform well for eczema-prone skin and rosacea. Check condition-specific scores for the product you are considering.
Every Glossier product above has been scored individually for each relevant skin condition. Click any product to see its full evaluation, ingredient analysis, and usage guidance for your specific concern.