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.
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.
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.
- 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
- 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.
Best Glossier by Skin Condition
The highest-scoring Glossier product for each condition we evaluate.