Balm Dotcom Has Gone Back to Its Original Formula. Here’s My Honest Review
Main image – Courtesy of writer
Cult beauty brand Glossier has launched countless products that have got people talking over the years but arguably none more so than Glossier Balm Dotcom (£16 from Sephora UK /$16 from Sephora US). Originally launched in 2014, it became known for its super moisture, primarily for lips but it’s also marketed towards elbows, cuticles or anywhere that needs an extra fix of hydration.
The balm was reformulated in 2023 to make it vegan- replacing lanolin with a synthetic alternative- and changing the packaging. However fans were reported to have been hugely disappointed by the new formula’s performance and look.
Perhaps this was the reason why they launched a strawberry-flavoured one, back in the original formula in 2024 that, er, isn’t vegan. And then sneakily brought back the original formula in all flavours, slightly under the radar I might add, in May 2024 to keep the fans happy (but kept the packaging they apparently hated – go figure!)
Confused, I tested Balm Dotcom (the original version, now available again but in the new packaging) to see for myself what it was like. For starters, did it moisturise my lips? Did I hate the packaging as much as the hardcore Glossier fans?
And would I be happy to stick with this, or reach for a similar product by a different brand that can do more? Keep scrolling to find out.
The product details
Balm Dotcom comes in nine flavours, and two limited edition ones. My flavour is Rose, the others are Mint, Mango, Original, Wild Fig, Lavender, Birthday, Coconut and Strawberry. The limited edition ones are called Cookie Butter and Hot Cocoa.
The formula consists of natural emollients and antioxidants for maximum nourishment, including vitamin E, rosemary extracts, castor seed oil, lanolin and beeswax.
@glossier For when you want the nourishment of balm *and* a quick and easy lip look, lean on a Balm Dotcom flavor with a tint. Fig Balm Dotcom is fresh and jammy with a slight coral tint — just swipe on and your look is all set. @caitlin miyako #glossier #balmdotcom #figbalmdotcom
Rumour has it that the reformulated, vegan version was too thin in texture and some even reported that it tended to separate on the lips. So, despite not being completely cruelty free, the beeswax and lanolin are no doubt the key ingredients to make this balm thicker and, hopefully, more moisturising.
First impressions
Well, it’s a lip balm isn’t it? There usually isn’t much to say on the matter until you actually try it. But I expected the packaging to really offend me, given what I had heard consumers had been saying about it.
Like I said, whilst the old formula is back, the new packaging has remained. Comments about it being ugly because of the long cap designed to accommodate the new ‘messy’ slanted applicator, compared to the shorter cap for its paint tube style from before, surprised me.
It doesn’t make a huge amount of difference to me how I apply my lip balm. And as a dedicated beauty editor I hate to say it but… it’s just a lip balm guys.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Having said that though, given the choice I would choose the slanted applicator style. Because how is that messier than applying it with your finger?! The green cap on my Rose shade is an interesting choice but it’s not going to badly affect my day.
Squeezing it out of the applicator was harder than I thought – the balm is quite thick so takes a bit of muscle to squeeze it out, but this means zero spillage – bonus. Once I’d applied it to my lips, it spread easily and quickly and my lips felt super hydrating from the off, and for the foreseeable.
There is no fragrance to the rose flavour. I’ll be honest, I was hoping for a little hint of floral. But that’s ok, particularly for those who don’t like their balms to be heavily scented. The other thing I noticed straight away was that this is a balm consistency. There is no hint of a gloss.
You can tell I’m wearing it but in no way does it double up as a makeup product like some balms do because the flavour ‘Rose’ isn’t really tinted either. I mean, you can see a hint of rosey pink on my lips because that’s the colour of the formula, but I wouldn’t rely on this as a lip stain or tint (although I’ve heard some flavours are more tinted than others).
Yup, this is for balm lovers only and those who don’t want their hydration with a side of gloss. You’ll find none of that here, except for a slight shimmer in the Birthday flavour.
My mixed results
Applying a single layer of this balm every morning takes me right through to lunchtime. My lips feel nicely hydrated, and only a little bit sticky, but the thing I’ve noticed the most is that they also feel quite tingly, even after the balm has come off, and I don’t hate it.
The lack of scent is actually a relief after all as I can drink water without a side taste. The only thing is that once it has come off (please know it doesn’t wear off easily), whilst I can still feel the hydrating benefits, my lips don’t feel as smooth as I would like. They don’t feel tight or uncomfortable, they just don’t feel overly soft.
Image – Courtesy of writer
I didn’t experience any flaking or dryness after use though, which is the main thing, and my lips feel cocooned in goodness when I’m wearing it.
I’ve heard that some people have defected to the likes of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (£23 from Space NK UK /$24 from Sephora US) and Lanolips (£8.99 from Cult Beauty UK /$12.99 from Target US), two products I have also enjoyed using. But if I had to choose a favourite? Hands down, Summer Fridays.
What other users are saying
It seems the reformulation idea last year was a huge mistake as there are plenty of users who point out how happy they are it’s gone back its original state. “can’t express how happy I am the original formula is back,” says Rebecka H. “The new formula was simply awful, never EVER change the original formula again, it’s the best lip stuff there is.”
Some of the flavours have gone down better than others though. Emma says, “I love Balm Dotcom and I think the smells and flavours are lovely. I couldn’t wait to try the strawberry but sadly it’s the worst Glossier balm EVER. Tastes and smells like plastic. So artificial.”
While some fans have complained about the formula separating. Olivia A said, “After having this lip balm for nearly a month, it began to separate. The oil had separated and became a mess. It began to dry out my lips and burn them. Prior to this happening, it was a really great balm.”
Surprisingly, that review was written after the original formula had been brought back.
I have not experienced separation with it – yet. But would recommend keeping yours in a cool, dark place so that it has less of a chance of separating. For example, keeping lip balm in direct sunlight can affect its performance and consistency.
Overall value for money
At £16/$16, I think this is a pretty reasonable price for a lip balm, particularly one that’s made by a well-known cult brand. It’s not exactly a cheaper Nivea lip balm stick job, but it’s got more going for it than that, namely antioxidants and long-lasting wear. It should last you a while too since the formula is quite thick.
The takeaway
Will I use this again? Yes, definitely, although I much prefer the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm overall.
Balm Dotcom does do a great job of hydrating my lips although I would prefer more smoothness. The packaging really doesn’t offend me as it does others, and I don’t find the applicator messy at all, but I understand that everyone is different.
If you hate balms that try to be lip glosses, you don’t mind your balm not having any scent and you like a balm that cocoons your lips whilst you’re wearing it, then you may have just met your perfect match.
Get Glowing!
