Watermelon Glow face serum: what it does and how to use it

What is in Watermelon Glow serum?

The formula combines niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, with watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid and moringa oil. Its lightweight gel emulsion absorbs quickly. The reflective finish comes from the emulsion and moringa oil rather than mica, glitter or pearls. Dew Drops contains fragrance, at less than 0.5% of the formula.1

What does niacinamide do for your skin?

Topical niacinamide has clinical support for brightening skin, improving signs of ageing and protecting the skin barrier. The barrier is the outer layer that helps retain moisture and keep irritants out. Niacinamide can improve barrier function by reducing water loss, making it useful for hydration as well as appearance. These are benefits of the ingredient generally, rather than a reason to expect every niacinamide serum to perform identically.234

Niacinamide may make pores look less noticeable by helping skin stay smoother and clearer, but nothing has been proven to reduce their actual size. A serum can make pores look less noticeable, but it cannot negotiate a new pore size. Niacinamide may also help regulate oil production, which is relevant if you want hydration without adding to an oily appearance.3

How do you use it in your skincare routine?

1. 1Cleanse gently before applying your skincare.
2. 2Apply one pump of Dew Drops as your serum.
3. 3Follow with moisturizer. Glow Recipe directs you to use this serum before moisturizer.
4. 4Repeat morning and evening if your skin tolerates it. If your skin is sensitive, introduce niacinamide slowly rather than starting twice daily immediately.

Dew Drops is not a substitute for sunscreen. Niacinamide does not work as a sunscreen and does not prevent sunburn.4

How do you use it with makeup?

Choose the application that matches the finish you want. Dew Drops can sit on either side of makeup, which is unusually flexible employment for a serum.5

• For an all over dewy base, apply one to two pumps as the last skincare step before makeup.
• For a more reflective foundation finish, mix a drop into foundation before applying it. Glow Recipe also gives mixing directions for bronzer and blush.
• For a targeted highlight over makeup, pick up a little serum with your ring finger, dab off excess on the back of your hand, then tap it onto the high points of your face.
• For a layered highlight, pat a drop beneath complexion makeup and apply powder highlighter on top.

Can you use it around your eyes?

Dew Drops has been ophthalmologist tested for use around the eyes. Glow Recipe gives two options: use it beneath concealer as a hydrating base, or dab a pea sized amount onto the centre of the eyelid and blend outward for a glossy finish.5

How long does it take to work?

The dewy finish is immediate; brighter, smoother looking skin is a gradual goal. For context, a trial of a different moisturizer containing 2% niacinamide found reduced oil production after four to six weeks. Research using 5% niacinamide found improvements in pigmentation, texture and fine lines over 12 weeks. Those timelines give context for the ingredient, not a deadline for Dew Drops.14

Dew Drops contains 2% niacinamide, while some research on dark spots uses 5%. Choose Dew Drops for its combination of hydration, a reflective finish and niacinamide rather than expecting the same dark spot results as a stronger formula.13

Who does it suit, and who should be careful?

Glow Recipe positions Dew Drops for all skin types, including oily and acne prone skin, and has tested it on sensitive skin. It is a useful option if you want a lightweight hydrating serum that also supplies a dewy makeup finish. If avoiding fragrance is a requirement for your routine, choose a different serum.5

Niacinamide is generally gentle, but it can occasionally cause itching, redness, mild burning or an allergic reaction. Before introducing it, apply a small amount to your forearm and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction. Stop using the serum if it causes those symptoms rather than treating irritation as part of getting results.3

Can you use it with vitamin C or retinol?

General niacinamide guidance allows pairing it with vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and moisturizers containing ceramides. You do not need to add these ingredients to use Dew Drops. Check how many products in your existing routine already contain niacinamide, and avoid stacking several niacinamide products at once.3

How long can you keep an opened bottle?

Dew Drops has a shelf life of 12 months after opening. Note the opening date so you can track that period.5