The New Rhode Glazing Milk Is the Only Hydrator My Sensitive Skin Loves

Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give them a report card. (Check out all of our tried-and-tested faves here.)

The assignment…

To see if the products in Hailey Bieber’s skincare line are as hydrating and sensitive-skin-friendly as they claim, and if they deserve an official spot in my skincare routine.

What I tested…

• Glazing Milk: a milky essence that fortifies the skin’s barrier ($29)

• Peptide Glazing Fluid: a gel serum that hydrates for dewy skin ($29)

• Barrier Restore Cream: a cooling moisturizer that treats with peptides and antioxidants ($29)

• Peptide Lip Treatment: a lip gel that plumps, hydrates, and smooths ($16)

PSA: the new Glazing Milk launches on Rhode on June 15 at 12 pm EST, so set your alarms now. It’ll likely sell out.

Straight A’s in…

• Glazing Milk. When Rhode offered to send me the new product to test, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have incredibly dry, sensitive skin that often flares up when I introduce something new. This “essence” comes out stark white (no wonder they’re calling it milky) and has more of a serum texture than a traditional essence you might mist over your face. After patting it in, I was shocked to see how quickly my skin drank it up. I felt like I finally understood why Hailey Bieber describes her products as making your skin look like a “glazed donut.” “Is this witchcraft?” I said aloud to my other serums. The magic in this bottle comes from ceramides – three of them – and a magnesium, zinc, and copper blend, all of which hydrate, fortify, and protect your skin’s barrier. The other thing that sets this product apart is that, while it does contain hyaluronic acid, it didn’t irritate my skin. I’ve tried hydrating serum after serum, from the basic to the expensive, only to find that my skin tends to react to hyaluronic acid most of the time (which is a bummer since it’s the most commonly used hydrator on the market). It’s great for most skin types, but for those of us whose skin has a hard time tolerating it, it’s incredibly hard to find the right hydration booster. Think I’ve finally found the one.

• Layering. What strikes me about these products as a whole is their ability to work together, layering hydration without pilling in the slightest. I applied these on top of each other, on damp skin and dry skin. I tried them under my own favorite moisturizer, an extremely thick cream for hypersensitive skin, and not once did I feel like the previous steps hadn’t sunk in. I often see Hailey on TikTok adding layers of the Peptide Glazing Fluid on top of her other skincare and mixing it with foundation. I tried it and still no pilling. These ingredients just won’t quit…being absorbed by your skin.

• Routine overhaul. I’m a strong believer that many of us are doing too much to our skin. If you’re looking to simplify your routine and reset your skin barrier (a damaged barrier can cause acne), this line is a good place to start. Grab the full set, go a few weeks without exfoliating and only using these products (plus cleanser and sunscreen, of course), and see how your skin gets its natural glow back.

Room for growth…

• Availability. The problem with a celebrity skincare line is that products are often sold out due to the hype around them. If you find yourself in love with one of these products (me 🤝 Glazing Milk), you’ll need to set an alert when it becomes available, so you don’t have to go without it.

• Niacinamide awareness. Two of these products – Peptide Glazing Fluid and Barrier Restore Cream – contain niacinamide, an ingredient that’s supposed to soothe, reduce redness, and improve texture. But for sensitive skin, too much niacinamide can actually cause redness and irritation, especially when you’re using multiple products that contain the ingredient. My skin couldn’t handle using Peptide Glazing Fluid every day when paired with the moisturizer on top. I found that it worked better for me when used every other day or only on days when I wanted my makeup to be really dewy. As with trying any new product, start slowly, and see how your skin responds.

Plays well with…

• Your current skincare routine. Most likely the ingredients in these products will not conflict with the ones you’re already using. Never too much hydration.

• A bare skin look. I’d recommend these products for the-best-foundation-is-really-good-skin vibes.

Gets extra credit for…

• Minimalist packaging that made me want to keep these products sitting out on my shelf and vanity tray.

• All the skin products are fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin and can be seriously hard to find.

• Did you think I forgot about the lip treatment? It’s the icing on the cake. It plumps; it smoothes; it looks like a juicy lip gloss and comes in yummy flavors. What a treat.

How I did my homework…

• I have dry, sensitive, reactive, and redness-prone skin, and tested the four products available from Rhode (the new Glazing Milk, the Peptide Glazing Fluid, the Barrier Restore Cream, and the Peptide Lip Treatment) over the course of two weeks. I applied the products after cleansing on both damp and dry skin, via the recommended way (patting them in) and order (listed above). I also applied them out of order to see if they pilled. I noted any reactions or breakouts I had after testing these products. I saw redness on my cheeks and around my nose, likely due to getting over-eager with niacinamide. I noticed a small breakout on my forehead after using Peptide Glazing Fluid, probably due to my hyaluronic acid sensitivity.

Footnotes…

• Glazing Milk, $29 at Rhode

• Peptide Glazing Fluid, $29 at Rhode

• Barrier Restore Cream, $29 at Rhode

• Peptide Lip Treatment, $16 at Rhode