For legal reasons, the TikTok famous-phrase “bullying works” is a joke. Bullying doesn’t work (and we do not endorse it), but asking nicely for something often does—as is the case with Glossier’s newest launch, which was requested so many times that the brand finally (finally!) gave in.
In February 2023, Glossier updated their beloved, paint-tube reminiscent Balm Dotcom lip balm ($14) with a mess-free, angled tip and brand-new vegan formula. While devotees of the “universal skin salve” liked the tip just fine, they much preferred the old, lanolin and beeswax-filled formula—and made their distaste abundantly clear.
“Glossier has been built by, for, and with our community since the very beginning, so listening to the community is paramount—and that still holds true ten years into our journey as a brand,” Kleo Mack, Glossier’s Chief Marketing Officer, tells Byrdie, explaining why, after much Instagram comment begging, the original formula of Balm Dotcom ($14) is making its grand return, paired up with the new mess-free tube for the ultimate application experience.
Ahead, everything you need to know about Balm Dotcom’s nine-flavor original formula relaunch. Yes, it’s exactly like you remember it. Only maybe better? You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.
The Inspiration
“Glossier’s Balm Dotcom was a game changer when it launched as much as it is today, I think of it as ‘the balm that launched 1,000 balms,'” notes Mack, who absolutely credits the Glossier community for inspiring the return of the original formula. “Our community’s feedback is something we never want to take for granted, it’s special and rare to be at a brand that commands this much attention and elicits this much emotion out of people. We’re incredibly grateful for our community’s engagement and feedback.”
Just last month, Glossier teased/tested the waters by reintroducing the original Balm Dotcom formula in a summer-y strawberry flavor. Unsurprisingly, it sold out in a flash. Now, eight more classics are joining its jammy ranks: the sugary-sweet and holographic Birthday; floral and pink-tinted Rose; fresh and slightly coral Wild Fig; beachy and untinted Coconut; floral, herbaceous, and sheer-purple Lavender; juicy, peachy-rose Mango; and—of course—the versatile, untinted, fragrance-free Original.
The Formula
When Glossier changed their product a little over a year ago, they had good reason for the updates—namely a 100% vegan formula. Still, nothing beats a classic.
Key ingredients of the OG formula include conditioning lanolin (an oil that nourishes, moisturizes, and provides the beloved texture), castor seed oil (a plant-based oil with fatty acids and unique water-binding properties to help keep moisture locked in), beeswax (a naturally-derived emollient that leaves lips feeling cushiony and non-sticky), and the brand’s Phyto-Antioxidant Blend, which features vitamin E, rice bran, and rosemary extracts to help combat free-radical damage and support and maintain the integrity of delicate lips.
Dubbed a “universal skin salve,” Balm Dotcom is the ultimate multitasker.
“Yes, you can use it on lips, but we all find ourselves using it on our cuticles, cheekbones, really anywhere that needs a little moisturizing attention (even hair flyaways).” notes Mack. “It’s an easy, uncomplicated product that meets your needs (and flavor preferences/cravings!) wherever you are on your journey. People have fallen in love with the unique sensorial experience of each Balm Dotcom flavor, you wouldn’t believe the fan mail that each balm has inspired (paintings, drawings, poetry, etc.).”
And while the new OG isn’t going away anytime soon, it could very well sell out—if you can’t go another day without the original formula, make sure to grab your tubes early.
“The response to the launch of Strawberry Balm Dotcom has been incredible, selling out in less than a week! We hope our community is just as excited for the return of the OG formula in all the other flavors,” the CMO adds.
They (we) are.
You can shop the Original Formula Balm Dotcom now for $14 at glossier.com.