8 Cheaper Alternatives for Glow Recipe Watermelon Niacinamide Dew Drops

Are you a fan of Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Niacinamide Dew Drops but find them a little too expensive or fragrant?

If this is the case, you’ve probably started your search for an alternative.

Look no further!

In this blog post, I cover:

• What is so good about the Glow Recipe Watermelon Niacinamide Dew Drops and what to look for in a replacement;
• All reasons why people look for Glow Recipe alternatives;
• Eight similar products to the watermelon Glow dew drops that are worth your attention.

Why do people love the Glow Recipe Watermelon Niacinamide Dew Drops?

The Glow Recipe Dew Drops are an internet sensation.

Without a doubt, the product is a staple for the brand.

What makes it so unique is that it is a fun, yet highly effective combination of makeup and skincare.

When applied, it gives an instant glowy finish to your skin – a glazed donut. Your skin looks dewy, radiant, and healthy.

At the same time, it also works long-term to improve skin tone and refine the look of your pores. It does so with the help of niacinamide, watermelon extract, and hyaluronic acid.

Niacinamide is the star ingredient of this serum. It evens out skin tone, repairs the skin barrier, controls sebum production, and brightens the skin. It can even help reduce the appearance of pores while soothing the skin.

Watermelon, on the other hand, is full of antioxidants, while hyaluronic acid is known for its hydrating and moisturizing abilities.

Although loved for a lot of reasons, perhaps the best part about the Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops is the instant glow that it gives.

Unlike other products that may leave your skin feeling greasy or weighed down, this product achieves a natural-looking shine that resembles a full routine. You can just put that on and feel ready for the day – it’s perfect for those days when you feel dry, dehydrated, and dull.

What’s more, this serum doesn’t use pearl or mica, which is an important part of the majority of the product’s user base – people concerned with modern-day problems such as fair and healthy work conditions, slavery, poverty, environmental impact, and more.
Mica is known to cause health troubles for the workers who are involved in the process of creating it.

In summary, the Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops are a staple for those looking for an instant glow and long-term skin benefits.

Why look for an alternative for Glow Recipe Dew Drops?

There are two leading reasons why you may want to find a Glow Recipe Niacinamide Dew Drops alternative – price, and personal preference.

The drops cost around $34 for a standard serum bottle, which is more than the cost of many alternatives on the market.

In addition, you might need a product that can specifically cater to the needs of a particular skin type – say oily or overly dry. Or may want to steer clear of any fragrance, and the Dew Drops are well-known for their refreshing scent.

In the Glow Recipe Watermelon Niacinamide Dew Drops replacements below, I offer replacements that are ideal for oily skin, or sensitive skin, or can even be used as primers under makeup, making it last much longer than usual.

8 Glow Recipe Watermelon Niacinamide Dew Drops Alternatives

So let’s dive straight into it. Here are the top 8 Glow Recipe niacinamide drops alternatives that I managed to discover and that I think to deserve your attention.

Top choice: E.L.F. Jelly Pop Dew Primer

The product I think most resembles Glow Recipe’s Dew Drops (from what I’ve tried so far) is the E.L.F. Jelly Pop Dew Face Primer.

This is a versatile product with a multitude of benefits for your skin.

At an affordable price of $10 and a size of 1 oz or 30 ml, this primer boasts similar key ingredients as the Niacinamide Dew Drops, such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for reducing skin troubles, and watermelon extract for antioxidant support.

You simply cannot go wrong with this – the price won’t allow it to.

And the actual effects upon application are very similar to what I get with the Dew Drops.

Let’s look under the cap.

Benefits:

• The formula and finish are very similar to the Glow Recipe drops;
• The product is infused with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate or SAP, a sodium salt form of vitamin C. It acts as an antioxidant giving an additional, and well-appreciated brightening boost. It helps smooth wrinkles and reduces pigmentation, and is one of the vitamin C alternatives that can help you deal with acne.
• The formula also contains retinyl palmitate, which is a form of vitamin A that is a combo of retinol and palmitic acid. It protects the skin against UVA light, and offers anti-aging properties, yet is weaker than other retinoids, making it safe for sensitive skin.

What we like:

• I love the e.l.f. primer’s sticky, gel-like texture. It does work well as a primer and prolonged the life of my makeup. At the same time, it did give a nice healthy shine to my skin, which is what I look for in a Dew Drops alternative;
• One of my favorite things about this alternative to the Dew Drops is the price. It’s so much more affordable than the Glow Recipe product, yet offers similar results;
• I also have to mention the slight watermelon scent, which I adore.

What to have in mind:

If you’re looking for a fragrance-free product, scroll further down because this one has a scent to it, although very mild.

Essence Hello Good Stuff Glow Serum Primer

Another alternative that comes pretty close to a Glow Recipe Niacinamide Watermelon Dew Drops is the Essence Hello Good Stuff Glow Serum Primer.

It’s a reliable gel-textured base that’s suitable for all skin types. I find that it comes pretty close to the Dew Drops in terms of texture, feel, and even after-effects.

You can find it for around $7 in a bottle of 1 oz or 30 ml. In my opinion, it’s the ultimate solution for achieving hydrated, dewy skin.

Benefits:

• Just like the original, this primer is infused with niacinamide and watermelon extract to give you all the skin-loving benefits of the Glow Recipe’s product;
• The formula is also rich in sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which I discussed above – a form of vitamin C that is super effective against breakouts;
• The primer is water-based but there’s glycerin almost at the top of the list to give your skin the hydrated look that you’re after.

What we like:

• The final skin glow result is extremely similar to what the Glow Drops give, yet the price is noticeably lower and one that couldn’t be missed;
• The product is vegan and cruelty-free, and there’s no irritating alcohol in the formula which will be appreciated by my sensitive-skinned friends;
• Just like the Dew Drops, this primer hydrates the skin perfectly without leaving behind any greasiness;
• It perfectly fulfills the role of a primer and keeps your makeup intact for longer.

What to have in mind:

• The one thing that I didn’t like is the scent in this – it does smell chemical-y and is not fresh at all.

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum – Propolis+Niacinamide

This next replacement for the Glow Recipe Watermelon Niacinamide Dew Drops is the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum.

It comes in a bottle of 1 oz or 30 ml and costs around $20.

This serum is a bestseller in the category of niacinamide-based products, and no wonder – Koreans know how to formulate a gentle, yet effective product, especially one that gives an instant glow (FYI, Glow Recipe is also a Korean skincare brand).

Benefits:

• The product formula is developed in a base of 59.94% propolis, which has been used for centuries to hydrate and fight acne. It offers outstanding anti-inflammatory benefits.
• The formula also contains 2% niacinamide for oil and moisture balance, helping reduce skin tone darkening and balancing oil and water contents in your skin. It’s a great percentage of niacinamide to have in your skincare as most studies that show niacinamide’s effectiveness has been done in concentrations of 2-5%, with 2% being the less irritating for many folks with extra sensitive skin.
• 0.5% betaine salicylate is also part of the ingredient list, which clears sebum from pores and helps prevent breakouts. This is supported by tea tree extract in the formula – a famous natural antiseptic and antimicrobial ingredient.
• Tamanu oil contains lots of fatty acids and locks in moisture, acting like a barrier. It’s especially helpful for acne, eczema, and scars as it helps to fade them faster.

What we like:

• The serum has an amazing honey-like texture that adds moisture without feeling oily or sticky. It gives you an instant glass skin look while supporting your skin long-term.
• After a few applications, I could certainly tell the difference as my pores were reduced and much cleaner. If you apply makeup after the serum you’ll notice that it looks much smoother and dewier than before.
• I also love how soothing this serum is. It calms my skin after a flare of breakouts and manages to keep redness at bay. It’s free of irritants such as fragrance, mineral oil, alcohol, and essential oils.

What to have in mind:

• The consistency of it is on the thicker side – it takes a while for the skin to soak it up. I suggest you apply it on damp skin to increase its spreadability and help it settle in faster.

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid

Next up, the INKEY list polyglutamic acid is one of the best alternatives I’d recommend for people with super oily skin.

It costs around $15 and also comes in a bottle of 1 oz or 30 ml.

Officially marketed for people with dry skin due to its powerful hydrating capabilities, it works wonders for dehydrated skin too as it restores skin moisture without being too heavy.

It doesn’t contain niacinamide (which is the key ingredient in the Glow Recipe serum), but it does deliver the same glow and dewy look, so if you’re after just that – this one’s for you.

Benefits:

• This product blurs fine lines and wrinkles, creating the perfect makeup canvas while enhancing your skin’s moisture levels and evening out your skin tone.
• Unlike hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid can hold up to 4 times more moisture, locking in hydration and leaving your skin appearing instantly smoother.
• It’s very lightweight and can be used as a primer as it gives a nice healthy-looking plumpness to your skin.

What we like:

• The texture is perhaps one of the first things I appreciated about this product. It’s extremely lightweight and silky.
• The moisture level this product provides is superior to most other alternatives I’ve tried, due to the polyglutamic acid mentioned above.
• I used it as a primer under foundation and I loved the results. My foundation looked flawless without the typical cakey or patchy appearance. Nothing pilled, which is always a great thing.
• I also discovered that it works miracles for the under-eye area to prevent creasing.
• The polyglutamic acid by the INKEY is much more affordable than the original Glow Recipe serum, costing around $15.

What to have in mind:

• The product is fragrance-free, but it does have a slight raw chemical scent to it that you’ll probably need time to get used to.

Naturium Niacinamide Serum

The Naturium Niacinamide Serum is ideal for people with excessively oily skin, or breakouts, or those of you searching for a solution to seborrheic dermatitis.

It comes in the same size as all previously mentioned alternatives (1 oz or 30 ml) and costs around $17. You can also find it in a larger version of 2 oz or 60 ml for around $30.

This serum is a powerful treatment for breakout-prone skin that gives your skin a nice softness and smoothness with just a few uses.

The only thing it doesn’t give you – glass skin.

Benefits:

• The concentrated and potent formula contains niacinamide (12%) and hyaluronic acid, just like the original Glow Recipe product. This concentration of niacinamide will be appreciated by those of you suffering from persistent breakouts that don’t seem to go away.
• Enriched with Zinc PCA (2%), which is a highly moisturizing molecule, the serum provides hydration while limiting the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria.
• This product is great for refining the complexion and minimizing the appearance of post-acne marks.

What we like:

• This one comes in an easy-to-use pump bottle and you only need a pea-sized amount, which goes a long way.
• I did notice a positive change in my complexion after a few uses and oil production was certainly regulated. Acne scars started fading in a few days and were significantly diminished at the fort week of consistent use (both morning and night).
• The fact that the concentration of niacinamide is higher than in most other alternatives. People with rosacea and eczema report significant improvement in their conditions.

What to have in mind:

• This will not give you the same glow that the Glow Recipe’s Dew Drops.
• This one’s more appropriate for oily skin types, and people prone to acne breakouts.
• Some skins can react poorly to the high concentration of niacinamide in this product. If you know that you’re sensitive to niacinamide, perhaps skip this one and check The INKEY list or some of the other alternatives in this article.

Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Serum

The Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Serum is yet another replacement that you can get your hands on if you’re looking for nice dewy, glazed skin.

It’s not as expensive as the Glow Recipe Dew Drops and it costs around $29 for a 1.7 oz (50ml) pump bottle.

If you’ve followed Hailey Bieber for a while, you know she knows her skincare, and this product doesn’t miss the mark.

It’s designed to plump, hydrate, and support a healthy skin barrier.

And yes – it does glaze your skin.

Benefits:

• The formula is created with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, like the Glow Recipe dew drops. There’s also glycerin in the top part of the ingredient list which promises a higher concentration of this moisture-loving ingredient.
• It also contains peptides that visibly pump and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
• The product is further enriched with marula oil, which contains lots of fatty acids and supports and softens the skin barrier.

What we like:

• I love the lightweight, gel-like texture of this serum. My skin drank it up quickly and didn’t feel weighed down. This makes the product ideal for those that don’t have much time to wait for products to sink in.
• This serum is an ideal basic product that you can think of as a staple in your routine. It’s pretty much suitable for all skin types but it will be most appreciated by combo or oily folks like myself.
• The product is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and essential oil-free, which is always a plus, especially for people with sensitive skin.
• I saw results in my skin after the first use. My face looked glazed and illuminated.

What to have in mind:

• Because of the extremely lightweight texture, the serum can feel watery. Although this is not necessarily a negative feature, people with dry skin will not find this product that impressive.
• When compared to the Glow Recipe dew drops, this serum is also not much more affordable, as it sells for around $30.
• Unfortunately, you can’t find this product anywhere else online but on the Rhode website. If you happen to find it elsewhere, please, do drop me a line!

Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum

This next alternative to the Dew Glow Drops by Glow Recipe is a hydrating serum that can act as a great primer for those of you into makeup.

It’s enriched with diamond powder and several other illuminators that give your skin a glowy look.

Its price is around $32, and the size is 1 oz or 30 ml., so that’s not far off from what Glow Recipe charges for their Dew Drops.

The serum gives intense moisture to the skin while promoting a more balanced oil-to-water ratio. The texture is slightly tackier which in combination with the hydrating abilities of this serum helps to achieve a nice smooth canvas for your makeup while extending its life.

Benefits:

• The glow in this product is due to the diamond mineral powder, tin oxide, mica, and several other colorants. This contributes to the overall glow effect and the particles in this are so tiny, you can barely see them, yet they illuminate effectively.
• It’s rich in ceramides, glycerin, diglycerin, betaine, and several other components that support the skin barrier and offer deep hydration.
• There are several antioxidants in the formula. These helpful compounds will protect the skin from oxidative damage. And the turmeric extract will work in the long term to brighten your overall complexion and give that same glow but from within.

What we like:

• The serum does make the skin look dewy and hydrated immediately after application. There are a ton of moisturizing ingredients here, so normal to dry skin types will most likely love it!
• There’s no fragrance, essential oils, and drying alcohol in the formula, so sensitive skin folks know that the chance of irritation is minimal with this product.
• This doesn’t feel heavy at all, my oily-prone skin liked the product.

What to have in mind:

• Due to its primer abilities, it does feel a bit sticky on the skin, which some of you may not love. You can also experience a bit of makeup peeling if you go overboard with it.
• This one doesn’t use niacinamide and other key ingredients that are part of the Glow Recipe formula. This means that although effective in terms of hydration, you won’t see the same benefits as with the Dew Drops.

Glossier Futuredew

The last alternative on this list is the Glossier Futuredew – another product that comes in a bottle of 1 oz or 30 ml. You can find it for around $26.

This dewy skincare-makeup hybrid is designed to give you the perfect glowy look that makes the skin look as though it has just received a complete treatment.

Packed with several oils including squalane, jojoba seed oil, evening primrose oil, and grape seed oil, it hydrates, plumps the skin, and illuminates.

It’s the perfect solution for dry skin, but can also be used by different skin types.

Benefits:

• This alternative is formulated with tin oxide, mica, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides, which help the skin achieve that instant glow effect and also offer some protection against blue UV light, albeit nothing like a proper SPF.
• The formula is very moisturizing and rich in squalane and sodium hyaluronate, which gives the hydration that your skin craves but without making it look greasy or clogging the pores.
• You can use it both under and over makeup to boost your appearance. It doesn’t peel, making it the ideal base.
• A small portion of the product goes a long way, especially if you apply it to high points of the face instead of the whole facial area. That’s how I’d recommend it to be used by the oily folks in my audience.

What we like:

• I love the fact that the product initially appears in a peachy color but it perfectly blends into the skin becoming fully transparent. It gives a healthy glow, nothing too much – it doesn’t make the skin look glittery or weighed down (to the point of oily). Instead, it neatly illuminates your complexion.
• My skin didn’t feel sticky or tacky after applying the product, I love the perfect natural feel of well-hydrated skin.

What to have in mind:

• If your skin is already dewy or if you have excessively oily skin, you may want to patch-test the product to see how much you’ll need.
• Just like in the previous substitute, there’s no niacinamide here, meaning that it won’t deliver such powerful and long-term effects as the Glow Recipe Dew Drops.

There we have them – the eight Glow Recipe Niacinamide Watermelon Dew Drops alternatives that I was so excited to share with you.

If you’ve used some of these products or you’ve discovered another similar product that you feel is worth sharing with the world, don’t be shy! Leave a comment in the comments sections below and get your stories, experiences, and feedback out in the open. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And if you enjoy finding similar alternatives of popular skincare products, maybe you should check my list of Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment alternatives, or my alternatives to the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil-Eliminating Foaming Cleanser.