Glossier just returned to their original formulation of the cult-classic Balm Dotcom. Responding to tough consumer feedback, this move comes just a year after the relaunch of the lip balm as a vegan formula. Now, nearly a decade after the Balm Dotcom first debuted, it’s returning to shelves in its original formula.
Discover what led to the re-relaunch below.
The Cult-Classic Balm Dotcom
Launched in 2014, this nearly decade-old cult classic was beloved for its long-lasting, deeply moisturizing formula. It was made with lanolin (a byproduct of sheep’s wool), petroleum and beeswax, a formula tailor-made for extra chapped, dry lips in cold and unforgiving environments.
The Relaunch
The original Balm Dotcom was one of the brand’s four original products. And in early 2023, they announced a reformulation that would take the formula vegan and swapped petrolatum for castor jelly. Alongside that, they announced they would discontinue the cherry flavor, to the disappointment of fans.
Immediately, reviews started pouring in. Not everyone was upset—some were excited for the new applicator or the opportunity to try a vegan formula. Others were quick to point out the difference in the formula’s lasting power.
“Kind of frustrating to me that Glossier is advertising the new balm as improved and more hydrating when it is quite literally the opposite and dried my lips,” one commenter wrote on the Glossier subreddit. “A tube of the old formula used to last me forever, but my tube of the new lasted less than a month due to having to constantly reapply.
Another thread points out the new version of Balm Dotcom looks and feels less oily on the lips. But it isn’t nearly as effective as the original formula in cold environments.
“For me, I found the old version superior due to the lanolin, which is the best ingredient I have personally found for a lip balm lasting and actually making my lips feel moisturized,” explains a Reddit commenter. “I remember back when I lived in a snowy place putting it on while shoveling and it stayed put and my lips didn’t get chapped.”
The Re-Relaunch
It’s only been a little over a year since the launch of the vegan version of the lip balm. But Glossier clearly heard customer reviews and decided to return to the original formula for Balm Dotcom. I, for one, can’t wait to see the subreddit celebrate.
“Nothing beats the original,” announces Glossier. “The original formula of our cult-favorite, do-everything lip balm is officially back! Swipe on and celebrate with instant nourishment you can feel and taste.”
There’s no official word yet on the iconic cherry flavor. But we wouldn’t be surprised if another return was in the works.
