We Asked 2 Dermatologists To Review Hailey Bieber’s New Skin-Care Line—Here Are Their Honest Thoughts

Hailey Bieber has the type of skin that typically requires an artful layering of makeup (and 45 minutes of free time) to achieve. She’s become the poster child for dewy complexions, and she really did just wake up like that—she doesn’t even wear foundation. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that any time she gives her followers a glimpse into her beauty routine on social media, millions of people tune in hoping to steal her secrets. But with the launch of her new skin-care brand, Rhode Beauty, replicating her radiance has never been easier.

The line, which launched on Wednesday after months of anticipation, is dedicated to delivering “efficacious intentional skin-care essentials” that nourish your skin barrier. With three products—a lip balm, serum, and moisturizer—the routine is simple and streamlined, and focuses on overall skin health in lieu of the usual quick fixes we’ve become accustomed to seeing from celeb-backed brands.

Your skin barrier is your skin’s first line of defense against the elements. When it’s compromised, your skin becomes inflamed, which can lead to a whole host of problems including dryness, sensitivity, and acne. In order to keep this protective layer functioning properly, you’ll want to take a gentle approach (which means no harsh cleansers or aggressive exfoliation) and keep your complexion well-hydrated.

With Rhode, Bieber has given you the tools you need to do exactly that. It takes a “less is more” approach to skin health, with the idea that if you keep your skin healthy from the get-go, you won’t need to spend 10 additional steps trying to fix whatever skin concerns may pop up in the process. And the best part? It does it all for under $30 a pop.

The products

Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid — $29.00

The breakdown

Bieber’s skin is regularly compared to a glazed donut, so it makes sense that this “glazing fluid” is the hero product in her line. It features peptides, hyaluronic acid, and marula oil to hydrate and plump skin, plus niacinamide for antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory benefits.

The review

I know that this serum offers legit long-term effects, but it’s the instant gratification it delivers that already has me in love with it. It’s got a lightweight, jelly texture that makes me excited to apply it to my face (it feels so nice!) and makes my skin look immediately brighter and more radiant. Even after it sinks in, it leaves behind the sort of “glazed” look that Bieber has us all striving for. It’s no wonder it’s already sold out (don’t worry, you can join the waitlist).

Rhode Barrier Restore Cream — $29.00

The breakdown

Moisture is key to the health of your skin barrier, and this cream delivers it in spades, thanks to a combination of shea butter and plant-based squalane. It’s also got niacinamide to help calm any existing inflammation, peptides to plump and strengthen skin, and antioxidant-rich açai to protect against environmental stressors.

The review

The way I want to describe this product sounds oxymoronic, but here goes: It’s ultra thick, but also happens to be one of the sheerest, smoothest moisturizers I’ve ever applied. It comes out of the tube looking like a cream, but turns into a sort of jelly as it’s absorbed into your skin. It’s admittedly a little sticky at first, but gives skin a nice, moist glow for hours after application.

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment — $16.00

The breakdown

Rhodes’ lip treatment employs the plumping and hydrating benefits of peptides and shea butter to give you “pillow-y soft” lips. It’s part gloss, part lip treatment, and can be used as a mask (Bieber recommends applying a thick layer and letting it sit for 10 minutes) for extra plumpness.

The review 

If “dewy lips” are what you’re after, this stuff will help you get them. It feels glossy, but not sticky, on your lips, and keeps them feeling hydrated even after that finish has worn off. It’s totally sheer, which means that you can wear it during the day to enhance your natural lip color or at night without feeling like you’re going to bed with lipstick on. The watermelon and salted caramel flavors smell and taste like lollipops, which I love, but if that’s not your thing there’s an unscented option as well.

What do derms think?

“I think her line is nicely made—she certainly has chosen some key ingredients to support the efficacy of her products,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “… Overall, I give it a thumbs up.”

Peptides are the star of the show in Rhodes’ marketing materials (two of the three products even have the word “peptides” in their names), and get the derm stamp of approval. “There are various types of peptides that are found in skin care, and I’m not totally clear on which ones are being used in these products, but generally speaking, I find them to be a great addition to most people’s skin-care regimen as well, primarily because of their efficacy in increasing collagen and elastin formation, essentially ‘anti-aging.'” says Dr. Nazarian.

She also name checks niacinamide, an anti-inflammatory that improves hyperpigmentation and hydration; plant-based squalane, which aids in moisturization; and hyaluronic acid, a “moisture magnet for drawing hydration into the skin” as three of her favorite ingredients in the formulas.

“There also seems to be a number of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients which neutralize free-radical damage, meaning it’s a great product if you live in highly polluted areas or areas where there’s a lot of environmental stressors,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Topical antioxidant such as Açai [which is included in the line] can help minimize premature aging due to free-radical damage.”

However, Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Francisco, raises a few red flags on some of Rhodes’ other ingredients. She notes that cupuaçu oil (which the brand says “helps maintains skin elasticity improving suppleness for dry and dehydrated lips”) and babassu oil (which the brand says is a “rich, natural source of lauric acid to support the microbiome and replenish overall skin moisture”) are not well-studied enough to back up these claims. She also notes that shea butter may be too thick for some skin types, and cautions against using oil-based ingredients like marula oil and shea butter, as they may clog pores.

Overall, though? We’re big fans.

If you’re still wondering WTF a peptide is (and why you can benefit from having them in your routine), check out the video below. 

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