Bubble skincare: is the cult gen Z brand really worth the hype? (2024)

If you're on TikTok, chances are you'll be familiar with Bubble Skincare. The new Gen-Z focussed skincare brand has completely blown up over the past year, offering gentle skincare options for those (particularly younger) consumers who want to bolster their skincare routine – without falling victim to aggravating ingredients and skincare actives that they might not need.

But is Bubble Skincare actually any good? Below, one beauty editor tries out the range – to discover whether its products deserve a place in your skincare arsenal…

Bubble Skincare review

As a beauty journalist, I've tried a lot of skincare products – from science-packed gadgets to eye-wateringly expensive face creams – and I'll be honest, when Bubble Skincare first landed on my desk, I eye-rolled and wrote it off as a brand trying to appeal to kids.

But after a recent bout of perioral dermatitis (a skin condition that is often triggered by the use of too many skincare actives) I actually looked into the Bubble Skincare range – as their gentle, nourishing formulas are exactly what my skin needed, post recovery.

Bubble Skincare’s packaging is vibrant and fun, clearly designed to catch the eye of a younger audience scrolling through social media. However, it’s the formulas that are actually refreshingly impressive. The ingredients lists are simple and focus on balancing and hydrating the skin barrier rather than overwhelming it with potent actives.

1/ Bubble Fresh Start Gel Cleanser

I started with the Bubble Fresh Start Gel Cleanser. Its lightweight gel formula felt refreshing and left my skin feeling clean but not stripped, a crucial factor when dealing with a compromised skin barrier. Unlike many cleansers marketed to teens, it didn't contain any harsh surfactants or fragrances, which can often lead to irritation. Instead, it utilises gluconolactone – a powerhouse PHA (polyhydroxy acid) – that works to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin, even out tone and texture, and remove excess oil. Because of its gentle nature, it’s even perfect for those with sensitive skin.

2/ Bubble Bounce Back Balancing Toner Mist

I'm not usually one for a toner but I decided to give the Bounce Back Refreshing Toner a go and was pleasantly surprised. This toner is packed with soothing ingredients like witch hazel and aloe vera. It provided a calming effect and helped to remove any excess make-up or cleansing residue without the tight, dry feeling that some toners can cause.

3/ Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Cream Moisturiser

The Slam Dunk Hydrating Cream Moisturiser was my next step – and probably the hero of the entire range. True to its name, it offered a hydrating boost without feeling heavy or greasy. It includes calming ingredients like aloe, avocado oil, and vitamin E, making it perfect for sensitive or irritated skin.

4/ Bubble Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask

Finally the Bubble Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask is a gorgeously rich and nourishing moisturiser that really helps to plump and soothe the skin overnight. Gentle exfoliators ensure it's not pore-clogging while arnica helps soothe any redness – a real skin treat.

The verdict:

After just a couple of weeks of use, my skin felt more balanced and hydrated, with fewer flare-ups of irritation. Bubble Skincare's emphasis on gentle, nourishing products was a much-needed break for my over-treated skin.

In a market saturated with products promising miraculous results, it's easy to get swept up in trends and overuse potent ingredients that can end up doing more harm than good. Bubble Skincare provides a refreshing approach by prioritising the health of the skin barrier – which is only a good thing: not only for those with young, delicate skin – but people of all ages.

Sometimes, less is more. And for teenagers and children, starting with such products might just be the best way to cultivate healthy skin for the long term.

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