Dr. Whitney Bowe is a New York-based dermatologist, scientist, and regular contributor to Good Morning America who’s called on regularly for her deep knowledge on all things skin health.

She and I have been Instagram friends for years. I first was introduced to her when she released her book, “The Beauty of Dirty Skin,” which I read and loved for its revolutionary idea that we need dirt—good germs, particularly—on our skin to keep it at its healthiest.

In the years since, she’s totally blown up on Instagram, TikTok, and TV, and I just love seeing her be able to spread actual good info and advice on skin care everywhere she talks.

When her team reached out to let me know she had launched her line and wanted to send me the products to try, naturally, I was stoked. There are few people I would say I trust absolutely outright when it comes to skin care, but Dr. Bowe is one of them.

I’ve been using both of the products from the line for a little less than a month, so let’s talk all about it: how it works, honest thoughts, how it’s different than other products in my lineup, and a review.

Let’s dive in!

3D Skincare and the Ingredients in Dr. Whitney Bowe Skin Care Line

“3D skincare” is the philosophy that Dr. Bowe works by. Basically, it’s a holistic way to get great skin—treating yourself from the inside (i.e. gut) out.

The idea is, when you pay attention to your gut health, it will show in all parts of your body, including in glowing, healthy skin.

That’s the principle this line was based on. As of the time of publishing, it’s comprised of two products: a moisturizer and a drinkable elixir, which is an antioxidant- and polyphenol-rich concentrate you add to water every day.

We talk all about this in the podcast episode, but basically, Dr. Bowe said she wanted to start her line with products that will work for everyone–products that improve your skin barrier so it’s more receptive to active ingredients as well.

What is Dr. Whitney Bowe’s Bowe Growe?

I have to admit, this is the part of the line that appealed to me most, mainly because it’s so unique.

Skincare is almost always a topical game—you apply the products onto your skin, and then wait for results. But Bowe Growe works from the inside out.

Basically, Bowe Growe is a skin-enhancing concentrate that you drink every morning. With this elixir, you’re taking in polyphenols, an ingredient that Dr. Bowe says feeds the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract, in turn producing other health benefits.

“[These] plant based bio nutrients are incredible for nourishing the gut microbiome. … I put in eight different sources of polyphenols, and I use the clinically studied doses that actually have been shown to support skin health.”

It’s super simple to use, and it actually tastes really good! Just put two droppers full (or around 20 drops) of the berry-colored concentrate into your morning water, and enjoy! It’s sweetened with monk fruit, so it tastes great.

I look forward to drinking this in the morning. It’s the first thing I do after taking my first morning supplement, and it’s so good—lightly sweet and really quenches my thirst after waking up.

 

This moisturizer makes up the other half of the Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty line.

Bowe Glowe is a deeply hydrating, yet quick-absorbing lotion that is packed with ingredients that immediately soothe your skin.

Here are some of the highlight ingredients: prebiotics (think of these as things that “feed” probiotics—they help keep them alive!); postbiotics; squalene; ceramides (these provide deep nourishment for the skin); and hyaluronic acid.

It’s also pH-balanced and fragrance free. I’m not opposed to skincare with fragrance per se, but I always like fragrance-free better, so I loved that about this line.

What Makes Dr. Bowe Beauty Different from Other Skincare Lines?

In short, the science and clinical research Dr. Bowe and her team put into it really set this line apart.

On their site, you can see the results for yourself, but basically they measured both hydration levels on the skin before and after using their regimen, and there is objective proof that these products—especially when used together—give your skin a measurable boost in hydration.

For all the skincare lines out there, this is the one of the few I’ve used that’s been able to prove effectiveness like this, which as a consumer I find really reassuring. No more wasting money on products without knowing if they’ll actually work!

 

You guys know I have tried lots of skincare, and to be honest, products that don’t impress me simply don’t make it onto the blog.

First things first: This is a great basic skincare foundation routine. My skin immediately looked better hydrated—fewer fine lines, specifically—literally within days of using both products in tandem.

I say it’s a great foundation line because you’re not getting majorly active anti-aging ingredients here, like retinol or a Vitamin A ingredient, acids, etc. But that’s not to say it’s not worth it.

The most essential part of good skin is having a strong, healthy skin barrier.

You can’t go treating other issues like wrinkles or spots without having the strong skin to support it. And that’s where this line comes in.

My Current Skin Concerns and How Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Has Helped

I don’t know what’s going on with my skin lately, but it’s been looking more red than normal.

I never really had an issue with sensitivity, but about seven months back, I did two strong facial treatments within a week of each other, and all of a sudden my skin looked, and stayed, red and irritated. Also, I haven’t really been able to get rid of the hyperpigmentation, even now.

So I’ve been spending the last half year prioritizing gentler products that can help get my skin back to normal. And that’s where these products have been absolutely amazing.

First, the cream. When I use it, my skin feels immediately quenched. And even though I thought it might just be in my head, the clinicals back it up.

Dr. Bowe’s team measured the skin’s natural protective barrier and even after an hour of a single application, everyone showed a “clinically measured increase in skin hydration.”

As for the elixir, I also noticed a glow in my skin when drinking the elixir in the morning. I know that sounds crazy, but I did. I will not start a day without this anymore. When we recently went to Pittsburgh to visit family, I left my bottle at home and truly felt my skin didn’t feel as hydrated or look as glowy.

Is the Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Line Worth It?

To me, yes. Everyone’s skin has different needs, but here are a few reasons you might want to try:

You want to build up your skin barrier.

If you’ve used a ton of actives lately (retinols, acids, etc.) and want to nourish your skin and calm it down, this would be an amazing way to do it. The lotion is deeply hydrating, and on its own would be a great basic moisturizer to add to your routine.

You want to boost your gut health.

Again, this isn’t typically the purview of skin care lines, but that’s what sets this line apart. It is actually improving your overall health, while having the great side benefit of improving your skin. Like I said, I got my first bottle for free, but I will be repurchasing.

You want clinical-backed skincare.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t ever buy a skincare product that doesn’t have rock-solid clinical research behind it (in that case there would be very few to choose from!), but if you want to spend your money wisely, knowing you’re purchasing things that actually work, these products fit the bill. I can tell you, not many lines sink money and research into their products like Dr. Bowe did, so I feel comfortable using these knowing they have all the science they need to support their claims.

Hope this review was helpful! DM me with any questions you might have. I love talking beauty. 🙂