Exclusive: cocokind Just Launched A New Slugging Balm & It's The Best Formula That I've Tried

Ever since slugging took over the skin care space, occlusive balms have become far more elevated. No longer must you slather on a petroleum-laced product to create a thick, sluglike barrier. Instead you can find a plethora of options infused with non-greasy plant-based occlusives to lock in moisture and leave you dewy—all without making a mess of your pillow. 

But these updated balms play double duty: They simultaneously replenish the skin barrier with healthy lipids (as opposed to those traditional jelly salves, which really just sit atop it to keep precious water locked in). Think of it like slugging 2.0. 

A quick refresher: Slugging is a skin care technique where you slather on a heavy-duty occlusive as the last step of your nighttime routine to prevent transepidermal water loss (when water literally evaporates from your skin). That said, the slugging balms of today often feature silky, antioxidant-rich oils to help seal all that water inside. 

Instead of mineral oil (or beeswax or lanolin, which are common occlusive alternatives), cocokind's formula features sugar-cane-derived squalane, which is known for maintaining the skin's moisture barrier. In fact: "Squalene is a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in your skin. It plays a role in skin hydration and barrier protection," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., once said regarding the ingredient. "Squalane is a cousin to squalene that can be produced in the lab from botanical sources. Squalane can give similar emollient benefits to its cousin squalene."

It also includes oat kernel oil, which is like colloidal oatmeal's supercharged cousin: As board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., previously told mbg, "The lipid component of colloidal oatmeal is oat oil." The actual oil is extracted from the seed kernels of the Avena sativa or oat plant. Nothing against colloidal oat extract—it's a wonderful anti-inflammatory ingredient—but when you apply oat oil, you're literally feeding the skin those targeted, soothing lipids. 

I have combination skin, which means I tend to accrue oil on my chin and around my nose, yet I remain painfully dry everywhere else. My forehead notably appears parched during the chillier months, thanks to the brutal NYC winds and my apartment radiator; I once even mistook my dehydration lines for premature wrinkles. True story! 

I love cocokind's rich yet non-greasy formulas (their Resurrection Polypeptide Cream is also a winner in my book), so I was super excited to test this recovery balm ahead of launch. Rather than applying as an allover slugging balm, though, I targeted my roughest areas: my forehead, neck, and décolletage. I also applied some balm on my lips, for good measure (because, yes, lip slugging is a thing you should be doing). 

Come morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find my skin looking supple and hydrated. It felt so soft, in fact, that I kept running my fingers over it in disbelief. The results are really that good. My forehead lines also looked way smoother—practically nonexistent. I kept the balm on my desk with me during the day, too, to rub over my cuticles and replenish my lips. Remember: This is a multipurpose balm that delivers hydration all over, and my hands could certainly use the extra love.