Experiment Softwear 4D is a limited-edition lip treatment in a cool, opalescent taupe, the holiday shade of the brand's three-in-one balm. It costs $16 at Sephora US, which currently lists it as Only at Sephora. An Instagram launch report gives 30 October 2026 for Sephora Rouge members and 31 October 2026 for all clients.
Updated 31 October 2026: Sephora US's listing no longer shows the Rouge-only restriction, in line with the reported 31 October opening for all clients. 4D isn't on sale on Experiment's own site yet.
Experiment's other recent launch is the Experiment Glycerin Discovery Skincare Hydration Set, a hydration-focused skincare set.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Brand | Experiment |
| Product | Softwear Hydrating + Exfoliating Lip Treatment, shade 4D |
| Release date | 31 October 2026 for all Sephora US clients, as reported (no official date announced) |
| First access | 30 October 2026 for Sephora Rouge members, as reported |
| Price | $16 (US) |
| Availability | Listed at Sephora US; not yet on sale on Experiment's site |
| Shade | 4D, cool, opalescent taupe |
| Finish | Sheer tint, dewy, iridescent |
| Size | 10 ml / 0.34 fl oz |
When Did the Experiment Softwear 4D Launch?
Experiment hasn't announced an official release date. The brand's "Limited Edition Softwear" page went up on 16 October 2026 and describes a holiday shade as coming soon. An Instagram launch report says Rouge members got access from 30 October 2026, followed by all clients on 31 October 2026. On 30 October, Sephora's page told shoppers "You must be Rouge to access this product". On 31 October that message was gone. Sephora doesn't print either date.
Price
Softwear 4D costs $16 at Sephora US, the same price as the permanent Softwear shades on Experiment's site. Experiment's own 4D page doesn't list a price yet, and no UK or other international pricing has been found.
Experiment Softwear Permanent Shades vs 4D
| Shade | Type | Price | Listed at |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4D | Limited edition | $16 | Sephora US |
| Zero (clear) | Permanent | $16 | Experiment |
| Null | Permanent | $16 | Experiment |
| Byte | Permanent | $16 | Experiment |
| Void | Permanent | $16 | Experiment |
All are part of Softwear, a formula on Experiment's site since 18 March 2024, so 4D adds a new shade rather than a new formula. Experiment says Softwear shades "act as modulators that deepen, mute, or amplify your lips' natural tone" and can be worn alone or layered over a lip combo. Neither Sephora nor Experiment has said how long 4D will stay on sale.
Where to Buy
- US: Sephora ($16, item 3010360; labelled Online Only in Sephora's search). Experiment has a "coming soon" page with no price yet.
- UK: Not yet confirmed.
- International: Not yet confirmed, including Canada and Europe.
Checked 31 October 2026: listed at Sephora US with no Rouge restriction showing; not yet on sale on Experiment's site. On 30 October 2026, no listing was found at Ulta US, Cult Beauty, Space NK, Sephora Canada or Sephora France.
What Makes the Experiment Softwear 4D Different?
- Shade: Sephora's swatch shows a brown-taupe balm with sparkling opalescent flecks, and its callouts list a sheer tint and an iridescent effect.
- Packaging: Sephora's gallery shows a silver-grey tube with a red-brown Experiment logo and a "Limited Edition" sticker, plus a gift-style shot with a sheer ribbon tied around the box and tube.
- Access: Sephora's listing carries "Limited Edition" and "Only at Sephora" badges, while Null, Byte, Void and Zero are in stock on Experiment's site.
Formula and Packaging
- Softwear 4D: Sephora describes a dual-phase, cushiony, non-sticky formula that gently exfoliates, softens and protects dry, flaky lips. Its highlighted ingredients are water and glycerin for hydration, squalane and pomegranate sterols for the lip barrier, and hydroxycaprylic acid, a gentle AHA. Sephora lists it as vegan, fragrance free and cruelty-free, with flavor- and scent-free callouts.
Sephora's listing cites an independent 1-week instrumental and perception study of just 14 people. It reports a 27% increase in hydration 24 hours after a single application, while 85% saw reduced roughness and flaking after 1 week of daily use and 100% said lips instantly felt hydrated and nourished.
Sephora suggests using it daily or laying it on thick as an overnight mask.
For more from the brand, see our Experiment coverage or browse all skincare launches. Other lip treatments we've covered include Marin Skincare Mini Lip Treatment Sets and OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Scandi Candy Peptide Lip Treatment.
Sources
- Sephora US: Experiment Softwear Hydrating + Exfoliating Lip Treatment with Squalane + AHA, shade 4D
- Experiment: Limited Edition Softwear
- Experiment: Softwear
- Instagram launch report
Post a Comment