If you prefer your skin care with a side of glow, add the best Korean glass-skin products to your routine. The trend is one of the cornerstones of Korean skincare, and Glamour contributor Sarah has spent years learning how to achieve it. “Glass skin describes skin that’s so healthy, hydrated, and smooth that it looks poreless and almost translucent, like glass,” says Charlotte Cho, a licensed aesthetician and cofounder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam. “Hydration and nourishing your skin with barrier-loving ingredients consistently is what helps the glow radiate from within.”
My favourite glass-skin products, at a glance:
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- Our full reviews
- How we tested Korean glass skin products
- How do I get Korean glass skin?
- Can Korean glass-skin products be used for all skin types?
- Can you achieve glass skin with Korean products if you have oily skin?
- Can you get glass skin if your skin is dry or dehydrated?
- How long do you need to use a ‘glass skin’ routine to notice long-term results?
- What ingredients are best for glass skin?
- Which Korean serums are best for achieving glass skin?
- Meet the experts I worked with for this piece
According to the latest SpaSeekers annual report, there's a 140% search increase (!) in ‘Korean glass skin facial’ treatments for 2026. This year, K-beauty is moving towards ‘Glass skin 2.0’ and ‘Cloud skin’. The focus has shifted towards better skin texture and a satin finish, instead of anything overly dewy. Newer, innovative glass skin products are catching my attention, like liquid microneedling Korean moisturisers that use spicules, which are tiny needle-like particles popular in Korean beauty products. Routines have become more minimalist – with fewer and higher-performing ingredients.
But I, Fani, have combination-dry skin, and despite all of this, I know achieving Korean glass-skin isn't always easy.
In 2021, my fellow Glamour contributor Sarah tested an 11-step glass-skin routine for Glamour and embraced the glowy results. Since then, K-beauty formulas have gotten even more impressive. So, in the service of beauty journalism, Sarah tested TikTok-viral formulas, talked to dermatologists, and asked her favourite K-beauty experts to help curate an updated list of glass-skin essentials. I've worked with her and tested favourites on my contrasting Greek skin – also putting new launches under the microscope. Together, we're happy with this edit of glass skin cleansers, ampoules, and sunscreens that we don't feel can be beaten.
After something else? Discover the hottest K-beauty trends, and my ultimate Korean skincare routine.
How I tested the best Korean glass-skin products:
I, Fani, worked with fellow Glamour contributor Sarah on this piece. I made sure that we tested in the same way, so that our guide is trustworthy and research-backed.
“When reviewing each product, I make note of its ingredient list to determine which skin types it’s best for, whether it’s fragrance free, and its key benefits," Sarah Y. Wu told me. "I also consult with K-beauty experts and dermatologists specialising in Korean skincare to curate each list and help Glamour readers make the most informed decision.”
I followed Sarah's lead. I've been testing the Korean glass skin products featured in this guide for the past year (no quick-fixes here); the products I tested both focus on hydration, as I have combination/dry skin and I'm acne-prone. My top goals are keeping my skin nourished, soothed, and my skin barrier intact – so, for each product, I made a note of the top ingredients and key benefits for each product and analyse who can or can't use it. I noted whether the product irritated my skin, how it smelt, how it layered with other skincare products in my routine and whether it was actually effective.
Why you can trust me
I've been using K-beauty products since 2018 and have been adding to my (long) list of favourites since. For this piece, I spoke to two skin experts, knowledgeable about K-beauty and glass skin, who shared helpful tips on how to achieve it.
What's more, I have been working as a freelance journalist for over a decade, testing products, speaking to experts, attending beauty events and of course doing my own research by reading science papers and studies. I'm also a qualified facialist. My reviews are thorough and detailed, you can read about this affordable exfoliator that doubles as deodorant.
You can trust Sarah's recommendations, too. “Since my introduction to K-beauty brands in 2016, I’ve gravitated toward their innovative delivery systems and gentle efficacy. Over the years I’ve tested hundreds of the most popular launches, including snail mucin creams, cleansing oils, lip tints, and cushion foundations,” she told me. "I even spent three months in Seoul last year researching the latest emerging trends and viral Korean skin care launches.
“During that time, I talked to cosmetic chemists and brand founders about the best products for achieving that signature K-beauty glassy glow. I previously wrote about glass skin routines for Glamour in 2021, but I wanted to update this list with the latest Korean skin care essentials that have launched since then.”
Ahead, the very best Korean glass skin products to shop.
Best Korean Cleanser For Glass Skin: Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Deep Pore Cleansing Foam
This deep-cleansing foam is the perfect first step in your glass-skin routine. It’s formulated with a blend of soothing ingredients and gentle exfoliants to help refine skin texture and take down redness. “Salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), gently exfoliates your pores and regulates sebum production,” says Hwang Wonuk, MD, a cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul. This formula also contains antioxidant-rich heartleaf extract.
“It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory that soothes irritation,” says Dr. Hwang. Together, they target pores and balance sebum without stripping your skin barrier. “It’s excellent for oily or congested skin types that want clear skin without dryness,” he says. “It clears pores without compromising hydration or barrier integrity, which is key for achieving glass skin.”
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary likes to use this Korean cleanser on her oily skin because it lathers really well and helps pick up dirt and grease. “My skin was baby smooth and matte after I used it,” she says.
Save when you shop for the best Korean glass skin products with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best Exfoliating Toner For Glass Skin: Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Glamour editors love this popular Korean toner, known for its gentle yet powerful exfoliating effects. It contains a blend of three acids: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), and it’s also packed with sebum-targeting, calming ingredients like witch hazel and tea tree extract. “I notice I’m less oily when I keep this toner on rotation. The scent is subtle and herbal. I never feel like my face is raw or irritated after using, and it helps clear my clogged pores,” says Jenifer Calle, Glamour’s senior commerce editor.
Cho calls this toner “a great reset button for congested, acne-prone skin” that needs help getting back in balance. “If you’re looking for smooth, glass-like texture without irritation and are prone to breakouts, this would be my pick,” she says. While I wouldn’t recommend this formula for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin, it’s ideal for oily to combination skin types that want to target pores. As someone with combination skin, I like applying it on my T-zone to help keep my nose clear of blackheads.
Enjoy savings on the best Korean glass skin products with our exclusive Amazon discount codes, or shop more of the best rice toners.
Best Hydrating Toner For Glass Skin: I’m From Rice Toner
This K-beauty bestseller also made our list of best Korean rice toners. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York, previously told Glamour that this hydrating toner “contains 77.78% rice extract, which is rich in amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins to brighten and nourish the skin. It also contains niacinamide, a well-researched antioxidant beneficial for brightening, sebum regulation, and repairing oxidative damage.”
Cho also swears by this milky toner for instant dewy hydration. “It’s like a tall glass of nutrient-rich rice water for dry, parched skin,” she says. “It’s incredibly calming and gives an instant plumping effect. I love it for layering hydration when I’m chasing that juicy, radiant glow.”
The bottle I’m using here is the brand’s mini travel size, which I picked up during my K-beauty research trip to Seoul last year. Make sure you shake it up before use; while the dual layers aren’t immediately visible in the bottle, shaking allows them to fully combine and deliver the full range of their moisturising, brightening benefits. I’ve tested plenty of rice toners and remain impressed by how moisturising this one feels without leaving any greasy residue behind.
Best Essence For Glass Skin: Mixsoon Bean Essence
This hydrating essence is all over K-beauty TikTok, with hundreds of fascinated reviewers showing how the formula makes your skin naturally slough off as you rub it in. The secret: It’s made with fermented soybean and fruit extracts that create a natural exfoliating effect. “This essence is packed with fermented ingredients and amino acids that truly transform skin texture,” says Cho. “It leaves my skin cushiony and glassy, and it’s so innovative that it can be used as both a hydrating essence and a physical exfoliator in one.”
For the full exfoliating effect, you’ll need to work it in for at least a few minutes before your dead skin cells start clumping up. I focus on my nose area where I get clogged pores, rub until I see tiny specks of skin, then gently wipe it off with a toner pad. It also works great as a fast-absorbing, glow-boosting serum if I just apply a thin layer and don’t massage it in. When I visited the Mixsoon headquarters in Seoul last year, I learned that applying a layer of Bean Essence under foundation and concealer ensures an extra-smooth base, and I’ve been following this glass-skin tip ever since.
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Best Milky Toner For Glass Skin: Aestura ATOBARRIER365 Hydro-Essence
This essence-meets-toner is lightweight, milky and intensely moisturising. It soothes, hydrates and gives me glass skin in an instant.
I like to apply a few layers of this essence, in a ‘skin flooding’ kind of way, to ensure ultimate moisture.
This essence is perfect for sensitive skin (as it’s hypoallergenic) and dry skin, and it supports the skin barrier in the long-term.
It's packed with glycerin, urea, PCA and lipids, all of which are amazing for skin barrier repair. It’s also formulated with Aestura’s proprietary complex, BMF™ (Barrier Moisturising Factors) that includes amino acids, minerals, PCA, Urea, lactic acid and more good-for-your-skin ingredients. There’s also a lipid complex in the formula that includes lipids naturally available in our skin, like ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol, to support the skin in the long-term.
I really like how easily and quickly it absorbs into the skin; there is no sticky residue, and it gives me a good amount of hydration. The only thing I struggle with is that I have a hard time squeezing the bottle, so instead I kind of shake it over my palm. TBH, for the sub-£30 price, that's something I am more than willing to put up with.
Enjoy savings on the best Korean glass skin products with our exclusive Amazon discount codes.
Best Glass Skin Serum For Day: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
If your vitamin C serums feel sticky or smell like hot dog water, swap them out for this K-beauty favourite. This lightweight formula is formulated with Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract, also known as sea buckthorn berries, which studies show contain high levels of vitamin C. It’s blended with cica, or Centella asiatica, a popular ingredient in Korean skin care with proven soothing properties. Together, they create a powerful vitamin C serum that’s watery, lightweight, and effective.
This is the most frequently emptied product in my current Korean skin care routine. Ever since I discovered it two years ago, I’ve gone through a bottle every two months. This reformulated version contains an even higher concentration of Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract (63%) yet doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, absorbs in seconds, and visibly brightens dark spots from healed breakouts with regular use. Whether you want to target hyperpigmentation or boost overall brightness, this is a must-have.
READ MORE: The best Korean vitamin C serums, tested by our K-Beauty experts.
Best Glass Skin Serum For Acne-Prone Skin: Abib Glutathiosome Dark Spot Serum Vita Drop
Whether you’re dealing with active breakouts or post-pimple dark marks, this brightening serum will help soothe and fade both. It contains “brightening powerhouse ingredients glutathione and vitamin C, the top two trending and more effective brightening ingredients in Korea,” says Cho. “It’s become one of my go-to recommendations.” Along with the duo of brighteners, the formula also features niacinamide to help calm redness, soothe, and brighten – as well as barrier-friendly ceramides. Cho loves “the suspended capsules that break down easily once you spread them across your skin” and “how the finish is not sticky at all.”
I’m currently on my second bottle of this capsule serum, and I originally had doubts, since I usually gravitate toward pure vitamin C serums. But after emptying the first bottle, I get the appeal. The formula delivers a noticeable brightening effect with lasting hydration that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Plus, the melting capsules add a fun element if you’re into that kind of thing (I am).
Best Glass Skin Moisturiser for Dry Skin: CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
Snail mucin is one of K-beauty’s most popular ingredients. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, previously told Glamour that snail mucin (or snail secretion filtrate) is “rich in amino acids and hyaluronic acid,” giving it hydrating, repairing, and brightening benefits. This iconic moisturiser for dry skin is one of my favourite ways to get the benefits of snail secretion filtrate. It’s formulated with additional hydrating, soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and allantoin to create a cream that’s intensely moisturising. The texture is slightly bouncy yet lightweight and non-sticky.
It has an immediate, subtle plumping effect and feels beautifully refreshing. I usually layer it over the brand’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence for a double dose of snail mucin (and skin that’s visibly dewy and plump). “The lush, cushiony texture comforts my skin instantly,” says Cho of the barrier-friendly formula. “This cream is my slugging shortcut. The snail mucin locks in moisture, repairs skin, and gives that reflective, dewy finish.”
Best Glass Skin Eye Cream: Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum with Niacinamide
The delicate skin around your eyes deserves its own glass-skin routine. To keep your under-eye area smooth, bright, and hydrated, try this cooling Korean eye cream. Christina Chung, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania, previously told Glamour that it’s her go-to formula for travel: “The caffeine and niacinamide are a great morning pick-me-up for tired eyes or those that are having a lot of nighttime fun! The packaging is just perfect for when I’m on the go.”
I love this eye cream’s use of a cooling metal rollerball to instantly de-puff tired under eyes, helping me look more awake after a mini massage. The fast-absorbing formula contains green tea, an ingredient known for its proven anti-inflammatory properties. The watery serum texture spreads easily, sinks in fast, and layers well under concealer. I swear by this step to help brighten and smooth under eyes and complement the rest of my glass-skin picks.
Best Overnight Mask For Glass Skin: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
If you want a glass-skin mask that’s slightly easier to sleep in, try this Medicube clear gel that dries in 15 minutes to seal in the rest of your skincare routine. It’s so popular, the brand updated the packaging from translucent to opaque pink to stop customers from buying the countless counterfeits popping up online. (If you have an old version, don’t panic: Just check that it matches the brand’s official product images.) Dr. Hwang says this collagen-based mask is “suitable for dry or aging skin,” since it contains multiple hydrators. These “powerful” hydrating factors include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide, says Dr. Chang.
To apply, do the rest of your skin care routine first, then brush this on top to wrap your skin in moisture as you sleep. It balls up as I peel it off so I don’t feel like I’m taking a layer of my skin with it and makes my skin look more hydrated and glowy the next morning. You can also leave it on for a shorter amount of time if you choose and still reap the luminous rewards. Read also? The best Medicube products across every range.
Best Hydrating Pads for Glass Skin: Mediheal Watermide Moisture Pad
I discovered these pads in late 2024, thanks to TikTok. I'm happy to report that these viral pads have rightfully earned their status. At the time, they weren't as widely available as they are now, but after a few weeks' wait, my order arrived, and I put them to the test. I’ve been using these juicy pads since, whenever my skin needs a quick pick-me-up or as a makeup prep step. They instantly hydrate and moisturise my skin.
I like how versatile these pads are; they can be used post-cleansing, as a toner. My preferred way of using them is as a quick mask, as you can see in my testing video.
They are packed to the brim with the essence, and I keep them on my face for about 15 minutes. I then swipe the pads across my face and massage in the extra essence. I use these for intensive hydration, to soothe and to strengthen my skin barrier. The key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, 10 (!) different types of it, in various molecular weights. There's also glycerin, anti-inflammatory allantoin and a few different oils.
This Watermide version is perfect for my combination/dry skin, but they have a few more options to suit all skin types. I’ve heard great things about the collagen version.
Best Glass Skin Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen
Korean sunscreens are elite, and K-beauty brands have now begun innovating with FDA-approved sunscreen filters to sell in the UK. One of the best I’ve tried this summer is from Beauty of Joseon, the brand that made Korean sunscreen go viral on TikTok. This lightweight, moisturising formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, and rice extract for a finish that feels much creamier and more comfortable than you’d expect from your SPF. And it makes skin look impressively glowy. “Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and plumps the surface, creating the smooth, luminous effect associated with glass skin,” says Dr. Hwang. “It also supports barrier function, making the skin appear healthier and more reflective.”
My favourite thing about this glass-skin sunscreen is that it layers exceptionally well with makeup, from foundation to cushion compacts to concealer. And it has everything I want from my daily sunscreen, like broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and a water-resistant, noncomedogenic formula that doesn’t clog my pores.
Best Glass Skin Serum For Night: Laneige Perfect Renew 3x Signature Serum Advanced
This all-in-one serum is one of the best Korean retinols I’ve tried. The unique triple-chamber bottle houses an encapsulated retinol, a firming peptide, and a brightening flavonoid. Once you twist the bottle upward to release the applicator, all you have to do is pump once to combine all three into a retinol-spiked rainbow. Part of the fun is admittedly in how it looks and applies, but the formula is also packed with dermatologist-loved ingredients for firming, smoothing, and brightening. Along with retinol capsules, it contains peptides, ceramides, tranexamic acid, and ferulic acid.
I like that the three serums have been designed for simultaneous use, so I can apply multiple formulas without worrying about whether they can be used together. In testing, I found the formula to be lightweight and fast-absorbing. It also delivered a visible brightening effect on my overall complexion with regular use, all without unwanted irritation. Since it contains retinol, which can cause skin to be more sensitive to UV exposure, I keep this serum in my nighttime routine only.
Your Frequently Asked Questions, Answered:
How do I get Korean glass skin?
According to Cho, “The essential steps include a gentle cleanse, layering lightweight hydration in the form of toner or essence, and targeted treatments like exfoliation and serums.” You can also add face masks as needed. “Then the last step would be to seal it in with a moisturiser and SPF during the day,” she says. We cover all of these steps for different skin types on our list.
Can Korean glass-skin products be used for all skin types?
Yes! You’ll find recommendations for every skin type on our list, from dry to combination to acne-prone and sensitive. Our picks have also been reviewed by dermatologists, editors, and K-beauty experts with different skin types so you can find the right option for your complexion.
Can you achieve glass skin with Korean products if you have oily skin?
Yes, glass skin is possible for oily skin types too. “Glass skin isn’t about oiliness or dryness; it’s about clarity, hydration, and smooth texture,” says Dr. Hwang. “With the right balance of lightweight hydration and sebum control, even oily skin types can achieve a glass-like glow.” We recommend trying lightweight, sebum-friendly products like the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Deep Pore Cleansing Foam, Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, and Mixsoon Bean Essence.
Can you get Korean glass skin if your skin is dry or dehydrated?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you can’t get the glass skin effect if your skin is dry or dehydrated, unless you target that first.
“The skin barrier needs to be optimised so it naturally retains high levels of moisture within the skin. This is very different from simply layering on heavy moisturisers, oils or products to make the skin appear hydrated, when underneath, it may be dysfunctional. Healthy, functioning skin is plump, smooth and internally well hydrated” says Dr. Jonquille Chantrey.
“Glass skin isn’t about having oily skin, it’s about deep, sustained hydration and a healthy barrier. If your skin is dry or dehydrated, the key is layering lightweight hydration so moisture can build gradually, rather than relying on a single rich cream,” says Mina Lee, Korean-born skincare expert, facialist and product developer. An essence is generally a helpful way to plump and add hydration to the skin. “I often recommend something like Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Essence because it feels incredibly lightweight but helps restore that plump, smooth quality that creates the glass-like reflection” adds Mina Lee.
How long do you need to use a ‘glass skin’ routine to notice long-term results?
For long-term results, you need to be consistent with a routine for at least four weeks. While temporary glow can be seen instantly with the right products; “True glass skin is something that develops with consistency” says Mina Lee.
It’s important to follow a specific personalised protocol, explains Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, who advises her patients on specific routines that focus on healthy skin barrier function. “Skin can change with health, hormones, seasons and stress so we adapt a routine quickly to keep the beautiful glass skin result,” she adds.
“If you are using hydrating and barrier-supporting products daily, you’ll usually begin to notice smoother texture and more clarity after a month or so,” says Mina Lee. “It’s less about chasing quick results and more about building a routine your skin can rely on gentle cleansing, layered hydration, and products like Neal's Yard Remedies Oat & Ceramide Barrier Repair Cream that support balance over time,” she adds.
What ingredients are best for glass skin?
In terms of ingredients, focus on humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin and niacinamide that refines the skin’s texture.
In-clinic facials that combine acids such as salicylic, glycolic, lactic, and mandelic to exfoliate and remove dead cells, can be helpful explains Dr. Jonquille Chantrey. Similarly, treatments like polynucleotides, micro needling with radio frequency and light and laser therapy are great, she notes.
“Remember, layering inactive serums and creams might look good for a few days, but it won’t create the real K-Beauty glass skin that lasts. That needs strategy and guidance from a medical expert who understands your specific skin needs” she adds.
Which Korean serums are best for achieving glass skin?
The best Korean serums for glass skin should target dullness, hyperpigmentation, and texture. Our top picks are the Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum for daytime use, Laneige Perfect Renew 3x Signature Serum Advanced for nighttime use, and Abib Glutathiosome Dark Spot Serum Vita Drop for acne-prone skin.
Meet the experts:
| Hwang Wonuk, MD | Cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic. |
| Y. Claire Chang, MD | Board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm. |
| Charlotte Cho | Licensed aesthetician and cofounder of Then I Met You. |
| Christina Chung, MD | Board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology. |
| Dr. Jonquille Chantrey | Surgeon, published global thought leader, founder of ØNE aesthetic studiø in Alderley Edge, and podcast host of ‘AgeLess with Dr Jonquille Chantrey’. |
| Mina Lee | Korean-born skincare expert, facialist and product developer, with a studio in London. |
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
