Korean skincare is one of the most talked about – and it’s easy to see why. From buzzy ingredients like snail mucin, centella asiatica, and heartleaf, to viral products like essences and ampoules, the K-Beauty industry has redefined skincare routines everywhere. But one trend has stood out more than any other: glass skin. With its smooth, radiant, and near-translucent glow, this Korean skincare trend has taken over our FYPs and beauty shelves alike.
So, how do you achieve it? A glass skin routine is all about hydration and layering the right products – and the results are worth every step. We’ve broken it all down for you: the routine, the must-have products, and the glow-inducing ingredients you need. Let’s get you started.
What is Glass Skin?
The clue’s in the name: glass skin describes a complexion so flawlessly clear, smooth, and luminous that it literally looks like polished glass. It’s characterised by skin that’s deeply hydrated, evenly toned, and glowing with a natural, lit-from-within radiance. The ultimate goal is a complexion that feels velvety soft to the touch, with minimised pores, no visible blemishes or dullness, and a healthy, dewy finish that looks almost translucent. Achieving this coveted “glass skin” effect requires commitment, consistency, and the best Korean skincare products – but trust us, the radiant results are more than worth the effort.
How Do You Get Glass Skin?
Glass skin doesn’t happen overnight. But with a simple routine focused on hydration and layering the right products – similar to a Korean skincare routine – you’ll start to see real results. Follow these five simple steps below to kickstart your glass skin journey:
1. Double cleanse
2. Exfoliate
3. Hydrate
4. Moisturise
5. Protect
5 step glass skin routine
We’ve broken down a simple but super-effective glass skin routine, packed with product recommendations and expert tips to help you achieve ultra-dewy, glowy skin. Follow these steps consistently, and your complexion will be glassy, luminous, and clear.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
Double cleansing is the foundation of achieving glass skin – it removes impurities, unclogs pores, and preps your skin for everything that follows. Start with a gentle Korean cleansing oil, like the Purito Seoul From Green Cleansing Oil, to effortlessly melt away makeup, SPF, and dirt. Then, follow up with a water-based cleanser like the SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam to deeply cleanse and refresh your complexion. Think of this as creating a clean slate for the rest of your skincare routine, ensuring your face is perfectly prepped to absorb all the hydrating ingredients coming next.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is another key step to achieving that smooth, glass-like finish. Clearing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores, it reveals the fresh, radiant skin beneath that’s ready to absorb all the hydrating products to follow. To avoid irritation, choose a gentle exfoliant suited to your skin type. For sensitive skin, we recommend the haruharu wonder Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum, which soothes while it smooths. Or, if you prefer a low maintenance method, reach for the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0; pre-soaked pads that refine texture and tighten the look of pores with minimal effort. Most Korean exfoliants can be used daily or a few times a week, depending on your skin’s needs and barrier strength.
Step 3: Hydrate
Hydration goes hand-in-hand with glassy, glowing skin. After cleansing and exfoliating, apply a hydrating serum or ampoule to deeply replenish moisture and strengthen your skin barrier. The Belif Super Drops – Multi-7 Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum delivers intense hydration with seven types of hyaluronic acid, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and supple. For extra benefits, try the Black Rice Hyaluronic Botanical 2GF Wonderful Ampoule from haruharu wonder, which not only hydrates but also boosts elasticity and soothes irritation. And for a deeper moisture boost, use an overnight mask like the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask to lock in hydration and wake up with visibly fresher, glowing skin.
Step 4: Moisturise
Seal in all that hydration with a Korean moisturiser that plumps, smooths, and deeply nourishes your skin. Look for glow-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to keep your complexion dewy and balanced. The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream is perfect for calming and strengthening the skin barrier, especially if you’re prone to sensitivity or redness. For a richer, more luxurious option, try TirTir’s Ceramic Cream, packed with ceramides to lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling firm, bouncy, and radiant. Whether you prefer something lightweight for day or richer at night, these moisturisers help take your glass skin glow to the next level.
Step 5: Protect
Complete your glass skin routine with a hydrating SPF. Daily sun protection is essential for maintaining your glow and shielding your skin from sun damage, dark spots, and premature ageing. Korean sunscreens are especially loved for their lightweight textures and added skincare benefits. The viral Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is a perfect example, delivering SPF50+ protection while soothing and hydrating with rice extract and probiotics. For a fresh, barely-there feel, try the Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream, which offers long-lasting moisture without any greasiness. Whichever you choose, SPF is a non-negotiable step for keeping your skin radiant and protected.
Skincare ingredients for glass skin
Achieving glass skin is all about layering the right products packed with powerhouse ingredients. These essentials are known for their ability to deeply hydrate, plump, and smooth, helping you unlock that clear, luminous, and flawless-looking complexion. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, dullness, or uneven texture, these key ingredients have got your glow-up covered:
Hyaluronic Acid: A moisture magnet that draws water into the skin, leaving it visibly plump, dewy, and hydrated, especially ideal for dry or dehydrated complexions.
Niacinamide: A multitasking hero that helps minimise pores, smooth texture, brighten skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Vitamin C: A radiance-boosting antioxidant that fades dark spots, evens out skin tone, smooths fine lines, and promotes collagen for a healthy, lit-from-within glow.
Centella Asiatica: Also known as cica or tiger grass, this calming ingredient soothes redness, reduces irritation, and supports healing, perfect for sensitive skin types.
Snail Mucin: A K-beauty staple packed with hydrating, repairing, and rejuvenating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, peptides, and collagen. It helps restore bounce, smoothness, and an overall glow.
How to maintain your glass skin
Getting glass skin is one thing, keeping it is another. Alongside your skincare routine, a few simple lifestyle habits can help you maintain that radiant, smooth, and hydrated glow every day. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Stick to your routine: Consistency is key. Follow your skincare steps daily, especially cleansing, hydration, and SPF, to keep your glow going strong.
Protect your skin from the sun: Wear SPF every day, reapply regularly, and avoid direct sun exposure to prevent dullness, dark spots, and premature ageing.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump, clear, and naturally glowing from the inside out.
Get your beauty sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep a night to allow your skin to repair, regenerate, and wake up looking fresh and luminous.
Don’t over-exfoliate: Too much exfoliation can damage your skin barrier and lead to irritation or dullness. Stick to 1–3 times a week to keep your glow without overdoing it.
