If you’ve been scrolling through beauty blogs, Instagram, or TikTok, you’ve likely come across the “glass skin” trend. This look, originally popularized in South Korea, is all about skin that’s so smooth, clear, and luminous it almost appears as reflective as glass. The effect is dewy, hydrated, and healthy—essentially, a dream complexion. Wondering how to achieve it? Here’s everything you need to know about getting that sought-after glass skin glow.
What Exactly is “Glass Skin”?
Glass skin is essentially a high level of skin clarity and hydration. The goal is to create a complexion that appears poreless, plump, and radiant. Rather than covering up with makeup, glass skin emphasizes skincare, layering hydrating and nourishing products to achieve a natural, lit-from-within glow.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
Double cleansing is key in Korean skincare, ensuring that skin is completely clean and free from impurities that might dull its shine. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and excess oil, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove remaining dirt and residue.
- Product Pick: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
This balm is gentle, hydrating, and effective at melting away makeup without stripping the skin. - Product Pick: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
A favorite for its gentle formula, this second cleanse leaves skin soft, hydrated, and ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Exfoliate Gently
Gentle exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh skin underneath. Opt for a mild chemical exfoliant, like lactic acid or glycolic acid, to brighten and smooth the skin. Avoid harsh scrubs, as these can irritate and damage the skin barrier.
- Product Pick: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This cult favorite uses salicylic acid to unclog pores, reduce texture, and leave the skin glowing. - Product Pick: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
A gentle exfoliant, lactic acid helps to slough off dead skin without causing irritation.
Step 3: Tone and Hydrate
Using a hydrating toner is a crucial step in Korean beauty. Toners prep the skin for the products that follow and add a base layer of hydration. Look for a toner that’s alcohol-free and formulated with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rose water.
- Product Pick: Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Loved for its calming, hydrating formula, this toner balances skin pH and provides a perfect layer of moisture. - Product Pick: Laneige Cream Skin Refiner
A toner-moisturizer hybrid, this product deeply hydrates while keeping skin soft and supple.
Step 4: Essence for Extra Hydration
An essence is a lightweight, hydrating liquid packed with nutrients. It helps the skin better absorb the rest of your skincare products and provides a boost of moisture and radiance. Essences are the unsung heroes of glass skin routines.
- Product Pick: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
A legendary essence, it’s known for its ability to transform skin texture, thanks to its concentration of Pitera, a unique ingredient full of vitamins and amino acids. - Product Pick: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
This essence is beloved for its ability to hydrate, heal, and plump the skin, helping to achieve that glass-like finish.
Step 5: Layer Hydrating Serums
For glass skin, hydration is the main focus, so layering serums is essential. Opt for serums with hyaluronic acid, peptides, or niacinamide to plump, brighten, and nourish the skin. Hyaluronic acid, in particular, attracts moisture to the skin, giving it that plump, dewy look.
- Product Pick: Vichy Minéral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This serum has a high concentration of hyaluronic acid and mineral-rich water to boost hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. - Product Pick: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Great for brightening and evening out skin tone, niacinamide is perfect for a glowing, smooth finish.
Step 6: Lock It In with a Moisturizer
For a truly dewy look, use a lightweight but deeply hydrating moisturizer. Creams with ingredients like squalane, ceramides, or glycerin help lock in all the hydration and seal your serums, creating a smooth, luminous finish.
- Product Pick: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
This rich moisturizer is packed with peptides and amino acids to strengthen, smooth, and hydrate the skin. - Product Pick: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Affordable and effective, this gel-based moisturizer hydrates deeply without feeling heavy.
Step 7: Finish with a Facial Oil or Overnight Mask
To achieve that ultimate glass-like finish, seal your routine with a facial oil or an overnight mask. Oils help lock in moisture, while overnight masks provide an intensive treatment, allowing your skin to soak up hydration while you sleep.
- Product Pick: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
This luxurious cream gives skin an immediate glow, leaving it soft, smooth, and perfectly dewy. - Product Pick: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
A beloved overnight mask, it provides an intense hydration boost, ensuring you wake up to plump, glowing skin.
Bonus Tips for Maintaining Your Glow
- Stay Consistent: Glass skin doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency is key, so keep up with your routine and give it time to show results.
- Hydrate Inside and Out: Drink plenty of water to support your skin’s moisture barrier, and consider using a humidifier, especially during the winter months.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliating: While exfoliation is essential, overdoing it can irritate the skin and cause dryness. Stick to gentle exfoliants once or twice a week.
Final Thoughts
Achieving glass skin is all about layering hydration and embracing a simplified, nourishing approach to skincare. With a little dedication and the right products, you can bring out your skin’s natural radiance and enjoy that coveted “glass” finish. So why not give it a try? A luminous, dewy complexion is just a few steps away.
