If you prefer your skin care with a side of glow, add the best Korean glass-skin products to your routine. It’s one of the cornerstones of Korean skin care, and I’ve 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 esthetician based in New York City 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.”
In 2021 I 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, I tested TikTok-viral formulas, talked to dermatologists, and asked my favorite K-beauty experts to help curate an updated list of glass-skin essentials. Below, the cleansers, ampoules, and sunscreens worth adding to cart.
The best Korean glass skin products, at a glance
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Best Cleanser: 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 it 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.
Best Exfoliating Toner: Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Tone
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Glamour editors love this popular Korean beauty 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.
Best Hydrating Toner: I’m From Rice Toner
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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 moisturizing, brightening benefits. I’ve tested plenty of rice toners and remain impressed by how moisturizing this one feels without leaving any greasy residue behind.
Best Essence: Mixsoon Bean Essence
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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.
Best Serum for Day: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
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If your vitamin C serums feel sticky or smell like hot dog water, swap them out for this K-beauty favorite. 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.
Best Serum for Night: Laneige Perfect Renew 3x Signature Serum Advanced
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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 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.
Best Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Abib Glutathiosome Dark Spot Serum Vita Drop
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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 it 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 Ampoule: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Ampoule
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A cross between hydrating essence toners and skin-boosting serums, ampoules are a popular step in Korean skin care routines. The texture can vary from watery to thick but typically packs the same amount of powerful ingredients you’d expect from your favorite serum. This luxurious ampoule is a worthy investment if you want to plump, firm, or smooth mature skin. It features multiple forms of the ingredient Sulwhasoo is most known for, ginseng. “Panax ginseng root extract supports collagen production and skin vitality,” says. Dr. Hwang. This ampoule pairs ginseng actives and ginseng berry extract with ginseng peptides, which he says helps “improve firmness and smooth fine lines.” It also contains a classic hydrator, glycerin, which gives “lasting hydration and enhances glow.” According to Dr. Hwang, this ampoule is best for “patients in their 30s and beyond who want antiaging benefits without sacrificing that luminous, youthful sheen. The ginseng and peptides target deeper skin renewal, while the texture leaves an instant dewy finish.” It’s also a great pick for revitalizing “fatigued skin,” he says.
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
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Snail mucin is one of K-beauty’s most popular ingredients. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York, 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 moisturizer is one of my favorite 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 moisturizing. The texture is slightly bouncy yet lightweight and nonsticky. 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 Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Parnell Cicamanu Gel Cream
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Oily types can get glass skin too. The trick is finding a moisturizer that creates a dewy, hydrated finish without turning greasy midday. Our top pick is this soothing gel cream from Parnell, which has a refreshingly lightweight texture that sinks in fast. Dr. Hwang says this formula’s key ingredients help soothe and support your barrier without overloading your skin. If you’re on the dry side, you can also apply a thicker layer as an overnight sleep mask. “Centella asiatica extract soothes irritation and supports repair, honey and lactobacillus ferment provide antibacterial support, and ceramide NP and hyaluronic acid hydrate and support barrier function,” he says.
This gel moisturizer also works well for acne-prone skin. “It’s formulated for sensitive or inflamed skin needing glow without irritation,” says Dr. Hwang. “The ingredients reduce inflammation and reinforce your barrier function for smooth, dewy skin.” Honestly, all skin types can enjoy the benefits of this Korean moisturizer; just apply less if you’re oily and more if you’re dry.
Best Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen
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Korean sunscreens are elite, and K-beauty brands have now begun innovating with FDA-approved sunscreen filters to sell in the US. 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, moisturizing 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 favorite 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 Eye Cream: Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum with Niacinamide
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The delicate skin around your eyes deserves its own glass-skin routine. To keep your undereyes 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 depuff tired undereyes, 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 undereyes and complement the rest of my glass-skin picks.
Best Sheet Mask: Biodance Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask
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“Sheet masks and overnight masks dominate the [K-beauty] market right now,” says Dr. Hwang. Among the many options, Biodance’s color-changing hydrogel masks took over TikTok for its dramatic effects after a single use. Made to be worn for three to four hours until the gel turns from white to clear, these masks leave your skin with an impressively reflective glow. The brand’s latest version of its hydrogel mask, a collaboration with creator Yuri Lee (@skincarewithyuri), features K-beauty’s trendiest ingredient, PDRN (which is derived from salmon DNA). “PDRN supports tissue repair and improves skin texture,” says Dr. Hwang, who offers PDRN injections at his clinic. The supporting ingredients also help enhance glow. “Caviar extract is rich in amino acids and peptides to nourish skin and sodium hyaluronate hydrates and plumps the skin’s surface,” he says.
Both Dr. Hwang and I are fans of the immediate results. “This mask delivers a visibly smoother and plumper appearance after just one use,” he says. “It’s a great option for skin that feels tired or dull, especially after travel or sun exposure. I often use this the night before big events—it creates a hydrated, glassy finish by morning and works well as a recovery treatment after more intensive procedures.” I wear one while I work from home and remove it after a few hours. Of all the Korean masks I’ve tried, this one gives the bounciest, glowiest finish.
Best Overnight Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
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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 skin care 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. Like the Biodance mask, you can also leave it on for a shorter amount of time if you choose and still reap the luminous rewards.
Frequently asked questions
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 moisturizer 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, Mixsoon Bean Essence, and Parnell Cicamanu Gel Cream.
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.
How we tested the best Korean glass-skin products
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. 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. 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. I also consult with K-beauty experts and dermatologists specializing in Korean skin care to curate each list and help Glamour readers make the most informed decision.
Meet our experts
- Hwang Wonuk, MD, cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York
- Charlotte Cho, licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skin care brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer
- Christina Chung, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania
