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Achieving the coveted "glass skin" look — a smooth, luminous, and seemingly transparent complexion — has become a major trend in the beauty world, largely popularized by Korean skin care routines. K-beauty, renowned for its innovative and effective formulations, emphasizes hydration and a healthy glow, which are crucial for attaining glass skin.
At the core of this regimen are several key products and techniques, starting with double cleansing. An oil-based cleanser removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin, followed by a water-based cleanser to clear any residual dirt and prepare the skin for the next steps. Exfoliation, though not daily, is vital for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, enhancing the skin's natural glow.
Toners in Korean skin care are hydrating rather than astringent, balancing the skin's pH and adding an initial layer of moisture. Essences, uniquely Korean products, deliver intense hydration and active ingredients deep into the skin, promoting a plump and dewy appearance. Serums and ampoules, rich in concentrated ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, further boost hydration and target specific concerns such as fine lines or dullness.
Moisturizers seal in all the previous layers of hydration, maintaining the skin's moisture barrier. Lightweight yet deeply hydrating formulations are preferred to avoid any greasy residue. Additionally, sunscreen is a nonnegotiable step, protecting the skin from UV damage and preventing hyperpigmentation and premature aging.
A social media favorite, Korean sheet masks soaked in nourishing serums provide an extra hydration boost. Finally, sleeping masks or overnight treatments ensure continuous hydration and skin repair during the night, making Korean skin care a 360-degree approach to achieving glass skin and optimal hydration.
Get started on your K-beauty journey with our favorite products, below.
![Advanced snail mucin spray](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/1-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
1. CosRx Snail Mucin
This lightweight essence hydrates without clogging pores.
![bottle of Beauty by Joseon serum](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/2-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
2. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
We already love the brand's sunscreen, so it's not surprising its eye serum is stellar, too. Ginseng root extract deeply moisturizes the under-eye area, minimizing the look of fine lines.
![Laneige sleeping mask](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/3-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
3. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
When your skin is feeling especially parched, sleep in this squalane-infused, barrier-boosting cream.
![Mediheal brightening pad](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/4-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
4. Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pad
Swipe on one of these niacinamide-based brightening face pads and wake up to a more even-toned complexion.
![bottle of Soon Jung intensive cream](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/5-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
5. Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Folks with sensitive skin swear by this rich cream that calms irritated skin and helps protect it at the same time.
![InnisFree volcanic clay mask](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/6-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
6. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
This wash-off mask helps control sebum (to banish breakouts) and minimizes the look of pores, while exfoliating dead skin cells.
![Bottle of Torriden serum](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/7-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
7. Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid serums can be sticky, but this one feels lightweight and refreshing. Plus, it provides hydration that truly lasts.
![Illiyoon ceramide lotion](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/8-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
8. Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion
This body lotion is enriched with visible ceramide capsules to strengthen the skin barrier and leave your body feeling soft and smooth.
![Cicapair color correcting treatment](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/9-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
9. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
Neutralize any redness on contact with this calming face cream.
![belif moisturizing eye cream](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/10-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
10. Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb
Peptides, ceramides, and squalane work together to stabilize the skin barrier and maintain hydration.
![Sulwhasoo cleansing oil](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/11-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
11. Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil
The first step of your Korean skin care routine should be a gentle cleansing oil to remove dirt and makeup.
![Peach & Lily refining serum](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/12-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
12. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
This gentle, fragrance-free serum brightens, firms, and hydrates for that glass skin look.
![Then I Met You giving essence](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/13-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
13. Then I Met You The Giving Essence
This hydrating essence features a blend of 78% naturally fermented ingredients to reduce the appearance of pores, blackheads, and sebum.
![Cactus sheet mask](https://uniquebeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/07/14-UB-Best-Skin-Care-for-Glass-Skin.jpg?w=640)
14. TonyMoly I'm Real Sheet Mask
At less than $4 a mask, this set is a fun and affordable way to spend a Friday night.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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