The Best Korean Skin Care for Glass Skin and Ultimate Hydration

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.

1. CosRx Snail Mucin

This lightweight essence hydrates without clogging pores.

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.

3. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

When your skin is feeling especially parched, sleep in this squalane-infused, barrier-boosting cream.

4. Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pad

Swipe on one of these niacinamide-based brightening face pads and wake up to a more even-toned complexion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

9. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

Neutralize any redness on contact with this calming face cream.

10. Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb

Peptides, ceramides, and squalane work together to stabilize the skin barrier and maintain hydration.

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.

12. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum

This gentle, fragrance-free serum brightens, firms, and hydrates for that glass skin look.

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.

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.