The Only Glass Skin Guide You Need To Read

What Is Glass Skin?

According to Charlotte Cho, founder of K-Beauty brand Then I Met You, glass skin is exactly what it sounds like. "It's skin that looks so smooth, luminous and hydrated that it's almost translucent – like glass! It's not about perfection, but radiance from within.”

“I think it continues to resonate because it’s aspirational but achievable with the right products and a consistent routine, for all walks of life,” adds Charlotte.

How To Get Glass Skin

At the heart of the trend is the renowned Korean skincare routine. Often referred to as the 10-step routine, the practice encourages you to thoughtfully layer lightweight, hydrating formulas that work together to support your skin barrier and enhance your natural radiance. The best part? You don't need all 10 steps to achieve glass skin. Instead, you can tailor the routine to suit your skin's needs, introducing only the glass skin products that work for you.

The ultimate Korean Skincare Routine for Glass Skin

If you love the sound of glassy, radiant skin, you’ll want to add these steps into your lineup – but if the typical 10-step Korean skincare doesn't achievable, you can easily adapt the regimen and start by introducing only the steps that feel right for you. So, ditch your heavy creams, and discover the featherlight glass skin products we really rate and the order you need to apply them.

Step 1 & 2: Double cleanse

Did you know, the 'double cleanse' ritual came from Korea? This two-step method helps remove makeup, SPF, excess oil, and daily impurities, creating the perfect canvas for the rest of your skincare routine. Korean cleansers are amongst the best for their dreamy textures and formulas that prioritise hydration and balance.

Begin with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove other impurities and start to tailor to your skin type. Your skin should feel clean, refreshed and comfortable for the rest of your routine.

Step 3: Exfoliate

Glass skin starts with a smooth canvas, and that's where exfoliation comes in, helping to lift away dead skin cells and unclog pores. Depending on your skin's needs and sensitivity, there are a few ways to choose from. For a gentle approach, simply use a soft cleansing cloth to buff away surface build-up. In a similar vein, Korean toner pads combine gentle physical exfoliation with skincare ingredients. For a deeper treatment, chemical exfoliants formulated with ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs help dissolve dead skin cells and refine the appearance of pores without the need for scrubbing. Whichever method you choose, limit exfoliation to two or three times a week to avoid over-exfoliating your skin.

Step 4 & 5: Toner and essence

These two steps are when the real layered routine kicks in. Firstly, you can reach for Korean toners, which are lightweight formulas that help restore moisture, soothe, balance and refine your complexion while creating the perfect foundation for the rest of your routine. Then comes one of the defining steps in any K-Beauty routine: the essence. Sitting between your toner and serum, these lightweight formulas flood skin with hydration, help support the skin barrier and prepare your complexion to make the most of the targeted treatments that follow. Together, these two lightweight layers help leave skin feeling plump, comfortable and perfectly primed for your serum. You can also reach for a toning essence to kill two steps with one stone.

Step 6: Serums and treatments

Now it's time to personalise your routine. Korean serums are where you'll find many of the most talked-about Korean skincare ingredients, with concentrated formulas designed to target specific skin concerns. Whether you're looking to boost hydration, brighten dullness, calm visible redness or strengthen your skin barrier, there's a serum to suit your skin. Look out for ingredients like hydrating snail mucin, brightening rice extract, calming Centella Asiatica and repairing PDRN, each chosen to help support healthy-looking, radiant skin while bringing you one step closer to the coveted glass skin glow.

Step 7: Sheet mask

When your skin needs an extra boost, reach for a Korean face mask. Whether you choose a sheet mask, wash-off treatment, or overnight formula, these concentrated treatments are designed to flood your skin with hydration, soothe your complexion, and enhance your glow. They're the perfect addition before a special occasion or as part of your weekly self-care routine. Those that offer an instant glow-boost are proven to be viral-worthy (hello, Biodance), while calming formulas infused with Centella Asiatica are ideal whenever your skin needs a little extra comfort.

Step 8 & 9: Eye cream and moisturiser

Hydration is what creates the coveted glass skin glow, but a Korean moisturiser is what helps it last. As the final hydrating layer, it locks in moisture, supports your skin barrier and seals in the benefits of every step that came before. Finish with a Korean eye creamis if you like, applying it around the delicate eye area to deliver targeted hydration and leave skin looking smoother and refreshed.

Step 10: SPF in the morning

No glass skin routine is complete without daily SPF, a non-negotiable to protect your skin from UV damage and maintain long-term skin health. Korean sunscreens are leading the way for the next generation of sunscreen, best combining high-performance UV protection with lightweight, skincare-infused formulas that feel comfortable enough to wear every day. From invisible lotions and hydrating creams to weightless gels and convenient SPF sticks, these next-generation formulas leave behind no white cast or greasy finish, making daily sun protection effortless.