The Only Glass Skin Guide You Need To Read

What Is Glass Skin?

According to Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho, glass skin is essentially 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.

One thing to note though, is that while the term ‘Korean glass skin’ is widely used, it’s actually very much a Western description. In Korea, the glass skin finish is largely referred to as ‘bouncy skin’, ‘clear skin’, and ‘luminous skin’ – but for the sake of simplicity with this feature, we’ll use glass skin.

How To Get Glass Skin

On the whole, glass skin comes from a focus on skin health and hydration. “Ensuring that your skin barrier is well looked after is key,” explains content creator Ola. “Effective and non-stripping cleansers, gentle exfoliators and serums, followed by fatty ceramides and sun protection, are all part of the glass skin routine.”

Charlotte says that hydration is key as it’s the foundation for creating that from-within glow. “Korean skincare is all about layering lightweight, moisturising products that penetrate deeply and work synergistically. Over time, this approach is what reveals a more radiant, balanced complexion.”

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

Double cleansing is the backbone of the Korean skincare routine, as it’s the most effective way to remove makeup and impurities, creating a clean canvas for the rest of your skincare. Start with an oil-based cleanser or a cleansing balm first to break down your makeup – we recommend Then I Met You's Living Cleansing Balm. Follow up with a gentle foam or cream cleanser, depending on your skin type. Dr. Jart+ Pore Remedy Renewing Foam Cleanser is our go-to.

Step 3: Exfoliate

This step is optional based on what your skin needs. If you have combination to oily skin, you’ll benefit from using a gentle exfoliating toner, like Then I Met You's Birch Milk Refining Toner each day. Those with dry, sensitive skin should incorporate this step once or twice a week depending on how your complexion feels.

Step 4 & 5: Toner and essence

While toner might not be as common in Western skincare routines, it’s essential in the K-beauty method. We are huge fans of the Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide™ Toner & Moisturiser as it removes all traces of your cleanser and gives your skin a hit of hydration. Follow up with an essence, which is the ideal step in between cleansing and treating the skin. An essence is like a primer for your skincare. If you haven’t used one before, we recommend starting with The Ordinary's Multi-Active Delivery Essence as it leaves your skin feeling super soft.

Step 6: Serums and treatments

Customise this step and choose the serums and treatments best suited to your skin concerns. If hydration is your main goal, choose a hyaluronic acid or niacinamide serum. We love the new Drunk Elephant Amino Rain Glasswater Serum as it’s formulated with poly amino acids and a water complex to improve water retention while also soothing sensitive skin. Those hoping to ease acne and blemishes should opt for a salicylic acid serum like Innisfree's Gentle Retinol Salicylic Anti-Blemish Serum, which works to clear active breakouts and refine skin texture. Or, if you’re looking to reduce signs of skin ageing, look to the Laneige Bouncy & Firm Serum – it’s infused with a collagen complex and youth capsules to maintain elasticity as much as radiance. It’s about choosing what works for your skin.

Step 7: Sheet mask

Not everyone has the time, but using a sheet mask can help maximise your skin’s hydration levels. Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber So Cool Duo is like a glass of water for dry and dehydrated skin and it’s our go-to when our skin is feeling extra sensitive or dehydrated.

Step 8 & 9: Eye cream and moisturiser

Finish off with an eye cream, plus moisturiser for your skin, to lock in the hydration. For the best beauty sleep, try the Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream and awake to smooth, replenished under-eyes. In the morning, we recommend the Then I Met You Bong² Bounce Cream, which leaves your skin feeling so soft and supple, without being too heavy. If your skin tends to get a bit dry and you like something richer, the Then I Met You Renewing Rich Beauty Cream was made for you.

Step 10: SPF in the morning

Korean sunscreens are having their moment. Their light and airy textures, easily blendable formulas are getting a lot of praise on social. Always make sure to apply sunscreen as the last step of your morning routine to protect your skin from UV rays. Wearing SPF everyday will help support all the skincare efforts you made the night before. We've been loving the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30, which doubles perfectly as your everyday moisturiser.

Our Verdict On Glass Skin

Glass skin requires a solid and consistent skincare routine, so if like me, you don’t have 30 minutes to set aside every morning, it might not be for you. That’s not to say you need to give up all hope of enjoying a healthy glow, though – that can still be achieved with a good skincare routine. Rather than adopting all eight steps, I’ll be sticking to my cleanser, serum, face oil and SPF and use the remaining 25 minutes to enjoy life and do something that feeds my soul because the way I see it, no glow, not even one aided by sheet masks and toners, can beat the one that comes from within.

If you're interested in this beauty trend though, you might be equally as taken with the glass hair trend too - you might have seen it on your Instagram already.