Korean Glass Skin: Step-by-Step Routine & K-Beauty Picks for Dewy Skin
Wondering what Korean glass skin actually means and how to achieve it?
Glass skin refers to a complexion that looks smooth, clear, intensely hydrated and radiant, almost like a sheet of glass. It’s not about filters or heavy makeup, but about layering lightweight skincare products in a specific order to build hydration and refine texture over time.
This approach has become one of the most talked-about trends in skincare and is especially popular in Korean beauty routines.
Here’s your easy step-by-step guide to creating your own glass skin routine, with our favourite K-Beauty picks that you can order online to jump on the glass skin train ASAP!
How Korean Glass Skin Routines Work
The glass skin routine focuses on hydration, barrier support and gentle treatment rather than harsh scrubbing or irritating ingredients. Each layer helps the next absorb better so your skin ends up looking smooth, plump and reflective. Consistency is key.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
Double cleansing is a foundation of Korean skincare. In the evening, start with an oil-based cleanser to melt makeup, SPF and impurities. Follow with a water-based cleanser to gently remove sweat and debris without stripping your skin.
Our cleansing oil picks:
Favourite water-based cleansers:
Step 2: Gentle Exfoliation (1–2 Times a Week)
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can make skin look dull and uneven. Choose a chemical exfoliant, pads or gentle peeling gel to use once or twice a week rather than daily to avoid irritation, especially if your skin tends to get sensitive.
Staple exfoliators:
Step 3: Hydrating Toner
Toners in Korean skincare are about hydration more than astringency. They help rebalance the skin’s pH after cleansing and prepare the skin to better absorb subsequent layers.
Tried and approved toners:
Step 4: Essence
An essence is lightweight and super hydrating, sitting between a toner and a serum. It helps give skin bounce and that signature plumped look.
Must-try essences:
Step 5: Targeted Treatments (Serums & Ampoules)
This is where treatment serums come in. Choose formulas based on your skin goals, whether that’s brightening, hydration or gentle repair. For glass skin, focus on hydrating and skin-calming serums that help even out texture and add radiance.
The best serums to enhance your glass skin routine:
Step 6: Moisturiser
A good moisturiser locks in all the hydration from the earlier steps and helps the skin barrier stay healthy. For glass skin, choose a lightweight but deeply hydrating cream or gel.
Moisturisers for dewy skin:
Step 7: SPF (Morning Only)
In the morning, the final step is always broad-spectrum SPF. UV protection helps prevent sun damage, dullness and premature ageing, all important when aiming for radiant skin.
The best SPF to perfect your glass skin routine:
Example Korean Glass Skin Routine
To recap, here’s what the typical routine looks morning and evening:
Evening Korean Glass Skin Routine
Oil cleanser
Water-based cleanser
Exfoliator (1–2 times weekly)
Hydrating toner
Essence or hydrating serum
Treatment serum or ampoule
Moisturiser
Morning Korean Glass Skin Routine
Cleanser
Hydrating toner
Essence or serum
Treatment serum or ampoule
Moisturiser
SPF
Do You Need a 10-Step Routine for Glass Skin?
Not necessarily. While a 10-step routine is often showcased online, many skin experts agree that you can achieve glass skin with fewer steps, especially if you focus on cleanse, hydrate, treat and protect. The extra layers are optional and often used to target specific concerns rather than being essential for hydration and glow.
Final Thoughts
Achieving Korean glass skin is less about a trend and more about consistent hydration, gentle care and the right sequence of products.
Focus on layering hydrating formulas, protecting your skin barrier, and always finishing with SPF in the morning. With the right routine, you can build a radiant and plump complexion that reflects light and looks healthy from within.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Glass Skin
What is Korean glass skin?
Korean glass skin describes a complexion that looks smooth, clear and intensely hydrated with a luminous, glassy finish. It’s achieved through consistent skincare layering focused on hydration and barrier support.
How many steps are in a Korean glass skin routine?
Routines can vary from five to ten steps. The most important parts are effective cleansing, hydration, targeted treatments and SPF protection rather than a fixed number.
Can you get glass skin without Korean products?
Yes, the principles of glass skin, cleansing, hydration and protection, can be applied with non-Korean products. However, Korean skincare formulations often prioritise lightweight layering and hydrating ingredients that support the goal.
Does glass skin mean oily skin?
Glass skin is about hydrated, smooth skin that reflects light. It doesn’t mean oily or greasy skin. Proper hydration can help skin look radiant and plump without excess oil production.
How long does it take to see results?
Consistency is key. With a dedicated routine focused on hydration and barrier support, many people start to notice smoother, brighter skin within a few weeks of regular use.
Where to find the best Korean skincare for glass skin in the UK?
If you’ve not come across it yet, bookmark this dedicated Korean beauty website, stocking a wide range of Korean skincare & makeup brands. This is where you’ll find the latest innovations & greatest staples. They offer speedy UK delivery, which is free above £35.
And if you’re usually getting your skincare from Cult Beauty, you’ll find plenty of glass skin essentials in their Korean Skincare category.
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