Nahaufnahme des Gesichts einer lächelnden Frau mit dem "Glass Skin"-Look: Ihre Haut ist sehr glänzend und ihre Lippen glänzen.

Glass Skin: 8 Steps to a Flawless Complexion

6 min read July 22, 2025

Glass skin describes particularly flawless and well-hydrated skin that practically shines with its radiance. But what's behind this perfect skin result? Learn the secret of the Korean beauty trend of glass skin and how you can achieve this exact finish in eight easy steps.

What is Glass Skin?

“Glass skin” describes a skin condition that is so clear, smooth and moisturized that it appears almost glass-like – even, flawless and with a natural glow.

This trend originated in Korea and has caused a stir worldwide in recent years. Unlike heavy make-up or temporary effects, glass skin aims to achieve permanently healthy, hydrated skin.

A woman with freckles and shiny skin runs a purple stone facial roller over her cheek.

The basics for glass skin: The perfect care

At the heart of the glass skin trend is consistent skin care. It's not about concealing imperfections, but rather about improving skin texture through deep-acting care.

The key lies in the right combination of cleansing, moisturizing and care with targeted active ingredients.

8 steps to the perfect Glass Skin

1. Double Cleansing – Deep cleansing in two steps

Double cleansing is the ideal method to deeply cleanse the skin, remove make-up and ultimately prepare it for the following care products.

Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt. Follow with a gentle, water-based cleanser to unclog pores and prepare skin for your next skincare routine.

SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

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ANUA – Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Ölbasierter Cleanser gegen Unreinheiten.

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ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

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Geek & Gorgeous – Jelly Joker

Angenehme Jelly-Textur, die nicht austrocknet. Ideal als 2. Double Cleansing Schritt.

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2. Exfoliation – Gentle peeling for smooth skin

Once or twice a week, a mild chemical exfoliator (e.g., with AHA or BHA) helps remove dead skin cells and refine the skin's texture. Be careful with mechanical exfoliators—they can cause micro-injuries on sensitive skin.

Minimalist – AHA PHA BHA 32% Face Peel

Paula's Choice – Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

3. Toner – Moisture booster and pH balance

A hydrating toner soothes the skin after cleansing and prepares it for further care. Products containing ingredients such as rose water, hyaluronic acid, or green tea extract are ideal.

ANUA – Heartleaf 77% Toner Pad

Beruhigt die Haut und glättet Unebenheiten.

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ANUA Heartleaf 77% Toner Pad

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4. Essence – The heart of K-Beauty care

Essences are light yet highly concentrated. They provide intensive moisture and promote skin regeneration. Particularly popular are snail mucin, ferments, and galactomyces.

Cosrx – Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Mildert Unreinheiten und Unebenheiten und versorgt die Haut mit intensiver Feuchtigkeit.

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Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

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5. Serum – Powerful active ingredients for targeted care

Vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are just a few examples of active ingredients that are essential for glass skin. Choose a serum that suits your skin's needs—for example, to combat dark spots, dryness, or the first signs of wrinkles.

A glass pipette drops a reddish, clear serum onto a light surface, causing clear air bubbles to form.

Beauty of Joseon – Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

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6. Moisturizer – Lock in moisture

A light yet rich moisturizer seals in the previously applied skincare product. It's important that the skin remains plump and supple—without a greasy residue.

ROUND LAB – Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream

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INAO by Essence – Hydra Soul 24H Hydra Gel Cream

7. Sun protection – The most important step in the morning

Without daily sun protection, lasting skin improvement is impossible. UV radiation is one of the main causes of premature skin aging and dark spots. Choose an SPF 30 or higher—ideally specifically for the face.

Beauty of Joseon – Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics

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8. Face mask – The extra boost

A mask can infuse your skin with an extra dose of active ingredients and moisture. Store sheet masks in the refrigerator for an additional cooling effect!

Close-up of a man applying a greenish, shiny facial mask or scrub for skin care.

ondo Beauty 36.5 – Probiotics & Cica Water Soothing Mask To-Dak

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Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask

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Biodance – Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask

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medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

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The best ingredients for Glass Skin

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid provides all skin types with plenty of moisture , is well tolerated and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Find out more about the moisture boosting ingredient hyaluronic acid in our blog post Hyaluronic acid: Its benefits and effects on your skin .

On the left, a woman with closed eyes is applying a serum; on the right, she is smiling with radiant skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production , has a soothing effect, and strengthens the skin barrier. At the same time, it can have a positive effect on hyperpigmentation, gradually lightening it.

Read more about niacinamide in our blog post Niacinamide Effect: What’s behind the skin care ingredient .

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is used in skincare for its anti-aging effects. The active ingredient stimulates collagen production, lightens dark spots, and also provides a radiant finish.

You can find more information about vitamin C in our blog post Vitamin C for the skin: The best tips for use .

Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica, also known as tiger grass, has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It's ideal for redness and irritation, but can also improve skin elasticity.

Snail mucin

Snail mucin is mainly used in Korean skincare and is known for its regenerating, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.

Common mistakes in the glass skin routine

Testing too many products at once: Introduce products into your routine one at a time and slowly. This way, you can determine exactly what works for your skin and what might not be quite right.
Harsh cleansing products or scrubs: These can damage your skin barrier and harm your skin. Make sure you use gentle formulas!
Irregular use: You will only see real results if you use products long-term and regularly.
No or insufficient sun protection: The sun is considered one of your skin's worst enemies. Protect your skin every day with appropriate sunscreen—ideally with SPF 50!
Impatience: Visible results take time! Give your skin four to eight weeks—even initial worsening within the first two weeks is completely normal.

Glass Skin is more than just a trend

The glass skin look represents healthy, radiant skin and is the result of consistent care and patience. With the right routine, high-quality products, and a little patience, you can achieve the coveted finish.

We hope you enjoyed this post and that our tips on the Glass Skin beauty trend have helped you!