How to Achieve Glass Skin Like Korean Women: The Ultimate 10 Step Routine

BY SASHA-LEIGH HODGEN
May 20
4 min read

“Glass skin” refers to a complexion so smooth, poreless, and luminous that it looks like glass. This skincare goal, popularized by Korean beauty enthusiasts, isn’t about piling on makeup—it’s about layering lightweight, hydrating skincare to achieve a healthy glow from within. Achieving glass skin takes commitment, but with the right products and steps, it’s absolutely attainable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Korean glass skin routine, including product recommendations at every step.

Step 1: Double Cleanse (Oil + Water-Based Cleansers)

This step ensures you remove all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and impurities, which is crucial for clear, glowing skin.

Oil Cleanser: Melts away oil-based impurities (makeup, SPF, excess sebum).

Try: BIODERMA Sensibio Cleansing Micellar Oil– A cult-favorite that effectively yet gently purifies the skin, removing makeup, environmental pollutants, and daily sunscreen buildup while soothing and nourishing the skin

Water-Based Cleanser: Removes sweat, dirt, and any leftover residue.

Try: Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser – A refreshing gel cleanser with oriental herbal ingredients like green plum water, plum extract, and mung bean extract. It gently exfoliates, balances oil and moisture, and supports the skin’s natural barrier—leaving skin clean, calm, and hydrated.

Step 2: Exfoliate (2–3 times a week)

Smooth skin reflects light better. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores.

Chemical Exfoliant: Less abrasive than scrubs and more effective for a smooth texture.

Try: Neogen Bio-peel Gentle Gauze Peeling Wine – Neogen’s Wine Peeling Gauze combines gentle physical and chemical exfoliation to clear dead skin, excess oil, and impurities while promoting smoother, firmer, more refined skin with antioxidant-rich wine extract.

Step 3: Toner (Hydrating & pH Balancing)

Preps your skin to absorb the next layers and replenishes hydration.

Try: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water – A hydrating Korean toner that soothes, softens, and minimizes pores while improving elasticity for smooth, plump, youthful-looking skin—suitable for all skin types.

Step 4: Essence (Lightweight Hydration & Glow Booster)

The heart of K-beauty. Essences hydrate deeply and add bounce and luminosity.

Try: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – Plumps, heals, and adds a radiant glow.

Alternative: The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence – A hydrating essence that preps the skin, boosts moisture, and improves absorption of serums and treatments.

Step 5: Serum (Targeted Treatment)

Customize your routine based on skin needs—brightening, firming, or calming.

Try: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide – Perfect for brightening and improving skin tone with a glowy finish.
Alternative: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum – Hydrating and antioxidant-rich for supple skin. Leaves the skin feeling dewy and hydrated all night.

Step 6: Sheet Mask (1–3 times a week)

Intensive hydration boosts glow and elasticity instantly.

Try: Mediheal Collagen Essential Facial Mask – These collagen sheet masks deliver deep hydration with hyaluronic acid, soothing dry skin while improving elasticity. Infused with aloe vera and ginseng, each mask refreshes and nourishes the complexion. Includes 10 single-use masks made with fast-absorbing hydrogel for optimal results.

Alternative: Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Sheet Mask – Delivers a surge of moisture and plumps skin.

Step 7: Moisturizer (Seal in Hydration)

Locks in all the previous layers and maintains barrier health.

Try: Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Rich Cream – A rich, fragrance-free cream designed to calm and strengthen sensitive skin against daily aggressors and internal triggers. Powered by Defensive Technology, it nourishes, protects, and hydrates for up to 12 hours. Absorbs quickly with a comforting texture—ideal as a daily moisturizer and makeup base.

Alternative: Beauty Of Joseon Dynast Cream – A deeply hydrating moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin. Infused with traditional Korean herbal ingredients, it soothes, nourishes, and restores skin’s moisture barrier—perfect for both men and women.

Step 8: Eye Cream (Bright Eyes, No Creases)

Hydrated under-eyes make the whole face look fresher and more youthful.

Try: Innisfree The Green Tea seed Eye Cream – Nourishes and firms the delicate eye area, packed with antioxidants and Green Tea seed extra, it creates a strong barrier that keeps your undereyes nourished for longer.

Step 9: Face Oil (Optional – For Extra Glow)

A drop or two of facial oil adds a reflective finish and seals in moisture.

Try: Peach 70 Niacin Serum –This lightweight, peach-infused glow serum brightens dull skin, smooths texture, and improves elasticity for a firmer, radiant complexion. Formulated with 70% peach extract and niacinamide, it hydrates, evens tone, and helps reduce dark spots—suitable for all skin types.

Alternative: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – Natural and packed with antioxidants.

Step 10: Sunscreen (Every. Single. Day.)

UV protection is the ultimate anti-aging and glow-maintaining step.

Try: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ – Lightweight, no white cast, and deeply hydrating.

Alternative: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ – Feels like a moisturizer, layers beautifully.

Pro Tips for Glass Skin Success:

Consistency is key: Daily routine and gentle care over time will yield the best results.
Hydration is your best friend: Look for products with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and natural extracts.
Don’t overload: Layer products in thin layers to avoid clogging pores.
Stay hydrated and eat well: A diet rich in antioxidants supports healthy skin from the inside out.

Achieving glass skin is less about perfection and more about care—consistent hydration, gentle layering, and mindful product use. With this 10-step guide and recommended K-beauty products, you’re on your way to the luminous, translucent glow Korean women are famous for.