Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine: Simple Steps to Dewy Skin
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. I only recommend products I truly love and think you’ll vibe with too. Check out our disclosure and privacy policy here.
Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine is the secret behind that smooth, dewy, almost see-through glow that’s been taking over beauty feeds.
Chances are, if you’ve paused while scrolling to admire someone’s incredibly healthy and radiant skin, they were following some version of this method.
In fact, more and more people are turning to it because the results don’t just look good—they reflect real, lasting skin health.
People who struggle with dullness, uneven tone, dry patches, or breakouts often feel like their skin is a lost cause. However, that frustration is exactly why routines like the glass skin approach exist.
Korean skincare, especially the glass skin routine, provides real, tangible steps that gradually improve your skin’s texture, brightness, and hydration. Over time, with consistency and care, small changes begin to add up—and that’s where real progress happens.
This article walks you through the full routine, explains why each step matters, and gives product suggestions (yes, affiliate links included) that are beginner-friendly and backed by real reviews.
This post contains affiliate links. These don’t cost you anything. It means we may receive a small commission at no cost to you should you decide to make a purchase through one of these links. We only recommend products and services we trust and believe will be beneficial to our readers.
What Does "Glass Skin" Actually Mean?
Before jumping into the how-to, it helps to understand what the end goal is. Glass skin isn’t about perfection. It’s about healthy skin that’s hydrated, clear, and naturally radiant. Think skin that reflects light, feels soft to the touch, and doesn’t need makeup to look fresh.
That glow is achieved through layers of hydration, gentle exfoliation, and a solid moisture barrier. So instead of relying on heavy makeup to fake it, you’re building real skin health.
Why the Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine Works
Unlike many Western skincare routines that are minimal or trend-driven, Korean skincare is built on prevention, patience, and moisture. It focuses on treating the root of skin issues instead of just covering them up.
More importantly, it respects the skin barrier. Over-exfoliation, harsh stripping, and ignoring hydration are major reasons people struggle with texture, breakouts, and sensitivity.
The Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine works because it:
Boosts hydration in layers
Supports a healthy skin barrier
Removes dead skin cells gently
Uses ingredients known for calming and brightening
Encourages consistency over quick fixes
Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine Step-by-Step
Let’s be honest—glowing skin doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen by chance. The Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine goes beyond a passing trend; it’s about building a long-term relationship with your skin through consistent care. Instead of relying on a dozen products daily, this approach encourages you to understand what your skin truly needs and respond with purpose. Over time, that consistency adds up, and your skin starts to reflect that care—hydrated, smooth, and balanced.
Think of this like building a skincare wardrobe. Not everything will be worn every day, but having the right pieces on hand lets you adjust based on how your skin’s feeling. Dry and flaky today? Add extra hydration. Oily and congested tomorrow? Pull back on the heavier creams. It’s flexible, not rigid.
Each step below has a purpose—and yes, we’ve included product picks that people actually use and love (including affiliate links that support this site, at no extra cost to you).
1. Double Cleansing (Night Only)
Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove sunscreen, makeup, and excess oil.
Why it matters: Oil attracts oil. This step melts away buildup without stripping your skin.
Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to actually clean your skin.
Pro tip: Avoid foaming cleansers that leave your face feeling tight. That means it’s too harsh.
Product picks:
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil $18 on Amazon
ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam $13 on Amazon
2. Exfoliate (2-3x Per Week Max)
Skip the scrubs. Instead, use chemical exfoliants like AHAs (for dry skin) or BHAs (for acne-prone skin).
Why it matters: Gentle exfoliation clears out pores and removes dull, dead skin. But doing it too often can backfire.
Product pick:
3. Hydrating Toner
Toners are not the alcohol-based astringents you might remember. In Korean skincare, toners hydrate and prep your skin to absorb the rest of your products.
Product pick:
Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner $20 on Amazon
4. Essence
This is a watery treatment that delivers hydration deep into your skin. It’s one of the core pieces of a glass skin routine.
Why it matters: It boosts the effectiveness of everything that comes after it.
Product pick:
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence $19 on Amazon
This step targets specific skin concerns: pigmentation, acne, dullness, fine lines.
Pro tip: Look for ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or peptides.
Product picks:
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum (for acne-prone skin) $16 on Amazon
numbuzin No.6 Serum $20 on Amazon
6. Sheet Mask (1-2x Per Week)
Sheet masks are soaked in essence and give your skin an extra hydration boost.
Tip: Use one before a big event or on days when your skin feels extra dry.
Product pick:
medicube Collagen Overnight Mask $18.00 on Amazon
@lithameyilechoi Replying to @perseverance_ms @Medicube Global #fyp #koreanskincare #maskremoval #glassskin #kbeauty #glassskinroutine #satisfyingvideo #skincareroutine #collagen #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 ♬ original sound - Litha리타💕
7. Moisturizer
Seal everything in with a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
Why it matters: Even oily skin needs moisture to maintain balance.
Product picks:
8. Eye Cream
The under-eye area is one of the most delicate places on your face and needs special care.
Product pick:
[Haruharu Wonder] Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream $10 on Amazon
9. Sunscreen (Morning Only)
No glass skin without daily SPF. Sun damage undoes everything.
Important: Wear it even when it’s cloudy. Even indoors if you’re near windows.
Product picks:
Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine Tips for Beginners
Start Simple
If the full routine feels overwhelming, start with the basics:
Gentle cleanser
Hydrating toner
Moisturizer
Sunscreen (AM) / Cleansing balm (PM)
Then slowly add other steps like essence and serum.
Be Consistent
You won’t see changes overnight. Stick to the routine for at least 4–6 weeks before judging results.
Listen to Your Skin
Not every product works for every person. If something causes irritation, stop using it. Skin should feel calm, not tight, red, or itchy.
Layer Thin to Thick
Always apply products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. This helps absorption and avoids pilling.
@alejayofficial Korean skincare routine for beginners ✨😊 Here’s a step-by-step of my go to Korean skincare routine for glass skin #koreanskincareroutine #beauty #skincare #koreanskincare #koreanskincareproducts #fyp #skincarefyp ♬ original sound - Ale Jay
Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)
Best for Hydration:
Hyaluronic acid
Glycerin
Snail mucin
Best for Brightening:
Niacinamide
Vitamin C
Licorice root extract
Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
Tea tree
BHA (salicylic acid)
Centella asiatica (aka Cica)
Avoid if You Have Sensitive Skin:
Harsh scrubs
High alcohol content
Fragrance (if you’re reactive)
What to Expect After 30 Days of the Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine
In the first week, your skin might just feel more hydrated. By the second or third week, dullness and texture often start to improve. After a month, many people notice clearer pores, a smoother surface, and a soft glow that doesn’t rely on makeup.
What if You're Not Seeing Results Yet?
The keyword to remember here is “yet.” You will ultimately see results if you stay at it consistently every day.
Everyone’s skin is different. Factors like stress, diet, hormones, and weather play a role too. The point of this routine isn’t perfection. It’s progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use Korean brands only?
No. The technique and philosophy matter more than the brand. But many Korean products are well-formulated, gentle, and affordable.
Can I skip steps?
Yes. Customize it based on your needs and budget. The core of the routine is cleanse, hydrate, and protect.
Is this routine only for women?
Not at all. Healthy skin has no gender. Anyone can benefit from the glass skin approach.
What This Routine is REALLY About
The idea of “glass skin” isn’t about chasing some glossy Instagram aesthetic—rather, it’s rooted in creating real skin health that you can feel every single day. While the Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine isn’t magic, it can absolutely deliver results when you stay consistent.
More than that, this routine is about showing up for your skin with intention and awareness. By paying attention, responding to what your skin needs, and adjusting along the way, you gradually begin to learn what actually works for you—and what doesn’t.
Eventually, that kind of thoughtful care builds confidence, not just in your skin, but in how you care for yourself overall.
Why Small Steady Efforts Pay Off
In addition, this routine teaches you to slow down and really tune into your skin’s signals.
Rather than just reacting to breakouts or slathering on whatever’s trending, you begin to understand the importance of hydration, balance, and long-term repair.
Eventually, with steady attention and thoughtful adjustments, that kind of care truly adds up in a meaningful way.
Be Kind to Your Skin (And Yourself)
Maybe some days your skin glows, and other days it doesn’t. That’s normal. Life affects our skin—stress, sleep, hormones, weather—it’s all connected. What matters is building habits that help you ride out those changes with less frustration.
How to Keep Going Without Burnout
Start with the basics. Next, take your time to build step by step. As you go, test, tweak, and trust the process. The glow isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling like your skin isn’t fighting you anymore.
And if a few affiliate product picks along the way make your routine better and save you some guesswork? Even better. Keep what works. Skip what doesn’t. Your version of glass skin should feel good—not like a chore.
One Comment
[…] **Related read: “Glass Skin Korean Skincare Routine: Simple Steps to Dewy Skin“ […]