There’s something magical about the glow that comes with Korean skincare — that dewy, almost translucent finish known as “glass skin.”
It’s not about piling on makeup or chasing instant perfection. It’s about healthy, hydrated skin that looks radiant from the inside out.
If you’ve ever scrolled through your feed wondering how Korean influencers achieve that glossy, poreless look — it’s not just genetics or filters.
It’s the result of consistent skincare routines, hydrating ingredients, and a layered approach that focuses on nourishing the skin barrier.
The best part? You don’t have to fly to Seoul or spend a fortune to get there. With these Amazon-available Korean skincare gems, you can build your very own glass skin routine right at home. Let’s dive into the essentials, step by step.
1. Korean Double Cleansing Must-Haves
When it comes to K-beauty, double cleansing is the foundation of glass skin.
This two-step ritual removes everything — from sunscreen and makeup to impurities and excess oil — without stripping your skin dry.
Think of it as giving your face a fresh canvas every night. The first step is an oil-based cleanser that melts away makeup and sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser that lifts any remaining residue.
Together, they leave your skin clean, soft, and ready to soak up hydration.
Best Korean Oil Cleansers
If you’re new to oil cleansing, start with lightweight formulas that don’t feel greasy or clog pores. These two are cult favorites among skincare lovers:
- Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil – $17.69
A soothing cleansing oil powered by heartleaf extract, this formula effortlessly dissolves makeup and sunscreen while calming redness and breakouts.
Shop here. - SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil – $15.85
Infused with Centella Asiatica, this gentle oil nourishes and strengthens your skin barrier while removing every trace of impurities. Ideal for sensitive skin.
Shop here.
Best Korean Water-Based Cleansers
After the oil cleanser comes your foaming or gel-based wash. This step removes sweat, leftover residue, and dirt trapped in your pores.
- ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam – $13
A soft, creamy foam that purifies pores without leaving your skin tight or dry. It’s perfect for acne-prone skin types seeking balance.
Shop here. - ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser – $14.99
A gentle, low-pH cleanser made with panthenol and madecassoside — ideal for maintaining your skin’s natural barrier.
Shop here.
🛍️ Shopping List: Double Cleansing Essentials
- Oil cleanser for removing sunscreen and makeup
- Water-based cleanser for deep pore cleansing
- Soft microfiber towel or cleansing cloth
- Lukewarm water (avoid hot water, which can dry your skin)
2. Korean Exfoliators for Glass Skin
Once your skin is clean, it’s time to smooth things out. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that make your face look dull and uneven. Korean exfoliators are known for being gentle yet effective — they refine texture without causing irritation.
In the world of K-beauty, exfoliating doesn’t mean scrubbing harshly. Instead, most formulas use mild acids or pads soaked in toners that exfoliate chemically, revealing the glow underneath.
Best Korean Exfoliating Pads
- Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 – $17.90
These toner pads are soaked in exfoliating essence that helps refine pores and control excess oil. A quick swipe after cleansing can make a big difference in how your serums absorb.
Shop here. - ANUA Heartleaf 77 Toner Pad – $21.76
These ultra-soothing pads help exfoliate gently while balancing hydration. Perfect for sensitive skin days or daily maintenance.
Shop here.
🛍️ Shopping List: Korean Exfoliation Routine
- Exfoliating toner pads (use 2–3 times a week)
- Cotton rounds or reusable pads
- Hydrating toner or mist to follow up
- SPF for the next morning (exfoliation makes your skin more sun-sensitive!)
3. Korean Milky Toners for Glass Skin
If your skin has ever felt tight after cleansing, you’ll understand the importance of toners. In K-beauty, toners are not astringents — they’re hydration boosters.
Milky toners, especially, have become a new obsession in 2025. They combine the soothing power of traditional toners with the nourishing touch of an essence or lotion. The result? Instantly plump, dewy skin that looks like it’s lit from within.
Best Milky Toners
- TIRTIR Milk Skin Rice Toner – $25
This viral toner (yes, the one all over TikTok!) gives your skin that dreamy milky glow. It’s also available in a lighter version for oily skin.
Shop here. - I’m From Rice Toner – $21.49
A K-beauty classic. Made with 77% rice extract, it deeply nourishes and brightens your complexion while restoring hydration balance.
Shop here.
Shopping List: Milky Toners for Hydration
- Milky toner or rice toner for instant glow
- Cotton pads or hands (pat gently into skin)
- Lightweight serum to follow
- Mini travel bottle (for quick hydration spritzes throughout the day)
4. Hydrating Essences — The Soul of K-Beauty
If double cleansing is the foundation, essence is the heart of Korean skincare. This step bridges the gap between toning and serum — it hydrates, heals, and preps your skin to absorb the rest of your routine more effectively.
Essences are usually watery or slightly viscous, packed with fermented ingredients, snail mucin, and amino acids that nourish your skin at a deeper level. They’re one of the biggest reasons Korean routines create that “lit from within” glow.
One of the most beloved products in this category is the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence. It’s lightweight, glides onto your skin like silk, and helps repair damage while locking in hydration. For anyone struggling with dullness, redness, or a compromised barrier — this is a miracle in a bottle.
If you prefer something a bit more multifunctional, the Mixsoon Bean Essence is another cult favorite. It lightly exfoliates while hydrating, which means you get smoother, softer, and brighter skin over time. It’s like giving your face a glass of water and a mini facial in one step.
Amazon Shopping List: Korean Essences
- COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence
- Mixsoon Bean Essence
5. Radiance-Boosting Serums
If essence is your hydration hero, serums are your targeted treatments. They’re the power players that tackle specific concerns like pigmentation, acne, or uneven tone — all while keeping your skin plump and healthy.
For that signature “glass skin” look, serums rich in niacinamide, tranexamic acid, or gentle retinol alternatives are ideal. They brighten, smooth, and even out texture without irritation.
The Anua 10% Niacinamide + 4% Tranexamic Acid Serum is one of the most buzzed-about formulas in K-beauty right now. It’s powerful enough to fade dark spots and acne scars yet soothing enough for daily use. If you’re looking for something to boost collagen and reduce fine lines, SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is a fantastic pick — it’s hydrating, lightweight, and formulated to minimize irritation while boosting radiance.
Amazon Shopping List: Korean Serums
- Anua 10% Niacinamide + 4% Tranexamic Acid Serum
- SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
6. Moisturizers for Dewy, Bouncy Skin
Now that you’ve layered all that hydration, it’s time to seal it in with a moisturizer. This step locks in everything you’ve applied so far and strengthens your skin barrier — the key to long-term glow.
Korean moisturizers are known for being rich in hydration yet lightweight in texture. They often contain ingredients like ceramides, panthenol, and Centella Asiatica to calm and fortify your skin.
The ETUDE House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream is a cult classic for a reason — it’s soothing, fragrance-free, and barrier-repairing. Perfect for anyone with sensitive or compromised skin. For those with drier or more mature complexions, the AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream provides a plush, comforting layer of moisture with ceramides to keep your skin hydrated all day (and night) long.
Amazon Shopping List: Korean Moisturizers
- ETUDE House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
- AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream
7. Eye Serums That Actually Make a Difference
If your under-eye area tends to look tired, puffy, or dull, this step is for you. While eye creams and serums are often debated in Western skincare, Korean beauty takes them seriously — formulating lightweight yet effective blends to hydrate and brighten the delicate skin around your eyes.
The Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum is one of the most viral products in this category.
It combines retinal and niacinamide, a powerhouse duo that targets fine lines and dark circles without irritation.
Another budget-friendly gem is the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, which uses a gentle plant-based retinol alternative (bakuchiol) to firm and smooth the eye area while adding a soft glow.
Amazon Shopping List: Eye Serums & Creams
- Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
8. Sunscreen — The Secret Weapon for Glass Skin
Here’s a skincare truth that can’t be repeated enough: no routine works without sunscreen.
All your hard work with hydration, brightening, and exfoliation can be undone by UV exposure. In fact, studies show that up to 90% of visible aging comes from the sun’s rays.
Korean sunscreens have become internet-famous because of how elegant they feel — they’re weightless, hydrating, and layer beautifully under makeup.
The Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40 is a TikTok favorite for good reason: it provides strong protection without the greasy finish.
Meanwhile, the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen offers the same dewy protection in an even lighter texture, perfect for daily wear.
Amazon Shopping List: Korean Sunscreens
- Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40
- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
9. Nighttime Glow — Korean Sleeping Masks
To end your skincare routine on the coziest note possible, add a sleeping mask to your nighttime ritual.
These are not your typical heavy creams — they’re overnight treatments that lock in hydration and help your skin repair itself while you sleep.
The Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Mask feels like a spa treatment at home. It forms a light film that seals in moisture and leaves you with noticeably plumper skin by morning.
Another great pick is the VT Cosmetics Daily Soothing Centella Asiatica Face Mask, which helps calm redness and irritation while hydrating deeply — perfect for post-exfoliation nights.
Amazon Shopping List: Korean Sleeping Masks
- Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Mask
- VT Cosmetics Daily Soothing Centella Asiatica Mask
Wrapping It All Up — Building Your Own Glass Skin Routine
Achieving glass skin isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about building a skincare ritual that feels good and supports your skin long-term.
Korean skincare’s magic lies in its gentle philosophy — treat your skin with consistency, hydration, and care, and it will reward you with that effortless glow.
A few lifestyle tweaks make a huge difference too:
- Drink plenty of water daily (your skin reflects your hydration).
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep — your skin regenerates overnight.
- Avoid skipping sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
- Stay consistent with your products — results build over time.
When you combine smart skincare habits with the right Korean formulas, you’ll notice your complexion transforming — smoother, softer, and radiant from within.
✨ Your Glass Skin Starter Kit (Quick Recap):
- Double cleanse with Anua or SKIN1004 oils and gentle foams.
- Exfoliate with Medicube or Anua toner pads 2–3 times a week.
- Hydrate using TIRTIR or I’m From rice toners.
- Repair and glow up with COSRX Snail Mucin or Mixsoon Bean Essence.
- Brighten and refine with Anua Niacinamide or SOME BY MI Retinol Serum.
- Moisturize using ETUDE or AESTURA creams.
- Refresh the eyes with Beauty of Joseon or Haruharu serums.
- Protect during the day with Beauty of Joseon SPF 40 or Haruharu Airyfit.
- Revive overnight with Medicube or VT Cosmetics sleeping masks.
Final Thoughts
Korean skincare isn’t a trend — it’s a self-care ritual. It’s about slowing down, listening to what your skin needs, and enjoying the process. Whether you’re a college student trying to simplify your skincare or someone rebuilding your routine, these products are the perfect building blocks for your 2025 glow-up.
So go ahead, dim the lights, put on a chill playlist, and start layering your skincare. Your mirror will thank you — and your skin will be gleaming like glass
Disclaimer: All products mentioned are available on Amazon for your convenience. Prices may vary slightly based on region and seller.
