Have you ever seen Korean celebrities and wondered how their skin looks incredibly dewy, clear, and almost translucent? That flawless, poreless, and radiant complexion is known as glass skin, and it’s every skincare lover’s goal! Achieving it requires deep hydration, nourishment, and consistency. Unlike trends that come and go, glass skin is a core philosophy in Korean beauty. It relies on layering lightweight, moisture-rich products to bring out a natural glow from within.
When I first tried the 10-step Korean skincare routine, I thought it would take too much effort—ten steps every day? But after months of consistency, my skin improved dramatically. It looked fuller, clearer, and brighter than before. Now, I can confidently say this routine isn’t just hype—it truly works!
If you’re ready to achieve bright, smooth, and glowing skin, follow along with this simple Korean skincare routine and check out my favorite products to help you reach that goal. Let’s go!
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Step 1: Double Cleansing – The Base of K-Beauty
One of the biggest secrets of Korean skincare is double cleansing. Many people don’t realize how much dirt, oil, sebum, and makeup remain on the skin even after washing once. A thorough cleanse is essential for a healthy, fresh start.
Oil Cleanser
An oil cleanser is essential because oil dissolves oil—it breaks down makeup, SPF, and excess sebum without stripping your skin.
My go-to: Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil—removes every trace of makeup effortlessly.
Foam/Water-Based Cleanser
After using an oil cleanser, a gentle water-based cleanser removes any remaining impurities.
My pick: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser—cleans my skin without making it feel dry.I highly recommend this for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Step 2: Exfoliation – Remove Dead Skin (2-3 Times a Week)
Exfoliation smooths and brightens the skin. It removes dead skin cells so that the next steps work better.
Chemical Exfoliation (Gentle but Effective)
Best pick: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner—helps with bumps, blackheads, and rough skin.
Physical Exfoliation (For Instant Glow & Smoothness)
Best pick: Skinfood Black Sugar Scrub—leaves skin super soft and smooth.
Step 3: Toning – Balance and Prepare the Skin
Western toners often dry out the skin, but Korean beauty focuses on hydrating and soothing toners to prepare the skin for the next steps.
Best Hydrating Toners
- Son and Park Beauty Water—perfect for sensitive skin.
- Anua Rice 70 Glow MilkyToner—fills the skin with moisture and firms it up.
Step 4: Essence – A Key Step in Korean Skincare
Essence is a light, watery product that boosts moisture and helps skin repair. It makes skin look fuller and more radiant.
Best Essences for Glass Skin
- Numbuzin- No.9 NAD Bio Lifting-Sil Essence—uses fermented ingredients to renew and lift the skin.
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence—soaks the skin with moisture and aids in healing spots.
Step 5: Serums & Ampoules – Address Specific Skin Needs
This step targets specific skin concerns with highly concentrated formulas.
Best Korean Serums
- For hydration: COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
- For brightness: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum (contains rice & alpha arbutin)
- For anti-aging: Anua Retinol 0.3% Niacin Renewing Serum
Step 6: Sheet Masks – An Extra Boost of Moisture
Sheet masks deliver an intense moisture boost that Koreans swear by. I use one before important events for a clearer look.
Best Sheet Masks
- Biodance-Bio Collagen- Real Deep mask—gives intense hydration.
- Medicube PDRN Collagen Gel Mask—cools and refreshes the skin.
Step 7: Eye Cream – Caring for Sensitive Skin
The eye area is thin and prone to wrinkles, so eye cream is a must.
Best Eye Creams
- Innisfree Jeju Orchid Eye Cream—moisturizes and fights signs of aging.
- Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel—light but deeply nourishing.
Step 8: Moisturizer – Keep in Moisture
All skin types need a moisturizer to lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier.
Best Korean Moisturizers
- For oily skin: Iunik Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream
- For dry skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
Step 9: Sunscreen – A Vital Korean Beauty Step
Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable if you want to maintain glass skin! It protects against sun damage, premature aging, and dark spots.
Best Korean Sunscreens
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics—light and moisturizing.
- Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen—loved for its fresh, dewy finish.
Step 10: Sleeping Masks – Overnight Skin Care
Sleeping masks work while you sleep to deeply hydrate and brighten the skin.
Photo Credit to @bysimplyoublog
Best Sleeping Masks
- Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask—soothes and locks in moisture.
- Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask—brightens and softens skin.
Pro Tips for Clear, Hydrated Skin
- Use the 7-Layer Toner Technique – If you have very dry skin, apply seven layers of toner for deep hydration.
- Facial Massage – Boosts blood circulation, reduces puffiness, and gives a natural glow. Try a gua sha tool or just use your hands.
- Consume Skin-Supporting Foods –Girls! Your eating habits matter as much as your skin care routine.Healthy diet affects skin clarity, firmness, and brightness.
Photo by Anna Shvets
Best Foods for Healthy Skin
- Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel) – Rich in omega-3s to keep skin hydrated.
- Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale) – Full of vitamins A, C & E for collagen repair.
- Avocados – Provide healthy fats & vitamin E for soft skin.
- Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries) – High in antioxidants to prevent premature aging.
Final Thoughts
Achieving glass skin isn’t just about using fancy products—it’s about being consistent, hydrating properly, and understanding your skin’s needs. Trust me, once you stick with the Korean skincare routine, you’ll never want to go back.
Have you tried this routine before? Let me know in the comments! Also, don’t forget to subscribe for more K-beauty tips!
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