23 best Korean skincare products to achieve that glass skin look

Korea is a global leader in beauty innovation, recognised for pioneering brilliant skincare formulas and techniques. The influence of K-beauty (as it’s widely known) is far reaching, and Korean beauty brands – including Erborian, Dr.Jart+ and Laneige – are soaring in popularity thanks to potent products and game-changing ingredients, such as red pepper, tiger grass and ginseng.

But where to start with this beauty universe, where ‘skincare first’ is a popular Korean mantra? The secret to achieving a smooth, even-toned complexion lies in the famous 10-step routine. That is; cleansing twice, exfoliating, toning, applying essence and ampoules, masking, eye cream, moisturising and, finally, sunscreen. Sounds a lot, right? But follow the 10 steps below, and you’ll soon see why it makes great sense. 

This is the cornerstone of Korean skincare; first an oil cleanser to rinse off makeup and impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser to target environmental aggressors such as pollution. Cleansing twice might seem a bit much at first, but you’ll soon be converted.

This is one of the 10 steps that you shouldn’t, in fact, do every day. Korean women are careful not to over-exfoliate; once or twice a week is more than enough. Opt for AHA and BHA exfoliators or peels over scrubs, which can be harsh on your complexion.

Toner might have fallen out of favour recently, but it’s a mainstay of Korean skincare thanks to its ability to balance the skin’s pH levels, helping products absorb into your complexion. These next-generation toners are packed full of skin-loving antioxidants.

An essence is similar to a serum – in that it contains more concentrated ingredients – but it’s lighter in consistency, making it easier to layer up. As a rule of thumb, you should apply your skincare products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest, adding an essence (or serum) after your toner.

Face masks are massive in Korea, where they range from soothing, hydrating clays to the (slightly scary-looking) sheet masks. Their appeal? Soaking your face with a formula or cloth that’s saturated with potent ingredients provides more opportunity for them to sink into the skin. 

Your eyes are the first part of your face to show signs of ageing, so it’s important not to skip this stage in the routine. Look to creams, balms and concentrates with high levels of hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate the delicate skin, or formulas featuring the energising Korean wonder-ingredient, ginseng.

Korean beauty is founded on the understanding that hydration is the key to creating (and maintaining) a flawless complexion, aka ‘glass skin’. Keep skin plumped with a rich cream, such as the Dr.Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution, applied after layering serums, ampoules and face masks.

Korean women wear sunscreen every day – even when it’s raining, even if they’re staying inside. They know UVA and UVB rays can penetrate glass and cause premature ageing. Find the best high SPF for you, get into the habit of wearing it daily (and regularly reapplying), and your skin will thank you.