25-04-2025
~Spring~ Into Radiance With These 26 Korean Skincare Products For That Glass Skin Glow
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
"Prepare for your face to look like it was kissed by angels (and snails)." — a reviewer after experiencing this much-hyped Cosrx essence for themselves
1. A "lifting" essence that reviewers on TikTok are referring to as "Botox in a bottle." It's made with NAD+, which can help boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, along with 50 types of peptides to help plump and firm your skin. With a stretchy texture that's similar to snail mucin but thicker, this gem can help make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable in four weeks!
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Here's how to use it: Take 2–3 drops and apply evenly all over your face — if you want to target any particular areas that have wrinkles, like smile lines, frown lines, and your forehead, you can apply extra there. Gently massage the product into your skin until it's fully absorbed. For an added boost, follow up with their lifting sheet mask at night to lock in the benefits!
Promising review:"I've tried countless essences over the years, but Numbuzin No.9 Essence | NAD+ BIO has completely blown me away! From the very first week, I noticed a visible reduction in my pores and an overall improvement in my skin's texture. My complexion looks smoother, firmer, and more refined, giving me that coveted 'glass skin' effect." — Bug Lady
Get it from Amazon for $28.10.
2. And (from the same brand!) a pack of double-sided toner pads designed to exfoliate, brighten, and prevent dark spots from coming back. These pads are infused with concentrated glutathione, a superstar ingredient in Korean skincare known for its ability to help fade hyperpigmentation and improve overall skin tone. With consistent use, some reviewers said it took them only a week to see noticeable results!
Use the jelly side as a sheet mask and leave it on for 3–5 minutes. Then wipe your skin using the gauze side for some gentle exfoliation!
Promising reviews: "I love these little pads. They make my skin look like glass and really minimize my pores. I use this in the mornings before applying my moisturizer and makeup, and I've noticed my face looks a lot smoother." — Miss_cela87
"I've been diving deep into K-beauty lately, and these pads are a game changer. Like, I've never seen a better version of my face. I'm 36, and these pads have [improved] all my dark spots, shrunk my pores, and made my skin so smooth I can't stop touching it. I don't have wrinkles yet, so I can't vouch for that, but if these pads can tighten my pores like this, I'm pretty sure they could solve world peace. Highly recommend for anyone looking to glow up without breaking the bank. ✨🧖♀️" — WiseGuysReviews
Get a pack of 70 pads from Amazon for $20.80.
3. An antioxidant-rich spray serum infused with white truffle extract to deeply nourish flaky skin and keep your glow on point! It's great for prepping your skin for makeup *and* sealing your look with a dewy finish that'll rival your favorite Insta filter — and when you're out and about, you can reach for it anytime you need a refreshing boost of hydration.
This spray works best for dry and combination skin!
Promising review:"This is a beautiful spray. I added it to my nighttime skincare routine, put it on before I put on my makeup, and use it as a finishing spray to take down any powdery look I might have. I take every chance I can to use this because I love how it makes my skin look and feel. It gives me that glass skin look that so many other products have failed to do for me. Highly recommend." — Tracy
Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in two sizes).
4. A bamboo panthenol cream formulated to deeply hydrate, repair, and strengthen your skin barrier. It also works wonders for balancing your oil production and reducing inflammation, leaving your skin so smooth and radiant, you'll look like you just stepped out of a skincare ad.
Reviewers also use this after their tretinion to enhance their glow while minimizing irritation!
Promising reviews:"I have tried for a long time to find a moisturizer that helps to repair my skin, and I am so happy to have found this product. I have been using it consistently for over a year and always wake up with smooth-feeling skin. It has truly helped to repair my skin barrier, as I have damaged it from the sun previously. The price is great for this amazing product. I have used more expensive and higher-end ones, but this does the trick for me. I will continue to repurchase!" — Ralitza Ivanova
"This product is amazing at sealing in all of your skincare. Gives an amazing glass skin look. Has healed my damaged my broken skin barrier and help with that dry winter skin." — Rasha
Get it from Amazon for $19.
5. A pore-clearing cleansing oil that visibly sucks out sebum from your pores and removes makeup residue and blackheads, leaving your skin looking clearer and feeling smoother. Reviewers of all skin types swear by it, including those with acne-prone skin (who say it doesn't cause breakouts)!
BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.
Promising review:" Glass skin for sure. This is the best; it cleans your pores instantly. My skin totally changed when I started to use this product. Before this one, I was using one of the main expensive brands, but none did what this one did in a day." — Lumidla
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
6. The cult-favorite Cosrx snail mucin repairing essence formulated with 96.3% snail secretion that's perfectly lightweight and hydrating for all skin types. This essence leaves a nice glow and keeps skin visibly smooth after a few uses. No wonder it has over 64,000 5-star ratings!
All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising review:" My skin is now smoother than my Wi-Fi connection! I'm ready to personally thank every snail involved in this masterpiece. My skin is so smooth and reflective that I'm basically a walking highlighter now — no makeup required. When they said 'glass skin,' I thought, 'Okay, marketing hype.' NOPE. After one application, my pores disappeared like they had scheduled PTO. I can practically see my future in my reflection, and spoiler alert: It's hydrated and radiant. If you're on the fence, jump off, run to this product, and prepare for your face to look like it was kissed by angels (and snails). Five stars? More like infinity stars." — Kate M.
Get it from Amazon for $19.20.
7. Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads containing lactic acid, salicylic acid, and a dual-textured surface to help control excess sebum while exfoliating dead skin and refining pores, all while keeping your glow game strong.
Promising reviews: "Have only been using these for 4 days and OMG- GLASS SKIN! Not irritating to skin and leaves it feeling smooth and glowy." — A. Dawn
"I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily, and it's been a couple of weeks, and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk. I even apply it to my neck and chest area. Product is soothing, gentle on my skin (have extremely sensitive skin), no strong smell, cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It's great for the value, and I'll definitely be repurchasing these." — Ee El
Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $17.90 (available in four other styles).
8. A popular pack of Skin1004 8-in-1 treatment masks ready to give you similar (if not better) results as the v expensive Hanacure, if you don't mind looking like a zombie for 15 minutes in exchange for (*takes a deep breath*): reduced fine lines, lifted skin, cleared acne, tightened pores, deeply hydrated skin, improved skin texture, balanced pH level, and a brightened complexion.
To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it onto your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10–15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin.
Promising review:"My new favorite beauty product!!!!! I used a new razor to shave the baby hairs on my face first and am in AWE of how shiny and tight my face was from just one mask, and it lasted for days! This is 100% worth the it's affordable." — Rk
Get a box with eight masks from Amazon for $21.13.
9. A Beauty of Joseon glow serum, aka the secret ingredient to more glass-like skin. This honey-like serum uses propolis and niacinamide to help control sebum production, minimize the appearance of pores, and even out any skin discoloration.
And don't worry, even though this is a serum it won't leave you feeling like you just smeared olive oil over your face.
Promising reviews:"This stuff is amazing!!!!! The compliments I have received about my skin since I've started using this are wild. I have been told my skin looks even and that it has a glow. I don't wear makeup so it is a huge confidence boost. I had some hyperpigmentation around my mouth and it is almost gone. I use it in the morning and at night. I don't miss a day. I feel consistency is key with this product. There is not really a scent and I like the texture because it is not watery but not thick either. I'm almost out so I will be buying another bottle. Also, I had no irritation or breakouts and my pores have gotten smaller and non-existent in some areas." — Christina Pope
"I never write reviews. Like neverrr! But I had to for this serum. If you want glass skin, this is it. It's nongreasy, non-oily, but still makes me glow. It's like magic. Highly recommended." — Noriza falaq
Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).
10. Mixsoon Bean Essence that hydrates and exfoliates your skin at the same dang time. 🤯 This thick (but not sticky) essence contains natural ingredients like fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate to remove dead skin cells and revitalize skin tone.
Promising reviews: " I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive, but I took a gamble, and it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores; it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this well on everyone on the first try, and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" — Losa
"This serum has been the perfect addition to my skincare routine. I love how glowy and glass-like it makes my skin. Not really sticky and absorbs into skin nicely." — Kimberly Vendola
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in two sizes).
11. A lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser — it's gentle enough for you to lather up and have that fresh face feeling every day. This pH-balanced face wash won't disrupt your skin, which could lead to all sorts of problems like dryness, oiliness, and breakouts. It also contains BHA (a type of exfoliant that unclogs pores) and tea tree oil (which has antibacterial properties that zip zits).
Promising reviews:"Especially if you're looking for glass skin you can definitely go for this product. I really loved it. Really comfortable to use regularly. It clears all the dirt off and makes my skin feel fresh and shiny. Really value for the money. Just go for it." — Dheeraj
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
12. The all-in-one Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm for those dry areas on your face and body that could use a little extra love. Packed with collagen and a natural fermented oil straight from Jeju Island, this balm is like a loving hug for your skin, giving it a 48-hour moisture boost and lifting effect.
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Promising review: " My skin is PLUMP! I saw this in a BuzzFeed article and decided I'd try it. I put it on my whole face AND lips before going to bed, and by morning, my skin looked glorious. It smells good and is a bit sticky, but I use it when I sleep, so it's fine. The best thing is that it knocks down my CPAP lines on my face by about 65%! When I saw that, it was wild. I already have another one in my cart!" — Ashley R
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in seven styles).
13. A bottle of goami rice toner if you need a little extra help with hydration. This fragrance-free toner gives the skin a lovely illuminating effect while also improving its protective moisture barrier.
This toner is also alcohol-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
The original formula is great for dry skin, providing deep hydration and nourishment. If you have oily or combination skin, try the light formula instead, as it can help control excess oil and prevent breakouts.
Promising review: " This toner is magical! I have huge pores so I got this toner to try to help with that and not only did it shrink my pores, it helped with the overall texture of my skin. No more little bumps.I've only been using this for about a month now? And no I have not been extremely consistent, you start to see results pretty quick so if you're trying to get that glass skin look, I highly recommend you add this to your skincare routine." — Kiki
Get it from Amazon for $23.50 (available in two formulas).
14. A Laneige water sleeping mask so incredibly moisturizing that one reviewer describes it as a " hydration volcano." It's infused with squalane and a probiotic-derived complex, which is just a fancy way of saying it delivers intense moisture without that greasy, heavy feeling. Plus, it helps to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier, making your complexion look brighter and more radiant.
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Promising reviews: " I almost never buy the same beauty product twice, with very few exceptions. Why, when there are so many to try?! This one blew my mind. It feels so rich and luxurious, but still soaks in quickly. It doesn't feel sticky or oily, and it makes my skin feel incredible. I'm combination, but run dry, and this keeps me evened out even in winter." — fannbea6
"Have loved this for years! Hydrates my skin and looks like glass! Smells great and fresh." — SP
Get it from Amazon for $32.
15. Also from Laneige: A glowy lip balm to instantly elevate your makeup look, whether you're going for a cute daytime vibe or a sultry evening allure — or just rock it solo with its amazing high-shine finish. The texture is smooth as silk, lightweight, and *not* sticky, so you'll feel like you're in lip balm heaven.
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Promising reviews:"Everyone needs this lip gloss in their lives. It honestly makes your lips feel so good. I have one with my makeup and one in my purse to take everywhere with me. It's glossy but not sticky. It feels light on, but makes your lips instantly feel more nourished. Worth every penny." — Britney Badger
"My favorite go-to gloss. Leaves lips hydrated and looking like glass. A must-have." — Lori R.
Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in nine shades and as a cute gift set).
16. A Goodal vitamin C serum — made with a whopping 70% green tangerine extract, this little bottle is like a brightening potion just waiting to tackle dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Reviewers can't stop raving about how it seemingly transformed their skin, even fading years of sun damage. Don't believe me? The proof is in the photos below!
Promising reviews:"I can't praise this product enough. Not only does it work for my sensitive skin, but it also helps remove the sun spots I've gained over the years. A combination of using this product in my skincare regimen along with sunscreen has truly helped these age spots disappear. The difference in my photos [above] is two years (36 and 38 years old), and I somehow appear younger with my skin tone balancing out. You have to get this product if you've ever subjected yourself to the sun and wish to take it back lol." — Rebekah Heise
"This is by far my favorite vitamin C. I immediately saw the change in my skin. It's brighter and if you are looking to have a glass skin, get this." — Andrea Bustamante Colorado
17. A bottle of Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops packed with vitamins that help plump and brighten your skin along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing moringa seed oil for an instant dewy glow. ✨
Promising review: "Tried this product out after seeing it on TikTok, and my daughter and I loved it. We are waiting for the bigger bottle to come in today! With this serum, we were able to achieve that pretty glass look that we were looking for. I did try out five other products, but this one is one that will be in our bathroom for quite some time. It smells great. It feels great, and after a couple of weeks, I wasn't even wearing foundation anymore — that's how good my skin looked! Definitely give it a try!" — Debbie Shannon Avila
Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in two sizes).
18. A Biodance overnight collagen mask — it starts as a milky-colored hydrogel mask and gradually turns clear while it works wonders on your skin. It contains three kinds of probiotics along with low-molecular-weight collagen and hyaluronic acid, which penetrate deeply to improve elasticity, refine pores, smooth fine lines, and more. You can wear it overnight or leave it on for 3–4 hours as you go about your day!
Check out a TikTok of this mask in action.
Promising review: "Third-time buyer here! 🤚🏽 I love the way this mask makes my skin feel. The way it hydrates and makes it look like glass is amazing. I get tons of compliments on my skin! I like to wash my face and apply this mask at night while watching my fave TV show so I forget about it. Once it's translucent, then I take it off. I leave it on for at least 20 minutes before I start moving around to avoid it slipping off. Definitely recommend. I have put a few people onto this mask and they all love it!" — Lynnette G.
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $19 (also available in a 16-pack and two other versions).
19. Or a tea tree sheet mask you'll want to keep on deck for when your skin needs some serious TLC, because these little gems are like a mini spa day for your face — just 15 minutes of pure bliss! Infused with three types of tea tree extract, these masks work wonders to calm and balance your skin, helping to clear blemishes while keeping excess oil in check. And your skin will look absolutely radiant afterward!
Read more about tea tree oil and acne at the Mayo Clinic!
Promising reviews:"I'm convinced these masks are the secret to reversing fine lines! They work so well it's almost magical, and they're so easy to use. No scent, no mess, and it'll leave you glowing!" — J
"Jimin of BTS recommended this sheet mask in one of his lives. Then, when I went to the Agust D concert, the Army who sat next to me gifted me three of these sheet masks along with some Yoongi photocards <33 The sheet masks are simply amazing. They hydrate my skin and my pores have gotten much better after using them a couple of times. Definitely recommend!!" — Arpita S.
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three different pack sizes).
20. Torriden hyaluronic acid serum — this complex HA formula is designed to absorb super quickly and dive deep into your skin, delivering a mega-dose of moisture. With a lightweight, watery texture, this serum is all about maintaining that much-needed hydration and keeping your skin plump and smooth without any icky residue.
Promising reviews: "Made my skin SO HYDRATED!! Literal glass skin without being sticky or greasy. Love this product, it is definitely worth a try!!" — Nico
"Disclaimer: I went on Accutane five years ago, and this product is one of several other products in my day/night skincare routine. I first picked this up at an Olive Young store during a trip I took to South Korea. It was listed as one of their best-sellers and I 100% can see why. I mist my face before applying a few drops and it absorbs really quickly. Almost immediately my skin looks/feels more hydrated and prepped for the rest of my routine. The days where I feel lazy and don't complete my skincare routine or cheat and not use this, my face definitely looks less dewy/a little more dull. Idk but I'm sold for sure." — Jaylen
Get it from Amazon for $22.
21. An Innisfree daily UV defense sunscreen reviewers are calling their "holy grail" sun protection. It has SPF 36, which is *chef's kiss* for everyday use. It's formulated with green tea for hydration, cica to soothe redness and irritation, and sunflower seed oil to nourish the skin. And the best part? It leaves behind a beautiful glow with zero white cast.
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Promising reviews:"This stuff is amazing. Feel so better knowing I'm protecting my skin daily now. Also there is zero white residue. It gives me a nice glowy glass skin effect, which I really like. Super happy with this purchase." — Kristin
"I LOVE this product, I swear by it, and I'm pretty sure this is my third or fourth time purchasing it! As a woman of color, finding a sunscreen that didn't give me a white cast / ashy finish was very hard, so I am so glad I've come across this product! It goes on the skin so smoothly. I apply moisturizer first, then the sunscreen, and I have no trouble spreading a little over my entire face! I don't leave the house without this; I always keep it on me! It gives you a glow and makes your skin feel so much softer. I also feel like some of my dark spots have faded due to this product! Also, I have VERY sensitive skin, so everything breaks me out, but this has not!" — Sierra Keyes
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).
22. A Cosrx skin-boosting serum containing six different peptides that work overtime to leave your complexion absolutely radiant. This lightweight, toner-like serum is fantastic for boosting skin elasticity, reducing post-hyperpigmentation, controlling pores, calming irritation, and improving the appearance of fine lines.
Promising reviews: "I am absolutely IN love with the way this makes my skin look like literal glass. I can't live without this product and have been using it for around a year now. It sits BEAUTIFULLY under makeup as well. This is a MUST BUY!" — Paige
"This serum stands out as a true game changer in my routine. With continued use, my complexion looks noticeably smoother and incredibly radiant. One of the things I love most is that its lightweight formula makes possible to integrate it into any skincare routine, layering effortlessly with other products without pilling or interfering with makeup application, and without leaving a greasy residue or sitting heavily on the skin. This serum sinks in effortlessly and doesn't clog pores or cause congestion. It's the perfect balance of nourishment and weightlessness, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone." — SC
Get it from Amazon for $19.49.
23. A rejuvenating gel cream with boba-like capsules full of concentrated vitamin C and niacinamide — as you massage it into your skin, the capsules burst, instantly giving you that "glass-skin" look. A little goes a long way, so you only need 1–2 capsules at a time for your whole face! If you stick with it over time, you'll be blessed by the skincare gods with an overall brighter complexion and improvement in acne scars and fine lines.
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I've spent a lot of time curating my skincare routine, and this vitamin C gel/cream has rightfully earned its spot. I use it in the morning, and it gives me that glass skin glow all day long. A little goes a VERY long way. I would say I only apply one, *maaaybe* two boba beads for my whole face. I also like to use my Medicube Booster Pro in the Derma Shot mode to help the product fully absorb and get that extra snatched look.
Promising review:" I don't usually write reviews but for this product I had to. I have super dry skin on the best of days, and in the winter, I usually use a moisturizer that has the consistency and thickness of toothpaste just to stay moisturized in the cold, dry air. I decided to give this a try and I'm so glad I did! I had doubts because this isn't heavy at all and is like a gel with lightweight lotion balls in it but I could not have been more impressed! It's super moisturizing but absorbs well into the skin and gives you that glass skin look! My skin looks plump and bright in the middle of January in New England and that's a first! I also think it will still be fine to use in summertime because it's not a thick, heavy cream. Can't recommend this enough!" — K. Farris
Get it from Amazon for $19.90.
24. A dark spot correcting serum featuring 5% niacinamide, papaya extract, and plant-derived squalane to help fade hyperpigmentation spots and leave your skin glowing with a more even complexion.
Promising reviews:" I swear by this serum, it made my dark spots disappear. and I've been using this on and off for about 4 months…because I'm not consistent with my skincare lol. These photos are only about a month you can see the dark spot on my cheek completely disappeared. i don't have photos from when I first began using it but there's a huge improvement!" — Minah
"Good product. Makes your skin [look like] glass and minimizes pores if you use it regularly." — Adnan
Get it from Amazon for $16.50.
25. Skin1004's Centella ampoule — this highly concentrated potion is crafted from the finest Madagascar Centella asiatica extract, known for its incredible ability to soothe, calm, and hydrate even the most sensitive skin. The formula is also slightly acidic to help keep your skin's pH balance in check.
Promising review:" Liquid gold! I'm obsessed with this. It's one of the first products I purchased when starting my glass skin journey. Centella asiatica is known to calm sensitive skin, reduce redness and inflammation. My skin barrier was damaged from all the actives I used in the past. Since I started using this ampoule in the morning and night, my skin is a lot more hydrated and less red and irritated. It absorbs beautifully into the skin and doesn't leave tackiness. My skin is left glowing after every use. I've recommend this product to friends and family and they all feel the same. It's a must for any skin type!" — frugalANDfeminine
Get it from Amazon for $13.57+ (available in two sizes).
26. A Medicube Age-R Booster Pro if you want to feel like you just left a Korean skin clinic without having to hop on a flight. This device features four different treatments, all powered by LED light therapy, that can exfoliate, tighten, boost the efficacy of your other products, and rejuvenate your skin. It announces the minutes as you're using it to ensure you don't overuse it in one spot and doesn't take long to see noticeable results.
It's recommended to use the Air Shot mode 2–3 times a week. The other modes — Booster, MC (microcurrent), and Derma Shot — can be used 1–3 times daily.
I own the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro and it is definitely worth the splurge! When I first started using this device I had a dark mark from a pimple on my cheek, but with consistent use of this device, it faded in under a week (wish I had taken those before and after pics!). Overall, it didn't take long to notice that my face was visibly brighter and lifted. Although I've slacked a bit lately (oops, guilty of being lazy 😅), I've definitely seen the difference when I'm diligent with it.
Promising review: "I have been using the Booster Pro for a month now, and the results are fantastic! My pores are less visible, and my skin is more radiant. The LED lights and various modes make it easy to target specific concerns. The AGE-R app is a great addition, providing helpful tips and progress tracking. Worth every penny." — J Miles
