The 19 Best Korean Skincare Products for Glass Skin, Tested and Loved by Cosmo Editors

ProsGreat for overnight useAcne-safeConsLeaves behind slight residueWhy we love it: Snail mucin is beloved for its power to deeply hydrate the skin (it sounds gross, but it works) and it's great for slugging the skin without clogging pores.One Cosmo editor says: "This essence has def been a worthwhile addition to my skincare routine. It’s relatively affordable and can be easily incorporated into any existing regimen if you're looking to add some ~vitality~ to your face and soothe damaged skin. The product is incredibly gentle and not a huge investment, so you can use it generously and daily too."—IMAN BALAGAM, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITERFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeEssenceKey ingredientsSnail mucinProsIntuitive and easy to use, even if you're not tech-yCombines five different treatments in one (LED, microcurrent, airshot, dermashot, and mask mode)Suitable for a wide range of skin types and issuesConsNeed to build up to the higher levels (otherwise, you could experience some discomfort or redness)Why we love it: Don't get me wrong, all the hydrating serums and masks are great for achieving glass skin, but this device will crank them up to the next level. This booster does exactly what it sounds like—it boosts your formulas, so they penetrate into the skin even deeper and increase ingredient effectiveness. It’s also got LED, microcurrent, and more, to leave your face looking smooth and lifted.One Cosmo editor says: "I’ve used the original Booster Pro extensively, but I got the inside scoop in Seoul to try out the new Booster Pro 2. And it’s so much better. The overall experience of the device is more powerful, meaning each of the six levels is more impactful than the original Booster Pro. It lets your skincare go deeper, your facial muscles feel more activated, and overall delivers a more intense treatment experience. Since it’s more powerful, it may take some time to work up to the higher settings. Plus, the larger head size takes up more surface area on the skin, making application more efficient, especially across the full face and jawline.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORREAD OUR FULL REVIEWProduct typeDeviceKey ingredientsN/AAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsVisibly hydrates the skin Comfortably fits on the faceConsA bit hard to sleep withWhy we love it: Chances are you've seen this glass skin-inducing mask on your social media feed at some point (it also has more than 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon). You simply put it on your face before bed, and you'll wake up with drenched and glossy skin thanks to the loads of collagen and hyaluronic acid.One Cosmo editor says: "I could go on forever about how much I love this viral mask that you leave on overnight for glowy skin. It's already cut in two pieces to help it fit perfectly over your face (which I loved sm). Then, just go to sleep. That's it. In the morning, you'll notice the mask has absorbed and is completely clear, leaving you with the smoothest skin ever."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeSheet maskKey ingredientsVegan collagen, hyaluronic acidProsSweeps the skin without dehydratingGreat for acneConsNot the most travel-friendly since the jar is quite bigWhy we love it: Alix Earle's derm recommended these toner pads, and now they're quite literally all over TikTok. (But team Cosmo has loved them for years.) They're filled with two types of exfoliants—AHAs to help smooth the top layer of the skin and BHAs to go deep into pores to help clean out clogged oil or dirt.One Cosmo editor says: "I picked these up after suffering a gnarly travel breakout upon my arrival in Asia, and by the time I left, my skin was back to its usual state with all of my zits healing. I really love swiping these all over my face in the mornings (followed with sunscreen, ofc). I legit feel like my skin starts to look better as the day goes on—it’s kinda magic."—BGFeatures at a Glance:Product typeToner padsKey ingredientsAHA, BHA, allantoin, hyaluronic acidAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsHas a lightweight consistency but is surprisingly moisturizingConsContains a few oils and butters that could be potentially pore-clogging for acne-prone skinWhy we love it: Essences are a well-loved skincare step in Korea. Many aestheticians there recommend even patting one into your skin between every single product in your routine. Regardless of how often you use it, though, this one is extremely moisturizing. Packed with ceramides, oils, shea butter, and rice extract, its watery texture is deceptively rich, adding an extra layer of hydration without the added weight.One Cosmo editor says: “My skin truly looks like glass when I use this essence. I pat it onto damp skin, and it doesn’t full sink in; instead, it leaves a glowy veil over my skin. It’s perfect before makeup when I want my skin to look majorly radiant.”—BGProduct typeEssenceKey ingredientsCeramides, sunflower seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, rice extractProsCan also be used on other parts of the faceRetinol complex isn't irritatingConsThose with super sensitive under-eyes might want to use it only at nightWhy we love it: If you're looking to banish dark circles and fine lines, this eye cream is packed with a collagen-peptide and a retinol complex, and tons of hyaluronic acid to address signs of aging. It’s a favorite among K-Beauty lovers in Seoul and stateside.One Cosmo editor says: "My under-eye circles stay purple no matter how much sleep I get. But this cream has done the seemingly impossible and made my dark circles less noticeable. I used to never be able to skip concealer, and for the last month I've hardly needed it. I will be restocking on this as soon as I'm out."—JHFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeCreamKey ingredientsRetinol, peptides, collagenAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsCan also be used as a makeup primerNo whitecastConsBurns if it gets in eyes, so be careful around the eye areaWhy we love it: A hydrating sunscreen that also doesn't make you break out? Sounds like heaven. It also sounds like this Hydro Sun Barrier Cream from beloved K-beauty brand The Face Shop. It's got SPF 45 and it's loaded with tons of hydrating and soothing ingredients.One Cosmo editor says: "With oily skin, I rarely want to moisturize and apply sunscreen. It's just too much. But this hydrating SPF is the perfect combo. It sinks into my skin, leaving behind a slightly glowy sheen that doesn't make me shiny or feel heavy (nor does it make my acne-prone skin break out either)."—BGFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeMoisturizing sunscreenKey ingredientsNiacinamide, panthenolProsNon-comedogenicGives the epitome of glass skinConsWe wish the bottle was bigger, it's easy to use upWhy we love it: Another TikTok favorite, because virality is basically synonymous with K-beauty at this point. You simply squeeze out some of this collagen-filled gel, lather it on your face, and it turns into a peel-off mask overnight. It truly creates the glassiest finish that you won't even wanna put makeup on top of.One Cosmo editor says: "As much as I loooooveeee the idea of wearing my collagen sheet masks overnight, I am a side sleeper so they fall right off. This peel-off mask, though, does basically the same thing without the frustration. My face looks so freaking smooth and buttery by morning. I do it before every big event."—BGFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeFace maskKey ingredientsCollagen extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acidAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLoaded with PDRN—a buzzy ingredient in KoreaHydrating and boosts collagenConsMight not be the best option for acne-prone skinWhy we love it: This serum is super popular in Korea, and it’s basically glass skin in a bottle. Packed with PDRN (a salmon DNA-derived ingredient that boosts skin health) and hyaluronic acid, the lightweight serum deeply hydrates, plumps, and smooths skin while boosting radiance. The fast-absorbing formula leaves behind a fresh glow without ever feeling sticky or heavy, making it perfect for layering into any skincare routine.One Cosmo editor says: “I just picked this up at Olive Young during my trip to Seoul when my face was going through it from long travel days. This immediately quenched my dry skin and left my complexion looking basically reflective.”—JHProduct typeSerumKey ingredientsPDRN, hyaluronic acidProsHelps all your other skincare absorb deeper while simultaneously moisturizingConsHas a bit of a tingling sensation, but it goes awayWhy we love it: Okay, let me give you the rundown on spicules if you're unfamiliar. This serum is filled with teeny tiny particles found inside marine sponges that microscopically puncture the skin to create near-invisible channels that increase ingredient absorption. Hence why these are also referred to as microneedling in a bottle. You might feel a little tingling, but that means it's working!While creating a deeper penetration and absorption for your skincare, this formula is also filled with cica and hyaluronic acid to replenish the skin's moisture.One Cosmo editor says: "When I went to Seoul, I stocked up on this 'liquid microneedling' serum I'd seen all over TikTok. When I spread the serum across my face, it actually feels prickly, but that dissipates over a few hours. I usually swipe this on, then opt for an active ingredient like my go-to exfoliating serum. Using it once a week seriously has helped smooth the hell outta my skin, just as getting microneedling in office does for me."—BGFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeSerumKey ingredientsAloe, hyaluronic acid, cicaAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsWorks in about 30 minutesDeeply hydrates the skinConsNot comfortable for overnight useThis face mask does some seriously heavy-duty lifting thanks to both its ingredient list and innovative design. Formulated with NAD+ and peptides to support collagen production and skin elasticity, the mask works at the cellular level to leave skin looking firmer and more radiant. And the lifting neck attachment hugs the jawline and lower face for a sculpted effect while you wear it.One Cosmo editor says: “While on a shopping trip to Olive Young, a friend of mine from Seoul said that these were the best face masks, and she was not wrong. These are filled to the brim with collagen-boosting ingredients and instantly leave my skin looking more glowy after one session.”—JHProduct typeSheet maskKey ingredientsNAD+ProsNo whitecastNon-greasyConsThe U.S. formulas are sadly not the same as the Korean onesNot great for acne-prone skinWhy we love it: When you think of SPF sticks you might associate them with a chalky, greasy, and white finish. But not this one from cult-favorite K-beauty brand Round Lab. The velvety finish looks natural and soft—perfect for sweaty summertime, and goes on totally clear.One Cosmo editor says: "I'm a huuuge SPF stick fan for reapplying to my nose, cheeks, shoulders, and chest at the beach without getting sand everywhere (or just quickly at a music festival, on a walk, at the park, etc.). I've been using this stick for the last eight months, and it's my go-to."—BGFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeSunscreenKey ingredientsDimethicone, allantoinAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGreat for any skin type, especially sensitive and reactive-proneWorks well on body and faceConsProduct recently jumped up in priceWhy we love it: This incredibly moisturizing (yet still lightweight feeling!) lotion is loaded with ceramides, which are key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier. It's also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and doesn't contain any potentially triggering ingredients that sensitive skin may dislike.One Cosmo editor says: "Seriously, since finding this, I haven't found another body lotion that quite compares—it's hypoallergenic, meaning it's fragrance-free and doesn't contain any potentially triggering ingredients that sensitive skin may dislike."—SIENA GAGLIANO, FORMER ASSOCIATE EDITORFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeBody lotionKey ingredientsCeramides, vitamin E, glycerin, fatty acidsProsNot stickyStays on all nightConsI wish it came in an unscented versionWhy we love it: This CNP Laboratory lip mask is the best overnight treatment for dry, cracked lips. Infused with nourishing propolis and honey extracts, the buttery formula deeply hydrates and softens flakes. Unlike sticky balms that disappear after an hour, this one actually locks in moisture overnight so you wake up with smooth lips.One Cosmo editor says: “As someone with chronically dry lips, I’ve tried basically every overnight lip treatment on the market, and this is one of the few that doesn’t leave me waking up with dry, crusty lips by morning. I also love putting it on mid-day when my lips are in need of some extra shine.”—JHProduct typeLip maskKey ingredientsShea butter, peptides, propolis extract, manuka honeyAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGreat for all types of acneConsThose with sensitive skin should use it once or twice a week onlyWhy we love it: This spot treatment is ideal for stubborn breakouts or painful pimples. It tackles congested pores with a blend of AHA, BHA, and PHA to exfoliate and clear the skin. It's infused with soothing ingredients like tea tree and centella asiatica, so it also calms irritation while promoting smoother skin.One Cosmo editor says: "I'm finally on the outs of a months-long battle with my hormonal acne. But when I was in the depths of it, I used this constantly. It was the perfect spot treatment for an angry, inflamed zit. It's basically a rich ointment loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients to help calm down a breakout. So it won't dry out my skin or leave me with a crusty patch. Instead, it helps slowly flatten my pimple in a few days."—BGFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeAcne spot treatmentKey ingredientsSalicylic acid, tea tree, centella asiaticaProsGentle enough for daily use due to a slew of hydratorsConsYou may run out of product rather quicklyWhy we love it: "I’ve suffered from hormonal acne for years, and since incorporating the Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner into my routine every day, I’ve seen my acne disappear," says Cho. It’s formulated with hydrating milky birch juice and the optimal 1 percent AHA/PHA that can be used daily without over-exfoliation or drying out your skin. As a result, breakouts will be minimized, and your skin will feel smooth and soft to the touch.Features at a GlanceProduct typeTonerKey ingredientsGlycolic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, squalane, sodium hyaluronateAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGreat for all-over useIdeal for sensitive skinConsHas a few pore cloggersAestura is one of the hottest K-beauty brands right now—and we Cosmo editors are v grateful that it’s finally landed on shelves in Sephora. This ultra-hydrating cream is so rich and cushiony, it can even double as an overnight mask.One Cosmo editor says: "I love the concept of slugging so much, but basically every slugging product on the market is a nightmare for my acne-prone skin. Instead of a ointment-y formula, I started using this ultra-rich cream from Aestura. It's fantastic for sensitive skin (doesn't break me out or irritate me at all), but it also moisturizes the eff outta my skin. I even will put it on my elbows, knees, and any dry patches on my body too since it's that hydrating."—BGFeatures at a GlanceProduct typeMoisturizerKey ingredientsCeramides, squalaneProsGives skin a silky, smooth feelNot chalky or goopy at allConsYou might need to layer it on top of a moisturizer if you have very dry skinWhy we love it: Forget morning moisturizer and just slather this two-in-one product instead. Korea is well-known for its sunscreen formulas, largely because they have approved filters that we don’t have access to in America. But this one is able to purchase in the States and has a similar cosmetically elegant formula to whats available in Asia. It hydrates with ceramides and soothes skin with green tea, plus protects with SPF 30.One Cosmo editor says: “I just got back from a trip from Seoul which entailed strolling the aisles of Olive Young for hours on end in search of the best Korean sunscreens. This formula blends into the skin so seamlessly, and I love its green tea properties for calming my redness-prone skin.” —JHProduct typeSunscreenKey ingredientsGreen tea, ceramides, hyaluronic acidAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDoesn't dry out the skinConsWatermelon scent might be too much for someWhy we love it: Glow Recipe is one of the internet's favorite skincare brands, but the pretty packaging isn't all that the shelf-worthy products have to offer. The fruity formulas are actually great for cleansing, hydrating, and treating the skin all while giving the eponymous glow. This toner won a Cosmo Readers' Choice Beauty Award two years in a row, and our editors love the skin-sweeping formula as well.One Cosmo editor says: "This toner is v gentle on my skin and is great for wiping the day off my face. I love using it at night after taking off my makeup when I feel like my pores need some extra love. It also isn't overly drying, which my skin appreciates."—JHFeatures at a GlanceKey ingredientsWatermelon extract, PHAs, willow bark extractProduct typeExfoliating tonerBeth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.