14 Best Korean Glass-Skin Products for Serious Glow, According to Dermatologists

For the full exfoliating effect, you’ll need to work it in for at least a few minutes before your dead skin cells start clumping up. I focus on my nose area where I get clogged pores, rub until I see tiny specks of skin, then gently wipe it off with a toner pad. It also works great as a fast-absorbing, glow-boosting serum if I just apply a thin layer and don’t massage it in. When I visited the Mixsoon headquarters in Seoul last year, I learned that applying a layer of Bean Essence under foundation and concealer ensures an extra-smooth base, and I’ve been following this glass-skin tip ever since.

Best Serum for Day: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum

If your vitamin C serums feel sticky or smell like hot dog water, swap them out for this K-beauty favorite. This lightweight formula is formulated with hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract, also known as sea buckthorn berries, which studies show contain high levels of vitamin C. It’s blended with cica, or Centella asiatica, a popular ingredient in Korean skin care with proven soothing properties. Together, they create a powerful vitamin C serum that’s watery, lightweight, and effective.

This is the most frequently emptied product in my current Korean skin care routine. Ever since I discovered it two years ago, I’ve gone through a bottle every two months. This reformulated version contains an even higher concentration of hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract (63%) yet doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, absorbs in seconds, and visibly brightens dark spots from healed breakouts with regular use. Whether you want to target hyperpigmentation or boost overall brightness, this is a must-have.

Best Serum for Night: Laneige Perfect Renew 3x Signature Serum Advanced

This all-in-one serum is one of the best Korean retinols I’ve tried. The unique triple-chamber bottle houses an encapsulated retinol, a firming peptide, and brightening flavonoid. Once you twist the bottle upward to release the applicator, all you have to do is pump once to combine all three into a retinol-spiked rainbow. Part of the fun is admittedly in how it looks and applies, but the formula is also packed with dermatologist-loved ingredients for firming, smoothing, and brightening. Along with retinol capsules it contains peptides, ceramides, tranexamic acid, and ferulic acid.

I like that the three serums have been designed for simultaneous use so I can apply multiple formulas without worrying about whether they can be used together. In testing, I found the formula to be lightweight and fast-absorbing. It also delivered a visible brightening effect on my overall complexion with regular use, all without unwanted irritation. Since it contains retinol, which can cause skin to be more sensitive to UV exposure, I keep this serum in my nighttime routine only.

Best Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Abib Glutathiosome Dark Spot Serum Vita Drop

Whether you’re dealing with active breakouts or post-pimple dark marks, this brightening serum will help soothe and fade both. It contains “brightening powerhouse ingredients glutathione and vitamin C, the top two trending and more effective brightening ingredients in Korea,” says Cho. “It’s become one of my go-to recommendations.” Along with the duo of brighteners, the formula also features niacinamide to help calm redness, soothe, and brighten—as well as barrier-friendly ceramides. Cho loves “the suspended capsules that break down easily once you spread it across your skin” and “how the finish is not sticky at all.”

I’m currently on my second bottle of this capsule serum, and I originally had doubts, since I usually gravitate toward pure vitamin C serums. But after emptying the first bottle, I get the appeal. The formula delivers a noticeable brightening effect with lasting hydration that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Plus, the melting capsules add a fun element if you’re into that kind of thing (I am).

Best Ampoule: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Ampoule

A cross between hydrating essence toners and skin-boosting serums, ampoules are a popular step in Korean skin care routines. The texture can vary from watery to thick but typically packs the same amount of powerful ingredients you’d expect from your favorite serum. This luxurious ampoule is a worthy investment if you want to plump, firm, or smooth mature skin. It features multiple forms of the ingredient Sulwhasoo is most known for, ginseng. “Panax ginseng root extract supports collagen production and skin vitality,” says. Dr. Hwang. This ampoule pairs ginseng actives and ginseng berry extract with ginseng peptides, which he says helps “improve firmness and smooth fine lines.” It also contains a classic hydrator, glycerin, which gives “lasting hydration and enhances glow.” According to Dr. Hwang, this ampoule is best for “patients in their 30s and beyond who want antiaging benefits without sacrificing that luminous, youthful sheen. The ginseng and peptides target deeper skin renewal, while the texture leaves an instant dewy finish.” It’s also a great pick for revitalizing “fatigued skin,” he says.

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

Snail mucin is one of K-beauty’s most popular ingredients. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York, previously told Glamour that snail mucin (or snail secretion filtrate) is “rich in amino acids and hyaluronic acid,” giving it hydrating, repairing, and brightening benefits. This iconic moisturizer is one of my favorite ways to get the benefits of snail secretion filtrate. It’s formulated with additional hydrating, soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and allantoin to create a cream that’s intensely moisturizing. The texture is slightly bouncy yet lightweight and nonsticky. It has an immediate subtle plumping effect and feels beautifully refreshing. I usually layer it over the brand’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence for a double dose of snail mucin (and skin that’s visibly dewy and plump). “The lush, cushiony texture comforts my skin instantly,” says Cho of the barrier-friendly formula. “This cream is my slugging shortcut. The snail mucin locks in moisture, repairs skin, and gives that reflective, dewy finish.”

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Parnell Cicamanu Gel Cream

Oily types can get glass skin too. The trick is finding a moisturizer that creates a dewy, hydrated finish without turning greasy midday. Our top pick is this soothing gel cream from Parnell, which has a refreshingly lightweight texture that sinks in fast. Dr. Hwang says this formula’s key ingredients help soothe and support your barrier without overloading your skin. If you’re on the dry side, you can also apply a thicker layer as an overnight sleep mask. “Centella asiatica extract soothes irritation and supports repair, honey and lactobacillus ferment provide antibacterial support, and ceramide NP and hyaluronic acid hydrate and support barrier function,” he says.