Your 2025 Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Glass Skin

What Is Glass Skin?

“Glass skin is a trend that describes your skin looking so clear, dewy, and smooth that it can look reflective and translucent like glass,” says esthetician Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam. Originating in Korea, where multi-step skincare is a cultural staple, glass skin emphasizes clarity, smoothness, and radiance. It’s not about erasing pores or flaws but enhancing your skin’s natural vitality through hydration and care.

The 8-Step Glass Skin Routine for 2025

Step 1: Double Cleanse for a Fresh Canvas

A clean slate is the foundation of glass skin. Double cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping your skin.

• How to Do It: Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and sebum, massaging it onto dry skin. Rinse, then follow with a gentle, low-pH water-based cleanser to remove remaining residue.

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• Product Picks:

  • Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm ($38) – A nourishing oil-based cleanser.

  • L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser ($13) – A gentle, hydrating water-based option.

• Expert Tip: “Look for low-pH cleansers for your water-based cleanser to avoid irritating your skin barrier,” says Charlotte Cho.

Step 2: Exfoliate Gently (2-3 Times a Week)

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that dull your complexion, allowing light to reflect off your skin for that glassy glow.

• How to Do It: Use a chemical exfoliant with AHAs (like glycolic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid) to dissolve dead skin. For sensitive skin, opt for a mild formula and limit to once or twice weekly.

• Product Picks:

  • L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner ($25) – Gentle enough for all skin types.

  • Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum ($39) – Combines exfoliating and hydrating ingredients.

• Expert Tip: “Don’t overdo it with harsh actives,” warns Alicia Yoon. “Too many acids can inflame your skin.”

Step 3: Tone to Balance and Prep

A hydrating toner restores your skin’s pH and preps it for better product absorption.

• How to Do It: Pat a toner onto clean skin with your hands or a cotton pad, focusing on hydration.

• Product Picks:

  • PURE’AM pH Balancing Calming Toner ($30) – Packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamins.

  • Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion ($15) – A lightweight, hydrating classic.

• Expert Tip: “Toners help the next steps in your routine absorb better,” says esthetician Erica Cox.

Step 4: Essence for Deep Hydration

Essences are lightweight, water-based products that boost moisture and enhance product efficacy.

• How to Do It: Gently pat the essence into your skin to lock in hydration.

• Product Picks:

  • Then I Met You The Giving Essence ($50) – Hydrates with hyaluronic acid.

  • Jurlique Activating Water Essence ($55) – Enhances moisture retention.

• Expert Tip: “Essences are the first step in your treatment phase, infusing skin with nutrients,” says esthetician Simone Ashley.

Step 5: Serum to Target Concerns

Serums deliver concentrated ingredients to address specific issues like dullness, dark spots, or fine lines.

• How to Do It: Apply 2-3 drops, patting gently until absorbed. Use vitamin C in the morning for brightening or niacinamide at night for hydration.

• Product Picks:

• • Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum ($23) – Brightens and evens tone.

  • Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Hydrating Serum ($60) – Drenches skin in moisture.

• Expert Tip: “Hyaluronic acid or niacinamide serums are great for acne-prone skin,” says dermatologist Kaveri Karhade.

Step 6: Moisturize to Lock It In

Moisturizers seal in hydration and strengthen your skin barrier, essential for that dewy finish.

• How to Do It: Apply a dime-sized amount, choosing a gel for oily skin or a cream for dry skin.

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• Product Picks:

  • Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer ($30) – Lightweight and hydrating.

  • Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane ($40) – Suitable for all skin types.

• Expert Tip: “Moisturizers with ceramides repair and hydrate,” says dermatologist Y. Claire Chang.

Step 7: Eye Cream for Delicate Areas

The thin skin around your eyes needs extra care to stay plump and bright.

• How to Do It: Dab a small amount around the eye area with your ring finger to avoid tugging.

• Product Picks:

• • Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream ($20) – Hydrates and repairs.

  • Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream ($45) – Reduces puffiness and lines.

• Expert Tip: “Choose eye creams with peptides or hyaluronic acid,” says Alicia Yoon.

Step 8: Sunscreen (Morning) or Face Oil (Night)

• Morning: Sunscreen is non-negotiable to protect your glow and prevent aging.

• • How to Do It: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ as your final morning step.

  • Product Picks:

  • • EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 ($33) – Lightweight and glowy.

    • Rootree Mobitherapy UV Sunshield SPF 50+ ($28) – Hydrating and residue-free.

  • Expert Tip: “Sunscreen prevents sun damage that dulls your glass skin,” says Dr. Chang.

• Night: Face oils seal in moisture for extra radiance.

• • How to Do It: Warm a few drops in your palms and pat or massage into skin.

  • Product Picks:

    • The Ordinary Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil ($10) – Nourishes and calms.

    • Gisou Honey Infused Face Oil ($60) – Promotes a dewy glow.

Bonus Step: Sheet Masks (1-2 Times a Week)

Sheet masks deliver a surge of hydration and nutrients for an instant glow.

• How to Do It: Apply a mask for 10-15 minutes, then pat in the remaining essence.

• Product Picks:

  • Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Cooling Gel Mask ($12) – Soothes and hydrates.

  • Mediheal Ceramide Essential Mask ($3) – Strengthens the skin barrier.

• Expert Tip: “Refrigerate sheet masks for a cooling effect,” says Yoon.

Tailoring the Routine to Your Skin Type

• Oily/Combination Skin: Skip heavy oils and choose lightweight, non-comedogenic products. Use salicylic acid for exfoliation.

• Dry Skin: Opt for creamy cleansers and rich moisturizers with ceramides. Avoid abrasive scrubs.

• Acne-Prone Skin: Use gentle, oil-free products with niacinamide or salicylic acid. Avoid over-exfoliating.

• Sensitive Skin: Stick to fragrance-free products and limit exfoliation to once weekly.

Lifestyle Tips for Glass Skin

Skincare is only part of the equation. “Achieving glass skin means balancing your routine with proper sleep, plenty of water, exercise, and a healthy diet,” says Charlotte Cho.

• Hydrate: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.

• Eat Well: Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens.

• Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours to allow skin repair.

• Avoid Excess: Limit alcohol and processed foods, which can dull your complexion.