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The 19 Best Korean Skincare Products for Glass Skin, Tested and Loved by Cosmo Editors
Behold: Snail mucin, milky toners, jelly masks, and so much more.
Korean skincare has officially taken over stateside shelves. Between hydrating milky toners to viral face masks promising that coveted glass skin overnight, K-beauty products have become permanent fixtures in our routines. And according to Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam and founder of Then I Met You, K-beauty is about far more than a 10-step routine or a sheet mask obsession. “K-beauty is more than just a trend, it’s a skincare philosophy and way of life,” she says. “It’s how you think about skincare and what works best for your unique skin needs.”
And honestly, there’s never been a better time to dive in. As the beauty industry shifts toward skin health, barrier repair, and holistic routines, consumers are increasingly looking to Korean skincare for innovation-first formulas. Cosmo’s beauty team has flown across the world to Seoul to meet with K-Beauty founders and stroll the aisles of Olive Young (Korea’s version of Sephora) to find all the best K-Beauty skincare products.
Our favorite Korean skincare products:
Ahead, from snail mucin serums that flood skin with hydration to high-tech beauty devices that mimic an in-office facial, these are the best Korean skincare products for achieving the glass skin of your dreams.
Best Deal
Pros
- Great for overnight use
- Acne-safe
Cons
- Leaves behind slight residue
Why 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 WRITER
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Essence |
| Key ingredients | Snail mucin |
Pros
- Extremely easy to use (the device even talks to you)
- Combines four different treatments all in one device
- Not too intense, so it's suitable for sensitive skin types
Cons
- Need 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: "As someone who loves glowy skin, this device has been a game-changer in my routine. After five minutes with booster mode, my skin looks glowier, and I find that my face stays hydrated for much longer. It also gives my face an added sculpted look."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Visibly hydrates the skin
- Comfortably fits on the face
Cons
- A bit hard to sleep with
Why 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 EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Sheet mask |
| Key ingredients | Vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid |
Pros
- Sweeps the skin without dehydrating
- Great for acne
Cons
- Not the most travel-friendly since the jar is quite big
Why 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."—BG
Features at a Glance:
| Product type | Toner pads |
| Key ingredients | AHA, BHA, allantoin, hyaluronic acid |
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Simple ingredient list means the active is stable and long-lasting
Cons
- Best when paired with other skincare products
Why we love it: Single-ingredient essences are ideal for layering and make it super easy to customize your skincare routine. This one is made solely with a powerful galactomyces ferment, which targets hyperpigmentation and helps restore skin elasticity for a smooth, bouncy finish. Pair it with other essences, or use it as a skin booster in your existing routine.
One Cosmo editor says: "If you really want glass skin, the best way to do so is by loading up on products with a single skin-loving ingredient. Mixoon makes amazing essences with one ingredient, so you can layer a bunch on and have them work in tandem for your specific skin type. I personally love this one alongside the Bfida Ferment one to improve my overall skin barrier health."—JH
Features at a Glance:
| Product type | Essence |
| Key ingredients | Galactomyces ferment |
Pros
- Can also be used on other parts of the face
- Retinol complex isn't irritating
Cons
- Those with super sensitive under-eyes might want to use it only at night
Why 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."—JH
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Cream |
| Key ingredients | Retinol, peptides, collagen |
Pros
- Can also be used as a makeup primer
- No whitecast
Cons
- Burns if it gets in eyes, so be careful around the eye area
Why 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)."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Moisturizing sunscreen |
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, panthenol |
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Gives the epitome of glass skin
Cons
- We wish the bottle was bigger, it's easy to use up
Why 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."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Face mask |
| Key ingredients | Collagen extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid |
Pros
- Loaded with PDRN—a buzzy ingredient in Korea
- Hydrating and boosts collagen
Cons
- Might not be the best option for acne-prone skin
Why 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.”—JH
| Product type | Serum |
| Key ingredients | PDRN, hyaluronic acid |
Pros
- Not sticky
- Stays on all night
Cons
- I wish it came in an unscented version
Why 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.”—JH
| Product type | Lip mask |
| Key ingredients | Shea butter, peptides, propolis extract, manuka honey |
Pros
- Helps all your other skincare absorb deeper while simultaneously moisturizing
Cons
- Has a bit of a tingling sensation, but it goes away
Why 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."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Serum |
| Key ingredients | Aloe, hyaluronic acid, cica |
Pros
- Works in about 30 minutes
- Deeply hydrates the skin
Cons
- Not comfortable for overnight use
This 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.”—JH
| Product type | Sheet mask |
| Key ingredients | NAD+ |
Pros
- No whitecast
- Non-greasy
Cons
- The U.S. formulas are sadly not the same as the Korean ones
- Not great for acne-prone skin
Why 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."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Sunscreen |
| Key ingredients | Dimethicone, allantoin |
Pros
- Doesn't dry out the skin
Cons
- Watermelon scent might be too much for some
Why 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."—JH
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Watermelon extract, PHAs, willow bark extract |
| Product type | Exfoliating toner |
Pros
- Great for any skin type, especially sensitive and reactive-prone
- Works well on body and face
Cons
- Product recently jumped up in price
Why 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 EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Body lotion |
| Key ingredients | Ceramides, vitamin E, glycerin, fatty acids |
Pros
- Great for all types of acne
Cons
- Those with sensitive skin should use it once or twice a week only
Why 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."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Acne spot treatment |
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, tea tree, centella asiatica |
Pros
- Gentle enough for daily use due to a slew of hydrators
Cons
- You may run out of product rather quickly
Why 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 Glance
| Product type | Toner |
| Key ingredients | Glycolic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, squalane, sodium hyaluronate |
Pros
- Great for all-over use
- Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
- Has a few pore cloggers
Aestura 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."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Moisturizer |
| Key ingredients | Ceramides, squalane |
Pros
- Super hydrating while still feeling lightweight
- Great for all skin types
Cons
- Not sold at many U.S. retailers
Why we love it: This soothing sunscreen is loaded with rice water and hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin while simultaneously protecting it from the harshest of rays. The texture is also fantastic—really light and fast-absorbing but still sufficiently hydrating too.
One Cosmo editor says: "When I visited Seoul, it was my goal to pick up all the cool Korean sunscreens. Of everything I tested, this was the best for my oily skin. It's probably one of the lightest SPFs I've ever tried. It doesn't even feel like sunscreen; just a serum." — BG
Features at a Glance
| Product type | Sunscreen |
| Key ingredients | Rice extract, hyaluronic acid |
Why is Korean skincare so good?
Korean skincare is so good because K-beauty brands embody a skin-first philosophy. "At a young age, Korean children are taught the importance of moisturizing, exfoliating, cleansing the skin thoroughly, and protecting their skin with SPF," says Charlotte Cho, K-beauty expert. The more time you invest in taking care of your skin and understanding what products and ingredients work for you, the better results you will see, she explains.
K-beauty is also about accessibility. "The most innovative Korean skincare products do not break the bank—you can get effective ingredients and cutting-edge formulas that everyone can afford," Cho says. This philosophy ensures that everyone— regardless of budget—gets to prioritize the health of their skin.
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.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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