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Jasmine Hyman for Cosmopolitan

25 Best Korean Skincare Products for Glass Skin, Tested and Reviewed by Cosmo Editors

Behold: Snail mucin, milky toners, jelly masks, and so much more.

By and

Korean skincare has officially taken over stateside shelves—and our social feeds. From buzzy milky toners to face masks that promise that coveted glass skin overnight, K-beauty is everywhere right now. “K-beauty is more than just a trend, it’s a skincare philosophy and way of life,” says Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Korean beauty retailer Soko Glam and skincare line Then I Met You. “It’s more than just a certain number of steps or sheet masks—it’s how you think about skincare and what works best for your unique skin needs.

There’s truly no better time to dive into the world of K-beauty. As the beauty world leans further into skin health and holistic routines, it’s no surprise that consumers are gravitating toward Korean skincare. The approach is rooted in rituals that emphasize hydration, balance, and barrier support—all powered by ingredients that actually deliver. Think: snail mucin serums that drench your skin in moisture, plant-derived essences that promote long-term skin health, and double cleansing techniques that gently reset your skin.

Our favorite Korean skincare products:

After speaking with Cho and testing dozens of formulas, Cosmo rounded up the very best K-beauty products to help you get that glass skin glow—and quite a few are on sale right now.

1
Best Korean Snail Mucin

COSRX Snail Mucin Essence

Snail Mucin Essence
Now 23% Off

Pros

  • Great for overnight use
  • Acne-safe

Cons

  • Leaves behind slight residue

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

    Image no longer available

    Features at a Glance

    Product typeEssence
    Key ingredientsSnail mucin
    2
    Best Hydrating Korean Face Mask

    BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

    Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
    Now 11% Off

    Pros

    • Visibly hydrates the skin
    • Comfortably fits on the face

    Cons

    • A bit hard to sleep with

    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

    Image no longer available

    Features at a Glance

    Product typeSheet mask
    Key ingredientsVegan collagen, hyaluronic acid
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    3
    Best Korean Facial Device

    Medicube Mini Booster Pro Pink

    On Sale
    Mini Booster Pro Pink

    Pros

    • Device is v portable
    • Often on sale

    Cons

    • The version with six settings is a bit pricier

    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.

      One Cosmo editor says: "As someone who loves glowy skin, this device has been a game-changer in my routine. I have the pro version with six different modes, but I really only use the boosting one. After five minutes, 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

      Image no longer available

      Features at a Glance

      Product typeSkincare tool
      Key featuresEnhanced product absorption, glow-boosting
      Relief Sun Aqua-fresh

      Pros

      • Super hydrating while still feeling lightweight
      • Great for all skin types

      Cons

      • Not sold at many U.S. retailers

      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

        Image no longer available

        Features at a Glance

        Product typeSunscreen
        Key ingredientsRice extract, hyaluronic acid
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        5
        Best Korean Toner Pads

        Medicube Zero Pore Pads

        On Sale
        Zero Pore Pads
        Now 39% Off

        Pros

        • Sweeps the skin without dehydrating
        • Great for acne

        Cons

        • Not the most travel-friendly since the jar is quite big

        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 typeToner pads
          Key ingredientsAHA, BHA, allantoin, hyaluronic acid
          Galactomyces Ferment Essence

          Pros

          • Non-comedogenic
          • Simple ingredient list means the active is stable and long-lasting

          Cons

          • Best when paired with other skincare products

          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 typeEssence
            Key ingredientsGalactomyces ferment
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            Collagen Firming Eye Cream

            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

            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.

              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

              Image no longer available

              Features at a Glance

              Product typeEye cream
              Key ingredientsRetinol, collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid
              On Sale
              Hydro Sun Barrier Moisturizer SPF 45

              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

              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

                Image no longer available

                Features at a Glance

                ProductMoisturizing sunscreen
                Key ingredientsNiacinamide, panthenol
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                9
                Best Korean Milky Toner

                I'm From Rice Toner

                Rice Toner

                Pros

                • Super hydrating
                • Non-comedogenic

                Cons

                • A lot spills out at once, so be careful when you pour it

                Milky toners are a pillar of K-beauty skincare routines, and this one is loaded up with rice extracts to soften and brighten the skin. This lightweight toner is ideal for anyone with dryness, because it's filled with moisture-rich ingredients that won't dehydrate the skin. You can press it directly onto the face, or swipe it with a cotton pad like a traditional toner.

                • Product type: Toner
                • Size: 5 fl oz
                • Key ingredients: Rice extracts

                One Cosmo editor says: "I have such dry skin, so I always had a tough time finding a toner that didn't leave my skin feeling tight, but this is more like a toner-hydrating serum combo. It sweeps my pores and balances my skin, while also hydrating it. I love it for days where my skin needs a bit of added moisture before my other serums and skincare steps." —JH

                Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Mask

                Pros

                • Non-comedogenic
                • Gives the epitome of glass skin

                Cons

                • We wish the bottle was bigger, it's easy to use up

                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

                  Image no longer available

                  Features at a Glance

                  Product typeFace mask
                  Key ingredientsCollagen extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
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                  11
                  Best Korean Lip Balm

                  LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm

                  Lip Glowy Balm
                  $19AmazonAlso Consider

                  Pros

                  • Comes in a lot of different shades
                  • Hydration lasts for hours

                  Cons

                  • We wish the tubes were bigger

                  This lip balm from Laneige doubles as a hydrating lip balm and a glowy tint. It comes in a bunch of different shades and flavors, so you're sure to find one that will make your lip color pop for hours on end.

                  One Cosmo editor says: "I have one of these on my bedside table, one on my desk, one in my work bag—okay, you get the point. I always have one of these hydrating lip balms at my disposal because it’s the only tinted lip color I actually trust for both long-lasting hydration and a glossy pigment."—JH

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                    Features at a Glance

                    Product typeLip balm
                    Key ingredientsShea butter, blueberry
                    12
                    Best Korean Spicule Serum

                    VT COSMETICS Cica Reedle Shot 100

                    On Sale
                    Cica Reedle Shot 100

                    Pros

                    • Helps all your other skincare absorb deeper while simultaneously moisturizing

                    Cons

                    • Has a bit of a tingling sensation, but it goes away

                    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

                      Image no longer available

                      Features at a Glance

                      Product typeSerum
                      Key ingredientsAloe, hyaluronic acid, cica
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                      13
                      Best Korean Collagen Mask

                      ANUA Heartleaf Soothing Collagen Mask

                      On Sale
                      Heartleaf Soothing Collagen Mask
                      Now 25% Off

                      Pros

                      • Split mask design is ideal for staying on the skin
                      • Works in just a few hours

                      Cons

                      • Not ideal for overnight use

                      This mask is jam-packed with hydrating ingredients to help pull water into your skin to make it look plump and glass-like, while collagen helps your face look glowy and feel bouncy. Simply throw it on for a few hours (or even wear it overnight) and once it turns white, you'll know all the ingredients have been absorbed. It's so good that it won a 2025 Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award for best sheet mask.

                        One Cosmo editor says: “It’s true—K-Beauty brands just do sheet masks better. Case in point: Anua’s collagen mask, which isn’t just the neatest/least drippy sheet mask I’ve ever used, it’s the most plumping too. I leave it for an hour while I catch up on emails, and when I take it off? My face feels baby freaking soft.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

                        Image no longer available

                        Features at a Glance

                        Product typeSheet mask
                        Key ingredientsHeartleaf, collagen
                        14
                        Best Korean Face Moisturizer

                        AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream Moisturizer

                        ATOBARRIER365 Cream Moisturizer

                        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

                            Image no longer available

                            Features at a Glance

                            Product typeMoisturizer
                            Key ingredientsCeramides, squalane
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                            On Sale
                            Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF 50
                            Now 26% Off

                            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

                            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

                              Image no longer available

                              Features at a Glance

                              Product typeSunscreen
                              16
                              Best Viral Korean Toner

                              Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Toner

                              Watermelon Glow Toner

                              Pros

                              • Doesn't dry out the skin

                              Cons

                              • Watermelon scent might be too much for some

                              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

                                Image no longer available

                                Features at a Glance

                                Product typeExfoliating toner
                                Key ingredientsWatermelon extract, PHAs, willow bark extract
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                                17
                                Best Korean Body Lotion

                                Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion

                                On Sale
                                Ceramide Ato Lotion

                                Pros

                                • Great for any skin type, especially sensitive and reactive-prone
                                • Works well on body and face

                                Cons

                                • Product recently jumped up in price

                                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

                                  Image no longer available

                                  Features at a Glance

                                  Product typeBody lotion
                                  Key ingredientsCeramides, vitamin E, glycerin, fatty acids
                                  18
                                  Best Korean Nourishing Mask

                                  Sulwhasoo Vitalizing Mask

                                  Vitalizing Mask

                                  Pros

                                  • A little bit of product goes a long way

                                  Cons

                                  • Not the best option for acne-prone skin

                                  This rich mask has more hydrating ingredients than I can possibly count (but shea butter, glycerin, and squalane, to name a few). It helps combat dryness all while improving the overall skin barrier.

                                    One Cosmo editor says: “The thick yet oddly soft and plush texture is perfect and sinks into skin beautifully to reveal a plump, radiant complexion by morning. I brought this on a girls’ weekend, let everyone try it once, and then they all purchased it the next morning. If that’s not the ultimate sign of approval, then IDK what is!” —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR

                                    Image no longer available

                                    Features at a Glance

                                    Product typeSleeping mask
                                    Key ingredientsShea Butter, glycerin, squalane
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                                    19
                                    Best Korean Spot Treatment

                                    SOME BY MI Super Miracle Spot Cream

                                    On Sale
                                    Super Miracle Spot Cream
                                    Now 29% Off

                                    Pros

                                    • Great for all types of acne

                                    Cons

                                    • Those with sensitive skin should use it once or twice a week only

                                    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

                                      Image no longer available

                                      Features at a Glance

                                      Product typeAcne spot treatment
                                      Key ingredientsSalicylic acid, tea tree, centella asiatica
                                      20
                                      Best Korean Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

                                      Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

                                      SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

                                      Pros

                                      • Great for retinol users, especially with the "sandwich method"
                                      • Ideal for sensitive skin types

                                      Cons

                                      • The cap is unique and sometimes testers have trouble closing it/keeping it closed

                                      This next pick is for anyone with sensitive, dry, or combo skin looking for a moisturizer that is gentle and hydrating without the feeling of heaviness or greasiness. It's filled with super-hydrator, glycerin, and a series of three wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing ingredients (shout out to panthenol, madecassoside, and green tea extract).

                                        One Cosmo editor says: "I recently began using prescription-grade tretinoin, and I attribute my lack of retinol side effects (i.e., minimal dryness, peeling, irritation) to this barrier-supporting face moisturizer. —SIENA GAGLIANO, FORMER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

                                        Image no longer available

                                        Features at a Glance

                                        Product typeFace moisturizer
                                        Key ingredientsPanthenol, vitamin E, madecassoside, glycerin
                                        Headshot of Jasmine Hyman

                                        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. 

                                        Headshot of Lauren Balsamo
                                        Lauren Balsamo
                                        Beauty Director

                                        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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