Glow Up in 2026: Your Complete Step-by-Step Glass Skin Routine 💆🏽‍♀️

If you’re chasing that Korean glass skin glow in 2026, consistency and layering the right products is everything. This updated skincare routine focuses on hydration, barrier repair, brightening, and acne scar healing—using mostly Korean skincare favorites that actually deliver results.

Whether you’re oily, dry, acne-prone, or combination, this routine helps you achieve clear, radiant, poreless-looking skin all year long.✨

Final Thoughts: Your 2026 Glass Skin Glow Up

Achieving glass skin in 2026 is all about layered hydration, gentle actives, and consistency. Korean skincare focuses on long-term skin health—not quick fixes—so stick to this routine and your skin will stay clear, radiant, and glowing all year long ✨

8. Moisturizer – Seal in the Glow

A good moisturizer locks in all previous steps and strengthens your skin barrier.

Why this step is necessary:

• Prevents moisture loss

• Keeps skin soft and smooth

• Enhances long-term glow

Top Korean Moisturizers:

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer – Barrier-repairing moisturizer that hydrates

• Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream – Bouncy collagen cream that firms, hydrates, and gives skin a plump, glass-like glow

• Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream – Soothing moisturizer that calms irritation, strengthens the skin barrier, and restores comfort

4. Eye Cream or Eye Serum – Brighten & Prevent Fine Lines

The under-eye area is thinner and needs targeted care to stay youthful and smooth.

Why this step is necessary:

• Prevents fine lines and creasing

• Reduces dark circles and puffiness

• Keeps concealer from cracking

Top Korean Eye Treatments:

• Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum (Ginseng + Retinal) – Anti-aging

• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG – Lightweight depuffing eye serum that reduces the look of dark circles and under-eye bags

• AXIS-Y Vegan Collagen Eye Serum – Firming eye serum that hydrates, smooths fine lines, and supports a plump, youthful under-eye look

2. Toner – Rehydrate & Reset the Skin

Toners in Korean skincare aren’t astringents—they’re hydration boosters that rebalance your skin after cleansing.

Why this step is necessary:

• Restores moisture after cleansing

• Soothes inflammation and redness

• Helps achieve that plump, glass-like finish

Top Korean Toners:

• Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner – Calms acne and irritation

• I’m From Rice Toner – Milky toner that brightens, softens, and gives instant glow

• Medicube Zero Pore Pad – Toner pads that gently exfoliate, tighten the look of pores, and smooth skin texture

1. Cleanser – The Foundation of Glass Skin

A gentle cleanser removes dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup without stripping your skin barrier. In K-beauty, cleansing is about balance, not harsh exfoliation.

Why this step is necessary:

• Prepares skin to absorb toners and serums better

• Prevents clogged pores and breakouts

• Maintains healthy skin pH for long-term glow

Top Korean Cleansers (2026 favorites):

• Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser – Gentle, hydrating, and barrier-safe

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser – Removes excess oil while maintaining skin comfort

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – Non-stripping, ceramide-rich cleanser for balanced, clear skin

3. Essence – The Glass Skin Secret Weapon

Essences are a core step in Korean skincare—lightweight but powerful hydration that improves skin texture over time.

Why this step is necessary:

• Boosts cell turnover

• Smooths skin texture

• Gives skin that “lit from within” glow

Top Korean Essences:

• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence – Repairs + hydrates

• Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence – Brightens and smooths

• Mixsoon Bean Essence – Fermented ingredients for glass skin

7. Hydrating Serum – Plump & Lock in Moisture

Hydration is non-negotiable for glass skin. This step keeps your skin juicy, bouncy, and smooth.

Why this step is necessary:

• Prevents dullness and fine lines

• Strengthens skin barrier

• Creates that glossy, healthy finish

Top Korean Hydrating Serums:

• Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Deep hydration

• Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule – Heals damaged skin

• Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum – Repairing peptide serum that boosts skin regeneration and restores a healthy glow

6. Acne Scar Serum – Heal & Smooth Skin Texture

This step focuses on post-acne marks, scars, and uneven texture, helping your skin look clear and polished.

Why this step is necessary:

• Speeds up skin repair

• Reduces acne scars and redness

• Improves overall skin clarity

Top Korean Acne Scar Treatments:

• AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum – Niacinamide-based glow

• Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum – Targeted serum that reduces dark spots, evens skin tone, and improves skin clarity

• ANUA Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum – Brightening serum that fades dark spots, evens skin tone, and boosts overall clarity

5. Vitamin C Serum – Brighten & Glow

Vitamin C is essential for even skin tone, glow, and collagen support—a must for glass skin.

Why this step is necessary:

• Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation

• Boosts natural radiance

• Protects against environmental damage

Top Korean Vitamin C Serums:

• EQQUALBERRY Vitamin Illuminating Serum – Brightening vitamin serum that evens skin tone, boosts radiance, and enhances natural glow

• Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum – Gentle scar fading

9. Sunscreen – The Most Important Step for Glass Skin

No glow lasts without sunscreen. This step protects your results and prevents premature aging.

Why this step is necessary:

• Prevents dark spots and hyperpigmentation

• Protects collagen and skin barrier

• Keeps skin clear, youthful, and glowing

Top Sunscreens:

• EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 –Niacinamide-infused, ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin

• Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream – Hydrating & lightweight

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50 – Broad-spectrum protection, lightweight, excellent for sun sensitivity and hyperpigmentation

Bonus Step: Exfoliate 1–2 Times a Week

Exfoliating 1–2 times weekly removes dead skin, unclogs pores, and boosts glow—essential for smooth, glass-like skin.

Why it matters:

• Clears pores and blackheads

• Smooths texture and enhances radiance

Top Rated Exfoliators:

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Deeply cleans pores and smooths skin

• Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Glow Rice Peeling Ampoule – Gentle exfoliation with brightening benefits

• COSRX Niacinamide 2% + BHA 4% Exfoliant Toner – Targets blackheads and balances oil

✨ Use at night and always apply sunscreen the next day.