The pursuit of “glass skin” — that dewy, translucent, poreless glow — has taken the global beauty world by storm, and no one does it quite like the Koreans. Whether you’re a K-beauty rookie or a seasoned skin care junkie, achieving that radiant, hydrated look starts with the right products.
Here are 5 holy-grail Korean skincare products that will help you get closer to the glass skin of your dreams:
1. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (Lookfantastic.com) – £20.99
Best for: Hydration + Repair
A cult favorite for a reason. This essence is packed with 96% snail mucin, which helps repair the skin barrier, fade acne scars, and deliver deep, bouncy hydration without feeling heavy. It leaves skin plump and glossy — like you just walked out of a spa.
🔑 Key Ingredient: Snail Secretion Filtrate
💧 Texture: Lightweight, slightly sticky (but fast-absorbing)
⭐ Pro Tip: Layer under moisturiser for max glow.
2. NEOGEN Real Ferment Micro Essence (Skinsider) – £33.00
Best for: Brightening + Prepping
This essence is like a power drink for dull skin. With over 93% naturally fermented ingredients, including bifida ferment lysate and saccharomyces ferment filtrate, it visibly brightens, evens out tone, and preps your skin to absorb serums like a sponge.
🔑 Key Ingredient: Fermented extracts
💧 Texture: Watery and refreshing
⭐ Pro Tip: Use with your palms and press into the skin — no cotton pad needed.
3. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops (Sephora) – £32.00
Best for: Instant Glow + Makeup-Ready Skin
Technically a K-beauty-inspired brand, Glow Recipe is rooted in Korean skincare philosophy. These dew drops are a niacinamide-packed serum-highlighter hybrid that gives an instant glow and long-term brightening benefits — perfect under or over makeup.
🔑 Key Ingredient: Niacinamide & Watermelon Extract
💧 Texture: Silky gel-serum
⭐ Pro Tip: Dab a little on cheekbones after makeup for a glassy highlight.
4. Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturiser £29.50
Best for: Sensitive Skin + Multi-tasking
A toner and moisturizer in one, this milky formula is a lazy girl’s dream. It deeply hydrates like a cream but feels like a lightweight toner. It’s especially great for sensitive or dry skin types looking to calm and fortify their skin barrier.
🔑 Key Ingredient: White Leaf Tea Water
💧 Texture: Milky-liquid hybrid
⭐ Pro Tip: Soak a cotton pad and use as a quick DIY mask on dry patches.
5. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide – £13.00
Best for: Calming + Brightening
This golden-hued serum blends traditional Hanbang ingredients with modern skincare science. Propolis helps calm inflammation and redness, while niacinamide brightens and strengthens the skin. The result? Calm, clear, and luminous skin with that glass-like sheen.
🔑 Key Ingredient: Propolis & Niacinamide
💧 Texture: Thick but non-greasy
⭐ Pro Tip: Great for acne-prone or combination skin.
Glow-Up Tip
Consistency is key — layer your products from thinnest to thickest, and don’t skip SPF during the day. Hydration + sun protection = the ultimate glass skin combo.
Which of these is going on your wishlist? 👀
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
Under her leadership, British Muslim Magazine continues to set the standard for authentic, and engaging trusted narratives, making it the go-to source for Muslim traveler's and lifestyle enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
