The "glass skin" trend has completely taken over our feeds, and for good reason. Who doesn't want skin that looks so smooth, hydrated, and luminous that it’s practically reflective? This coveted K-beauty look is all about achieving a complexion that's poreless, dewy, and crystal-clear. While a consistent routine is key, the real powerhouse behind this look is a fantastic serum.

Serums are lightweight formulas packed with a high concentration of active ingredients, designed to penetrate deep into your skin. They are the heavy lifters of any skincare routine, targeting specific concerns to deliver visible results. Achieving that glass-like finish requires a combination of intense hydration, gentle exfoliation, and serious brightening. Ready to get your glow on? Check out these serums that will get you one step closer to your glass skin dreams.

Hydrating Serums: The Foundation of Dewiness

Glass skin is, above all, incredibly hydrated skin. Dehydration can lead to dullness and fine lines, which is the opposite of the plump, juicy look we're going for. Hydrating serums are packed with humectants, ingredients that draw moisture from the air into your skin, leaving it looking plump and dewy.

  • Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum: This serum is a hydrating dream. It’s formulated with a blend of five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, which allows it to hydrate every layer of your skin. It also contains plum extract, which is rich in antioxidants to help protect your skin from environmental stressors. The lightweight, gel-like texture sinks in instantly, leaving your skin feeling bouncy, supple, and visibly plumped. It’s the perfect first step to creating that dewy, glass-like canvas.
  • The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: This product is a simple yet incredibly effective hydration powerhouse. It combines low, medium, and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid to deliver multi-depth hydration. The addition of Vitamin B5 enhances surface hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s a no-fuss, affordable serum that provides the essential moisture needed for a plump and healthy-looking complexion.
  • Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum: A cult favorite in Korea, this serum is all about deep, lasting hydration. Its formula features a low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the skin for intense moisture. It has a watery, fast-absorbing texture that doesn’t leave any sticky residue. It’s perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and works to relieve inner-skin dryness, creating a foundation of plump, hydrated skin.

Brightening Serums: For That Luminous Glow

Once your skin is hydrated, the next step is to get it glowing. Brightening serums work to even out your skin tone, fade dark spots, and give your complexion an all-over radiance. They are typically formulated with powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C, which not only brightens but also protects the skin from damage.

  • SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: This is the gold standard of Vitamin C serums for a reason. Its powerful formula combines 15% L-ascorbic acid (a potent form of Vitamin C), 1% Vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid. This trio of antioxidants works together to protect the skin against environmental damage, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and dramatically brighten the complexion. While it's a splurge, its proven results in creating a luminous, even-toned glow are undeniable.
  • Summer Fridays CC Me Serum: This serum is a fantastic option for those looking for a gentle yet effective brightening treatment. It features two forms of Vitamin C to target dark spots and hyperpigmentation, while niacinamide helps to reduce the appearance of pores and even out skin texture. It also contains squalane for a boost of hydration. The milky, lightweight formula gives your skin an instant glow and works over time to create a clearer, more radiant complexion.
  • OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum: Inspired by the makeup artist trick of using banana powder to brighten the complexion, this serum delivers instant luminosity. It’s packed with 15% Vitamin C, PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) for gentle exfoliation, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. The formula also contains banana-powder-inspired pigments that give your skin an immediate, beautiful glow. It’s a great multitasking serum for brightening, smoothing, and hydrating.

Exfoliating Serums: To Smooth and Refine

The final piece of the glass skin puzzle is an ultra-smooth texture. Exfoliating serums help to slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and refine the skin’s surface, revealing the fresh, smooth skin underneath. This regular cell turnover is what creates that poreless, reflective quality.

  • Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: This is a powerful exfoliating serum that delivers results overnight. It's formulated with high-potency lactic acid, an AHA that works to exfoliate the surface of the skin, clearing away dead cells and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. It also contains licorice and lemongrass to help brighten the appearance of dark spots. It’s an intense treatment that clarifies, smooths, and retexturizes the skin.
  • Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: This is a high-tech gel that resurfaces dull skin. It features a potent blend of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acids (AHAs and BHA) to gently yet effectively exfoliate the skin. This powerful combination helps to refine pores, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s a great option for those looking to tackle multiple concerns at once.
  • Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: While technically a liquid exfoliant, this product functions like a serum and is a holy grail for achieving clear, smooth skin. Its star ingredient is salicylic acid (BHA), which is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into the pores to clear out congestion. It works wonders for refining texture, reducing blackheads, and giving the skin a smooth, unclogged canvas.