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K-Beauty Science

The secret of Korean glass skin

Glass skin, also called glossy skin, is not a filter but a result: skin so saturated with moisture it looks translucent, even, free of flaking and visible pores, with a natural mirror-like glow. Here we break down what that result is made of: the active ingredients in Hanskin formulas, the philosophy of Korean skincare and the five-step path where those formulas work.

Close-up of glass skin with a natural glow
Active ingredients

Formulas that work

The Korean approach is not a list of trendy ingredients but precise work on the formula: concentration, delivery form and how actives combine. Hanskin actives are not marketing – they are working formulas for healthy, glowing skin without filters.

Retinol (vitamin A)

The gold standard of anti-ageing care: speeds up cell renewal and stimulates collagen production.

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In Hanskin formulas

Pure 0.1% retinol in liposomal form: the capsule improves absorption, and a triple protection system keeps it active even at 40 °C. The "retinol starter" format lets even sensitive skin introduce vitamin A.

Effect on skin

Smooths wrinkles, evens the tone, refines pores and firms the skin – without flaking.

Apply in the evening; SPF in the morning is a must.

Vitamin C

A powerful antioxidant responsible for glow and an even tone.

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In Hanskin formulas

10% pure ascorbic acid in the serum, encapsulated vitamin C in the lotion, vitamin C with enzymes in the cleansing powder. The formulas are irritation-tested – no stinging.

Effect on skin

Brightens dark spots, evens the tone and brings glow back to dull skin. Paired with niacinamide it gives a double brightening effect.

Best results in the morning, under sunscreen.

Hyaluronic acid

The key hydrating active: draws moisture in and holds it in the skin.

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In Hanskin formulas

A multi-weight complex – up to 8 types of hyaluronic acid in one formula, including hyaluron obtained by fermenting barley.

Effect on skin

Low-weight acid penetrates deep and plumps the skin from within, high-weight acid forms a protective barrier on the surface. Skin does not just get moisture – it regains the ability to hold it.

Apply to damp skin and seal with a cream.

PDRN (polynucleotides)

DNA fragments that support skin renewal and repair – a salon treatment in your home routine.

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In Hanskin formulas

Ara Lotus PDRN™ – plant polynucleotides from the pink lotus (20% in the serum), a vegan alternative to salmon PDRN.

Effect on skin

Reduces signs of fatigue, works on wrinkles and post-acne marks, boosts moisture retention.

Pairs with hyaluron and niacinamide – all in one serum.

Collagen & peptides

The structural proteins of the skin, responsible for firmness and elasticity.

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In Hanskin formulas

Low-weight collagen, elastin and a complex of 19 peptides – three structural components of the skin in the ampoule and eye cream.

Effect on skin

Collagen boosts firmness and elasticity, peptides signal the skin to produce its own collagen. The dense "thread-like" texture gives a visible lifting effect.

For intense hydration apply the ampoule in 2–3 layers.

PHA acids

The gentlest generation of chemical exfoliants: the large molecule works only on the skin surface.

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In Hanskin formulas

Gluconolactone in the cleansing oil: skin is renewed right during the first cleansing step.

Effect on skin

Exfoliates dead cells and dissolves blackheads without the sting of AHAs – suitable even for reactive skin.

A daily "detox" for sensitive skin.

AHA acids

Fruit acids that loosen the bonds between dead cells and even out the texture.

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In Hanskin formulas

Natural fruit acids in the cleansing oil for dry and combination skin – combined with five types of ceramides.

Effect on skin

Gently remove dry flakes and stimulate renewal: according to the manufacturer, skin smoothness improves by 94%. Ceramides keep the skin from drying out after cleansing.

The choice for flaky, dull skin.

BHA (salicylic acid)

An oil-soluble acid: unlike AHAs, it gets inside the pore.

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In Hanskin formulas

Salicylic acid in the oil for oily skin, the deep pore cleansing foam and the concealer.

Effect on skin

Dissolves sebum and impurities from inside the pore, controls shine and smooths texture – for oily and combination skin prone to breakouts.

Pair with an oil cleanse – a double effect for pores.

Centella asiatica (cica)

The key soothing plant of Korean skincare, known for speeding up skin repair.

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In Hanskin formulas

Centella extract and a complex of its derivatives: madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic and asiatic acids. At Hanskin – the signature α-Cica P-thenol™ complex.

Effect on skin

Calms redness and irritation, strengthens the barrier – for sensitive, reactive and acne-prone skin, and after active treatments.

When skin has reacted to acids or retinol – a centella day.

Panthenol (provitamin B5)

Provitamin B5, which turns into pantothenic acid in the skin and speeds up its repair.

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In Hanskin formulas

Up to 500,000 ppm in the calming gel cleanser; in creams – combined with allantoin and plant extracts.

Effect on skin

Hydrates, softens and restores the skin barrier, reduces sensitivity and makes retinol and acid formulas more comfortable.

A universal soothing active for every skin type.

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 – a versatile active that pairs with almost any ingredient.

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In Hanskin formulas

In the vitamin C and PDRN serums, the hyaluron ampoule, the pore ampoule and tinted products.

Effect on skin

Evens the tone, reduces pigmentation and redness, regulates sebum and strengthens the barrier.

With vitamin C – "double brightening".

Ceramides

The lipids the skin barrier is built from.

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In Hanskin formulas

Five types of ceramides in the AHA oil; in collagen formulas – together with elastin and hyaluron.

Effect on skin

Hold moisture in, protect against external irritants and prevent tightness after cleansing.

A must for dry skin, especially in winter.

Enzymes (papain)

A papaya enzyme that dissolves the protein bonds of dead cells without abrasives.

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In Hanskin formulas

Papain in the enzyme cleansing powders – with rice bran or with vitamin C.

Effect on skin

Gently renews the skin and clears pores without enlarging them – delicate exfoliation, safe even for sensitive skin.

In step two – instead of a scrub, 2–3 times a week.

Ectoin

A natural osmoprotectant and antioxidant that helps cells withstand stress.

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In Hanskin formulas

The Triple Ectoin Shot complex with centella and tannin in the pore ampoule.

Effect on skin

Forms a protective water shield around cells, holds moisture and soothes – making micro-needle and retinol care comfortable.

An active for city skin.

Plant EGF

A growth factor that stimulates skin cell division and renewal.

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In Hanskin formulas

A plant-derived epidermal growth factor – a polypeptide in the retinol serum and collagen formulas.

Effect on skin

Slows skin ageing, and together with retinol speeds up renewal and leaves skin smoother.

The "retinol + EGF" pairing is the Vitamin A Glow serum formula.

Adenosine

An active officially recognised in Korea as anti-wrinkle.

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In Hanskin formulas

In Hanskin serums, lotion, tinted products and masks – it is what allows a product to be registered as a functional anti-wrinkle product.

Effect on skin

Smooths expression lines, boosts firmness and supports cell energy.

A gentle active with no seasonal restrictions.

Heartleaf (houttuynia)

A powerful soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredient of Korean skincare.

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In Hanskin formulas

Houttuynia cordata extract – in the calming mask, moisturising cream and BB cream.

Effect on skin

Relieves redness, itching and discomfort caused by external irritants, strengthens the barrier.

Keep the heartleaf mask in the fridge – for a "bad skin day".

UV filters (SPF)

Daily sun protection – the main secret of even, youthful skin.

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In Hanskin formulas

SPF 35 PA++ in the BB creams, SPF 50+ PA++++ in the Pink Mool Balm tinted balm.

Effect on skin

Prevents photoageing and pigmentation better than any retinol. Korean SPFs are light and combined with care and tint.

The finish of step five – every day, whatever the weather.

Philosophy

Korean layered skincare

K-Beauty is a philosophy that became a global trend: regular multi-step care, innovative and natural ingredients, a focus on long-term skin health and natural glow instead of heavy makeup.

Prevention over treatment

Protect and hydrate the skin to prevent ageing rather than fight it later. Daily SPF is considered mandatory.

Hydration over nourishment

Fill the skin with moisture from within using light textures instead of heavy, greasy creams. Even oily skin is never "dried out" – its barrier is restored.

Skin has no age

Hanskin does not divide skincare by age: at any age what matters is the condition and real needs of the skin – skin has no age, only individual traits. Today it needs centella, tomorrow vitamin C.

Layering and order of application

Actives work better when layered – from the lightest (toner, serum) to the densest (cream): each layer improves how ingredients penetrate at its own level of the skin. Double cleansing is the foundation of everything.

The steps

Your path to glass skin

Five steps plus makeup. Products are layered from the lightest texture to the densest, so actives reach different levels of the skin and work better. You do not need every step every day, but it helps to know what each product is for. The products work as a set – that is how you get glass skin with an even tone and natural glow.

  1. 01

    Cleanse

    A cleansing oil dissolves SPF, makeup and sebum on dry skin and emulsifies with water; an enzyme powder is the gentle alternative for morning cleansing and exfoliation 2–3 times a week. The first and main principle of the Korean cleanse.

  2. 02

    Wash

    A foam or gel washes away the remaining oil and impurities – mildly acidic pH and gentle surfactants, no tightness.

  3. 03

    Toning

    Toner pads restore pH and fill the skin with moisture, sheet masks deliver ampoule-strength hydration in 10–20 minutes. Prepped skin takes in actives better.

  4. 04

    Active care

    Serums and ampoules for your skin goal: hyaluron, vitamin C, retinol, PDRN, collagen and peptides, micro-needles for pores. Applied from the lightest texture to the densest – each layer delivers actives to its own level.

  5. 05

    Moisturise and nourish

    A cream or lotion seals in moisture and strengthens the barrier, an eye cream cares for the thinnest skin. In the morning, SPF completes the routine.

  6. +

    Makeup

    BB, DD and concealer from the brand that gave the world BB cream: the tone is evened out while care continues under the coverage all day.

Facts

Key facts

What is "glass skin"?

Even, smooth skin hydrated to translucency, with a natural glow and mirror-like light reflection – no flaking, breakouts or visible pores. The result of regular multi-step care: gentle cleansing, layered hydration and a maintained protective barrier.

What is double cleansing?

Step one – a cleansing oil (or an enzyme powder 2–3 times a week) dissolves SPF, makeup, sebum and dead cells; step two – a foam or gel washes away the rest. The skin is fully cleansed and the barrier stays intact.

Why does Korean skincare not divide by age or day/night?

The main principle is to listen to the skin's needs here and now: skin condition matters more than the number in a passport. Products are chosen by goal and texture, and actives are layered from light to dense.

What is Hanskin known for?

Hanskin was founded in 2001 in South Korea and is considered a pioneer of mass-market BB creams (2006): the brand sold more than half of all BB creams in Korea and Japan. Since 2013 it has been part of the biotech company Celltrion. Known for PHA/AHA/BHA cleansing oils, the fermented-hyaluron Real Complexion line and the Vitamin C Glow line.

What is PDRN and where does Hanskin source it?

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is made of DNA fragments that support skin renewal; it used to be found only in clinic treatments. Hanskin uses plant-derived Ara Lotus PDRN™ from pink lotus – a vegan alternative to salmon PDRN.

How to choose a Hanskin cleansing oil?

Three versions of one formula: PHA for sensitive skin, AHA with five ceramides for dry and combination skin, BHA (salicylic acid) for oily skin and enlarged pores.

Are Hanskin products clinically tested?

Yes. Hanskin is a division of the pharmaceutical group Celltrion, every product is clinically tested and the key formulas are also tested for low irritation. The formulas are built on skin-similar ingredients naturally present in healthy skin: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides. Pore Cleansing Oil has won Olive Young Awards several times as well as Soko Glam and Byrdie awards in the US; hero products carry the Amazon's Choice badge.

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