The Ultimate Guide to Korean Skincare Trends in 2025: What’s Hot in K-Beauty?

Korean skincare, often called K-beauty, has taken the global beauty industry by storm, offering cutting-edge products, innovative ingredients, and skincare techniques that promote flawless, radiant skin. In 2025, the K-beauty industry continues to evolve, introducing new trends, viral ingredients, and fresh skincare philosophies that cater to different skin types and concerns.

 

At DELIM, we’re passionate about bringing you the latest and greatest in skincare. In this guide, we’ll explore the hottest Korean skincare trends, the must-try products, and how you can incorporate these innovations into your routine for glowing, healthy skin.

1. The Rise of Snail Mucin: A Skincare Superhero

One of the most talked-about ingredients in Korean skincare is snail mucin. Searches for “snail mucin benefits” have skyrocketed by 124% year over year, proving that this slimy yet effective ingredient is here to stay.

What Is Snail Mucin and Why Is It So Popular?

Snail mucin, also known as snail secretion filtrate (SSF), is packed with hydrating, repairing, and anti-aging properties. It contains glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and peptides that help:

✔ Boost collagen production

✔ Heal acne scars and hyperpigmentation

✔ Deeply hydrate the skin

✔ Improve skin elasticity and texture

Best Snail Mucin Products to Try

If you want to add snail mucin to your skincare routine, these top-rated K-beauty products are a great place to start:

✅ COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – A cult-favorite lightweight essence that hydrates and repairs skin.

✅ Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence – Perfect for acne-prone skin, this essence combines snail mucin with bee venom for extra skin-soothing benefits.

✅ Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin – A luxurious anti-aging serum infused with ginseng for deep skin nourishment.

How to Use: Apply snail mucin after cleansing and toning, but before heavier serums or moisturizers. It works best on damp skin to lock in hydration.

2. “Glass Skin” 2.0: Achieving a Poreless Glow

The “glass skin” trend – a skin goal that focuses on achieving ultra-hydrated, smooth, and radiant skin – remains one of the most searched K-beauty topics. Google data shows that searches for “how to get glass skin” have consistently ranked among the top beauty searches worldwide.

How to Achieve Glass Skin in 5 Steps

1️⃣ Double Cleanse: Use an oil cleanser to remove makeup, followed by a foam cleanser to clear pores.

2️⃣ Hydrating Toner: Apply a lightweight, watery toner to prep your skin (look for ingredients like rice water or hyaluronic acid).

3️⃣ Serum or Essence: Choose niacinamide, propolis, or snail mucin for hydration and glow.

4️⃣ Moisturizer: Use a lightweight gel cream with ceramides or ginseng to lock in moisture.

5️⃣ Sunscreen: Protect your skin daily with a broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen.

Glass Skin Must-Haves

⭐ Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide) – Brightens and strengthens skin.

⭐ Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum – A deeply hydrating serum that layers well.

⭐ I’m From Rice Toner – Packed with brightening rice water for that signature K-beauty glow.

3. Heartleaf: The New Must-Have Ingredient for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, the latest K-beauty obsession—Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata)—is worth trying. This gentle, plant-based ingredient is known for its ability to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and control excess oil.

Heartleaf has seen a massive spike in popularity in the past year, thanks to viral products like the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, which gained cult status on TikTok.

Best Heartleaf Skincare Products

✔ Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner – Lightweight, calming, and perfect for reducing redness.

✔ Isntree Heartleaf 100 Essence – A single-ingredient essence that soothes irritation and hydrates.

✔ Goodal Heartleaf Calming Moisture Cream – A gentle moisturizer ideal for acne-prone skin.

4. Korean Sunscreens: The Global Game-Changer

Korean sunscreens have dominated the skincare market, with searches for “best Korean sunscreen” growing by 49% in 2025. The reason? Korean formulas are lighter, more effective, and cosmetically elegant compared to traditional sunscreens.

Why Are Korean Sunscreens Better?

☀️ Advanced UV filters – K-beauty sunscreens use newer, more stable UV blockers that provide superior protection.

☀️ Lightweight, non-greasy formulas – Perfect for layering under makeup.

☀️ No white cast – Unlike traditional Western sunscreens, K-beauty formulas blend seamlessly into all skin tones.

Best Korean Sunscreens for 2025

☀️ Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ – Lightweight, nourishing, and hydrating.

☀️ Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ – A TikTok favorite for its dewy finish.

☀️ Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ – Provides intense hydration without clogging pores.

How to Apply: Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine. Apply two fingers’ worth of product and reapply every 2-3 hours for maximum protection.

5. 10-Step Routine vs. Skinimalism: Which One Is Right for You?

While the 10-step Korean skincare routine is a staple in K-beauty, many people are now opting for “skinimalism”—a minimalist approach to skincare that focuses on fewer but more effective products.

Comparison: 10-Step vs. Skinimalism

Feature	10-Step Routine	Skinimalism
Number of Products	8-10	3-5
Best for	Dry, dehydrated skin	Oily, acne-prone skin
Goal	Deep hydration & layering	Simple, effective care
Time Required	Longer routine (night & day)	Quick, efficient steps

Which One Should You Follow?

If your skin thrives on multiple layers and hydration, stick with the 10-step routine. If you prefer a streamlined regimen, focus on a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen for a simple, effective skincare approach.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Korean Skincare?

K-beauty continues to set global skincare trends, introducing innovative ingredients and effective formulas that cater to every skin type. Whether you’re looking to achieve glass skin, experiment with snail mucin, or protect your skin with a Korean sunscreen, 2025 is the year to embrace these transformative skincare trends.

✨ Which K-beauty trend are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below! 

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