For much longer than I’d like to admit, I spent all of my energy on nailing the “perfect” skincare routine, so much so that I completely neglected everything below my neck. But once I discovered Korean body care—my newest beauty fixation—my bathroom shelves suddenly filled up with moisture-boosting lotions, oils, sunscreens, snail mucin creams, and body washes. And the part of my routine I once overlooked became just as smooth, radiant, and glowy as my face.
If you’re unfamiliar with the viral “glass skin” trend or really any of the buzzy Korean beauty products that dominate TikTok, K-beauty first gained popularity in the U.S. in 2011 and has only continued to grow—especially in body care. As double board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Libby, MD, explains, “Korean body care follows the same philosophy as Korean facial skincare,” with an emphasis on “hydration, barrier support, and long-term skin health rather than quick fixes.”
Dr. Libby says Korean body care prioritizes “layering lighter products and maintaining the skin’s overall balance,” and recommends looking for “classic hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin,” as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients like “green tea, rice water, probiotics, and heartleaf” when shopping the category. She also notes that “it’s best to choose multi-functional formulas that prioritize barrier support, gentle exfoliation, and calming ingredients rather than anything overly stripping, especially when used regularly on larger surface areas of the body.”
From toners to creams, here are the glass-skin-in-a-bottle Korean body care products that transformed my skin top to toe.
Consider this your friendly reminder that toners aren’t just for your face. The two below can be used to prep, soothe, and moisturize skin below the neck for all-over softeness.
ANUA
Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner
Heartleaf—also known as Houttuynia cordata—is a popular K-beauty ingredient known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and skin-balancing benefits—and it just so happens to be the star ingredient in this toner. It’s especially great for those, like me, who struggle with pesky back acne or keratosis pilaris.
Laneige
Cream Skin Milky Toner
Laneige is one of the most popular K-beauty brands (and for good reason!). This milky, two-in-one toner and moisturizer is packed with ceramides, peptides, and white leaf tea, leaving skin smooth and ultra-hydrated after every use.
Whether you have dry skin or you’re just chasing a healthy glow, these long-lasting body creams will add a glowy, healthy-looking finish to any part of your body.
AESTURA
Atobarrier365 Korean Body Lotion
According to Dr. Libby, “this is one of the best barrier creams on the market.” That’s because it contains moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier all at once.
Illiyoon
Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
Another top Korean body care brand, this soothing cream—formulated with encapsulated ceramides—provides even the most sensitive skin (like mine!) with moisture and serious relief from irritation.
In K-beauty, sunscreens are considered one of the most important steps in your beauty routine. These two SPFs deserve a spot in your everyday body care rotation.
Beauty of Joseon
Comfort Protection Mineral Body Sun Lotion SPF 30
“This sunscreen is one of the most iconic K-beauty sunscreens because of its lightweight, elegant texture and dewy finish,” explains Libby. It’s formulated with glow-boosting ingredients like rice extract, probiotics, and niacinamide, while still delivering broad-spectrum UV protection.
Round Lab
Birch Juice Moisturizing Uv Lock SPF 45
Another fan-favorite, Round Lab’s sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, birch tree sap, and purslane extract to hydrate, soothe, and curb inflammation. The protective formula is also silky and blends effortlessly without ever streaking.
Looking to cleanse your skin without stripping it of moisture? Look no further than the gentle body washes below.
Medicube
Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Body Wash
Kojic acid, turmeric, vitamin C, niacinamide, and exfoliating AHAs are just some of the key ingredients in Medicube’s new body wash. Its micro-gel-to-bubble formula is rich yet gentle, helping clean skin while visibly evening skin tone and smoothing texture.
Illiyoon
Ceramide Ato 6.0 Top to Toe Wash
Unfortunately for my wallet, I just can’t get enough of Illiyoon’s body wash. This silky gel wash is formulated with ginseng and ceramides for the ultimate hydration boost. It’s also made without potentially irritating ingredients like fragrance, parabens, and dyes, so it’s a winner for sensitive, dry skin.
Designed to lock in hydration without feeling greasy, the body oils below are the final step to achieving head-to-toe glass skin.
Derma B
Daily Moisture Body Oil
This intoxicatingly good-smelling body oil is made with a blend of oils, including natural argan, sweet almond, and camellia oleifera seed. It has serious staying power and locks in hydration all day long.
Shiseido
Ultimune Power Infusing Oil
Formulated with camellia seed oil and hyaluronic acid, this face-slash-body oil helps soothe and calm skin, while replenishing it with intense moisture. It absorbs quickly without leaving behind any stickiness or grease.
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Meet the Expert
Dr. Tiffany J. Libby
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Dr. Tiffany J. Libby, MD, MPH is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon serving as the Director of Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery at Brown Dermatology and an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School. She specializes in skin cancer surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and skin health, and has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Libby has also been featured in outlets including Vogue, Allure, InStyle, and Women’s Health.