Experts Say This Korean Skincare Trend Will Be Huge In 2025

We can all admit that, when it comes to beauty, Korean brands are usually on a whole new level. And the latest skincare trend to come out of if the K-beauty industry? Cloud skin (but not as you know it). Here’s everything you need to know.

More 2025 Skincare Trends

What Is Cloud Skin?

‘Cloud skin is the softer version of 2024’s sought-after glass skin trend,’ explains Justmylook‘s Skincare Expert, Hayley Walker. ‘It focuses on the same values of creating an iridescent glow, but with a subtle and slightly matte finish.’

Hayley also explains that the trend comes hot on the heels of the dewy skincare movement, acting as an in-between for creamy and matte-based skincare. Kicking off in South Korea, it’s all about cultivating a soft-looking complexion with an emphasis on using Korean-based skincare products. ‘In 2024, we swapped out matte-based looks for a smoother, dewy complexion,’ she says. ‘And while cloud skin still focuses on achieving a hydrated-looking skin, the trend leans into a soft, matte base.’

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Cloud Skin: Makeup vs Skincare

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because cloud skin briefly did the rounds online as a makeup trend. Upholding the same tenets as its skincare counterpart – hydrated skin with a light, natural-looking glow – cloud skin makeup focuses on creating a soft-focus, hazy, lit-from-within look.

Cloud skin skincare, on the other hand, is more about self-care; perfecting your skin from the inside out. ‘While this aesthetic can be achieved using makeup, skincare also plays a vital role,’ confirms Hayley. ‘The trend focuses on nourishing the skin to enhance natural beauty and create a luminous glow. And it perfects the balance between hydration and lightweight matte textures to achieve a flawless, shimmering complexion.’

How Do Koreans Get Cloud Skin?

So it sounds ideal – but how do the experts (Korean skincare enthusiasts) actually do it? ‘Cloud skin can be achieved using hydrating, moisture-rich products to create the perfect dewy base,’ highlights Hayley. ‘Skincare routines will focus on nourishing the skin while achieving a soft, supple base.

‘Being consistent with your skincare routine and cleansing properly is key to achieving a flawless complexion,’ she adds. ‘Moisturising regularly and using products containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid ensure your skin is soft and supple for an iridescent complexion. A weekly hydrating and moisturising face mask will also benefit this trend by deeply nourishing the skin for a dewy finish.’

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Skincare Routine: How To Get Cloud Skin

Still stuck? Not to worry – Hayley has outlined a morning and night routine you can follow at home:

Morning Routine

1. Cleanser

‘Like any skincare routine, cleansing is an essential step to achieve cloud skin,’ starts Hayley. ‘Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove dirt and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. I recommend cleansers containing humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid for a deeply hydrating cleanse.’

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite cleansers here.

2. Hydrating Toner/Essence

‘You can then use a hydrating toner or essence – a K-beauty staple – to achieve the perfect cloud skin base,’ Hayler recommends. ‘Applying essence helps moisture seep into the skin for the ultimate dewy base.’

See our edit of luxury toners here.

3. Serum

Next step: serum. ‘Apply a lightweight serum with hydrating and brightening properties to achieve plumped, iridescent skin. Serums containing niacinamide, vitamin C or peptides work well for this trend to help hydrate, brighten and plump the skin.’

You can find more vitamin C serums in our roundup here.

4. Moisturiser

Hayley warns that it’s important to pick the right moisturiser for your routine. ‘Avoid rich moisturisers as these can make the skin appear and feel too greasy,’ she says. ‘Instead, opt for lightweight or gel-cream products to lock in moisture while maintaining a subtle matte finish.’

More luxury moisturisers can be found here.

5. SPF

‘And just like any other skincare routine, make sure to apply SPF,’ says Hayley. ‘Avoid white-cast sun creams or products that leave a greasy residue and instead opt for a lightweight sun protection containing hydrating ingredients.’

We’ve rounded up some of the best Korean sunscreens here.

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Evening Routine

1. Makeup Remover/Cleansing Balm

The first step of your evening routine is all about cleaning the day’s grime off your skin. ‘Firstly, remove dirt, makeup and other impurities with micellar water or an oil-based cleanser,’ recommends Hayley. ‘A cleansing balm is perfect for this step due to its soft texture and gentle formula that absorbs easily into the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and supple.’

2. Second Cleanser

Take two: ‘Follow with a second cleanse, this time a gentle, hydrating cleanser that removes remaining residue and nourishes the skin. Look for a gentle cleanser with calming ingredients to soothe the skin and prevent irritation.’

3. Hydrating Toner/Essence

And then it’s back to the AM basics. ‘After cleansing, use a hydrating toner or essence to rehydrate the skin,’ says Hayley. ‘This will help bring back lost moisture to achieve a dewy complexion.’

4. Serum

‘Incorporate reparative serums into your nighttime routine,’ advises Hayley. ‘Serums containing retinol and hyaluronic acid are great for improving the skin’s texture and provide a hydration boost overnight.’

5. Moisturiser

You nighttime moisturiser can be a little richer too, says Hayley. ‘Use a richer cream in your nighttime skincare routine to restore moisture as you catch on some beauty sleep. Look for night creams containing nourishing ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid for the ultimate hydration boost.’

6. Collagen treatment

And finally, a little treat to end the day. ‘Finish your nighttime routine with a collagen overnight mask,’ recommends Hayley. ‘This will hydrate the skin while improving its appearance for a radiant complexion.

‘Additionally, a gentle exfoliation will remove dead skin cells to brighten the skin and improve its texture,’ she continues. ‘I recommend doing this step two to three times a week, using gentle motions to maintain smooth skin. Applying an overnight mask a couple of times a week will also provide a hydration boost and restore the skin’s moisture for a luminous glow in the morning.’

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite face masks here and exfoliators here.

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Which Skincare Ingredients Work Best For This Trend?

And when it comes to finding the right products for your cloud skin routine, Hayley recommends looking to those with the following ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerin
• Vitamin C
• Aloe vera

‘As this trend focuses on creating a dewy complexion, humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin are excellent for achieving the desired skin texture as they focus on hydration,’ she explains. ‘Hyaluronic acid keeps the skin hydrated and plump, while ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide brighten the skin and reduce inflammation for a luminous, healthy-looking complexion. Moisturisers containing soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera, also work well for this trend to nourish the skin and retain moisture.’

Does This Trend Work For All Skin Types?

Unlike more abrasive skincare trends (retinol, we’re looking at you), this one is all about soothing and hydrating – which make it compatible with most skin types. ‘This trend works for multiple skin types thanks to the soothing, hydrating ingredients used to achieve the dewy finish,’ confirms Hayley. ‘It will particularly benefit those with dry skin and provide relief to certain skin conditions; however, those with sensitive skin should be cautious, ideally avoiding exfoliating ingredients and sticking to calming ingredients that will soothe their skin.’

Featured image: Cris Trung, Unsplash