"Glass skin", the dewy, poreless look popularised by Korean beauty, is one of the biggest skincare trends on social media. But two new studies presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2026 in Vienna suggest that the way it is promoted online may be doing more harm than good.
Study 1: Most viral videos are misleading
Researchers analysed 38 of the top-performing TikTok videos about Korean skincare and glass skin. Their findings:
- 94.7% contained at least one potentially misleading claim.
- 84% did not consider different skin types.
- 45% promoted combining many active ingredients without safety advice.
- 32% promised instant results.
- Only one video mentioned irritation, only two mentioned sun protection, and none suggested seeing a dermatologist.
- None of the videos were made by dermatologists, and none cited a source.
Study 2: Real skin damage
A second study looked at 94 patients who developed a new or worse skin problem after using products promoted on social media:
- Chemical exfoliants (AHAs and BHAs) were the most common trigger, in 34% of cases, followed by retinoids, vitamin C serums and niacinamide.
- Nearly half had copied an entire routine from social media.
- 63% were layering more than three active ingredients at once.
- The most common problem was irritant contact dermatitis (42%), and 28% saw acne appear or get much worse.
The researchers were clear that Korean skincare itself is not harmful. The problem is that social media turns simple principles into product-heavy, one-size-fits-all routines.
Signs your skin barrier is damaged
- Burning or stinging when you apply even gentle products
- Redness, tightness or flaking
- Sudden breakouts or tiny bumps
- Skin that looks shiny but feels dry
A safer path to healthy, glowing skin
- Keep it simple: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and sunscreen form the core of any routine.
- Introduce one active at a time and wait two to four weeks before adding another.
- Do not stack exfoliants and retinoids on the same night unless a dermatologist advises it.
- Patch test new products on a small area first.
- Use sunscreen every day, especially when using acids or retinoids, which make skin more sun-sensitive.
- Choose products for your skin type: oily, dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin need different care.
- If your skin is irritated, stop all actives and use only a mild cleanser and plain moisturiser until it calms down.
When to see a dermatologist
See a skin specialist if irritation lasts more than a week or two, you develop painful acne, or you have a condition like eczema or rosacea. Healthy skin comes from consistency and barrier care, not from the number of bottles on your shelf.
