Hardly any other market inspires the global cosmetics industry as much as Korea. What once began as a niche interest has developed into a worldwide movement. Today, Korean beauty is far more than just a trend: it is a philosophy.
In Korea, skincare is a daily ritual. The focus is on strengthening the skin barrier - with light, layered textures that complement rather than overlap each other. Each formulation follows a clear goal: balance, moisture and luminosity.
This philosophy forms the basis for the iconic „Glass skin look - skin that is so even, nourished and radiant that it reflects light like glass. This is no coincidence, but the result of a precise understanding of skin health: barrier function, moisturisation and functional care as the basis for natural radiance.
MARKET INSIGHT
GLass Skin Routine:
There are no official, generally recognised rules for Korean beauty rituals, but the basic philosophy can be traced back to the following principles, which are crucial for achieving the „glass skin“ effect:
#1: Double cleaning
Deep clean the pores with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser.
#2: Gentle exfoliation
Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells and leaves a smooth skin surface.
#3: Layers
Here, several light, moisturising products are applied to the skin one after the other. In this way, intensive moisturisation can be achieved.
#4: Concentrated active ingredients
Serums and ampoules provide targeted care and a radiant complexion.
#5: Moisture sealing
A moisturising cream seals in the care and forms an excellent protective barrier.
#6: Sun protection
Daily, consistent application of sunscreen is a must to prevent damage.
#7: Consequence
Patience and consistency in the daily routine are crucial for a long-lasting glow
For Cosphatec, this trend is more than just a look. It reinforces our conviction that natural multifunctionals form the basis of modern skincare - skincare that retains moisture, strengthens the skin barrier and creates genuine transparency: in terms of effectiveness, purity and origin.
„Glass Skin“ is therefore not just an aesthetic trend, but for a new understanding of beauty: clear, conscious and alive.
Our formulations for
a glass skin routine
A skincare routine that makes the skin glow. The following customisable framework formulations translate these principles into innovative, technically tested and compliant cosmetic concepts.
BALM TO MILK FACIAL CLEANSER
An oil-based cleansing balm that transforms into a milky emulsion on contact with water. Enriched with Cosphaderm® MultiMEG a multifunctional blend with nourishing, moisturising and antioxidant properties, as well as magnolia extract for a gentle, soothing cleansing experience.
REFRESHING GEL CLEANSER
A clear, water-based gel that gently foams on contact with water for a fresh, clean feeling. The formula contains Cosphaderm® Pentiol natural and Cosphaderm® GMCY as moisturising active ingredients and antimicrobial multifunctionals for thorough yet gentle cleansing. It moisturises the skin and prepares it for the next step.
SKIN PERFECTING TONER
A transparent toner enriched with Cosphagard® SA natural, The skin is gently exfoliated and the pores are refined. This prepares the skin for optimal absorption of active ingredients, while at the same time ensuring a smooth, radiant complexion.
BOOSTING SERUM
A light, water-like serum with the active ingredients Cosphaderm® Sodium Hyaluronate high and Cosphaderm® Sodium Hyaluronate low for deep moisturisation and skin plumping. Enriched with Cosphaderm® HAP, a multifunctional ingredient with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, this step intensely moisturises for a radiant complexion.
SLOW AGEING DAY CREAM
A smooth, nourishing cream with the multifunctional emulsifier Cosphaderm® SB- 75H NON GMO to improve the feel of the skin and Cosphaderm® Tocopharin for antioxidant protection - for the benefit of both skin and product stability. Provides long-lasting moisturisation, helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and ensures a youthful complexion.
REVITALISING EYE GEL
A transparent gel that moisturises and revitalises the delicate eye area. The formula contains Cosphaderm® Sodium Hyaluronate high and Cosphaderm® Sodium Hyaluronate low and caffeine to reduce swelling and signs of fatigue, and Cosphaderm® X 34, which provides the smooth, gel-like texture. The eyes look refreshed and revitalised.
SKIN-REFINING NIGHT CREAM
A nourishing night cream enriched with Cosphaderm® E-1000Ac NON GMO, a powerful antioxidant ingredient that supports night-time regeneration and skin refinement. Wake up to a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Our care routinee at a glance
DEEP HYDRATION SHEET MASK
This face mask deeply moisturises and ensures a smoother, refreshed complexion. The natural active ingredient, Cosphaderm® Propanediol natural, increases skin moisture and improves the absorption of active ingredients. Contains two types of Cosphaderm® Sodium HyaluronateThe high-molecular one smoothes immediately; the low-molecular one moisturises deeply.
From the idea to the market-ready product - our services accompany you every step of the way
If you want to develop innovative cosmetics solutions, you need more than inspiration - you need reliable partners at your side. This is exactly where our services come in: We accompany you through the successful start of your project, support you with challenges and drive your next developments forward in a targeted manner.
Framework formulations - directly from our experts
Our Frame formulations illustrate the performance and versatility of our raw materials and provide a reliable basis for your own product ideas. They are intended to inspire and show how our ingredients can be combined effectively.
We also support you in solving problems, for example in the event of challenges in the area of preservation or compatibility issues with our raw materials. In addition, our team can recommend the most suitable ingredients for your concept.
Workshops - customised expertise for your team
Sustainable learning occurs above all when you become active yourself. Our customised workshops are based on this approach: they offer the opportunity to deepen specialist knowledge directly, gain new perspectives and achieve tangible progress together. Our experts accompany you and your team step by step, answer specific questions and provide practical insights that flow directly into your formulation development.
Whether in our modern laboratory or conveniently at your premises: We organise the workshop in such a way that it noticeably advances your development work.
Curious? Then simply send us a non-binding enquiry to info@cosphatec.com.
Challenge Test Service - security you can rely on
A formulation may look perfect, but true quality is only revealed in the challenge test service.
The Challenge Test Service offers precise shelf life tests to check the microbial stability and safety of your product.
We support you in selecting the right test approach and customising your preservation system to your specific requirements. With customised solutions, clear communication and high quality standards, we help to ensure that your formulations remain safe and effective throughout their entire life cycle. This allows you to benefit from in-depth expertise - and bring your products to market safely and convincingly.
Sources:
1+2: imarc Group (2025) How big is the K-beauty
products market, imarcgroup.com
3: Goodwin Grafton,L. (2025) South Korea's
cosmetics industry ranks third globally as exports
reach US$10B milestone, Personal Care Insights
