Exploring innovations in glass skin trend: InCos Korea 2025 

The global cosmetics industry consistently seeks new frontiers in efficacy, sustainability, and consumer appeal. At the heart of this pursuit lies In-Cosmetics Korea, an event that serves as a vital nexus for innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. As we look back at In-Cosmetics Korea 2025, it’s clear that the convergence of cutting-edge science and a deepening commitment to natural solutions is redefining the future of beauty, with the “glass skin” trend continuing to lead the charge. 

InCos Korea 2025: The leading event for beauty innovation 

How did in-Cosmetics Global Korea 2025 influence skincare advancements? 

in-Cosmetics Korea 2025, held from July 2nd to 4th at COEX in Seoul, cemented its status as a premier platform for showcasing raw materials, functional ingredients, formulation technology, and the latest beauty solutions. The event provided an unparalleled environment for cosmetics manufacturers, R&D professionals, and personal care creators to explore the forefront  of skin care innovation. Its influence was particularly felt in accelerating the adoption of new technologies and methodologies across the skincare sector, especially in terms of achieving glowing skin. 

The exhibition’s expanded zones, including the new Inner Beauty Ingredient Zone and the Test, Lab, and Regulation Zone, alongside the established Innovation Zone and K-Beauty Zone, facilitated a holistic view of industry developments, fostering comprehensive dialogue and collaboration. 

What were the key innovations presented at InCos Korea 2025? 

A dominant theme at In-Cosmetics Korea 2025 was the pervasive advancement of biotechnologically-derived ingredients. These innovations are designed to offer superior purity, and a significantly reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional extraction methods.  

Discussions also frequently highlighted ingredients developed through advanced multi-omic analyses, such as metabolomics and lipidomics, providing a deeper scientific understanding of their interaction with skin biology. 

 Among the highlights at InCos Kores 2025 were: 

• Bioengineered botanicals: The concept of “natural getting smarter” was evident, with new bioengineered botanicals transforming raw natural ingredients into highly effective, targeted skincare solutions. Examples included red cabbage exosomes from Korean suppliers, demonstrating leaps in plant-based biotech for antioxidant and anti-irritation benefits. 
   

• Next-generation actives: New ingredients like advanced peptides for collagen stimulation and anti-aging, and sustainable UV filters, often microencapsulated and paired with DNA-repair enzymes for enhanced protection, were widely discussed. 
   

• Advanced delivery systems: The importance of sophisticated delivery mechanisms, such as liposomes and other microencapsulation techniques, was a recurring subject. These systems are crucial for protecting sensitive natural actives, enhancing their stability, improving bioavailability, and ensuring targeted delivery for maximum efficacy. 
   

• Next-generation PDRN alternatives & brightening solutions: A recurring theme was the search for powerful alternatives to traditional actives like PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide), which is popular for its regenerative properties. New innovations showcased at the event included exosomes from microalgae and advanced, AI-designed peptides that offer similar or superior cellular repair and regenerative benefits. Furthermore, new brightening solutions were prominent, with actives designed for targeted pigmentation control. 
   

What’s next in cosmetic science and technology? 

The insights from in-Cosmetics Korea 2025 painted a clear picture of the future of cosmetic science and technology. Clean beauty is no longer a niche but a foundational expectation, driving demand for transparency, safety, and verifiable sustainable sourcing.  

AI-powered personalization is set to revolutionize skincare, enabling ultra-precise skin diagnostics and customized product recommendations. Smart mirrors and connected devices are transforming consumer interaction with beauty products, making routines more engaging and data-driven. 

Furthermore, a significant shift towards regenerative beauty products and neurocosmetics was evident. Regenerative products aim to actively repair and rejuvenate the skin at a cellular level, stimulating natural renewal processes with ingredients like growth factors, peptides, and stem cell extracts. Neurocosmetics, on the other hand, focuses on how skincare products influence the nervous system, impacting the skin-brain axis for overall well-being and appearance.  

The industry is also increasingly embracing circular economy principles, leading to widespread adoption of upcycled ingredients and innovative waste reduction strategies in manufacturing. 

Glass skin: Dominating the global skincare market and setting new beauty standards 

The glass skin trend continues its powerful trajectory, dominating the global skincare market and reshaping beauty standards worldwide. It’s a key market growth driver, particularly within the dynamic APAC region, including South Korea. Consumers are increasingly sophisticated, demanding not only visible results but also transparency, ethical sourcing, and demonstrable sustainability in their skincare products.  

This has fueled significant R&D investment in cutting-edge ingredients and formulation technologies. The shift from an ideal of heavy makeup to one of intrinsic skin health and luminosity represents a profound change in consumer values, driving the industry towards more conscious and scientifically advanced solutions. Consumers now prioritize products that enhance their skin health and natural glow, pushing the industry to invest significantly in cutting-edge ingredients and formulation technologies. 

Social media posts referencing “glass skin” are most prevalent in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with Thailand notably overindexing in these conversations. Globally, terms like “glass skin” and “skin glow” have been trending for several years and show no signs of disappearing. In 2024, these trends are increasingly associated with colour cosmetics, as seen in product launches and social media discussions (Mintel, 2024). 

The “glass skin” trend originated from K-Beauty and is now a global aspiration, with significant influence on beauty ideals and product innovation in regions such as Europe and North America. For example, in the UK, Google searches for “glass skin” have steadily increased, peaking at a value of 100 in early January and late March 2025 (on a relative scale where 100 is the peak search interest) (Mintel, 2025). 

The science behind the glass skin trend 

What is glass skin and how is it revolutionizing skincare? 

Glass skin is a highly coveted skincare aesthetic originating from Korea, characterized by a complexion that appears flawless, poreless-looking, dewy, crystal-clear, translucent, luminous, and remarkably smooth, reflecting light like a pane of glass. It transcends merely covering imperfections, representing a state of optimal skin health where the skin glows naturally from within. This revolutionizes skincare by emphasizing holistic skin wellness rather than temporary cosmetic fixes, driving innovation towards enhancing the skin’s inherent luminosity. 

Scientifically, glass skin is rooted in achieving a high “luminosity index,” which measures how evenly light reflects off the skin. Key factors contributing to this include: 

• Skin smoothness: A uniform surface minimizes shadows and scattering of light. 
   

• Even skin tone: Reduces discoloration and hyperpigmentation that can disrupt light reflection. 
   

• Optimal hydration: Well-hydrated skin is plump and dewy, absorbing less light and reflecting more. 
   

• Skin firmness: Contributes to a smooth, taut surface that efficiently reflects light. 

How to achieve glass skin: A step-by-step guide 

For skincare professionals and product formulators, understanding the practical application of the glass skin routine is essential for developing effective products. A typical regimen involves: 

• Step 1: Double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser (e.g., natural botanical oils) followed by a gentle, pH-balanced water-based cleanser. 
   

• Step 2: Hydrating toner applied immediately after cleansing to restore skin’s pH and deliver initial hydration. 
   

• Step 3: Essence to provide a concentrated layer of active ingredients and prepare the skin for subsequent steps. 
   

• Step 4: Serum/ampoule featuring targeted active ingredients for specific concerns, such as brightening, anti-aging, or intense hydration. 
   

• Step 5: Moisturizer to seal in all the previous layers and provide long-lasting hydration. 
   

• Step 6: SPF (daytime only) as the final, crucial step to protect the achieved clarity and prevent future damage. 
   

• Step 7: Weekly treatments: Incorporate gentle exfoliation (e.g., natural enzymes, mild AHAs/BHAs) and hydrating or brightening masks 2-3 times per week to maintain smoothness and radiance. 

The role of active ingredients in achieving a flawless, glowing complexion 

The true efficacy of a skincare regimen for glass skin lies in the synergistic action of its active ingredients. These compounds target specific skin functions to improve overall health and appearance: 

• Hydrating humectants: Hyaluronic acid (HA) in various molecular weights (including cross-linked HA for sustained release), glycerin, and natural polyols are paramount for drawing and retaining moisture, instantly plumping the skin and creating that characteristic dewy finish. 
   

• Powerful antioxidants: Vitamin C (from stable natural sources), vitamin E, ferulic acid, astaxanthin, and various botanical extracts (e.g., green tea, ginseng, yuzu) protect the skin from free radical damage, reduce oxidative stress, and brighten the complexion for an even tone. 
   

• Barrier fortifiers: Ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and natural pre/pro/postbiotics are vital for strengthening the skin barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and enhancing the skin’s resilience against environmental aggressors. 
   

• Cell turnover accelerators: poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs), and natural enzymes promote healthy skin cell turnover, gently exfoliating dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, more reflective surface. 
   

• Collagen & elastin boosters: Peptides, ginseng, and certain plant extracts stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, essential for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines, contributing to the taut “mirror skin” effect. 
   

• Sebum regulators & anti-inflammatories: For acne-prone skin and achieving clarity, ingredients that balance sebum production (e.g., niacinamide) and calm inflammation (e.g., centella asiatica, mugwort) are crucial for an even, blemish-free complexion. 

Building a skincare regimen for achieving Glass Skin with Provital 

Provital’s approach to achieving glass skin extends beyond basic hydration. They leverage advanced biotechnology to create high-performance bioactive ingredients that address the multifaceted requirements of this sought-after aesthetic. Their commitment to sustainability is intertwined with their scientific rigor, ensuring both efficacy and environmental responsibility. 

Provital’s portfolio offers several ingredients that can be strategically incorporated into a comprehensive skincare regimen for achieving glass skin: 

• Deep and lasting hydration: Beyond standard hyaluronic acid, Provital offers solutions like Hydrafence™, which provides 120 hours of continuous hydration and strengthens skin protection, vital for a plump, dewy look.  Its endogenous production of various molecular weights of HA ensures multi-level hydration. 
   

• Skin barrier enhancement: Ingredients such as Shiloxome™, an “ecosystem ingredient” derived from cork oak, are designed to reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier, enhance epidermal function, and support the skin microbiome, which is fundamental for healthy, resilient, and luminous skin. 
   

• Anti-aging and radiance: Wonderage™ is formulated to balance mature skin epigenetics, boosting endogenous hyaluronic acid and collagen synthesis to restore youthful radiance. Orchistem™ contributes to global rejuvenation by enhancing communication between skin stem cells and fibroblasts. 
   

• Textural refinement and clarity: Incorporate an essence or serum featuring Pureblome™, a post-biotic ingredient powered by Triplobiome™ Technology. This ingredient offers a triple-efficacy approach that improves acne, oily skin, and inflammation while helping to prevent signs of aging. By balancing sebocyte activity, Pureblome™ can lead to reduced sebum production, which translates to a clinically visible reduction in pore size. This action promotes a mattified complexion, smoother skin, and a more even tone. 

Provital’s participation and innovations at in-Cosmetics Korea 2025 

Provital’s active presence at In-Cosmetics Korea 2025 underscored its role as a frontrunner in cosmetic ingredient innovation, deeply aligned with the scientific and sustainable trends defining the industry. 

Key seminar about a new endophyte-based active 

On July 2^nd, “Unveiling a New Endophyte-based Active Acting at Multiple Cellular Levels for Balancing, Anti-acne and Well-aging Claims”, by Clara Vigo (Omnichannel Product Manager), introduced a new ecosystem ingredient crafted through our advanced Triplobiome™ Technology, now expanded to capture even more of nature’s interkingdom intelligence. With this new active, Provital champions an era of eco-responsible beauty by developing its library of metabolically-rich endophyte-based actives. 

Best Active Ingredient Silver Award for Pureblome™ 

A highlight of Provital’s participation was the prestigious recognition of Pureblome™ with the Silver Award for Best Active Ingredient at In-Cosmetics Korea 2025. This accolade underscores the ingredient’s innovative science and its significant relevance to current market demands, particularly in addressing complex skin concerns vital for achieving glass skin. 

Pureblome™, showcased at the Innovation Zone, is an exemplary active ingredient embodying our commitment to scientific advancement and sustainability. Powered by Provital’s Triplobiome™ Technology, Pureblome™ is a novel post-biotic designed to mirror the balance of a natural ecosystem for comprehensive skin equilibrium. It’s an agro-psychological solution that combines the psychological benefits of nature with the physical renewal of sustainable practices. It harnesses the power of the symbiotic relationship between agroecological hyssop and its endophytic bacteria. Pureblome™ offers a triple efficacy approach, addressing the needs of mature women with anti-acne, well-aging, and anti-inflammaging benefits. 

This recognition at in-Cosmetics Korea 2025 not only highlights Provital’s commitment to scientific rigor and sustainable innovation but also positions Pureblome™ as a key ingredient for formulators aiming to develop truly transformative skincare products that deliver the coveted glass skin effect. 

For further information or insights on cosmetic innovation, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts, who are available to provide guidance and support in selecting the most suitable solutions for your requirements.