Butter Skin is In: How to Get the Smooth, Soft Glow Everyone’s Talking About

Move over glass skin. There’s a new trend on the block—the rich, velvety “butter skin”.

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or TikTok recently, you might have seen influencers dreamily flaunting complexions so velvety, soft, and glowing that you’d think their skin was smeared with whipped butter.

But the butter skin trend isn’t about looking greasy or shiny. It’s about skin that looks ultra-nourished and dewy in all the right places. It’s skin that looks so smooth, like it could melt beneath your fingers.

So, what exactly is butter skin? And more importantly—how can you achieve it? We’ve got you covered.

What Is Butter Skin?

Butter skin is like the love child of K-beauty’s dewiness and the hydration-first approach of barrier repair routines. It’s about achieving skin that’s deeply moisturized, plump, and soft to the touch with a subtle, non-greasy sheen that perfectly catches the light.

Butter skin isn’t matte, nor oily. It’s rich and balanced, like a perfectly churned balm.

While glass skin is a trend focusing on a high-gloss, almost wet-look finish, butter skin is about a soft-focus glow. It’s the type of skin that tells people, “I sleep eight hours every night, drink plenty of water, and never skip my moisturizer”. The great news is that butter skin is pretty forgiving and realistic, especially if you have dry, sensitive, or textured skin that doesn’t work well with high-shine trends.

Why Is Everyone Obsessed with Butter Skin?

Putting it simply, butter skin is a whole vibe. In 2025, many of us are moving towards comfort, nourishment, and protecting the skin barrier. Harsh, uncomfortable exfoliants and ten-step routines are out.

Nowadays, beauty buffs want to embrace a gentler approach to skincare and butter skin fits that mood perfectly. Plus, butter skin is a trend that works with your skin, not against it.

It’s versatile, too. Whether you’re in your 20s, hoping to prevent fine lines, or in your 40s, focusing on bounce and elasticity, butter skin is loved by many and is incredibly achievable.

Your Butter Skin Routine: Step-by-Step

Ready to slather up and get buttery? Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow skincare routine for that soft, radiant, and cushiony-smooth glow.

1. Cleanse gently

Start your butter-smooth skincare routine with a soothing, non-stripping cleanser. Think milky, creamy, or oil-based formulas that won’t leave your skin completely squeaky clean, like the Glytone Mild Cream Cleanser. The idea is to remove dirt and impurities without affecting your natural oils.

2. Exfoliate, but mildly

We know, a mild exfoliation doesn’t sound possible—but it is! Use a gentle chemical exfoliant once or twice a week to tackle dead skin cells and boost your glow. Avoid anything too harsh, opting for exfoliators containing gentle ingredients like lactic acid and PHAs.

3. Hydrate

This is a key step for butter skin. Use a humectant-rich serum (like one containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin) on damp skin for ultimate moisture and a plump and bouncy complexion. The Replenix Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum is a perfect choice.

4. Seal It In

Now for the main course: a rich, buttery moisturizer. Look for ingredients like shea butter, squalene, ceramides, and fatty acids. This nourishing moisturizer gives your skin that pillowy, soft texture. If your skin tends to get dry, try layering an oil on top for extra dewiness.

5. Don’t forget the SPF

SPF is still non-negotiable. Even the most hydrated skin needs protection. Use a hydrating SPF (bonus points if it’s glowy!) to maintain your butter-skin status throughout the day.                        

Pro Tips for Maximum Butteriness

Want to perfect the butter look? Here are some of our top tips:

● Layer Like a Pastry Chef: The butter skin look is all about layered hydration, not just one heavy-dose cream slapped on top. Make sure to layer everything properly.

● Don’t Skip the Neck: Butter skin doesn’t stop at the jawline. Extend to look to your neck and décolletage for that immersive, all-over glow.

● Choose Creamy Makeup Formulas: Opt for creamy or balmy textures if you wear makeup. Avoid powder, as it can flatten and mattify that juicy, plump finish.

Who Should Get Butter Skin?

The short answer is anyone can achieve butter skin. But it’s best suited to dry, sensitive, or mature skin types craving moisture.

However, even oily and acne-prone skin can get in on the glow. If you’re in that bracket, simply opt for non-comedogenic products and lighter layers.

The beauty of the butter skin trend is that it’s not about perfection. It isn’t filtered or flawless—it’s all about healthy, happy skin that’s well cared for. Texture, pores, and real skin all come as part of the look.

The Final Slather

Butter skin might be trending, but we should also take this opportunity to nourish and love our skin so it can be its strongest, softest self.

Embrace the creaminess. Your skin deserves to feel like butter.

Do you want more skincare advice? Learn whether a moisturizer with SPF is as good as sunscreen here.