What is ‘Jello Skin’? The new Korean skincare trend taking over TikTok

Move over glazed-donut skin, 'Jello Skin' new deliciously-named trend in town

Texture of gel cream. Liquid hyaluronic acid gel on pink background, copy space - stock photo
(Image credit: Getty Images / Tanja Ivanova)

TikTok has graced us with yet another skincare trend and it may be the best-named one yet. Meet ‘Jello Skin’—the new Korean skincare trend taking over your ‘For You’ page.

First came slugging, then the frozen cucumber hack and now Jello Skin! Just when we'd thought we'd seen it all, TikTok never stops surprising us—and this trend is really taking the app by storm. In fact, according to WeThrift’s trend expert, Nick Drewe, the trending hashtag '#jelloskin’ already has over 14 million views.

But what exactly does it entail and is it actually good for your skin?

Young female applying glossy make-up - stock photo

(Image credit: Getty Images / Jonathan Knowles)

What is the 'Jello Skin' trend? 

This latest trend, according to Drewe is all about, "creating a plump and structured skin texture that bounces and feels elastic, similar to the feel of jello.”

The term was coined by TikToker @glowwithava, whose own skin is basically the poster child for the trend—her skin is so bouncy it literally defies gravity.

@glowwithava

♬ original sound - AVA

Ava's account is dedicated to how she keeps her skin healthy and 'jello'-like, explaining that it’s not just all about applying the best moisturizers for dry skin and best retinol serums, but about your lifestyle.

How to get Jello Skin

Nourishment and "exercise"

Unlike some of the ‘fad’ skin trends we see that promise almost immediate results, getting 'Jello Skin' takes commitment (from the looks of it though, it’s very much worth it).

Achieving plump skin starts from the inside. Drewe says what you're eating is super important: "You should have a balanced and anti-inflammatory diet. This includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and plant-based proteins like beans and nuts.”

The most crucial part of this trend, however, is collagen. You need a lot of it apparently. Ava says you can tell if your skin has a lot of collagen when: "every time you move it out of place, it should bounce back immediately."

@glowwithava

♬ original sound - AVA

Drewe also advises that "there are lots of different products on the market designed to increase collagen production in the body, but the most effective method is by taking supplements and vitamins and by eating rich in vitamin C and amino acids foods, such as oranges, red peppers and kale.”

You can also, of course, find skincare products enriched with collagen—but to get your cheeks bouncing like a bowl of strawberry jelly, you need to start from within!

Giving your face a "workout" is also key: “Moving your facial muscles is the most important aspect of the trend. To ensure you achieve the best results, it's key to incorporate facial massages into your daily routine to create and increase the elasticity of your skin.” We'd also recommend keeping your best hyaluronic acid serum in hand when doing this to help your facial massages run more smoothly.

Topical products

Hydration is super important for achieving 'Jello Skin', so invest in some hyaluronic acid, as it's a great place to start if your skin is feeling dry and dull. It's hailed as a miracle ingredient and will easily slip into your skincare routine as the base of your skincare product order.

Exfoliation is also key for the glowing, jelly sheen that is so important for the Jello Skin trend. Skincare ingredients like salicylic acid are ideal for exfoliating the skin, without the need for harsh scrubs.

And to achieve the trend, Drewe also recommends keeping skin protected from environmental stresses like pollution and sun damage—so make sure to invest in some of the best sunscreens for face.

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Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

RRP: $32/£31

This leave-on liquid exfoliant dissolves built-up dead skin cells and works to unclog pores.


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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula 30ml

RRP: $7.50/£6.40

This serum delivers hydration deep down into the skin and helps to plump up the skin.

It also helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and improves elasticity.

See our full <a href="https://www.myimperfectlife.com/reviews/the-ordinary-hyaluronic-acid-serum-review" data-link-merchant="myimperfectlife.com"">The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid review


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Clinique Moisture Surge 100 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator 30ml

RRP: $56/£50

This moisturizer is infused with hyaluronic acid which helps give you plumper, firmer-looking skin,  while also drenching your visage in hydration.

Activated Aloe Water works in unison with Aloe Barbadensis to promote a softer, more supple aesthetic, while the 'Auto-Replenishing Technology' assists with supporting the skin’s normal moisture levels. All good stuff for getting the jelly-like shine!

See our full <a href="https://www.myimperfectlife.com/reviews/clinique-moisture-surge-review-gel-moisturizer" data-link-merchant="myimperfectlife.com"">Clinique Moisture Surge review


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Elemis, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30 50ml

RRP: $132/£89

This moisturizer is super hydrating and quenches thirsty skin by up to '253% in 1 hour.'

It's lightweight and even offers SPF protection!


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Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++ 

RRP: $41.40/£30

Even if you're not after the jelly-goodness of this trend, SPF is a crucial step in your skincare routine!

This SPF is praised for feeling weightless and works to keep your skin hydrated while also protected from the sun!

See our full <a href="https://www.myimperfectlife.com/reviews/kiehls-ultra-light-daily-uv-defense-aqua-gel-spf50-review" data-link-merchant="myimperfectlife.com"">Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense review


Naomi Jamieson
Lifestyle News Writer

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team, where she covers everything from entertainment to fashion and beauty, as well as TikTok trends for Woman&Home, after previously writing for My Imperfect Life and GoodTo. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but lept into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing and earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ.


Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.