Butter Skin: The Golden Glow Trend Taking Over Skincare in 2025
By Shahara Lum
The beauty industry has always seen trends rise and fade — like glass skin, cloud skin, and glazed donut skin — but in 2025, a fresh trend has taken over that’s catching everyone’s attention on TikTok: butter skin. Imagine a complexion that’s soft, smooth, and has a warm, golden glow, resembling butter melting on warm toast. It’s more than just a look; it’s a skincare vibe. So, what exactly is butter skin, and why is it such a hot topic right now?
What Is Butter Skin?
Butter skin is about achieving a rich, velvety texture and a warm, glowing tone. Unlike the trend of glass skin, which aims for that flawless, high-shine look, butter skin embraces a more natural, luxurious vibe — think creamy, golden, and supple, as if your skin has just enjoyed a week-long spa getaway. [1]
At its heart, butter skin is about prioritizing skin health and nourishment over merely looking good on the surface. It’s a celebration of deep hydration, repairing the skin barrier, and cultivating a glow that’s not just about reflecting light but also radiating a sense of warmth and vitality.
The Rise of Butter Skin
The butter skin trend gained popularity due to a mix of cultural changes, influencer excitement, and a newfound appreciation for natural skin textures that feel authentic and sustainable. While social media used to celebrate ultra-glossy, airbrushed looks, there’s now a clear shift toward more comforting and achievable skincare routines.
The phrase “butter skin” started making waves on TikTok and Instagram in late 2024, with creators sharing their personal “butter skin routines.” These routines often include warm-toned moisturizers, oil-rich serums, and soft body highlighters. Beauty influencers have described this look as “glow without the grease” and “hydration without heaviness.” From Korean beauty to the clean girl aesthetic, butter skin beautifully merges the concepts of natural and luxurious skincare.
Key Characteristics of Butter Skin
Golden Glow: Think of butter skin as that beautiful, warm glow you get after a day in the sun — it’s not pale or overly shiny, just a soft, radiant brightness that looks healthy and inviting.
Soft Texture: Picture skin that feels as good as it looks — smooth, plush, and calm, without any rough patches or dryness. It’s all about that silky touch.
Even Tone: Butter skin prioritizes a consistent complexion with minimal redness or hyperpigmentation.
Healthy Hydration: Moisture is the foundation of this trend, with layers of nourishing products that support the skin barrier.
Natural Finish: Unlike overly made-up looks, butter skin radiates a minimalist, fresh-faced vibe with a hint of dew.
Ingredients That Create Butter Skin
If you want that buttery smooth skin, your routine should nourish your skin, keeping it hydrated, and gently exfoliating. Here are some key ingredients to include:
• Ceramides: These lipid-rich compounds help maintain a strong skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and sensitivity.
• Squalane: A lightweight oil that mimics your skin’s natural sebum — perfect for that buttery finish.
• Vitamin C: Helps even out skin tone and adds that lit-from-within glow.
• Shea Butter: A rich emollient that gives the trend its namesake look and feel.
• Niacinamide: Reduces redness and refines texture without irritation.
• Lactic Acid: A gentle AHA that smooths skin by removing dull, dead cells.
The Butter Skin Routine
Achieving that beautiful butter skin look doesn’t have to be complicated or involve a lengthy routine. What matters is staying consistent and using quality products. Here’s a straightforward approach to getting that gorgeous glow:
Morning Routine:
1. Creamy Cleanser: Avoid harsh gels or foaming cleansers — opt for something hydrating and gentle.
2. Hydrating Toner or Essence: Preps skin with a light moisture layer.
3. Vitamin C Serum: Brightens and protects.
4. Moisturizer with Ceramides or Shea Butter: Choose something rich but breathable.
5. Facial Oil (optional): Lock in moisture without clogging pores.
6. SPF 30+: Always.
Evening Routine:
1. Double Cleanse: Start with an oil cleanser, followed by a creamy cleanser.
2. Lactic Acid or Exfoliating Toner (2–3x per week): Gently resurfaces skin.
3. Niacinamide or Peptide Serum: Supports barrier repair and texture refinement.
4. Thicker Moisturizer: Go heavier at night to nourish while you sleep.
5. Facial Oil or Overnight Balm: Especially helpful in dry climates.
Body Care Matters, Too
Butter skin isn’t just limited to your face — your arms, legs, and shoulders need some attention! This trend has grown into full-body skincare, with influencers embracing body oils, luxurious body butter, and skin tints to achieve that golden, even glow from head to toe.
Some products gaining buzz include:
• Body serums with AHAs to smooth out KP or texture.
• Tinted body oils with light shimmer for a sunlit glow.
• Whipped butters with cocoa and shea for deep hydration.
Makeup and Butter Skin
Makeup for butter skin is minimal and glow-enhancing. Think:
• Cream blushes in peachy or terracotta shades.
• Liquid highlighters with golden undertones.
• Light coverage skin tints or balms, allowing your real skin to show through.
• Glossy lips and brushed-up brows to finish the look.
Avoid matte or powder-heavy products—they can dull the butter finish.
Butter Skin for All Skin Tones & Types?
One of the best things about butter skin is how inclusive it is. It suits everyone, regardless of skin type or tone—whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or fair, or deep complexions. This trend focuses on treating your skin well and bringing out its natural glow instead of trying to change it entirely.
People with drier skin prefer this look because it emphasizes rich hydration and a soft, dewy finish. But even those with oily or acne-prone skin can get in on the fun by using lighter oils and oil-free serums. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you!
Brands Leading the Butter Skin Movement
Several brands are leaning into this golden era of skincare:
• Fenty Skin: With its hydrating but non-greasy textures.
• Summer Fridays: Known for its dewy-finish masks and balms.
• Naturium: Affordable but ingredient-rich options.
• Topicals: For treating texture and tone while promoting glow.
• Nécessaire: Luxe body products that fit the full-body butter aesthetic.
Works Cited:
[1] https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a64408967/butter-skin-trend-explained/
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