What is butter skin? Here's how to get this viral beauty trend

A new skincare trend is taking over TikTok and Instagram—butter skin. And of course, it means just that: skin that is so smooth, soft, and glowy, it looks (and feels) like butter. 

The hashtag #butterskin has over 75 million views and more every day, and this trend is becoming the 2025 summer skin goal trend. So what is butter skin, and how do I achieve this? Let’s break this down. 

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What Is butter skin?

Butter skin is all about achieving a hydrated, even-toned, and glow-from-within complexion. This differs from the glass skin trend we saw a few years ago, which focused primarily on achieving a high-shine, reflective finish, whereas butter skin has a creamy, plush, and velvety appearance. It’s about looking naturally soft, well-nourished, and healthy, as if your skin was loved and cared for instead of just layered.

Think of the skin’s texture as the focus. It's smooth to the touch, not flaky nor dull, and glowing in a subtle, almost transcendent, way. It's that lit-from-within look that's not screaming for attention, but still draws glances. Although the term "butter skin" is new, the goal of "butter skin" is an ideal we've been looking for long before Instagram—radiance, hydration, and a polished, supple finish.

What makes it different from the previous trends is that it just feels more relatable—and more sustainable.

There isn't a 10-step process, nor do you have to have everything perfectly, nor do you have to take the perfect photo to exhibit it. Butter skin celebrates the texture and comfort and nourishes your skin deeply.

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What’s the hype about?

Beauty enthusiasts all around the world are raving about butter skin because it is more wearable, more versatile, and more inclusive than glass or matte skin trends. It looks gorgeous on all skin types and tones, and it does not require filters or a heavy layer of makeup to look good. 

People are posting before and after routines, product faves, and tutorials that show how to achieve that look, while not complicating their skincare routine.The trend is moving pretty quickly on TikTok, where short-form videos show how dry or dull skin can be transformed into soft, glowing ‘butter of skin,’ garnering millions of views. It is relatable. It is real. Skin that breathes.

Another reason it is so popular? It is the perfect base under makeup! Foundations apply like silk, cream blushes and bronzers melt right in, adding to the natural glow of skin, not covering it up. For those who like a more minimal or natural look, butter skin is an easy way to get that dewy, healthy look minus the shine. 

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How to get butter skin?

We all want that glow-y, buttery skin that seems to be all over Instagram lately. Here’s how to get butter skin at home with a few purposeful steps and the right product pairings. 

- Gentle exfoliation: Start with mild chemical exfoliation 2–3 times a week. AHAs like lactic acid and mandelic acid because they can gently lift the top layer of dead skin cells without compromising your moisture barrier. 

- Hydration is key: After exfoliating, your skin will be primed to absorb moisture. A hydrating toner or essence with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or glycerin should be next up on your list. These ingredients are humectants, which means they attract water to the skin and hold it there.

- Nourish with cream or oil: Emollient moisturizers are the foundation of the butter skin look. You are looking for things like ceramides, squalane, shea butter, and fatty acids for the purpose of sealing in your moisture while also rebuilding your skin's barrier. 

- Use glow boosting serum: If you want your skin to look brighter and more even, you should be using serums that are made with skin-brightening components. Niacinamide helps to combat dullness, supports elasticity, and peptides can help to smooth the area that has been filled with water charged up with peptited and can help to fill the smoothness of the surfae of skin. 

- Ditch your powder: Butter skin should be allowed to flourish without powdery-matte finishes. Allow your skin-care product to speak for itself. If wearing foundations or make-up, opt for cream textures that blend into the structure of the skin easily; tinted moisturizers, dewy blushes, balmy highlighters. Completed skin structure should look glowy, not covered.

Let your skin speak in softness this summer!