Korean skincare has taken the beauty world by storm, thanks to viral brands like COSRX, ANUA, haruharu wonder, and Beauty of Joseon. But are you using these products the way K-Beauty experts intended?
We’ve created a simple guide to the definitive 10-step Korean skincare routine, (with a bonus 11th step) so you can maximise results and achieve glass skin with ease.
What is a Good Korean Skincare Routine?
A good Korean skincare routine follows 10 essential steps, each designed to target different skin concerns while keeping your complexion hydrated, balanced, and protected. Your products should be tailored to your skin type—whether you’re dealing with dryness, acne, sensitivity, or hyperpigmentation.
Best Products For Each Step of the Korean Skincare Routine
The products you use are key to the effectiveness of the Korean skincare routine. These are some of the best Korean skincare products we love to use across all 10-steps:
Best Cleansing Oil: haruharu wonder Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm
Best Water-Based Cleanser: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Best Exfoliant: AXIS-Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel
Best Toner: innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Toner
Best Essence: mixsoon Bean Essence
Best Serum: Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Cream In Ampoule Brightening Serum
Best Sheet Mask: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Best Eye Cream: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream
Best Moisturiser: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream
The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine (In Order)
The Korean skincare routine – not to be confused with the glass skin routine – is made up of 10 steps all focusing on gently but effectively treating the skin, and pumping it with hydration. 10 steps may seem like a lot, but it’s super easy to follow once you get the hang of it, and the happy, hydrated skin speaks for itself.
Step 1: Start Your Korean Routine With Oil Cleansing
If you already double-cleanse, you’re halfway to a Korean skincare routine without even realising it. Oil cleansing should always be step one at night (and in the morning if you think your skin needs it) as it melts away makeup, SPF, and excess sebum without stripping the skin.
Unlike traditional cleansers, Korean oil cleansers bind to impurities and break them down gently, leaving your skin clean, balanced, and hydrated—not tight or dry.
Some of the best Korean cleansers feature traditional botanicals like Centella Asiatica, heartleaf, and ginseng, known for their soothing and skin-strengthening properties.
How to use:
1. Apply to dry skin and massage in circular motions.
2. Add a splash of lukewarm water to emulsify into a milky texture.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water or a warm, damp cloth.
4. Move on to Step 2: Water-Based Cleansing.
Our Top Picks:
Each of these Korean oil cleansers helps remove impurities without stripping the skin, leaving your complexion soft, balanced, and refreshed—ready for Step 2: Water-Based Cleansing.
Step 2: Follow with a Water-Based Cleanser
Once you’ve removed makeup, SPF, and excess oil with your oil cleanser, it’s time for a Korean water-based cleanser to finish the job. This step ensures all remaining impurities, sweat, and bacteria are lifted, leaving your skin fresh, balanced, and less prone to breakouts.
Why Double Cleansing is Essential in a Korean Skincare Routine
Follow this step, AM and PM to:
Thoroughly purify the skin without stripping it.
Reduce congestion by clearing away lingering oil, dirt, and pollutants.
Prevent breakouts by removing bacteria that can clog pores.
Prep the skin for maximum absorption of toners, essences, and serums.
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Once you’ve double cleansed, your skin is clean, refreshed, and prepped for the next step: exfoliation.
Step 3: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is a key step in any Korean skincare routine, helping to clear pores, remove dead skin cells, and brighten your complexion. You should avoid exfoliating every day as this can disrupt your skin barrier, so we recommend doing this step either once or twice a week, or less if you have sensitive skin, to maintain smooth, radiant skin without over-exfoliating.
Why Exfoliating is an Essential Korean Skincare Routine Step:
Unclogs pores to prevent breakouts.
Removes dead skin cells for a brighter, smoother complexion.
Boosts absorption of serums and moisturisers.
Evens skin tone by fading dark spots and reducing dullness.
Choosing the Right Exfoliator for Your Skin
There are two main types of Korean exfoliators:
Physical exfoliants: Face scrubs with fine particles that manually buff away dead skin.
Chemical exfoliants: AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) for brightening and BHAs (salicylic acid) for acne-prone skin.
How To use:
Physical exfoliants: Gently massage into damp skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
Chemical exfoliants: Apply with a cotton pad and let it absorb before moving to the next step.
Avoid using vitamin C or retinoids on exfoliation days to prevent irritation.
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Step 4: Use a Toner
Toner is a key step in the Korean skincare routine, designed to balance your skin’s pH, add hydration, and prep it for better absorption of the following steps. Unlike traditional toners, which can sometimes be harsh and stripping, Korean toners are formulated to be soothing and hydrating, making them suitable for all skin types.
Why is Toner Essential?
Restores pH balance after cleansing.
Removes any leftover residue from cleansers or exfoliants.
Hydrates and preps the skin for serums, essences, and moisturisers.
Enhances absorption of the following skincare steps.
How To use:
1. Pour a small amount into your hands or onto a cotton pad.
2. Gently pat or swipe across the face and neck.
3. Let it absorb before moving on to essence and serums.
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Some of the best Korean toners for this step include:
With your skin now prepped and hydrated, it’s time to move on to essence—the next essential step in your Korean skincare routine.
Step 5: Add Essences Into Your Korean Skincare Routine
Essences are a staple of Korean skincare, offering a highly concentrated boost of hydration and nourishment. Though less common outside of K-Beauty, they’re an essential step that helps prep the skin for serums and enhance absorption of active ingredients.
Why is an Essence Essential?
Hydrated skin absorbs products far better than dry skin, making essences the ultimate moisture booster in your routine. If you’re looking for that glass skin glow, this step is non-negotiable. Essences are lightweight yet powerful formulas, packed with ingredients that:
Deeply hydrate the skin for a plumper, more radiant complexion.
Boost skin cell turnover to improve texture and tone.
Prepare the skin for serums by enhancing ingredient penetration.
Soothe and balance the skin barrier for a healthier look.
How To use:
1. Pour a few drops into your palms.
2. Gently pat it into your skin, allowing full absorption.
3. Follow up with serums and treatments.
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With your skin now fully hydrated and prepped, it’s time to lock in the benefits with a targeted Korean serum.
Step 6: Treat Your Skin with Serums & Ampoules
Serums and ampoules are where your Korean skincare routine gets truly targeted. These concentrated formulas deliver active ingredients deep into the skin, addressing specific concerns like hydration, dullness, acne, or hyperpigmentation. If you’re looking for an extra boost, consider using an ampoule instead of (or alongside) a serum. Ampoules are more concentrated than serums, designed for short-term intensive treatment when your skin needs extra care.
Why are Serums & Ampoules Essential?
Serums and ampoules are formulated with highly potent ingredients that work to:
Hydrate and plump dry skin.
Brighten and even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation.
Soothe and calm irritation, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Fight breakouts and regulate oil production.
Boost collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
How To use:
1. Dispense a few drops into your palms.
2. Gently press and pat into the skin—no rubbing!
3. Apply in an upward motion to stimulate blood flow.
4. Layer multiple serums if needed, but wait for each to absorb before applying the next.
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Now that your skin has absorbed all these active ingredients, it’s time to flood your skin with hydration with a sheet mask in the next step.
Step 7: The Star of The Korean Skincare Routine: Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are a staple in Korean skincare, loved for their instant hydration and glow-boosting benefits. They’re the perfect excuse to sit back, relax, and let your skin soak up all the goodness. While daily masking is common in Korea, using a sheet mask 2–3 times a week is enough to see noticeable results.
Why are Sheet Masks Essential?
The best Korean sheet masks will provide:
Intense hydration – Packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and collagen, sheet masks flood the skin with moisture.
Enhanced absorption – The mask’s material creates a barrier, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeply.
Skin barrier support – Many sheet masks contain Centella Asiatica, probiotics, or peptides to repair and strengthen the skin.
Instant glow – Whether you need brightening, soothing, or anti-ageing benefits, there’s a mask for you.
How To use:
1. Start with clean, dry skin.
2. Unfold the mask and smooth it onto your face.
3. Leave it on for 10–20 minutes (or longer for some collagen masks).
4. Remove and gently pat in any excess serum—don’t wash it off!
5. Follow with eye cream and moisturiser to seal in hydration.
Bonus Tip: For an extra cooling effect, store your sheet masks in the fridge before using them—perfect for calming irritation or depuffing in the morning.
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Step 8: Eye Creams
Even if dark circles and puffiness aren’t a concern, an eye cream is a must in your Korean skincare routine. The delicate under-eye area is thinner and more fragile than the rest of your face, making it prone to fine lines, dehydration, and dullness.
Why is an Eye Cream Essential?
Prevents fine lines – Hydration and active ingredients slow down signs of ageing.
Reduces puffiness – Many formulas include caffeine, peptides, or niacinamide to de-puff and brighten.
Protects against damage – Ingredients like Centella Asiatica and antioxidants defend against environmental stressors.
How To use:
1. Use a small amount – A pea-sized dot is enough for both eyes.
2. Tap, don’t rub – Use your ring finger to gently pat the cream into the skin.
3. Focus on the under-eye and outer corners, where fine lines tend to form.
4. Apply morning and night for the best results.
Bonus Tip: For an instant cooling and de-puffing effect, store your favourite Korean eye creams in the fridge—perfect for waking up tired eyes in the morning.
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Now that your under-eyes are refreshed, it’s time to lock in all that hydration with a good moisturiser in Step 9.
Step 9: Lock in Hydration With a Moisturiser
Moisturising is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine. It acts as a final seal to lock in all the hydrating and nourishing ingredients you’ve layered onto your skin, ensuring maximum absorption and long-lasting moisture. A well-formulated Korean moisturiser will keep your skin barrier strong, helping to prevent water loss, irritation, and dryness.
How to Choose the Right Moisturiser for Your Skin Type
Dry skin: Go for a rich, creamy formula that deeply nourishes.
Oily or acne-prone skin: Opt for a lightweight, gel-based moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores.
Combination skin: A balancing cream with hydrating yet non-greasy ingredients works best.
Sensitive skin: Look for gentle, fragrance-free formulas with Centella Asiatica or ceramides to soothe irritation.
How To use:
1. Use a pea-sized amount and warm it up between your fingertips.
2. Gently press (don’t rub) into your skin, starting with the driest areas.
3. Don’t forget your neck—it needs hydration too!
4. If it’s your PM routine, this will be the final step before bed.
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A good moisturiser is the key to long-lasting hydration and a healthy, resilient skin barrier. Find the perfect one for your skin type and enjoy hydrated, glowing skin all day long.
Step 10: Don’t Forget SPF
If you want to maintain healthy, youthful skin, SPF is non-negotiable. Sun damage is one of the biggest causes of premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity, which is why SPF is a core step in the Korean skincare routine. Unlike traditional sunscreens that can feel greasy or heavy, Korean SPFs are designed to be lightweight, non-sticky, and infused with skin-loving ingredients that hydrate and nourish while providing broad-spectrum protection.
Why is SPF Essential?
Shields against UV damage – Prevents premature ageing, sunspots, and hyperpigmentation.
Hydrates and soothes – Many Korean sunscreens include ingredients like Centella Asiatica, niacinamide, and probiotics for added skin benefits.
Lightweight and non-greasy – Designed to sit seamlessly under makeup without leaving a white cast.
How To use:
1. Apply as the last step of your morning routine – SPF should always go on top of your moisturiser.
2. Use enough product – A generous amount (two fingers’ worth) ensures full coverage.
3. Reapply every two hours – Especially if you’re exposed to the sun throughout the day.
4. Pair with a sun stick or mist for top-ups – For easy reapplication over makeup.
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That’s it for the classic 10-step Korean skincare routine. But there’s one final bonus step in your routine, you won’t want to skip: lip care. Let’s move on to Step 11 to keep your lips just as hydrated and nourished as the rest of your skin.
Bonus Step 11: Lip Care – The Secret to Soft, Hydrated Lips
Lip care is a crucial but often forgotten step in the Korean skincare routine. Just like your skin, your lips need hydration, nourishment, and protection to stay soft, plump, and healthy. A dedicated lip care routine packed with the best of Korean lip care will leave you with the softest lips.
Why is Lip Care Essential?
Lips lose moisture faster than skin – The skin on your lips is thinner and lacks oil glands, making it prone to dryness and chapping.
Prevents flakiness and fine lines – Regular exfoliation and hydration keep lips looking smooth and youthful.
Protects against environmental damage – Sun exposure, cold weather, and pollution can cause dryness and premature ageing.
How To use:
1. Apply your favourite Korean lip balms and lip oils daily
2. Top up throughout the day to keep your lips protected and glossy
3. Every PM finish off your routine by applying an overnight lip mask
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There you have it – a simple breakdown of the 10-step Korean skincare routine, with a bonus 11th step. With hydration, nourishment, and protection at its core, this routine is your key to achieving healthy, glowing glass skin. Whether you’re a K-Beauty pro or just starting out, incorporating these steps into your daily routine will help you target concerns, improve skin texture, and maintain long-term skin health.
Explore our full range of Korean skincare products to build your perfect routine and experience the transformative power of K-Beauty for yourself.
