The Korean skincare routine has gained global admiration, especially with the rise of K-dramas and K-pop, showcasing flawless skin even in one's 40s and 50s. But what’s the secret behind it?
Koreans are known for using natural ingredients, a tradition dating back to the Joseon era when noblewomen were highly concerned with their appearance. Today, this skincare obsession has gone viral worldwide, and the 10-step Korean skincare routine is at the heart of it.
Let's explore this popular routine and highlight some trending K-beauty products that enthusiasts are raving about.
10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
The 10-step Korean skincare routine is a comprehensive regimen designed to deeply cleanse, hydrate, and nourish the skin for a radiant, healthy glow. Each step has a specific purpose, and together they create an effective approach to skincare. Here's your complete guide to the K-beauty routine, along with top-rated Korean skincare product recommendations.
1. Oil-based cleanser
Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove the makeup thoroughly and other oil-based products on the skin, like sunscreen or dirt particles. Our recommendations for oil-based cleansers are Banilla Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm, April Skin IPMP Cleansing Balm, Anua Heartleaf Control Cleansing Oil or Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil.
2. Water-based cleanser
Cleanses sweat and water-based dirt. This step ensures your skin is deeply cleaned after the oil cleanser for a fresh, clear base. Our picks for foam cleansers are Dr.Belmeur Amino Clear Cleansing Water, ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser, and Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam.
3. Exfoliator
Gently removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and smooths texture. This step improves product absorption and brightens the complexion. Try out these best-reviewed korean skincare exfoliators, MEDIHEAL Watermide Toner Pad, numbuzin No. 1 Centella Re-leaf Green Toner Pad, BANILA CO Clean It Zero Pink Hydration Toner Pad.
4. Toner
Balances the skin’s pH and hydrates. It preps the skin to better absorb the following skincare products. Some of the recommendations are Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, numbuzin No. 5+ Vitamin Boosting Essential Toner and COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner.
5. Essence
Hydrates and boosts skin cell renewal. This lightweight formula improves skin elasticity and overall moisture retention. Some of the recommended essences are Mixsoon Bean Essence, Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water, JUMISO Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence, and VT Reedle Shot 100 Essence.
6. Serum/Ampoule
Targets specific skin concerns like acne, wrinkles, or dark spots. It's a concentrated treatment that delivers active ingredients deeply into the skin. The trending Korean serums that you should definitely try once are SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum and Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide.
7. Sheet mask
Provides intense hydration and nourishment. The sheet helps seal in ingredients for maximum absorption. These are some of my favorite Korean sheet masks, MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Mask Sheet, ROUND LAB PINE CALMING CICA MASK SHEET, and freemay Real Biome Cica Calming Daily Mask Sheet.
8. Eye cream
Moisturizes and protects the delicate under-eye area. It helps reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. Eye cream very essential if you spend most of your in front of screens and thus we recommend these best-reviewed eye creams and eye patches. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream, Abib Collagen Eye Cream Jericho Rose Tube, and MEDIHEAL Retinol Collagen Eye Ampoule Patch.
9. Moisturizer
Locks in hydration and seals all previous steps. It keeps the skin soft, plump, and hydrated throughout the day or night. Moisturizers are the most essential step, which can be the last step also if you are doing your skincare at night. So here are our recommendations for Moisturizers. ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream, Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream, and SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream.
10. Sunscreen (for daytime)
Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing sun damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. In Korea, sunscreen is considered a must-have, with many carrying it everywhere as part of their daily routine. It’s the most important step in maintaining youthful, healthy skin. Here are some of the top Korean sunscreens we recommend for optimal protection and a flawless finish, ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) and espoir Water Splash Sun Cream Ceramide.
Bonus: Lip Care
Hydrates and protects the lips from dryness and cracking. Koreans prioritize soft, plump lips as part of their skincare routine, often applying nourishing lip balms or masks to keep them moisturized and smooth throughout the day or overnight. This final step ensures your lips stay hydrated and healthy, complementing your overall skincare efforts. Here are the best picks, LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, rom&nd Lip Matter, and COSRX Full Fit Honey Sugar Lip Scrub.
Is the 10-Step Routine Necessary for Everyone?
The 10-step Korean skincare routine isn't necessary for everyone. While it's effective for those seeking deep hydration and targeted treatments, some may find a simplified routine more suitable based on their skin type and lifestyle.
The key is to personalize the steps according to your skin’s needs—whether that’s using fewer products or adjusting the routine to address specific concerns like acne or dryness.
Time, Cost, and Sustainability
Maintaining a 10-step skincare routine can be time-consuming and costly, with high-quality products adding up over time. For many, this extensive routine may not be sustainable. A simplified version, such as a 5-step routine focusing on essentials like cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen, can still deliver great results without the time and expense.
Ultimately, whether the 10-step skincare routine is worth the time and effort depends on your personal needs and preferences. While some may enjoy the full routine for its thorough care, others may prefer a simplified version that suits their lifestyle.
What matters most is finding what works best for your skin. Do you think the 10-step routine is something you’d try, or do you prefer a more minimal approach? Let us know your thoughts!
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