If you’ve been wondering how to build a good Korean skincare routine without getting lost in the details, you’re not alone. It can be a lot. For beginners, figuring out the multi-step process and products can be overwhelming.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we break down the Korean skin care routine into clear, manageable steps that are easy to follow and customize for your skin type. We will walk you through every step, from cleansing to SPF, and everything in between. You’ll also learn how each step contributes to healthier, glowing skin
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to the Korean Skincare Routine
Here are the steps to follow.
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
In almost every conversation about K-beauty skincare, you’ll often hear people mention double cleansing. It is the foundation of the popular Korean skincare routine. You use an oil cleanser and a water-based cleanser.
Oil cleansers deeply cleanse your skin without stripping away its natural oils. They break down excess oil, sunscreen, makeup, and other products. This makes oil cleansing an essential first step, especially if you wear makeup daily. Unlike traditional cleansers, oil-based cleansers work with your skin’s natural oils to remove impurities, leaving your face clean but still hydrated.
Massage the oil cleanser onto your skin to dissolve dirt and makeup. Next, add a bit of water to turn it into a milky consistency that lifts away impurities. Finally, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your face dry using a towel.
Morning or Evening: Both
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
The next step is a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt, such as sweat, that the oil cleanser didn’t take care of. It ensures your skin is completely clean, providing a fresh canvas for the rest of your routine.
Don’t forget to consider your skin type when choosing a water-based Korean cleanser. For oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming cleanser can help manage excess oil and prevent breakouts. If you have dry or sensitive skin, we recommend a gentle gel or cream cleanser with soothing ingredients like green tea. It will hydrate and calm the skin without stripping it of moisture.
Apply your water-based cleanser onto your face while it is still damp. Rub it in circular motions to lather it. Rinse with lukewarm water then pat your face with a towel.
Morning or Evening: Both (but morning is optional)
Step 3: Exfoliator
This is not a daily step. But when you do it, it should be the third step after using your water-based cleanser.
Exfoliation is an important step in K-beauty skincare if you want that smooth, glowing skin. Exfoliators remove dead skin cells from the surface, leaving you with a brighter complexion. They also allow the following products in your routine to penetrate more effectively.
Regular exfoliation can improve the texture of your skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and help prevent breakouts. But you need to choose the right type of exfoliator based on your skin’s needs. Over-exfoliating can cause irritation which may lead to all sorts of issues.
With your face still damp, scoop a bit of the exfoliator with your finger and massage it all over your face. Leave it on for a few minutes then rinse it off with some warm water. Pat your face dry.
Morning or Evening: Once or twice a week
Step 4: Toner
The role of toners in the Korean skin care routine is to balance your skin’s pH level and prepare it for the layers that follow. They ensure the skin is neither too dry nor too oily, allowing for better absorption. Many people shy away from toners because regular Western toners focus on removing oil and tightening pores. They can be harsh and drying.
Korean toners, however, are usually hydrating and soothing, helping calm the skin and replenish moisture lost during cleansing. They create the perfect foundation for serums, essences, and moisturizers.
We recommend using the patting technique to apply your toner effectively. Use your fingers to pat it into your skin.
Rub a little bit of toner in your palms then gently pat it onto your face. Give it a few minutes to dry before going in with the next product.
Morning or Evening: Both
Step 5: Essence
In K-beauty, essences play a key role in hydrating and repairing your skin. While toners primarily focus on balancing pH, Korean essences are designed to provide a powerful dose of hydration and improve texture.
They make your skin more radiant and support its repair processes, making them especially beneficial in anti-aging routines.
Squirt a bit of essence onto your palm, rub your palms together then apply the product on your face, gently massaging it.
Morning or Evening: Both
Step 6: Serum/Ampoule
If you have a serum for a specific skin issue like acne, pigmentation, wrinkles, or dark circles, apply it in this step. These products are highly concentrated and deliver active ingredients directly into the skin.
An excellent serum choice for beginners is vitamin C. It helps to brighten your skin and reduce dark spots. Niacinamide is another good K-beauty serum that we love. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to even out skin tone and reduce redness.
Rub the serum in your palms then apply it all over your face. If it has a dropper, put a few drops on your face (forehead and cheeks) and gently rub it over the rest of your face.
Morning or Evening: Both (or as specified on the label)
Step 7: Face Mask
Masks are a luxurious and fun part of the Korean skincare routine. Most Korean face masks are designed to soothe and hydrate your skin. They are soaked in concentrated serums, offering a quick and effective way to deliver a surge of moisture and beneficial ingredients.
Apply your mask evenly and leave it on for the recommended time, usually between 10 to 20 minutes, to allow the serum to fully penetrate.
For sheet masks, place the mask on your face, carefully aligning the mask holes to your nose, mouth, and eyes.
Note: If you are using a sleep mask/overnight mask in your nighttime routine, it should be the final step.
Morning or Evening: Once or twice a week
Step 8: Eye Cream
Including a dedicated eye cream in your Korean beauty skincare routine helps you care for the delicate skin around the eyes. This skin is thinner and more prone to signs of aging than other areas of your face.
Korean eye creams are formulated to hydrate and firm this sensitive area, helping to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. The right eye cream can make a noticeable difference in keeping the eye area looking youthful and refreshed.
Be gentle when applying your eye cream to avoid damaging the skin. The best practice is to use your finger and lightly tap the cream into your under eye. Avoid tugging or rubbing as this can lead to irritation and further emphasize fine lines.
Morning or Evening: Both
Step 9: Moisturizer
This is an unskippable step in the Kbeauty routine. A moisturizer seals in hydration and creates a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. This way, your skin stays hydrated and balanced throughout. Failure to moisturize can leave your skin feeling dry and exposed which can lead to premature aging and irritation.
Consider your skin type when choosing a Korean moisturizer for your face. For oily or combination skin, a gel-based moisturizer is ideal. It provides lightweight hydration without clogging pores. On the other hand, those with dry or sensitive skin should opt for a cream-based moisturizer. These thicker formulations deeply nourish and protect the skin from drying out.
With your skin still damp, get your moisturizer and apply it all over your face, not neglecting your neck.
Morning or Evening: Both
Step 10: Sunscreen
Korean skincare emphasizes the use of SPF to prevent premature aging and sun damage. Whether it's sunny or overcast, UV rays can penetrate the skin, leading to fine lines, dark spots, and even skin cancer over time.
Using a Kbeauty sunscreen every day can protect your skin from these harmful effects. For daily use, we recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. SPF 50+ is ideal for extended periods of sun exposure, especially during outdoor activities.
Make sure you choose the right Korean sunscreen for your face, depending on your skin type.
Morning or Evening: Morning
Core Principles of the K-Beauty Skin Care Routine
The Korean skincare routine is built on a few principles that focus on long-term skin health, hydration, and protection. Here is what makes K-beauty so effective and why we love it.
Multi-step approach: K-beauty routines are all about layering lightweight products to give your skin maximum hydration and targeted benefits. Each step serves a specific purpose, working together to nourish, protect, and treat your skin. The idea is that by applying products in layers, your skin absorbs each one better, leading to a healthier, more radiant complexion.
Gentle cleansing: The double cleanse method is a cornerstone of Korean skincare, ensuring your skin is thoroughly clean without being stripped of its natural oils. The first step uses an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, while the second step uses a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. This two-step process leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed, yet still balanced and hydrated.
Hydration is key: In K-beauty, hydration is at the heart of everything. Keeping your skin consistently moisturized helps it stay plump, dewy, and youthful. From hydrating toners to rich moisturizers, every step in the routine is designed to keep moisture levels up, preventing dryness and promoting a healthy glow.
Prevention is better than cure: Instead of waiting for skin problems to appear, Korean skincare encourages prevention. By maintaining a consistent skincare routine that includes hydration, protection, and gentle treatment, you can keep your skin looking youthful and healthy for longer. It's all about taking care of your skin today to avoid issues down the road.
SPF every day: One of the most important principles in K-beauty is the daily use of sunscreen, no matter the weather. Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is the best way to prevent premature aging, dark spots, and damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Skincare Routine
Can I Skip Some Steps in the Korean Skincare Routine?
Yes, you can. While doing the 10-step Kbeauty routine is ideal, it can be time consuming and expensive. The most important steps are double cleansing, hydrating toner, serum (if you have a skin issue), moisturizer, and sunscreen. You can also just cleanse, moisturize, and use sunscreen if you want a very basic routine.
Do I Need to Follow the Routine Twice a Day?
You need to follow some of the steps religiously twice a day–like cleansing and moisturizing–but others can be done once a day. Do what is best for your skin.
Does the Korean Skincare Routine Work?
Yes, the Korean skincare routine works, but its effectiveness depends on your consistency and choosing the right products for your skin type. With regular use, your skin will become healthier and more radiant with a youthful glow.
Embracing the Korean Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin
Building a Korean skincare routine might seem like a lot at first, but it's really about taking the time to care for your skin in the best way possible. By following the steps we’ve outlined—cleansing, hydrating, treating, and protecting—you’ll give your skin everything it needs to look and feel its best. Remember, consistency is key. You’ll start seeing the results you're aiming for over time.
So whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your routine, embrace the process. Your skin deserves care and attention. And with the right products and steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that coveted K-beauty glow. Ready to get started? Explore our catalog for all the products you need to build your perfect routine!