If you’ve heard about the famous Korean skincare routine but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you. The 10-step routine can feel overwhelming at first, but the key is to understand that you don’t have to do everything every day — you can adapt it to your own pace and skin type.
The 10 steps explained
1. Cleansing oil (PM)
The first step of the double cleanse. The oil dissolves makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. Apply it to dry skin and massage gently.
Popular products: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, Heimish All Clean Balm, Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm.
2. Water-based cleanser (AM + PM)
The second step of the double cleanse. A gel or foam that removes water-soluble impurities. In the morning, this step alone is enough.
Popular products: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser.
3. Exfoliant (2-3 times/week)
Chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA, PHA) remove dead skin cells without scrubbing the skin. BHA (salicylic acid) is ideal for oily, acne-prone skin; AHA is best for dry, dull skin.
Popular products: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA Miracle Toner.
4. Toner
Balances the skin’s pH and prepares it for the next steps. Korean toners tend to be far more hydrating than Western ones.
Popular products: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner.
5. Essence
The essence is the heart of the Korean routine. It’s as light as water but packed with active ingredients that nourish the skin deeply.
Popular products: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Missha First Treatment Essence.
6. Serum / Ampoule
Concentrated actives to target specific concerns: dark spots, wrinkles, dehydration, acne…
Popular products: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin C Serum.
7. Sheet mask (1-2 times/week)
A hydration boost in 15-20 minutes. Perfect before an event or when your skin needs a little extra.
Popular products: Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask, Abib Gummy Sheet Mask.
8. Eye cream
The skin around the eyes is very thin and needs a dedicated product.
Popular products: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum, AHC Ten Revolution Real Eye Cream.
9. Moisturizer
Seals in all the hydration from the previous steps and strengthens the skin barrier.
Popular products: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream, Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb, Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream.
10. Sunscreen (AM)
The most important step of the entire routine. Without SPF, every other step loses its effectiveness. Apply it generously every morning, rain or shine.
Popular products: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+, Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream.
A simplified everyday version
If 10 steps feel like too much, start with this basic routine:
Morning: Water-based cleanser → Toner → Serum → Moisturizer → SPF
Night: Cleansing oil → Water-based cleanser → Toner → Serum → Moisturizer
Now you have everything you need to get started. Remember: consistency matters more than the number of steps.