Korean Skincare Routine

What is the Korean skincare routine?

The Korean skincare routine – often known as the 10-step routine – builds up care in several light layers. Instead of one heavy cream, the skin receives cleansing, hydration, active ingredients and protection one after another. The focus isn’t on covering up but on healthy, well-hydrated skin with a strong skin barrier. The result is known as glass skin.

The steps of the routine

1. Cleansing oil or cleansing balm dissolves make-up, sunscreen and sebum in the evening.
2. Water-based cleanser removes the remaining residue – together this is double cleansing.
3. Exfoliation one to three times a week, for example with AHA or BHA.
4. Toner gives a first layer of hydration.
5. Essence preps the skin for active ingredients.
6. Serum or ampoule targets specific skin concerns.
7. Sheet mask one to three times a week for a boost of hydration.
8. Eye care for the delicate skin around the eyes.
9. Moisturiser keeps moisture in the skin.
10. Sunscreen protects against UV rays in the morning.

On our page The Korean Skincare Routine you’ll find matching products for every step.

Do I really have to do ten steps?

No. The ten steps are more of a toolkit than a rule. For most people a basic routine is enough:

• Morning: gentle cleanser or just water, toner, serum, moisturiser, sunscreen
• Evening: double cleansing, toner, serum, moisturiser

Add exfoliation, sheet masks and eye care as needed. What matters more than the number of steps is that the products suit your skin and that you use them regularly.

The right order

The basic rule is: thinnest to thickest, from watery to creamy. Watery products absorb first, rich creams seal everything in at the end. In the morning, sunscreen is always the last skincare step before make-up.

A routine for beginners

New to K-beauty? Start with four products: a gentle cleanser, a toner, a moisturiser and a sunscreen. After two to three weeks you can add a serum for your skin goal and a cleansing oil for double cleansing in the evening. Always introduce new products one at a time so you can tell what works for your skin.

The routine at Saranghae

You’ll find matching products for every step with us, for example the Ginseng Cleansing Oil from Beauty of Joseon, the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser from COSRX, the AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner from SOME BY MI, the Ginseng Essence Water and the Glow Serum from Beauty of Joseon, the 147 Barrier Cream from Dr. Althea and the Relief Sun from Beauty of Joseon.