K-beauty or Korean beauty has swept the world. The desire to achieve clear, radiant skin and the trend to appear young and charming are on the list of every person in their circles who testifies to the popularity of the Korean beauty standard all around the world. The most well-known part of this beauty trend is the Korean 10 step skincare. All this elaborate routine can seem quite daunting, but it all comes to taking care of your skin in a soft and consistent manner.
In case you ever wondered what the 10 step Korean skincare routine is, you have come to the right place. We will go over each step by step and understand why it is so, and list the top Korean skincare products to use. As a newbie or an expert in skin care, this guide can assist in establishing the ideal routine during the day and at night.
Any good skincare programme starts with unclean skin. When referring to the Korean skincare routine, it is good to begin with an oil-based cleanser.
Oil cleaners are mild makeup, sunscreen, and exotic sebum breakdowns and leaving your skin dry. They form the initial stage of the so-called process of double cleansing and prepare your face for the following procedures. Banila Co. or The Face Shop are good Korean skincare brands that produce fine oil-based cleansers, and your skin will be soft and clean.
After oil cleansing, the next step is using a water-based cleanser to ensure your skin is completely clean.
This second cleanse removes any leftover sweat, dirt, or oil-based residue. It helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Many good Korean skincare lines have gentle foaming or gel cleansers. Look for calming ingredients like green tea or rice water for added benefits.
Exfoliation is key to smooth and glowing skin. In the 10-step Korean skincare routine, exfoliating once or twice a week can improve texture and clarity.
Exfoliators remove dead skin cells and help other products absorb better. There are two types: physical (scrubs) and chemical (AHAs/BHAs). Korean exfoliators like the Skinfood Black Sugar Scrub or COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid are effective and gentle on the skin.
After cleansing and exfoliating, it’s time to bring balance back to your skin with a toner.
Toners in the Korean skincare routine are not harsh or drying. Instead, they are made to hydrate, soothe, and prepare your skin to absorb the next layers. Look for lightweight formulas with ingredients like rose water, hyaluronic acid, or green tea. Klairs and Isntree are popular Korean skincare brands with top-rated toners.
Essence is a unique product in the 10-step Korean skincare routine that focuses on hydration and skin repair.
Think of essence as a mix between toner and serum. It delivers moisture deep into the skin and promotes cell renewal. This step is often seen as the soul of Korean skincare products.
This is the step where you can address specific skin concerns such as acne, wrinkles, dark spots, or dryness.
Serums and ampoules are concentrated formulas packed with active ingredients. They’re designed to deliver nutrients directly into the skin. If you're looking for good Korean skincare, opt for brands like Sulwhasoo, Innisfree, or Some By Mi, depending on your skin goals.
Sheet masks are one of the most iconic Korean skincare products and are a must-have in your weekly skincare ritual.
Made with skin-loving ingredients, sheet masks deeply hydrate and calm the skin. Use them 2–3 times a week or whenever your skin needs a boost. There’s a wide range of options available, from soothing aloe masks to brightening vitamin C masks.
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, so it needs special attention.
An eye cream helps reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Use your ring finger to gently tap it under your eyes. Many Korean skincare brands like Laneige and Mizon offer eye creams that are both effective and gentle.
A good moisturizer locks in hydration and all the benefits from the previous steps.
In the day and night Korean skincare routine, this step ensures your skin stays moisturized all day or overnight. Choose a lightweight gel for oily skin or a rich cream for dry skin. Belif, Etude House, and COSRX have reliable moisturizing options that cater to all skin types.
The final step of your skincare routine depends on the time of day. During the day, sunscreen is a must. At night, a sleeping mask can give your skin extra hydration and repair.
UV rays can cause aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. In Korean skincare products, sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for everyday use. Try sunblocks from Missha, Etude House, or Beauty of Joseon.
At night, swap sunscreen with a sleeping mask. These are rich creams you apply before bed to help your skin repair overnight. Brands like Laneige and Sulwhasoo have excellent options for overnight care.
The day and night Korean skincare routine doesn’t always need to include all 10 steps. In the morning, you might skip exfoliation or sheet masks. At night, you might focus more on repair and hydration.
Your morning routine can be shorter and focus on protection—cleanser, toner, essence, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, you can go deeper—double cleansing, exfoliating (2-3 times a week), toner, essence, serum, and a sleeping mask.
There are many Korean skincare brands and products to choose from, which can be confusing for beginners. Start with the basics and slowly build your routine. Focus on your skin type—oily, dry, sensitive, or combination—and choose products accordingly.
Some of the most trusted and good Korean skincare brands include:
The whole 10 step Korean skincare routine is a self-care ritual, not a new trend, because it promotes skin health and helps to be mindful. Learning what the 10 step Korean skincare routine can benefit anyone, just getting into skincare, or wishing to level up their routine. With the right Korean skin care products and consistency, your skin will become healthier, smoother, and thus radiate with time. It is important to remember that each skin is different and that you should pay your skin the respect and the adoration it deserves, and have fun.
This content was created by AI