The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine Explained

When you hear the phrase "10-step Korean skincare routine," many people react with a mixture of fascination and skepticism. Ten steps? Every day? Maybe even twice a day? Sounds a bit much at first, we get it .

But the more you learn about Korean skincare (and by that , we don't just mean the products, but also the philosophy behind them), the more you realize: It's not about applying as many products as possible.

It's about intention, ritual, and truly understanding your skin. And once you get into it, it no longer feels like a routine, but rather a moment you look forward to.

If you're curious, feeling overwhelmed, or don't know where to start, here's everything you need to know about 10-step Korean skincare.

What makes the Korean approach to skincare so special?

Before we explain the individual steps, it is important to understand why Korean skincare has become the standard worldwide.

It's not just the ingredients (which are great, by the way - more on that later), but the thinking behind them .

While Western skin care often focuses on problem treatment (drying out pimples, scrubbing away blemishes), Korean skin care focuses on prevention, care, and long-term skin health.

The goal is to build a resilient skin barrier. At the same time, cell renewal is stimulated, keeping the skin hydrated and balanced, thus preventing problems from arising in the first place.

So, let's get started with the individual steps!

Step 1: Oil cleanser (evening only)

Our skin accumulates many things throughout the day: sunscreen, make-up, fine dust, pollution and excess sebum.

A conventional cleanser cannot completely dissolve oil-based residues – that's why this step is so important for your evening routine.

Oil cleansers gently and effectively bind oil-based impurities without over-drying the skin. It's important to massage them into dry skin. This allows you to emulsify them with a little water and rinse them off.

It's best to massage in circular motions for at least a minute—this promotes circulation and unclogs pores. If you're unsure, try the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm , a cult favorite for years.

Step 2: Water-based cleaner

The so-called “double cleansing” is one of the most important findings from the K-Beauty world.

The second step removes any remaining sweat, water-based dirt, and oil from the previous cleanser.

Here, you should use a mild, pH-neutral, and non-drying cleanser. A good gel cleanser leaves your skin feeling clean yet smooth.

We recommend avoiding foaming, alkaline cleansers – while they make the skin look extremely clean, they damage the skin barrier in the long run.

A great all-rounder is the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser.

Step 3: Exfoliation

Exfoliation can work wonders—but it can also be harmful if done incorrectly. Exfoliating too often weakens the skin barrier. Too infrequently, and you'll end up with dull skin, clogged pores, and a flaky complexion that blocks your skincare products.

K-Beauty primarily uses gentle chemical exfoliants , such as AHAs (perfect for dry or mature skin) and BHAs (ideal for oily or acne-prone skin). These exfoliate dead skin cells without mechanically abrading them.

Our favorite is the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid , perfect for oily and blemished skin. Use a maximum of 2-3 times per week, preferably in the evening.

Step 4: Toner

Toners have evolved significantly since the harsh, alcohol-based products of the 2000s. K-Beauty toners hydrate and optimally prepare the skin for the next steps .

They balance the pH value of the skin, which can shift due to cleansing, and make the skin more supple so that the active ingredients are better absorbed.

There are big differences: some toners are very liquid, others are a bit thicker or milky.

If you have dry skin, you'll want a richer, more hydrating toner. We love milky toners, like the TirTir Milk Skin Toner .

Our tip: Avoid cotton pads , use your hands and gently press the toner into your skin – it feels better and saves product.

Step 5: Essence

Essences don't sound like a necessity until you try one – and wonder how you ever lived without it.

They're lightweight yet extremely moisturizing. Many contain fermented ingredients that work to reduce fine lines, uneven skin tone, and brighten the complexion.

Some also contain active ingredients like niacinamide or adenosine. And then there are those that boast unique K-beauty ingredients like snail slime, green tea, fermented black rice, or ginseng.

A classic that you can't go wrong with is the COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence .

Step 6: Serum or ampoule

This is where your routine becomes personal. Serums and ampoules contain highly concentrated active ingredients that are precisely tailored to your skin's needs—whether it's for acne, dark spots, dryness, or dull skin.

Here is a brief overview of what ingredients do, plus product recommendations:

• Vitamin C: Brightens, evens out the complexion ( Medicube Age-R Vita C Ampoule )
• Niacinamide: Regulates sebum, reduces redness ( Biodance Pore Tightening Collagen Ampoule )
• Centella Asiatica: Soothes, heals, relieves redness ( Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Serum )
• Peptides & Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier ( COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum )
• Retinol/Bakuchiol: Anti-aging, refines skin texture ( LoloVegan Baku Firming Serum )

Step 7: Sheet Mask

Sheet masks aren't a must-have, but rather a pampering treat. They force you to pause for a moment and treat your skin to a concentrated dose of moisture and active ingredients.

The best time is after the serum, when you want an extra boost or a little downtime. You can also store it in the refrigerator for a cooling, decongestant effect.

For a particularly intense experience, try the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask.

Step 8: Eye cream

The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive—it's often the first place to notice signs of fatigue or the first signs of wrinkles. Eye creams can reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles when used regularly.

It's important that the cream is tailored precisely to your problem areas. You can base the ingredients on those of serums.

Step 9: Moisturizing

You've moisturized your skin with active ingredients and nutrients— now it's time to seal everything in. Even if you tend to have oily skin, you still need a moisturizer, perhaps a lighter gel-cream.

For dry or mature skin, it can be richer and more occlusive. One of our favorite gel creams is Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream , while for richer care, Dr. Althea Rapid Firm Sculpting Cream is ideal.

Step 10: Sunscreen (morning only)

No matter how perfect your routine is otherwise, if you skip sunscreen, you'll undo all your work.

UV rays are the main cause of skin aging, dark spots, and inflammation. Therefore, apply sunscreen every morning— even on cloudy days and indoors.

Modern Korean sunscreens are much more pleasant than the thick, sticky ones of the past. They're lightweight, breathable, and packed with skin-soothing ingredients.

Our favorites are the HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen , the d'Alba Waterfull Tone-up Sun Cream and the Numbuzin Clear Filter Sun Essence.