Korean Skincare
The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine (For Clear, Glowy “Glass Skin”)
Korean skincare is the secret to looking as luminous as humanly possible. Traditionally, Korean women favour glowing “glass” skin, and they achieve it through a routine that focuses on clarifying, toning, and layering hydration to boost radiance over time.
The 10-step routine can look intimidating at first, but once you understand what each step does, it becomes easy to customise. Let’s break it down — step by step — so you can build a routine that works for your skin (and your schedule).
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Skincare quizTesting Products Before Use
If you have sensitive skin, introduce new products slowly — especially with a multi-step routine. The safest way to start is with a patch test.
- Apply a small amount to the back of your hand (or behind your ear).
- Wait 24 hours.
- If you see redness, swelling, itching, or burning — don’t use it on your face.
- If there’s no reaction, add it into your routine gradually.
Step 1: Double Cleansing — Oil Cleanser
Oil cleansers and cleansing balms are the base of a good Korean skincare routine. They gently dissolve makeup, SPF, excess sebum, and pollution — without stripping your skin.
- Start with dry hands and a dry face.
- Massage a small amount into skin in gentle circles for 2–3 minutes.
- Add a splash of water to emulsify (it turns milky).
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Bonus: cleansing in circular motions can help boost circulation, which supports brighter-looking skin.
Step 2: Double Cleansing — Foam or Water-Based Cleanser
Your second cleanse removes sweat, dirt, and any leftover residue. It might feel like “extra”, but it’s one of the best ways to keep pores clearer and help prevent breakouts.
Why pH matters
A gentle, pH-balancing cleanser supports your skin barrier. High-pH cleansers can leave skin dry, tight, and more reactive.
How to use
Cleanse on damp skin for 30–60 seconds, then rinse. Keep it gentle — your skin shouldn’t feel squeaky-dry.
Step 3: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is important, but it’s also the step most people overdo. The goal is to remove built-up dead skin cells to improve texture, help prevent clogged pores, and brighten your complexion — without damaging your skin barrier.
- Physical exfoliation: scrubs/brushes that “manually” remove dead skin.
- Chemical exfoliation: gentle acids (AHA/BHA) that dissolve bonds between dead skin cells.
Don’t exfoliate daily. Start once a week, then adjust based on how your skin reacts. If you’re looking for a gentle option, the COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid is a popular choice for smoothing texture.
If your skin stings, feels tight, or looks red after exfoliating, scale back. Healthy glow = calm, hydrated skin.
Step 4: Toner
Toner helps remove any leftover residue, rebalance your skin’s pH, and prep your skin for the hydrating layers to come. The key is choosing the right toner for your skin type.
- Avoid harsh, alcohol-heavy toners that leave skin dry and tight.
- Look for hydrating + soothing ingredients (especially if you’re sensitive).
- Apply by patting into skin with hands, or gently pressing with a cotton pad.
Don’t rub. Pat gently until absorbed. This keeps skin calm and helps each layer sink in smoothly.
Step 5: Essence - A Vital Step in Korean Skincare
Essence is one of the most unique parts of Korean skincare. It’s lighter than a serum but packed with hydrating, skin-repairing ingredients that help improve texture, bounce, and glow over time.
- Apply after toner.
- Pour a few drops into hands.
- Pat lightly over face and neck until absorbed.
Over time, you may notice improved skin texture and a healthier-looking glow — especially if your routine is focused on hydration.
Step 6: Serum
Serums are where your routine becomes personal. They contain concentrated active ingredients to target specific concerns: acne, dehydration, hyperpigmentation, dullness, or signs of ageing.
How to apply
Use a small amount, pat gently into skin, then wait 1–2 minutes before moving to the next step.
Choose your “hero” concern
If you’re new to skincare, focus on one main goal first (hydration or blemishes) instead of layering too many actives at once.
Step 7: Sheet Mask Time
Sheet masks are the ultimate hydration “top-up.” They’re soaked in serum and packed with skin-loving ingredients that leave your skin soft, plump, and bouncy.
- Apply to clean skin after toner/essence/serum (depending on your preference).
- Adjust around eyes and mouth.
- Leave on for 20–30 minutes.
- Remove and pat in the remaining essence (don’t rinse).
Perfect before an event, a night out, or anytime your skin feels dry and tired.
Step 8: Don’t Forget Eye Cream
The eye area is delicate and often shows signs of fatigue and ageing first. A good eye cream can help keep puffiness, dryness, and fine lines at bay — especially when used consistently.
- Use a pea-sized amount for both eyes.
- Tap gently with your pinky along the orbital bone.
- Avoid rubbing and avoid the waterline.
Step 9: Moisturise (Lock It In)
This is the “seal” step. Moisturiser locks in all the layers you applied before it, supports the skin barrier, and helps keep skin balanced — even if you’re oily.
Dry skin
Look for richer creams with barrier-supporting ingredients to reduce flaking and tightness.
Oily / acne-prone skin
Choose lightweight, non-greasy moisturisers; they help prevent irritation and overproduction of oil.
Apply an adequate amount and massage gently until absorbed. This step should leave skin comfortable, not sticky or greasy.
Step 10: SPF to Wrap Up Your Korean Skincare Routine
Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine. Korean sunscreens are loved for their lightweight, non-greasy feel, plus skincare-like ingredients that make daily SPF easier to stick to.
- Apply as the final step of your morning routine (after moisturiser).
- Don’t forget neck + jawline.
- Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors, sweating, or swimming.
- Choose the type you love (mineral/physical or chemical) — consistency matters most.
Korean SPF options often come with higher PA ratings and innovative textures (watery, gel, “jelly” finishes) that feel comfortable even on oily skin.
Build a routine that fits your lifestyle. You don’t need 10 steps every day — you need consistency with the right steps for your skin.
Shop Korean SkincareKey Takeaway
To achieve radiant, glowing skin the Korean way, focus on gentle cleansing, smart exfoliation, and layers of hydration, then seal everything in with moisturiser and finish with SPF every morning.
Patch test if you’re sensitive, introduce new steps slowly, and remember: you don’t need perfection, you need consistency.
