What Is the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine?

The 10 Steps Explained

1. Oil Cleanser

The first step in the Korean skincare routine is removing everything your skin has collected throughout the day—makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and pollution. An oil cleanser melts these away without leaving your skin feeling stripped.

If you're new to double cleansing, Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil is a great beginner-friendly option because it feels lightweight and rinses off easily. For sensitive or redness-prone skin, many people prefer Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil, while Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is perfect if you like the convenience of a cleansing balm that transforms into an oil as you massage it onto the skin.

Once you've rinsed, your skin is ready for the second cleanse.

2. Water-Based Cleanser

A gentle water-based cleanser removes any remaining residue and leaves your skin feeling fresh without that tight, squeaky-clean feeling.

One cleanser that has become a favorite among K-beauty lovers is the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. Its gentle formula makes it suitable for daily use, while the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser is an excellent choice if your skin tends to feel dry after washing. If sensitive skin is your biggest concern, the Etude Soon Jung Whip Cleanser offers a soft, creamy cleanse that feels incredibly comforting.

3. Exfoliation

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin. The key is not to overdo it—once or twice a week is usually enough for most skin types.

One product that's consistently recommended is Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It's one of the best-selling skincare products on Amazon and is loved for helping reduce blackheads, minimize the appearance of pores and improve skin texture with 2% salicylic acid.

If you prefer a gentler option that's great for beginners, Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel gently lifts away dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Start with exfoliating once a week and always wear sunscreen during the day.

4. Hydrating Toner

In Korean skincare, a hydrating toner is all about replenishing moisture after cleansing and preparing your skin for the next steps. Instead of stripping the skin, Korean toners focus on keeping it hydrated, balanced and healthy.

For sensitive skin, Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner is a cult favorite thanks to its calming ingredients. If you're looking to achieve a brighter, glass-skin glow, I'm From Rice Toner is packed with nourishing rice extract, while Round Lab Dokdo Toner is a lightweight everyday toner that's loved for keeping skin hydrated without feeling heavy.

5. Essence

If Korean skincare had a signature product, this would probably be it.

Essence is often described as the heart of a Korean skincare routine. It delivers an extra layer of hydration while helping the skin feel smoother and more refreshed.

If you've spent any time browsing skincare on TikTok or Instagram, you've probably come across the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. Despite its unusual name, it's loved for leaving skin looking plump and hydrated.

If you're looking for something more lightweight, Mixsoon Bean Essence has become a favorite for many for achieving that healthy, dewy finish, while Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water works beautifully if your goal is brighter-looking skin.

6. Serum

This is where your routine becomes personal.

If uneven skin tone is your biggest concern, the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is often recommended for adding radiance without feeling heavy. For oily or combination skin, Anua Niacinamide 10% Serum helps balance excess oil while improving the appearance of enlarged pores. If your skin simply feels dehydrated, Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Serum provides an instant boost of moisture that layers well under moisturiser.

Rather than buying multiple serums, start with one that targets your main skin concern and use it consistently.

7. Sheet Mask

A sheet mask isn't an everyday essential, but it's a great way to give your skin an extra boost of hydration and nourishment. Whether you're prepping for a special occasion or your skin feels dry and tired, this step can leave your complexion looking fresh and dewy.

For intense hydration, Mediheal Essential Face Mask is a long-time K-beauty favorite. If you're after that healthy glass-skin glow, Abib Gummy Sheet Mask Heartleaf Sticker is loved for calming and deeply moisturizing the skin.

8. Eye Cream

The delicate skin around your eyes is often the first area to show signs of tiredness and fine lines, making a nourishing eye cream a worthwhile addition to your routine.

One of the most popular Korean eye creams is the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal, which helps smooth the appearance of fine lines while keeping the under-eye area hydrated. If you're looking for a lightweight everyday option, Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream nourishes and moisturizes without feeling heavy.

9. Moisturizer

Moisturiser locks in everything you've applied beforehand and helps keep your skin barrier healthy.

If your skin leans dry, the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream is rich without feeling greasy and is especially comforting during colder months. For those chasing the famous "glass skin" glow, Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream creates a beautifully dewy finish. If you enjoy lighter textures, COSRX Advanced Snail 92 Cream delivers hydration while still feeling breathable enough for everyday use.

10. Sunscreen

No Korean skincare routine is complete without sunscreen.

One of the reasons Korean sunscreens have become so popular is that they feel more like moisturizers than traditional SPF.

Organic Korean sunscreen SPF50+ is loved for its lightweight texture and invisible finish, making it easy to wear under makeup. If your skin tends to be on the drier side, Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen adds an extra layer of hydration, while SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is a great option if you prefer something that feels almost weightless on the skin.

Do You Actually Need All 10 Steps?

Not at all.

Many people imagine Korean skincare as using ten products every morning and every night. In reality, skincare is much more flexible than that.

Some evenings your skin might need extra care Other days, a simple routine works perfectly.

The number of products isn't what creates beautiful skin. Consistency is.

A Beginner-Friendly Korean Skincare Routine

If you're just starting, don't overwhelm yourself. A simple routine could look like this:

Morning

• Gentle cleanser
• Hydrating toner
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen

Evening

• Oil cleanser
• Gentle cleanser
• Serum
• Moisturizer

That's it. As your skin changes, you can slowly add products like an essence or a weekly exfoliant.

Common Mistakes People Make

Many beginners think more products mean faster results. Usually, the opposite is true.

Some common mistakes include:

• Trying five new products in one week
• Exfoliating too often
• Skipping sunscreen
• Buying products because they're viral instead of because they suit your skin
• Changing routines before giving products enough time to work

Patience is one of the biggest secrets behind great skincare.