10-Step Korean Skincare Routine Guide

The 10-step Korean skincare routine is famous for clear, glass-skin results, yet it is more flexible than it sounds. Save the full ritual for one or two self-care nights each week. On busy days, scale back to a 5- or 7-step routine that suits your skin’s needs while still using potent K-beauty formulas.

1. Oil-Based Makeup Removing Cleanser

Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. This first half of the Korean double-cleanse method leaves skin soft while protecting its natural lipids.

Anua

Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

$20.00 $17.90 Save 10%

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2. Water-based cleanser

Follow with a gentle, foaming water cleanser to lift sweat, micro-dust, and residue your oil cleanse may miss. Completing the double cleanse keeps pores clear and ready for treatment.

MEDIHEAL

Tea Tree Calming Ampoule Cleanser

$17.00

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3. Exfoliator

Once or twice a week, use a mild chemical peel or pad to sweep away dull surface cells. Regular exfoliation boosts glow, refines texture, and helps later products absorb better.

innisfree

Green Barley Mild Peeling Gel

$15.00

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4. Toner

A pH-balancing, hydrating toner replenishes lightweight moisture after cleansing. It preps skin for active ingredients and soothes any tightness from washing.

I'm from

Rice Toner

$28.00 $24.00 Save 14%

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5. Essence

Pat in a fermented, hydration-rich essence to strengthen the skin barrier and improve elasticity. This K-beauty staple primes your complexion for concentrated serums.

COSRX

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

$25.00 $18.90 Save 24%

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6. Treatment, Serums, or Boosters

Apply a focused serum or ampoule to address concerns like dark spots, fine lines, or acne. Potent actives work deepest at this lightweight stage.

AXIS-Y

Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

$23.00

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7. Sheet mask

Treat yourself to a sheet mask once a week. Fifteen minutes of concentrated serum calms irritation, plumps moisture reserves, and boosts overall radiance.

Dr.Jart+

Ceramidin Cream-Infused Mask

$43.00 $38.00 Save 11%

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8. Eye Cream

Tap a peptide-rich eye cream around the orbital bone to reduce puffiness, soften fine lines, and brighten dark circles. The delicate eye area needs specialised care.

Pyunkang Yul

Black Tea Time Reverse Eye Cream

$29.90

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9. Moisturizer

Lock in hydration with a barrier-supporting face cream. Choose a gel texture for daytime freshness and a richer balm at night for extra nourishment.

Dr.G

Black Snail Cream

$30.00 $22.90 Save 23%

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10. Sun Protection (SPF)

Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA+++ every morning. Daily sunscreen shields skin from UV-induced ageing, dark spots, and loss of firmness.

Beauty of Joseon

Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+/PA++++

$18.00 $15.90 Save 11%

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FAQ

Do I need all 10 steps every day?

Not at all. Think of the 10-step routine as a menu, not a strict checklist. Core daily steps are double cleanse, hydrate (toner + moisturizer), and SPF. Exfoliation, sheet masks, and some targeted treatments can drop to two or three times weekly.

What’s the correct order of the 10 steps?

Oil cleanse
Water-based cleanse
Exfoliate
Tone
Essence
Serum/Ampoule
Sheet mask
Eye cream
Moisturizer
Sunscreen (AM) or Sleeping pack (PM). Always move from the thinnest, wateriest texture to the thickest.

How long should I wait between layers?

In most cases, 30–60 seconds is enough, just until the product feels slightly tacky rather than wet. No need to time every layer, focus on gentle patting for better absorption.

Which steps are optional?

Exfoliators, sheet masks, eye cream, and sleeping packs can be used “as-needed.” If your skin is healthy and balanced, keep it simple on quiet days.

How do I layer active ingredients like AHA, BHA, vitamin C, or retinol?

Use only one strong active per session to reduce irritation. Apply the active right after toner, then follow with soothing layers (essence, serum, moisturizer). Introduce actives 2–3 nights a week and increase slowly.

Essence vs. serum vs. ampoule: what’s the difference?

Essence: light hydration booster.

Serum: concentrated treatment (brightening, anti-aging, etc.).

Ampoule: an even higher dose, usually for short-term skin goals. Texture thickens in that order.

Will the 10-step routine work for oily or acne-prone skin?

Yes, as long as you choose lightweight and non-comedogenic formulas. Focus on a gentle pH-balanced cleanser duo, a BHA toner or serum for pores, and gel-type moisturizers. Use heavier creams only in harsh weather.

Can beginners start with fewer products?

Absolutely. Begin with four essentials: oil cleanser, water cleanser, hydrating toner, and moisturizer, plus SPF in the morning. Add new steps one at a time so you can track results.

Are Korean products safe for sensitive skin?

Many Korean lines feature calming ingredients such as centella asiatica, heartleaf, and mugwort. Always patch-test on the inner arm for 24 hours and introduce only one new item per week.

Where can I buy authentic Korean skincare and how fast is shipping?

KBeauty Shop sources fresh, authentic stock directly from Korea. Tracked delivery typically arrives in 6 to 12 business days. Check our shipping page for the latest timelines and free-shipping thresholds.