The Ultimate 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
Known for its elaborate yet effective approach, the 10-step Korean skincare routine has become a global sensation. It focuses on layering lightweight, nourishing products to cleanse, hydrate, and protect the skin. Each step plays a crucial role in maintaining glowing, youthful skin. In this blog, weâll walk you through the 10 steps of the Korean skincare routine, so you can reap the full benefits of this skincare method.
Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
The first step in the Korean skincare routine is using an oil-based cleanser. This cleanser helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities that have accumulated on your skin throughout the day. By using an oil-based cleanser, you ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed without stripping it of its natural oils.
Best Oil-Based Cleanser: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is a gentle yet powerful makeup remover designed to provide a deep cleanse while being incredibly soothing to the skin. This balm transforms from a solid into a silky oil that effortlessly melts away makeup, dirt, and impurities, ensuring a thorough yet gentle removal process. Infused with vitamin E, antioxidants, and skin-loving ingredients, it helps hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed without causing dryness or irritation.
This hypoallergenic formula is free from harsh chemicals, making it safe and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Itâs ideal for those looking for a cleanser thatâs not only effective but also kind to the skin. The balmâs gentle, non-stripping formula ensures that your skinâs natural moisture balance is maintained, making it a great choice for those with dry or sensitive skin.
What makes Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm even more special is that it comes in various formulations, each targeting specific skin concerns. Whether youâre dealing with dryness, dullness, or acne-prone skin, thereâs a version designed to address your needs. The luxurious texture and effective performance make it a must-have in your skincare routine, ensuring you enjoy a beautiful, radiant complexion every day.
- Key Ingredients: Papaya Extract (gentle exfoliation)
- Benefits: Removes makeup, cleanses, and hydrates.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
After the oil-based cleanser, the second step is using a water-based cleanser. This step ensures any remaining impurities or excess oils are removed, leaving your skin clean and ready for the next steps.
Best Water-Based Cleanser: Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a gentle yet highly effective facial cleanser designed to refresh and purify the skin without compromising its natural moisture balance. Specifically formulated with a low pH of 5, this cleanser ensures that the skin's protective acid mantle remains intact, which is essential for maintaining hydration and preventing dryness or irritation. The low pH makes it suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive or easily irritated skin.
This gel-based cleanser is enriched with Tea Tree Oil, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to calm and soothe irritated skin, while also providing deep cleansing to remove dirt, excess oils, and impurities. In addition, it contains Betaine, a humectant that helps to attract moisture to the skin, preventing it from feeling tight or dry after cleansing.
Unlike harsh cleansers that can strip the skin of its essential oils, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser works gently to cleanse while maintaining the skinâs natural moisture balance. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a daily cleanser that wonât disrupt their skinâs delicate barrier. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this product will leave your face feeling fresh, soft, and hydrated, making it an essential part of your morning skincare routine. Itâs the perfect way to kick-start your day with clean, healthy skin, without the fear of irritation or discomfort.
- Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Oil (soothing and purifying)
- Benefits: Cleanses without stripping moisture.
Step 3: Exfoliate
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, helping to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. This step is essential for maintaining healthy skin, but it should only be done a few times a week.
Best Exfoliator: Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon
These exfoliating pads gently remove dead skin cells with the help of natural fruit acids, leaving your skin looking radiant and refreshed. The lemon extract helps brighten the complexion.
- Key Ingredients: Lemon Extract (brightening)
- Benefits: Gentle exfoliation, brightens skin.
Step 4: Toner
A toner helps balance the skinâs pH levels after cleansing. It also preps the skin to better absorb the next steps in your routine, such as serums and moisturizers.
Best Toner: Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
This toner is hydrating and soothing, perfect for those with sensitive skin. It helps to maintain the skin's moisture balance and preps the skin for serums.
- Key Ingredients: Licorice Root Extract (brightening)
- Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, and balances the skin.
Step 5: Essence
Essences are lightweight, hydrating liquids packed with active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. This step provides deep hydration and nourishment to the skin.
Best Essence: Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
This essence is known for its ability to hydrate and improve skin texture. Itâs enriched with fermented ingredients that promote healthy, glowing skin.
- Key Ingredients: Fermented Yeast Extract (enhances skin texture)
- Benefits: Hydrates, brightens, and promotes smooth skin.
Step 6: Serum
Serums are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, or acne. Applying a serum after essence will allow it to penetrate deeply and treat your skin's individual needs.
Best Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This serum is perfect for controlling excess oil and minimizing the appearance of pores. Niacinamide helps brighten the skin and reduces blemishes.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (brightens), Zinc (controls oil)
- Benefits: Reduces acne, minimizes pores, and evens out skin tone.
Step 7: Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are packed with concentrated serums and provide an instant moisture boost. They are ideal for targeted skin treatments and can address a variety of skin concerns.
Best Sheet Mask: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Mask
This sheet mask helps restore the skinâs natural moisture barrier with its rich ceramide content, making it perfect for dry or dehydrated skin.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramide (strengthens the skin barrier)
- Benefits: Moisturizes, soothes, and nourishes the skin.
Step 8: Eye Cream
Eye creams are designed to target the delicate skin around your eyes, which may show signs of aging or fatigue. Look for formulas that hydrate, brighten, and reduce puffiness.
Best Eye Cream: Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream
This eye cream contains orchid extract to prevent aging and puffiness, leaving your eye area feeling refreshed and hydrated.
- Key Ingredients: Orchid Extract (anti-aging)
- Benefits: Reduces puffiness, hydrates, and brightens under-eye circles.
Step 9: Moisturizer
A good moisturizer helps seal in all the hydration and treatment your skin has absorbed. It locks in moisture and keeps your skin soft and smooth throughout the day or night.
Best Moisturizer: Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
This moisturizer provides intense hydration and leaves the skin looking plump and dewy.
- Key Ingredients: Hydro Ionized Mineral Water (intense hydration)
- Benefits: Deeply hydrates, softens, and locks in moisture.
Step 10: Sunscreen
The final step in the Korean skincare routine is sunscreen. Itâs essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays every day, even if youâre indoors. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 50+ for the best protection.
Best Sunscreen: Innisfree No Sebum Sunblock
This sunscreen offers high SPF 50+ protection while controlling oil and leaving a matte finish. Itâs perfect for oily skin types.
- Key Ingredients: Green Tea Extract (soothes and hydrates)
- Benefits: SPF 50+ protection, controls oil, and mattifies.