10-Step Korean Skincare Routine & The Benefits of Each Step

• Oil Cleanser 

Benefit: Korean Oil cleanser is the first step in double cleansing. It effectively dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. It is particularly good at removing oil-based impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Our favourite Skin1004 Light Cleansing Oil—a mild organic scent from Centella Asiatica—is light enough to be used across all skin types but still removes makeup and oils. This step in the Korean skincare routine has been universally accepted and adopted worldwide.

2. Water-Based Cleanser | Korean Foam Cleanser

Benefit: The second gentle cleanse step in the double cleanse targets water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt. This step ensures the skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepared to absorb the subsequent skincare products. The skin should feel soft and clean (not tight). A cleanser with a pH of 5 (or lower) is best, as this helps restore the skin barrier.

3. Toner | Exfoliation 

This is the first step in treatment, depending on what skin concerns you have. This step generally incorporates some gentle exfoliation, depending on your skin treatment. Toners hydrate and balance the skin’s pH levels after cleansing. They prepare the skin to absorb moisture and essential nutrients from the next steps while restoring hydration and gently exfoliating. A more extensive exfoliation can be applied at this step using AHA, BHA, PHA, or LHA. If you have very congested acne or pores, this step can substitute a sebum-melting enzyme desincrustation such as ilso.

4. Essence |Ampoule

Benefit: Essences are lightweight, hydrating formulas that deliver potent ingredients deep into the skin. They help boost hydration, brighten the complexion, and promote cell turnover for improved skin texture.

6. Treatment/Serum

Benefit: Serums and treatments target specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, or dullness. They are highly concentrated with active ingredients that penetrate deeply to treat these concerns effectively.

7. Masks Sheet Masks, Jelly Masks or Clay Masks

Benefit: Sheet masks are infused with serums and help lock in moisture, delivering a concentrated boost of hydration and nourishment. This step leaves the skin plump, glowing and refreshed. If you have acneic or congested skin, the alternative to sheet masks is a clay mask such as Ilso mask.

8. Eye Cream + Lip Cream

Benefit: Eye creams are formulated to hydrate and address concerns around the delicate eye area, such as dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. They help maintain elasticity and prevent early signs of ageing. Eye cream should be applied before full face moisturisers. Lip cream rehydrates lips (though not generally included in the 10-step Korean skincare routine, it is an excellent addon)

9. Moisturiser | Barrier Repair

Benefit: Moisturisers lock in all the previous layers of hydration and treatment, keeping the skin plump and nourished throughout the day or night. They also create a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. Moisturisers are not always essential; this depends on the previous steps and the condition of your skin. If you feel your skin is moist enough, you can skip step 10 in the Korean skincare routine, which is non-negotiable.

10. Sunscreen (Daytime)

Benefit: Sunscreen is the most crucial step during the day, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays that can cause premature ageing, dark spots, and skin cancer. This step ensures long-term skin health. This step is not negotiable in Korean skincare routines, and Korean sunscreens have gained a cult following. You can read about Korean sunscreens here and why we still recommend Australia SPF if you plan a day in the sun.

10. Night Mask (Night Time).

At night, your skin switches into repair mode. Circadian, or cronotherapy, is a skin application that changes day and night. As with every other cell in your body, your skin cells change function according to the time of day. In the morning/day, your skin is in protective mode; at night, it is in repair mode. So, what is best for your skin depends on the time of day. Repair ingredients (retinoids, niacinamide, and barrier repair should be applied optimally at night)