Taking care of your skin goes beyond vanity. It’s a daily ritual of self-care and intention. Over the past few years, I’ve fallen in love with the philosophy behind the Korean skincare routine, a method that’s earned global recognition for creating what many call “glass skin”: a clear, luminous, hydrated complexion that glows from within.
What started as a cultural tradition rooted in patience and ritual has evolved into a skincare movement embraced across the world, especially in the U.S., where people are increasingly drawn to the gentle, layered approach of K-beauty.
So in this post, I’ll break down what the Korean skincare routine is, how it works, and how you can create your own version at home, customized for your skin type, lifestyle, and beauty goals.
What Is The Korean Skincare Routine
At its core, the Korean skincare routine is about balance, hydration, and consistency. Rather than relying on harsh exfoliants or quick fixes, it focuses on nurturing the skin barrier with gentle, hydrating layers.
What makes Korean skincare unique is its overall emphasis on prevention and protection. Instead of waiting for issues like dryness, dullness, or irritation to appear, Korean beauty encourages consistent care to maintain optimal skin health over time.
A typical 10-step Korean skincare routine involves multiple lightweight layers, from cleansing oils and toners essences to sheet masks and eye creams, each designed to target a specific function, such as cleansing, hydration, or nourishment.
Unlike Western skincare, which often spot-treats or prioritizes exfoliation, the Korean approach embraces gentler steps, mild cleansing foam, and soothing botanicals like green tea, ginseng, and rice water to restore and retain moisture.
How Does The Korean Skincare Routine Work
Each step in the Korean skincare routine builds upon the previous one, helping ingredients absorb more effectively while maintaining the skin’s natural balance. Here’s how it works, layer by layer.
1. It Starts With Double Cleansing
Double cleansing is the foundation of every Korean skincare routine. It begins with a cleansing oil to dissolve makeup, SPF, and sebum, then followed by a water based cleanser or cleansing foam to remove impurities and sweat. This two-step method ensures your pores are deeply cleaned without stripping your skin.
By removing both oil- and water-based debris, your complexion feels fresh and clean, the perfect base for the rest of your products.
2. It Focuses on Hydration Layers
Hydration is the hallmark of Korean skincare. Using hydrating toners, essences and lightweight serums packed with hyaluronic acid, you replenish and retain moisture deep within the skin barrier. This multi-layered hydration helps achieve that signature “glass skin” finish, which is so smooth, supple, and radiant.
Each layer works together, gradually plumping the skin rather than overwhelming it with heavy creams all at once.
3. It Uses Active Ingredients Thoughtfully
Rather than aggressive exfoliation, Korean skincare products integrate active ingredients in moderation. For example, niacinamide, centella asiatica, and fermented extracts to help promote cell renewal and soothe sensitive skin.
These formulas work slowly and effectively, maintaining the skin’s equilibrium while minimizing irritation.
4. It Encourages Consistency Over Quick Results
Perhaps the most important aspect of the Korean skin care routine is consistency. Small, repeated actions over time. For example, think cleansing correctly, layering serums, applying sunscreen, create visible, lasting results.
Healthy skin is built gradually, not overnight.
What Are The Korean Skincare Routine Steps
The 10-step Korean skincare routine is flexible, so you don’t need to follow every step every day. Instead, it’s a guide you can tailor to your skin type, season, or skin goals.
Below are the traditional steps explained in detail.
1. Cleansing Oil
Start with a cleansing oil to break down sunscreen, makeup, and impurities. Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, don’t skip this step, oil attracts oil and helps maintain balance while removing excess sebum.
2. Water-Based Cleanser
Follow with a gentle water based cleanser or cleansing foam to remove sweat and remaining residue. This ensures that your pores are clear, helping prevent breakouts and allowing other products to penetrate better.
3. Exfoliator (1–2 times a week)
Use a mild exfoliator with natural ingredients such as green tea, rice powder, or fruit enzymes. Korean beauty favors gentle exfoliation that smooths texture without irritation, so perfect for sensitive skin.
4. Toner
A Korean toner is not an astringent but a hydrating prep step. It balances your skin’s pH, adds the first layer of hydration, and allows serums to absorb more effectively.
5. Essence
The heart of the routine. Essences are lightweight, nutrient-rich liquids that boost hydration and cell turnover. They’re often packed with hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, or fermented extracts that rejuvenate the skin barrier.
6. Serum or Ampoule
This is where active ingredients come in, like Vitamin C, niacinamide, or peptides. To learn more about layering serums effectively, see my post on when to apply vitamin c serum.
Serums are your targeted treatment step, addressing concerns like dullness, dark spots, or fine lines.
7. Sheet Mask
A sheet mask is a weekly self-care moment that deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin. Infused with ingredients such as green tea, collagen, and aloe, these masks help replenish moisture and give that instant glow.
8. Eye Cream
The delicate under-eye area deserves extra care. A Korean eye cream is formulated to reduce puffiness and dark circles while delivering moisture to prevent fine lines.
9. Moisturizer
Seal everything in with a lightweight or creamy moisturizer based on your skin type. For dry skin, choose thicker textures with ceramides; for combination or oily types, opt for gel-based formulas with hyaluronic acid.
10. Sunscreen (Morning Routine Only)
In your morning routine, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Korean sunscreens are famous for their elegant, lightweight formulas that offer protection without greasiness. Daily SPF helps preserve the “glass skin” glow while protecting from premature aging.
How To Build A Korean Skincare Routine
The beauty of the Korean skin care routine is that it’s adaptable. You don’t need to use ten products, instead, focus on what your skin needs most.
1. Start Small
If you’re new to Korean skincare, begin with the basics: double cleansing, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once your skin adjusts, slowly introduce essences or serums.
2. Know Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is essential. For dry skin, prioritize hydrating layers and sheet masks. For oily or acne-prone skin, choose lightweight formulas and balance sebum with green tea or tea tree ingredients.
3. Choose Quality Korean Skincare Products
Not all Korean skincare products are created equal. Look for brands known for gentle yet effective formulas, COSRX, Laneige, Beauty of Joseon, and Sulwhasoo are among the best. Always patch test new products if you have sensitive skin.
4. Adjust Seasonally
Your Korean skincare routine should shift with the weather. In summer, opt for lighter textures like gel creams and watery toners. In winter, add richer moisturizers and nourishing sheet masks to prevent dehydration.
5. Incorporate Retinol Mindfully
If you’re introducing retinol or other potent actives, layer them carefully. It’s best to understand when to start using retinol to avoid irritation or barrier damage. Combine it with hydrating essences and eye cream to support balance.
6. Be Consistent
Results don’t happen overnight, true “glass skin” takes time. So be sure to commit to your morning routine and nighttime ritual daily, allowing your skin to thrive with steady care.
Final Thoughts on the Korean Skincare Routine
The Korean skincare routine is more than a trend, it’s a lifestyle centered around mindfulness, patience, and respect for your skin. It encourages slowing down, layering thoughtfully, and creating rituals that feel intentional rather than rushed.
Whether you follow the full 10-step Korean process or simplify it into a few essentials, the key is understanding your skin and giving it what it needs most, hydration, nourishment, and care.
When approached consistently, these gentle, hydrating layers help you achieve luminous, healthy, and naturally radiant skin, the essence of “glass skin.”
For more skincare tips and tricks, be sure to check out my posts here:
Shop My Korean Skincare Routine Essentials
Don’t forget to pin to save for later!
Be sure to check out my most recent posts for more style and beauty inspiration!
- Korean Skincare Routine
- Sweater Outfits for fall and winter
- New York City in the Fall Outfits
- How to Style Chocolate Brown This Season
- What Shoes To Wear In Snow
Please feel free to email me at thegraydetails@gmail.com if you have any questions! I’m always happy to help with styling or picking out a specific outfit for an event! Have an amazing day!!
You can also download the free LIKETOKNOW.IT app and follow me HERE.
STAY IN THE KNOW: Don’t forget to sign up for my exclusive Newsletter for STYLE TIPS, SALE ALERTS, AND MUCH MORE!
As always, thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate all of you! xx, Amanda
FOLLOW ALONG
Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Shop Instagram | You Tube
