In South Korea, taking care of your skin isn't a chore: it's an ingrained, almost sacred habit. The goal? Healthy, luminous, and naturally beautiful skin, without the need to cover it up with layers of makeup.
Where many Western routines aim to "correct," the Korean routine seeks above all to prevent : moisturize before the skin feels tight, soothe before it turns red, nourish before it dries out. And that's the difference. No wonder we often talk about glass skin , that smooth, translucent, flawless skin.
Korean Skincare Routine: What are the Key Steps? 🧐
You may have already seen it on Pinterest: the famous 10-step Korean routine . And no, it's not just for beauty influencers or layering addicts. Here's the breakdown:
1. Cleansing oil
As the first step in double cleansing, remove makeup or eliminate oily impurities with an oil (such as a cleansing oil ).
2. Cleanser
Next, clean away sweat and particles with a water-based cleanser. The result? Perfectly clean, unscathed skin.
3. Exfoliation (1 to 2 times per week)
Whether chemical or mechanical, exfoliation removes dead skin cells, evens out the complexion, and boosts the effectiveness of subsequent treatments. Don't skip it, but use it gently.
4. Tonic
Far from the alcoholic lotions of our teenagers, Korean tonic is often hydrating, soothing, and above all, preparing: it rebalances the pH and paves the way for care.
5. Essence
It's THE K-beauty signature. Part serum, part toner, it deeply hydrates while providing targeted active ingredients (radiance, anti-aging, firmness, etc.).
6. Serum or ampoule
The most concentrated treatment. Choose it according to your current needs: pigment spots? Sensitivity? Lack of radiance? There's something for everyone.
7. Fabric mask
A pampering moment guaranteed. These essence-soaked masks intensely nourish and soothe the skin. Once or twice a week is enough.
8. Eye contour
Fragile areas, thin skin... We take it easy with a targeted, moisturizing, sometimes anti-fatigue or anti-wrinkle treatment. Pat, don't rub.
9. Moisturizer
It seals the entire routine. Choose it according to your skin type (light for oily skin, rich for dry skin).
10. Sun protection (morning only)
SPF is king. Even without visible sun, UV rays are still there. And nothing ruins skin faster than unprotected sun.
In what order should you apply your skincare? 😅
Feeling a little lost with all these layers? Don't panic. The order follows a simple logic: from the thinnest to the thickest . Start with what absorbs quickly (toner, essence), then finish with what "locks in" the moisture (cream, oil).
And if you don't have 30 minutes in the morning, no worries! A simplified version may suffice:
Quick routine (4 steps) :
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Cleaner
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Serum
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Moisturizing cream
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Sunscreen
Not sure where to start? Take your free skin assessment on Holy Skin — in just 1 minute, you'll leave with a routine tailored to your skin type.
Which products should you choose for a Korean routine? 🔎
South Korea is full of iconic and innovative brands. Among the gems you can discover on Holy Skin , here are some must-haves:
🐌COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All‑in‑One Cream
A K-beauty must-have thanks to 92% caracol mucin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and adenosine. Deeply hydrates, repairs the skin barrier, plumps, and brightens the skin. Media info: a recent test calls it a "summer must-have," simple but incredibly effective. Perfect for finishing your layering, or adding comfort and glow without weighing it down.
☀️ Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotic SPF50 PA++++
A lightweight, ultra-hydrating Korean sunscreen with no white cast. A pleasant cream-to-lotion texture that mattifies without weighing it down and blends easily under makeup. This product has won over many users thanks to its "feather" feel and dew-glow finish. A great choice for daytime use!
✨ Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide
A radiance-boosting serum enriched with sebum-regulating propolis and brightening niacinamide. Hydrating and regulating sebum, this serum is perfect for reducing shine and evening out skin tone.
💦COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
A gentle cleanser containing 2% salicylic acid. Ideal for removing impurities and unclogging pores without over-drying. Perfect for double cleansing in the morning or evening for combination/acne-prone skin.
And to avoid layering mistakes, our ready-made routines by skin type make your life easier.
What are the benefits of the Korean skincare routine? ✅
Adopting a Korean beauty routine isn't just about piling on products. It's about establishing a real skincare ritual that's regular, progressive, and sensory . And the benefits are felt from the first few weeks :
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Brighter complexion
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Refined skin texture
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Fewer imperfections
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Plumped, bouncy skin
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Feeling of comfort and balance
Can you adapt this routine to your skin type?
Of course, and it’s even essential!
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Oily skin ? Opt for light textures and purifying but non-stripping treatments.
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Dry skin ? Turn to rich creams, plant oils, and nourishing masks.
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Sensitive skin ? Less, but better. Choose soothing active ingredients and fragrance-free formulas.
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Mature skin ? Boost radiance and elasticity with retinol or peptide serums.
And if you're lost, our online diagnostics will guide you toward the right actions—and the right products.
Can you mix Korean skincare and Western routine? 😥
Good news: yes! Nothing's stopping you from digging into K-beauty for what speaks to you most.
For example :
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Use cleansing oil even if you keep your favorite French cream
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Slip on a fabric mask twice a week without changing your entire routine.
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Test the essence to boost your hydration
Korean beauty isn't a religion; it's a toolbox. It's up to you to make it your ally, at your own pace.
FAQ: Korean Skincare Routine 💬
What is a Korean skincare routine and what makes it different?
The Korean skincare routine is a multi-step ritual (often between 8 and 10) that aims to hydrate, protect and enhance the skin, rather than simply correct imperfections . Unlike Western routines that focus on targeted treatments (anti-blemish, anti-wrinkle), K-beauty cultivates prevention , pH balance and a harmonious layering of soft textures.
Is the Korean skincare routine every day?
No, not in its full version. Some steps like the mask or exfoliation are done 1 to 2 times a week . The basics (cleansing, toner, serum, cream) can be done daily.
Is it suitable for men?
Absolutely! In Korea, men are very committed to skincare. You just need to adapt the textures and needs (mattifying, post-shave soothing, etc.).
Why is K-Beauty so popular?
Because it is based on:
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soft and pleasant textures
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deep hydration, step by step
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a preventive and long-term approach
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a spa-like sensory experience at home
By combining innovation and natural ingredients (ginseng, centella, snail mucin, etc.), it combines pleasure and effectiveness.
Are cloth masks necessary?
They are not mandatory, but they add a real moment of well-being. Used 1 to 2 times a week , they provide a boost of hydration or comfort depending on their active ingredients.
Is the order of the products really important?
Absolutely. Always apply from the thinnest to the richest: this ensures better penetration and effectiveness of the treatments. This is the principle of Korean layering .
Final word (or almost): why not you? 😁
The Korean skincare routine is above all a gentle and progressive method, focused on prevention, pleasant textures, and thoughtful layering. You don't need every product or to spend 30 minutes every day: just understand the key steps and their functions. By customizing to your skin type and respecting the order, you can create an effective, enjoyable—and sustainable—routine.
On Holy Skin , we guide you step by step: take your free skin diagnosis, discover your predefined routines or customizable routines, and adopt a Korean skincare routine that suits you!
