Products are independently selected by our editors.
We may earn an affiliate commission from links.
A leader in beauty innovation, Korea continuously pushes the standard with new ingredients, formulas, and techniques.

Remember that a 10-step skin-care routine requires something money cant buypatience and consistency.
Feel free to experiment and find what works best for you and your skin pop in.
This means no rubbing, tugging at the skin, or worrying about emerging with raccoon eyes.

This product melts everything off and leaves your skin fresh and hydrated in the process.
These cleansers effectively dissolve and draw out oil-based impurities, including SPF, makeup, and excess sebum.
According to Epley, During the day, oil residue and dead skin cells accumulate on your skin.

The first step in a Korean skin-care routine is to remove this buildup.
With clean skin, you create a blank canvas for the following steps to be most effective.
Plus, its non-comedogenic, making it a great option even for acne-prone skin.

Esthetician Mandy Epley recommends this step for the evening only, not as part of your morning routine.
Its pH-balanced and contains tea tree oil and BHA to soothe the skin and banish breakouts.
Primera
Perfect Oil to Foam Cleanser
Epley loves using this oil-to-foam cleanser as it effectively cleanses the skin.

PM Step 2:Water-based Cleanser
Double cleansing is a cornerstone of K-beauty.
Its gentle yet deeply effective, and at under $12, ia no-brainer to add to your cart.
Yoon says it visibly calms the skin and maintains its balance.

For a deeper clean, gently massage the cleanser into the skin with water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Yoon explains that on the days youre exfoliating, you should do so after cleansing.
PM Step 3:Exfoliation
On exfoliation days, Yoon says you should do so after cleansing.

She emphasizes that balanced exfoliation is key, as overdoing it can cause more harm than good.
There are different types of exfoliantschemical, physical, and enzymaticso choose one based on your skins tolerance.
Most people only need to exfoliate two or three times a week, Epley advises.

Amore Pacific
Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder
Yoon describes this powder as a classic.
It uses green tea-derived enzymes to gently buff the skin while hyaluronic acid keeps it hydrated.
AM Step 4:Toner
Next come the toners.

Sensitive skin types, in particular, will love it as its non-irritating.
But rememeber, toners and essences are separate steps.
Safe for all skin types, it is alcohol-free, artificial fragrance-free, color-free, and paraben-free.

If your toner is deeply hydrating, it can double as an essence.
Depending on the essence, they may also contain more concentrated ingredients and benefits compared to toners.
Think of essences as hydrating elixirs that can also deliver lightweight treatment benefits, says Yoon.

Mixsoon
Bean Essence
Formulated with anti-oxidant-rich ingredients, this bean essence is one of our favorites.
It leaves the skin incredibly supple, soft, and luminous over time.
Its also enhanced with 50 types of peptides that help plump and firm, she says.

Just a few spritzes deliver hydrated, dewy, what are you using?
skin, thanks to a blend of camellia rose petal brew and camellia oil.
AM Step 7:Treatments
The next step is your treatments: serums and ampoules.

Ensure it can be easily paired with other treatments without concern.
There are many options, including ampoules and serums.
Pair it with your Medicube unit to maximize the benefits.

AM Step 8:Eye Cream
Dont forget eye creams!
Yoon advises choosing one that suits your eye area and addresses specific concerns youre targeting.
The eye area is sensitive and prone to milia, so always ensure to patch test.

Remember to dab on the product rather than tugging and pulling, she adds.
It also contains vitamin-rich black rice, which helps nourish the sensitive skin around the eyes.
This pure retinol eye cream is creamy yet lightweightjust remember, a little goes a long way!

Many Korean eye creams now include retinol, which can complement your retinol serum or moisturizer.
We recommend using this at night only due to the presence of retinal.
According to Yoon,Korean skincareoffers incredible textures and exceeds expectations with sensorial experiences.

Dr. Jart+
Cicapair Cooling Gel Moisturizer for Redness
Redness doesnt chance against this soothing repair gel cream.
This cream has a delightful and unique lightweight, custard-like texture that instantly refreshes and soothes.
Finding the right one depends on your skins needs and the results youre looking for, adds Epley.

Aestura
Atobarrier365 Cream
Yoon recommends this no-frills, universally hydrating and soothing moisturizer for sensitive skin types.
It also includes encapsulated ceramides for longer-lasting support on the skin, she says.
This luxurious cream features concentrated ginseng, peptides, and retinol to deliver powerful results.

It also comes in a rich version for those with dry skin.
Masks are an incredibly diverse and fun category in Korean skincare.
Everything you should probably Know
What is the 10-step Korean skincare routine?

Why is Korean skincare so good?
This connectivity fosters a massive online community where skincare information is constantly shared.
This intense competition drives continuous innovation in the industry.

What is the ideal Korean nighttime routine?
According to Yoon, personalization is keyyou can tailor the routine to fit your needs.
She explains that some people might prefer a condensed routine and still see great benefits without every step.

But for those seeking a more comprehensive regimen, she suggests the foundational steps.
Meet the Experts
60+ skincare, makeup, hair, and fragrance picks.















