The Ultimate Guide to the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine
The Korean 10-step skincare routine has become a beauty sensation worldwide. If you’ve ever wondered how K-pop stars and beauty influencers achieve that dewy, flawless skin, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through each step in the 10-step routine, making it easy to understand and follow, even if you're just getting started with skincare. Plus, I’ll share product recommendations from Hiromi House to help you on your skincare journey.
What Is the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine?
The Korean 10-step routine is all about layering hydrating, nourishing, and protective products to build up healthy, glowing skin. This routine focuses on prevention and maintenance rather than waiting for skin issues to arise. It’s also super customizable! If you don’t want to do all 10 steps every day, that’s okay—you can adapt it to fit your skin type and needs.
Let’s break down each step and make it easy to understand:
Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
The first step is the oil-based cleanser. If you wear makeup, sunscreen, or just live in a city with pollution, this step is crucial. Oil-based cleansers work to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and dirt without drying out your skin. Plus, they’re gentle enough for sensitive skin and great for all skin types.
Why Use It? Oil attracts oil, so it’s perfect for removing excess oil without stripping your skin. It’s the first step of the famous “double cleanse” in Korean skincare.
How to Use: Massage the cleanser onto dry skin, focusing on areas where makeup or sunscreen is applied. Then, rinse with warm water.
Product Recommendation: Try the Skinfood Black Sugar Cleansing Oil for a deep clean while keeping your skin soft and moisturized.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
The second step of the double cleanse is the water-based cleanser. After you’ve removed all the makeup, dirt, and oils with your oil cleanser, the water-based cleanser comes in to wash away any leftover residue, sweat, or impurities.
Why Use It? This second step ensures that your skin is truly clean. A water-based cleanser will remove any remaining impurities and prep your skin for the next steps.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of cleanser to damp skin, gently massaging in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Product Recommendation: The Manyo Pure Cleansing Foam is a fantastic option for sensitive skin, leaving your skin feeling fresh and balanced.
Step 3: Exfoliation
Exfoliation helps to slough off dead skin cells, revealing fresh, glowing skin underneath. It’s an essential step in the routine, but you don’t need to do it every day. Exfoliating 1-3 times a week is usually enough, depending on your skin type. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, so be gentle!
Why Use It? Regular exfoliation helps brighten your complexion, unclog pores, and improve your skin’s texture.
How to Use: Apply the exfoliator after cleansing, and gently massage it onto your skin. Avoid the delicate eye area.
Product Recommendation: For a gentle yet effective exfoliation, try the Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel. It helps remove dead skin cells without irritating sensitive skin.
Step 4: Toner
Many people think toner is astringent or drying, but in the Korean skincare routine, toners are all about hydration. Toners help balance your skin’s pH levels and prepare it to absorb the rest of your skincare products more effectively.
Why Use It? Toner hydrates and softens your skin, allowing it to absorb serums, essences, and moisturizers better.
How to Use: After cleansing, pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad or your hands and gently pat it into your skin.
Product Recommendation: The Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner is packed with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, giving your skin a moisture boost.
Step 5: Essence
Essence is a key step in Korean skincare. It’s a lightweight, watery liquid that delivers powerful hydration and enhances your skin’s natural glow. If you have dehydrated skin, this step will be your best friend.
Why Use It? Essence hydrates, smoothens, and improves the elasticity of your skin. It’s especially useful for plumping up tired, dry skin.
How to Use: After applying toner, gently pat essence onto your face and neck.
Product Recommendation: Try the Manyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule for deep hydration and improved skin resilience.
Step 6: Serums and Ampoules
Here’s where you get to target specific skin concerns. Whether you’re dealing with acne, dark spots, or fine lines, serums and ampoules deliver concentrated treatments that make a big difference in your skin’s appearance. This step can be completely customized based on what your skin needs.
Why Use It? Serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients that target concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkles.
How to Use: Apply a few drops of serum to your face and gently massage it in. If you’re using more than one serum, apply them from thinnest to thickest.
Product Recommendation: To target dark spots and even out your skin tone, try the Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum.
Step 7: Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are one of the most iconic parts of the Korean skincare routine. These single-use masks are soaked in essence or serum, and they’re perfect for giving your skin an instant boost of hydration and nutrients.
Why Use It? Sheet masks provide a concentrated dose of hydration and nourishment, perfect for when your skin needs a pick-me-up.
How to Use: Unfold the mask and lay it over your face, pressing gently so it adheres to your skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then pat the remaining serum into your skin.
Product Recommendation: For extra hydration and soothing, try the Needly Daily Toner Mask.
Step 8: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, so it needs special care. Eye creams help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the eyes.
Why Use It? Eye creams are formulated to target concerns specific to the eye area, like fine lines, crow’s feet, and puffiness.
How to Use: Using your ring finger, gently tap a small amount of eye cream around your eyes, being careful not to tug at the skin.
Product Recommendation: Look for an eye cream with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides.
Step 9: Moisturizer
Moisturizing is a critical step in any skincare routine. It helps seal in all the hydration and active ingredients you’ve applied so far and locks in moisture to keep your skin soft and plump. If you have oily skin, choose a lightweight gel-based moisturizer. If you have dry skin, go for a richer cream-based moisturizer.
Why Use It? Moisturizer helps hydrate and lock in all the benefits of your previous skincare steps, keeping your skin balanced and soft.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of moisturizer and gently massage it into your face and neck.
Product Recommendation: The Axis-Y Cera-Heart My Type Duo Cream offers hydration without feeling heavy, making it perfect for combination skin.
Step 10: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is probably the most important step in any skincare routine. Sun exposure is one of the main causes of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Using a good sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage and keeps your skin looking youthful.
Why Use It? Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing wrinkles, sunspots, and other signs of aging.
How to Use: Apply sunscreen generously to your face and neck as the last step in your skincare routine, even on cloudy days.
Product Recommendation: The Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ is a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and is perfect for sensitive skin.
Customizing the Korean 10-Step Routine
One of the best things about the Korean 10-step skincare routine is that it’s customizable. You don’t have to follow all 10 steps every day. In fact, many people adjust the routine based on their skin’s needs and concerns.
Here’s how you can tailor the routine to fit your lifestyle and skin type:
For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin:
- Focus on light, non-comedogenic products: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, stick to lightweight products that won’t clog your pores. Use a gel-based moisturizer and avoid heavy creams.
- Don’t skip sunscreen: Many people with oily skin avoid sunscreen because they think it will make their skin greasier. Opt for a lightweight sunscreen like the Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+, which won’t clog your pores or leave a greasy residue.
- Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating helps prevent clogged pores, which are a common issue for oily skin. Try the Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel to gently exfoliate without irritating your skin.
For Dry and Dehydrated Skin:
- Layer hydrating products: If your skin tends to be dry, focus on hydrating products like essences, serums, and moisturizers. The Manyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule is great for boosting hydration.
- Choose rich moisturizers: Dry skin can benefit from thicker, cream-based moisturizers like the Axis-Y Cera-Heart My Type Duo Cream, which locks in moisture and keeps your skin feeling soft all day.
- Don’t over-exfoliate: While exfoliating is important, those with dry skin should be cautious. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin of its natural oils. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week.
For Sensitive Skin:
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products: Sensitive skin can easily become irritated, so it’s important to choose gentle, fragrance-free products. Toners and essences that contain soothing ingredients like green tea and centella asiatica are great for calming irritated skin.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable: Even if you have sensitive skin, sunscreen is essential. Look for a sensitive skin-friendly sunscreen like the Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+, which is formulated to protect without causing irritation.
For Aging Skin:
- Focus on anti-aging ingredients: Look for products that contain peptides, retinol, and niacinamide, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum is a great option for targeting fine lines and pigmentation.
- Hydration is key: Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the most effective ways to reduce the signs of aging. Use hydrating toners, essences, and moisturizers to keep your skin plump and youthful.
- Never skip sunscreen: UV rays are one of the leading causes of premature aging, so applying sunscreen daily is crucial. The Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ provides excellent sun protection without feeling heavy on the skin.
Benefits of the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine
You may be wondering if it’s really worth following the 10-step routine. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits:
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Hydrated Skin: Korean skincare emphasizes layering hydrating products, which is great for keeping your skin moisturized and healthy. Essences and serums help provide deeper hydration than just a basic moisturizer.
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Customized for Your Skin: One of the best aspects of the Korean skincare routine is how customizable it is. You can swap out different steps or products depending on your skin’s needs that day.
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Prevention and Maintenance: Instead of waiting for problems like fine lines or acne to appear, the 10-step routine focuses on preventing issues before they start. It’s all about maintaining your skin’s health for the long term.
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A Glow from Within: With consistent use, this routine helps you achieve that coveted glass skin look—clear, smooth, and glowing skin from within.
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Relaxation and Self-Care: Taking the time to care for your skin can be a relaxing part of your day. Whether it’s applying a sheet mask or massaging in a serum, this routine allows you to focus on yourself and unwind.