The Complete 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine, Step by Step

K-Beauty made the '10-step routine' famous, but it isn't a rigid checklist — it's a layering philosophy: thinnest textures first, thickest last, water-based before oil-based. Here's what each step actually does.

1. Oil Cleanser

Dissolves sunscreen, makeup, and sebum. Massage onto dry skin, then rinse or emulsify with water.

2. Water-Based Cleanser

A gentle foaming or gel cleanser removes sweat and anything the oil cleanser left behind. Together, these two steps are the 'double cleanse.'

3. Exfoliator (2-3x/week)

A chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA) or gentle scrub clears away dead skin cells so the rest of your routine absorbs better.

4. Toner

Rebalances the skin's pH and preps it to absorb hydration. Look for alcohol-free toners, or a soothing toner pad for a quick swipe.

5. Essence

A lightweight, hydrating layer that bridges toner and serum — the step most Western routines skip, and the one K-Beauty fans swear by for that 'glass skin' bounce.

6. Treatment / Serum

Concentrated actives that target specific concerns — brightening, texture, breakouts. Browse our serums & essences to find one for your skin.

7. Sheet Mask (2-3x/week)

A 10-15 minute mask floods the skin with a concentrated dose of hydration or active ingredients. See our full guide to sheet masks.

8. Eye Cream

The skin around the eyes is thinner and needs its own lightweight, targeted formula — check out our eye & lip care picks.

9. Moisturizer

Seals everything in. Choose a gel for oily skin or a rich cream for dry skin from our moisturizers.

10. Sunscreen (AM only)

Non-negotiable. K-Beauty sunscreens are famous for their light, non-greasy finish — the single most important anti-aging step in the whole routine.

You don't need all 10 steps every day — even 4 or 5 done consistently will outperform a complicated routine used sporadically. Start with cleanser, toner, one serum, moisturizer, and SPF, then build from there. Explore the full Skincare shop to build yours.