Have you ever seen Korean celebrities and wondered how their skin looks incredibly dewy and clear? That flawless, poreless, and radiant complexion is known as glass skin, and it’s every skincare lover’s goal!
Achieving it requires deep hydration, nourishment, and consistency. Unlike trends that come and go, glass skin is a core philosophy in Korean beauty. It relies on layering lightweight, moisture-rich products to bring out a natural glow from within.
According to a study done by the National Library of Medicine on Korean skincare, “Their bio-active components and pharmacologic activities have been shown to provide dermatologic benefits with potential applications for skin rejuvenation, photo-protection, wound healing, and more,” – meaning that it does show positive data driven results.
When I first tried the 10-step Korean skincare routine, I was drawn into how skincare routines can be curated to fit anyone’s lifestyles and skin concerns. For myself, I have oily skin that I wanted to reduce oil production and clogged pores. My skin leans oily, especially around my T-zone, and this Korean skincare routine served to be life-changing for me.
Though I might not be a licensed dermatologist, this guide reflects my experience with long-term use of specific Korean skincare products that helped me get closer to my skin goals.
If you must know, I was skeptical at first. Ten steps every day? But after months of sticking to it, my skin looked fuller, clearer, and brighter. It wasn’t about chasing perfection; it was about learning how to take care of my skin in a way that felt intentional.
If you’ve been curious about what this routine looks like—or if you’re just looking for a skincare reset—here’s a breakdown of the classic Korean skincare routine, along with the principles behind each step!
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Korean Skincare Routine: 10 Easy Steps
Step 1: Double Cleansing – The Base of K-Beauty
One of the biggest secrets of Korean skincare routine is double cleansing. Many people don’t realize how much dirt, oil, sebum, and makeup remain on the skin even after washing once.
In contrast, Western beauty routines have often promoted makeup wipes as the go-to solution for removing makeup.
But in my experience, they can actually do more harm than good. Makeup wipes left my skin feeling tight, irritated, and—despite appearances—still clogged. Over time, I noticed they even seemed to enlarge my pores and increase sensitivity.
That all changed when I switched to oil cleansers. I was surprised at how life-changing yet effective they were. My skin felt cleaner, calmer, and less reactive—even after long days of wearing sunscreen and foundation
Now, I wholeheartedly recommend oil cleansers since they are a fool-proof method for a healthy, fresh start.
Oil Cleanser
An oil cleanser is essential because oil dissolves oil—it breaks down makeup, SPF, and excess sebum without stripping your skin.
Fun fact: Though oil cleansers have only begun to grow in popularity recently, they have been around since Ancient Egypt, according to CharlotteTilbury.com. Even if formulations were not as complex back then, modern products have similar ingredients, such as plant oils to help clean and moisturize the skin. Interesting right?
My go-to: Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil—removes every trace of makeup effortlessly.
This oil cleanser has been a constant in my Korean skincare routine since Day 1—and here’s why.
I initially chose it because I wanted a double cleanser with a good reputation, and this one kept coming up as a cult favorite. After trying it, I understood the craze.
The formula is made with gentle oils that remove every trace of makeup without stripping my skin. As someone with oily skin, I’ve found it helps maintain balance without the tight, dry feeling I used to get from makeup wipes.
One caveat: the scent. While it’s marketed as having a light cranberry and floral fragrance, I do notice it during use. It’s not overwhelming, but if you’re sensitive to scents, it might be worth noting.
This cleanser might not be ideal for dry or sensitive skin types, especially since it isn’t fragrance-free or specifically formulated with deeply hydrating ingredients. But for oily skin and regular makeup wearers, it’s a solid entry point into double cleansing and Korean skincare in general—effective, gentle, and reasonably priced.
Now that we know how to cleanse our makeup off, let’s discuss how to cleanse or skin!
Foam/Water-Based Cleanser
After using an oil cleanser, a gentle water-based cleanser removes any remaining impurities.
“What’s the difference between American and Korean cleansers?”
Fun fact: According to an article from Refinery29, American’s approach to skincare with the usage of active ingredients can be overdone while Korean skincare – such as their cleansers – are formulated with gentler ingredients, like polyhdroxy acids (PHAs). These ingredients standout because their molecular size is smaller, but it’s delivery of exfoliation is as effective as American-preferred ingredients in cleansers.
My pick: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser—cleans my skin without making it feel dry.I highly recommend this for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin.
This cleanser has been a staple in both beginner and advanced Korean skincare routines since its launch in 2015. You might be wondering why—and as someone who’s been using it for several years, let me explain.
I first started using it in college when I was on a tight budget. I needed something that could control my sebum production without requiring a big financial investment. This product kept popping up in recommendations, so I gave it a try.
It delivered that “squeaky clean” sensation I loved in the mornings, thanks to ingredients like salicylic acid, known for reducing oil production. I also enjoyed its green tea scent—it felt cooling and refreshing.
That said, let’s talk about the scent again. While I personally like it, I understand that fragrance can be a deal-breaker for people with sensitive skin or those who prefer a cleaner ingredient list.
Still, for the price and the amount you get, I highly recommend adding this cleanser to your Korean skincare routine—especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin like me. It’s life changing, effective, and a great place to start.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of what the benefits of exfoliating is!
Step 2: Exfoliation – Remove Dead Skin (2-3 Times a Week)
Exfoliation smooths and brightens the skin. It removes dead skin cells so that the next steps work better.
Most of us are used to seeing physical exfoliates that can be felt with our fingers, however Korean skincare routines have brought chemical exfoliates into the game – this is one of them.
I first got introduced to this product when I was browsing a Korean makeup store. I was looking for a treatment that would help get rid of my dead skin cells without hurting the outer layer of my skin. The worker recommended I try a chemical exfoliate infused toner which I’ve never used before.
After using it on a lazy Sunday, I noticed its effects right away. My skin felt more plump, calm and bright. My biggest concern with most marketed exfoliates is that it would worsen my active acne and my acne scars, but this product alleviated surprisingly alleviated them!
With ingredients like tea tree oil and niacinamide, it helped to reduce my acne and hyper-pigmentation with weekly usage.
I would recommend this to other oily skin users or those who experience acne breakouts often.
For those who face more sensitive to active ingredients, this product may be overpowering for your skin-type. For the price and quantity, it is a step up from your regular drug-store product, but a great investment.
Chemical Exfoliation (Gentle but Effective)
Best pick: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner—helps with bumps, blackheads, and rough skin.
Physical Exfoliation (For Instant Glow & Smoothness)
Fun fact: According to the Cinta Aveda Institute, Exfoliation dates back to ancient Egypt, where sour milk (a source of lactic acid) was combined with abrasive tools like pumice stones to smooth and cleanse the skin. Today, physical exfoliants have evolved into gentler, more refined formulas—especially for delicate areas like the face. Sugar-based scrubs, for example, dissolve upon contact with water, offering a less abrasive and more skin-friendly experience.
Best pick: Skinfood Black Sugar Scrub—leaves skin super soft and smooth.
Similar to the toner mentioned above, this product was recommended to me in pair with it. The store clerk said this product was a great physical exfoliate to start using because the main ingredient – sugar – dissolves as you wash it away.
I do highly recommend this product to those who want a more intensive skin reset once a week if you don’t want to commit to visiting your local spa. Very inexpensive and efficient to include in your Korean skincare routine!
Let’s move onto the next step – toning!
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Step 3: Toning – Balance and Prepare the Skin
Fun fact: According to the article Using a Toner Will Totally Change Your Skin by Healthline, western toners often dry out the skin because it’s viewed as a ‘cleanser water’ while in Korea, it’s viewed as a layer of extra hydration to prime your canvas. The primary difference is that it contains hydrating ingredients, such a s hyaluronic acid while American toners contain alcohol can can strip away moisture.
Best Hydrating Toners
- Son and Park Beauty Water—perfect for sensitive skin.
This toner is great for all skin type users because it delivers a powerful punch of hydration without leaving a film on your skin. As a year long user of this product, I can attest to the fact that it melts into your skin and provides a great base for the rest of your skincare to glide onto.
With hazel water and rose water, these have been longstanding ingredients in many toners that help to soothe skin irritation and redness – both of which I have.
I could see the difference it left in my rosacea. I like how the ingredients list has mild ingredients that aim to deliver a subtle exfoliation effect after usage – great for post-cleansed skin.
Although for the quality of the product, it may deter some from purchasing it with it’s hefty price-tag. If you’re looking for a toner with high levels of hydration, this product may fall a bit short.
For those who have normal to combination skin, this product is worth the shot if you’re looking for a quality investment that works well and will look pretty in your Korean skincare routine lineup.
- Anua Rice 70 Glow MilkyToner—fills the skin with moisture and firms it up.
Anua skincare has been topping the charts for Korean skincare and here’s why – it’s cost effective and delivers exactly what it says it will with minimal fragrance.
What I liked most about it is how the brand focuses on ingredients that have a more milky consistency with clean ingredients. During the winter months, this is a must for me because my skin becomes more dry then. I love the milky consistency it carries because it feels like a thicker version of a toner that prolongs my skin barrier’s hydration levels.
The only thing I wished this toner could improve on would be it’s ability to come in different bottle sizes.
I find that with it’s easy-to-access ingredients list, this product really is suitable for all skin-types, making it quite budget-friendly!
Now, you’re probably wondering what essences are. Let me get right into it in this next section!
Step 4: Essence – A Key Step in Korean Skincare
Fun fact: According to an article from Miloon, essence is described as the happy middle “between a toner and a serum.” Ironic isn’t it? Korean essences stem from the belief of layering products lightly for better extra hydration instead of laying on one thick layer of moisturizer. It’s believed to be more effective and less pore-clogging with ingredients such as snail mucin.
Best Essences for Glass Skin
- Numbuzin- No.9 NAD Bio Lifting-Sil Essence—uses fermented ingredients to renew and lift the skin.
This product is most amazing for my ladies who are stepping into their mid to late twenties. Preventative skin-care is the method for anti-aging.
I went to purchase one myself after my mom let me try hers. I noticed how it reduced the appearance of my smile lines and my pre-mature crows feet.
As someone with oily skin, I greatly appreciate a product that helps to tighten it and the areas where wrinkles would more likely appear. With the product including ingredients like peptides and collagen, it helps to restore my skin’s elasticity levels immensely without clogging my oily skin and its pores which I love.
However, like most anti-aging products, the bottle does run quite small and the price is higher than that of any other kind of skincare bottle which can a turn-off for some skincare enthusiasts. I would wish that this product was a tad more accessible – price-wise.
Overall, with a couple weeks of use to a month’s worth of use, I do find that this product indeed firmed up my skin and brighten my areas of concern. With oily skin, I can say that this product worked out beautifully for me and I would highly recommend it to all skin-types.
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence—soaks the skin with moisture and aids in healing spots.
When I say that I’ve been using this product for years, it is not a joke.
I first bought this product around five years ago and it was a product that had snail mucin infused.
I didn’t have an essence in my Korean skincare routine at the time and thought this product would be a great first start as well. This essence gave my skin an extra boost of hydration that would mesh with my serums, lotion, and sunscreen afterwards.
I love how viscous the product is and how quickly it sinks into my skin. With a week of using it, I noticed how it balanced my skin tone quickly and helped to fade away my acne pigmentation quicker than before.
I do hope everyone gets the chance to purchase this product once and see how greatly it can change your life as it did with mine.
Now that you understand what essences are, let’s familiarize ourselves with serums!
Step 5: Serums & Ampoules – Address Specific Skin Needs
According to an article from Franz, serums are a lightweight version of lotion while ampoules are a more potent version of serums. Though ampoules might be more financially costly, it represents the quality of ingredients and the high concentrated amounts of each in the formulation for the purchase. These work together to boost the effect of your lotion.
Best Korean Serums
Fun fact: According to a study from Harvard Health by Dr. Maryam M. Asgari, associate professor in the department of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, serums derived with ingredients that active are a great way to target signs of aging. They also serve as preventative care for “brown spots, reverse damage from ultraviolet rays, and stimulate growth in new collagen,” if coupled with vitamin c, vitamin e, or ferulic acid.
- For hydration: COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
- For brightness: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum (contains rice & alpha arbutin)
These products were introduced to me by a lovely friend who’s deeply immersed in Korean skincare routines and its secrets. She let me know that the brand COSRX and Beauty of Joseon has been around for a while that that it’s well known for it’s products that are affordable and fragrance-free.
When I heard that, I felt these brands were trustworthy to use. Much like their snail mucin essence, these essences leaves a glass-skin appearance after daily usage and my skin felt quite bouncy. I like how it acts similarly to a vitamin-c product because the hyaluronic acid helped to bring the shine and glow back to my skin.
It’s they’re a staple in my nighttime skincare routine.
If there was one thing I would adjust about them, I wish they came with vitamin c or other humectant loving ingredients to amplify the hydration levels of this essence.
I would say that if you’re looking for a product that would help with active acne, these products may not be for you.
With that being said, these product has a soft spot in my heart and I do hope that everyone tries it out – especially those with dry skin types.
- For anti-aging: Anua Retinol 0.3% Niacin Renewing Serum
My mom’s most loved serum is this one. She was gifted this product for Christmas last year and it’s a must in her beauty routine.
She believes that this serum helped to fade away the appearance of sunspots and the retinol percentage helped to speed up the rate of cell recovery.
For mature and oily skin like hers, she loves the formulation and recommends it to all her other oily and mature skin sisters. For sensitive or dry skin, this formula and it’s ingredients may be a bit too strong to provide that extra cushion of hydration.
Overall for the price and size of the bottle, it’s quite comparable to drugstore serums – making it a great choice for those who want to invest in a new product for their Korean skincare routine.
A fun way to end your night is by locking everything in with a face mask. Let’s learn which one is right for you!
Step 6: Sheet Masks – An Extra Boost of Moisture
Sheet masks deliver an intense moisture boost that Koreans swear by. I use one before important events for a clearer look.
Fun fact: According to an article from Vogue, “sheet masks aren’t a replacement for a good skincare regimen. They should be used as a weekly pick-me-up or before a special event to give you that extra boost of moisture and glow.”
Best Sheet Masks
- Biodance-Bio Collagen- Real Deep mask—gives intense hydration.
- Medicube PDRN Collagen Gel Mask—cools and refreshes the skin.
This is hands down some of my more luxurious facial masks I’ve bought because it gives me a fresh canvas to work with for over 24 hours. I was introduced to these by a family friend and she said it was her secret to having even and glowing skin before events.
My secret trick is to leave it to chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes so it delivers an extra cooling sensation when i need it. With collagen and hyaluronic acid infused in them, my skin feels extremely silky and calm after I wear it overnight.
I really think these are universal face masks where all skin-types can give it a whirl.
For the price and quality, they’re a great investment if you want to feel your more rejuvenated self before an event takes place. Keep a couple on hand in case you have a girls sleepover and they’re interested in building their own Korean skincare routine too!
Though you may not start to see wrinkles yet, preventative care is the best self-care. That means start using what you can to prevent things like crows feet and wrinkles under your eyes with some eye cream. Let’s learn what type of Korean eye creams are the best!
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Step 7: Eye Cream – Caring for Sensitive Skin
Fun fact: According to CeraVe.com, eye creams are beneficial of the skin’s lower elasticity rate and it’s thinness in comparison to other sectors of the face. Eye creams made with peptides aids in slowing down the aging process by adding more moisture to prevent wrinkles.
Best Eye Creams
- Innisfree Jeju Orchid Eye Cream—moisturizes and fights signs of aging.
- Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel—light but deeply nourishing.
Being the two that stays mounted in my korean skincare routine, these have lasted me over half a year and I plan on repurchasing them. Here’s why.
The consistency of both are light and nourishing. A lot of drugstore brands I’ve used in the past has been heavy and oily. These products sinks into my pores within a couple minutes of use and is a great layering product for others to adhere to.
Generally, the skin around your eyes are thinner, meaning that it loses it’s hydration easier, leading to creases. With these eye creams, I wake up to find that my eye bags are less dark than without usage.
I do wish that for these products to come in a more hygienic packaging case, like a squeeze bottle.
As a person with oily skin, they work well and I recommend it to others who have similar concerns and skin types – even those with more mature skin.
If your skin gets easily congested, these might not be the products for you.
With it’s price and quantity, it is quite competitive with other eye creams but it’ll definitely be worth your while if you try it out for yourself.
Now let’s hop over to see what moisturizers you should be on the lookout for!
Step 8: Moisturizer – Keep in Moisture
All skin types need a moisturizer to lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier.
In Korean skincare routines, moisturizers are considered essential for all skin types—not just dry skin. According to an article from Futurist, moisturizers act as a final “sealant,” locking in hydration from previous steps. Think of it like putting on a winter coat: just as clothing prevents cold air from penetrating your body, lotion creates a barrier that shields your skin from environmental dryness and moisture loss.
Best Korean Moisturizers
- For oily skin: Iunik Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream
I got this moisturizer as a gift for my mom who got inspired by my Korean skincare routine and collection. She wanted to get a moisturizer and I recommended her this one because it’s sizable and great for skin-types that need that extra barrier of hydration to look the rest of their skincare in place.
When she first used it, she found that it was almost buttery in consistency. With centella extract and hyaluronic in it, it helped her retain her moisture barrier without causing excess oil to seep through her pores.
For her, she likes a light scented lotion which this lotion didn’t come with. For different people, light scents can be a turn-on or a turn-off.
For people who have normal to oily skin, this product is something that is definitely worth your money. It’s something that’s purchasable, manageable, and easy to travel with.
- For dry skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
I introduced this product to my grandma who’s not to familiar with Korean skincare routines, but a big fan of anti-aging creams. Though this didn’t list specifically as anti-aging, it has benefits that replicate that enhanced and tightened skin effect that anti-aging product promises.
My grandma noticed the slight scent of ginseng extract first – which she loves. The herbal-like smell is great because she believes that most products on the market contain a chemical or artificial smell that bothers her.
If you have a sensitive nose, this product might be worth the investment.
She also noted that she loves how it contains vitamin-c which helped to brighten up her dull complexion.
For her, she believes that this product is rich and thick, great for others with dry skin types. For people who have more oily or even normal skin, this product might be too thick for daily usage.
For being sold at the steep price it is at, my grandma believes that it’s a product she’ll only use a bit of when she has special events.
Now that we know which lotion to pick, our morning routine doesn’t end on lotion – it ends on sunscreen. Let’s figure out which sunscreen is best to use!
Step 9: Sunscreen – A Vital Korean Beauty Step
Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable if you want to maintain glass skin! It protects against sun damage, premature aging, and dark spots.
Fun fact: According to an article from Allure Beauty, Korean sunscreens are arguably one of the most important steps when building a Korean skincare routine because they contain valuable ingredients that filters out UV rays without traces of alcohol and ingredients that leave the skin greasy and white like most American sunscreens.
Best Korean Sunscreens
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics—light and moisturizing.
- Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen—loved for its fresh, dewy finish.
These two products changed my perception about sunscreens. I’ve always hated sunscreen because they felt oily and rub off quickly – however these sunscreens proved me wrong. I first purchased them because I was influenced by a beauty influencer who claimed that this product has no white case.
As someone with a deeper complexion in the summer, I had to give this a try. When applying on it, it felt smooth like lotion. I didn’t get that oily residue that would leave an oily seen which I appreciate. Formulated with rice and pro-biotics for the first one and birch sap for the second one, their felt nourishing and calm when setting into my skin.
I love how the product are easily dispensable, however, I do wish that it was completely scent-free.
As someone who has oily skin, I was scared this was going to break me out. It miraculously didn’t!
With it’s rich formula, I think it’s suitable for all skin types and great for reapplication throughout the day if needed. Being priced at what it is, this is easily accessible at any Asian beauty store for beginners of Korean skincare routine builders to beyond.
Moving onto our last and final destination – sleeping masks!
Step 10: Sleeping Masks – Overnight Skin Care
Sleeping masks work while you sleep to deeply hydrate and brighten the skin.
Photo Credit to @bysimplyoublog
Best Sleeping Masks
- Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask—soothes and locks in moisture.
- Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask—brightens and softens skin.
Both of these overnight masks are great for enriching skin if you feel tired and sleepless throughout the day. I don’t reach for these often because they are intensively moisturizing. However, when I do, I never regret it.
I got a sample of both of these masks from Sephora and I fell in love with the formulations. They both come ingredients, such as rice probiotics and collagen that helps to maintain my skin’s elasticity. I like to use these masks after I use a chemical exfoliate to make sure the moisture is locked in.
For being an overnight mask, the prices for both are great and affordable since I don’t tend to use it daily.
If you have acne-prone skin, these products should be spot tested first.
I highly recommend it to people who want to build their own spa day in within the Korean skincare routine.
Now that we understand what the 10 step method is, let’s discuss how we can pair our lifestyle with our Korean skincare routine!
Pro Tips for Clear, Hydrated Skin
Having a great Korean skincare routine isn’t the only trick to keeping your skin clear and glowing, there are other methods too!
- Use the 7-Layer Toner Technique – If you have very dry skin, apply seven layers of toner for deep hydration.
- Facial Massage – Boosts blood circulation, reduces puffiness, and gives a natural glow. Try a gua sha tool or just use your hands.
- Consume Skin-Supporting Foods –Girls! Your eating habits matter as much as your skin care routine.Healthy diet affects skin clarity, firmness, and brightness.
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Best Foods for Healthy Skin
- Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel) – Rich in omega-3s to keep skin hydrated.
- Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale) – Full of vitamins A, C & E for collagen repair.
- Avocados – Provide healthy fats & vitamin E for soft skin.
- Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries) – High in antioxidants to prevent premature aging.
Now that we know what we eat can contribute to glowing skin, let’s do a quick recap on what we’ve learned.
Final Thoughts
Achieving glass skin isn’t just about using fancy products—it’s about being consistent, hydrating properly, and understanding your skin’s needs. Trust me, once you stick with the Korean skincare routine, it might take you on a winding path of self-discovery.
For myself, it took me a while to formulate the best routine for myself because my skin’s always changing and so is the weather.
If you’ve tried similar routines before, let me know in the comments! Also, don’t forget to subscribe for more K-beauty tips!
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