How to Build the Perfect Korean Skincare Routine

As seen in Cherry Chu Magazine. Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.

In Korean beauty, moisturization and the prevention of breakouts are a priority; hence the famous term ‘glass skin’. The focus is on creating smooth, supple skin that keeps you looking hydrated, fresh, and young? 

Sound like something you’d be interested in? Let’s build your routine. 

Step One: Cleansing

Double cleansing is now the norm, thanks to its popularization on TikTok, so you’ll want to ensure you have two types of cleansers. The first will keep your skin clean at surface level, while the second will give it a fuller clean later on. 

For your first cleanse, we recommend using a cleansing oil to remove makeup and build up of dirt throughout the day. Try the Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil which is an excellent choice as it removes makeup, cleans your skin from sweat and bacteria, and focuses on restoring the skin’s pH levels. 

If your skin is acne prone, try Manyo’s Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean.

The Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser is on the tip of everyone’s tongue in the K-beauty circle.

Try this product to fully clean the skin as it offers a dense foam for a deeper clean with a slight exfoliation to avoid harsh scrubbing. With its use of hyaluronic acid, it’s sure to wash away impurities and lock in hydration. 

Step Two: Toner

Toners are fantastic all-rounders that moisturize, refresh, and leave skin feeling supple. 

The toner that took over TikTok and brought this brand out of South Korea is the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner.

It gets its name from being made from 77% pure heartleaf, grown and harvested in South Korea, which relieves dry and cracked skin almost overnight. 

Those in-the-know will also be aware that toner pads have been rumored to be the source of glass skin; so surely they’re worth a try. They’re also much more convenient than regular toners as the pads come pre-packed with all the goodies so you don’t have to apply the product with your fingers or use a cotton pad (which can often be a little too harsh on your skin). 

A popular brand in Korea that is also growing in popularity in The US is Mediheal. Their range of toner pads has a solution to every problem, regardless of your skin type. Try the tea tree pads to prevent breakouts or their vitamin c pads to help brighten your skin.

Narrowing it down by skin concern and going from there is the best way to choose which box is right for you. 

Step Three: Ampoule 

Ampoules are great all-in-one products perfect for both beginner and expert skincare routines.  Beginners will especially benefit from these products due to their ease of use and ability to target specific skin concerns. 

Known for its repairing benefits, Skin1004’s Centella Ampoule is a lightweight ampoule made from pure centella from Madagascar. Though Skin1004 is known for all their centella based products, if you only try one, this is it. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave any oily or sticky feeling, is amazing for sensitive skin, and perfect for those looking to balance their skin texture. 

Step Four: Essence

If your skin is looking thirsty and dehydrated then you’ll love essences. When it comes to essences, we have two fantastic recommendations. 

The first is the Mixsoon Bean Essence with key ingredients such as fermented bean, barley, pomegranate, and Korean pear.

It’s gentle, exfoliating, and is a great way to add Vitamin C and E to your skincare routine. 

Another option is an essence that increases skin density and elasticity so well that they put bouncy in the name. The FLASKIN Soybean Bouncy Protein Essence is totally underrated. The brand hasn’t made its way fully to the west yet, which is even better since you can buy it before it’s sold out everywhere. 

Step Five: Eye Cream

Torriden is where it’s at. 

Top tip: If your eye cream is denser than your moisturizer, you should apply it as step six.

The Torriden Cellmazing Small Molecule Collagen Firming Eye Cream might have a long name, but it has even longer lasting effects. This can be used for wrinkles, dark spots, skin irritation, and isn’t just about the eyes. This eye cream can also be used on your forehead, neck, forearms, and around the mouth. Essentially, it's a 3-in-1 miracle product that’s great for beginners.  

Step Six: Face Cream

The perfect face cream is personal; you may need to try a few out before you find one that sticks.

For a waterlike, lightweight moisturizer, the Torriden Dive-in Soothing Cream is excellent.

To aid in repairing the skin barrier, we can return to Skin1004 for their Centella Soothing Cream. Another great choice is the Mixsoon Bean Cream which has similar ingredients as the Mixsoon Bean Essence. There’s a face cream out there for everyone, it just takes a little time and patience to find your perfect fit.

If you’re completing your nighttime skincare routine, this would be the last step. If it’s morning, however…

Step Seven: Sunscreen

A good sunscreen is imperative for long-term skin health, so it’s a must-have product in your morning routine. 

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics with SPF50.

We can’t write a Korean skincare list without talking about sunscreen and we can’t talk about sunscreen without the one that changed it all.

It’s light, doesn’t leave a harsh white cast, isn’t grainy, sits well over other skincare, and doesn’t make your makeup pill. What else could you ask for? 

To have a great skincare routine, you don’t have to do all of the above steps but this guide will give you a good place to start. Did we mention any of your favorite products? Let us know in the comments below.