K-beauty 101

Korean skincare has a reputation for ten steps and endless bottles. The idea behind it is simpler than that: keep skin hydrated, protect its barrier, and wear sunscreen every day. The steps are just a way to get there. Use the ones your skin needs and skip the rest.

The golden rule: thinnest to thickest

Apply products from the most watery to the richest. Light layers sink in first, then heavier creams seal everything in. Give each layer a few seconds to absorb before the next.

The full routine

Step 1: Oil cleanser (evening)
Massage onto dry skin to melt sunscreen, makeup and excess oil. Add a little water to emulsify, then rinse. Shop oil cleansers & balms

Step 2: Water-based cleanser
A gentle foam or gel removes what's left. Skin should feel clean, not tight or squeaky. Shop foam & gel cleansers

Step 3: Exfoliate (1–3 times a week)
Toner pads or a chemical exfoliant clear away dead skin so the next steps work better. More is not better here. Shop exfoliators & toner pads

Step 4: Toner
Korean toners are hydrating, not harsh. Pat a few drops into skin with your hands for a first layer of moisture. Shop toners

Step 5: Essence
A light, watery step that gives skin that bouncy, dewy feeling Koreans call chok-chok (촉촉). Shop essences

Step 6: Serum or ampoule
This is your treatment step. Choose one for your main concern: breakouts, dullness, dryness or redness. Ampoules are more concentrated serums. Shop serums & ampoules

Step 7: Sheet mask (optional, 1–3 times a week)
Leave on for 15–20 minutes, then pat the leftover essence into your skin. Shop sheet masks

Step 8: Eye cream
Tap gently around the eye with your ring finger. Shop eye care

Step 9: Moisturizer
Seals in the layers underneath. Gel creams suit oily skin, richer creams suit dry skin. Shop moisturizers & creams

Step 10: Sunscreen (morning) or sleeping mask (evening)
Sunscreen is the most important step in any routine. At night, a sleeping mask can replace or top your moisturizer. Shop sunscreen · Shop sleeping masks

You don't need ten steps

The 3-step routine (great for beginners)
Morning: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen.
Evening: cleanser, moisturizer. Add a serum when you're ready.

The 5-step routine (most people's sweet spot)
Morning: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen.
Evening: oil cleanser, water cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer.

Before you start

  • Add one new product at a time. Wait a week or two before adding another, so you know what's working.
  • Patch test. Try a new product on a small area, like behind your ear or along your jaw, for a few days first.
  • Be patient. Most skincare takes 4–8 weeks of regular use to show results.
  • Listen to your skin. If it stings, burns or turns red, stop using the product.

Not sure what your skin needs? Shop by concern or browse our ingredient glossary.