Korean skin care routines

By Ulta Beauty Advisors · Published October 2025 · Updated October 2026

A Korean skin care routine layers lightweight products from thinnest to thickest: oil cleanser, water-based cleanser, toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning. The full routine has 10 steps, but you can start with four and add the rest as your skin needs them.

The routine focuses on hydration, gentle cleansing, and daily sun protection. Each layer is meant to be light, so skin can absorb it before the next one goes on. Often called "glass skin," the goal is a smooth, hydrated look. Results vary by skin type and consistency.

The 10 steps of a Korean skin care routine

Korean skin care is all about layering lightweight, nourishing products to achieve a healthy, hydrated glow, often called "glass skin." Each step builds on the last to gently cleanse, balance, and deeply moisturize the skin. You can follow all 10 steps or customize based on your skin type and goals.

1. Oil cleanser (first step of a double cleanse)

   • What it does: Dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil.
   • How to use: Massage an oil cleanser or cleansing balm onto dry skin with dry hands for 30 to 60 seconds. Add a little water to turn it milky, then rinse with lukewarm water.
   • Tip: Use it at night, and any time you wear sunscreen or makeup.

2. Water-based cleanser (second step of a double cleanse)

   • What it does: Removes leftover residue, sweat, and dirt.
   • How to use: Work a gel or foam cleanser into damp skin for 30 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water.
   • Tip: If your skin feels tight after washing, switch to a gentler, low-foam formula.

3. Exfoliator

   • What it does: Smooths texture and clears away dead skin cells.
   • How to use: Use a gentle chemical exfoliant, such as an AHA or BHA toner, or a mild scrub, 2 to 3 times a week after cleansing. Do not rub hard.
   • Tip: Skip exfoliating on nights you use retinol or vitamin C.

4. Toner

   • What it does: Adds a first layer of hydration so the next products absorb more easily.
   • How to use: Pour toner into your hands or onto a cotton pad. Pat it onto your face and neck.
   • Tip: Look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, green tea, or rose water.

5. Essence

   • What it does: Adds lightweight hydration and prepares skin for serums and moisturizer. Essences are watery treatments common in Korean skin care.
   • How to use: Put a few drops in your palms. Press them into your skin until absorbed.
   • Tip: Use it daily, then judge the results after a few weeks.

6. Serum or ampoule

   • What it does: Targets one concern, such as dullness, uneven tone, or fine lines.
   • How to use: Press 2 to 3 drops into your face and neck after essence.
   • Tip: Match the ingredient to your goal. Niacinamide is used for tone, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and snail mucin for a soothing, hydrating layer.

7. Sheet mask

   • What it does: Gives skin an extra boost of moisture.
   • How to use: Apply a sheet mask to clean, toned skin for 10 to 20 minutes. Pat in the leftover essence. Do not rinse.
   • Tip: Use 1 to 3 times a week. Store masks in the fridge for a cooling feel.

8. Eye cream

   • What it does: Moisturizes the delicate skin around the eyes.
   • How to use: Tap a pea-sized amount of eye cream around the orbital bone with your ring finger.
   • Tip: Use it morning and night.

9. Moisturizer

   • What it does: Seals in the layers you applied before it.
   • How to use: Smooth an even layer over your face and neck. Massage gently until absorbed.
   • Tip: Choose a gel for oily skin and a richer cream for dry skin.

10. Sunscreen (morning only)

    • What it does: Helps protect skin from UV damage.
    • How to use: Finish your morning routine with a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours when you are outdoors.
    • Tip: Many Korean sunscreens have lightweight textures that layer well under makeup.

At night, swap sunscreen for a sleeping mask or night cream.

Where to start with Korean skin care

Ten steps can feel like a lot. Start with four.

1. Cleanse. Double cleanse at night and use a water-based cleanser in the morning.
2. Hydrate with a toner or essence.
3. Moisturize.
4. Wear sunscreen every morning.

Add one new product at a time, about 1 to 2 weeks apart. This way you can tell what works for your skin.

Morning and night Korean skin care routine

Use this when you want fewer steps each day.

1. Morning: Water-based cleanser, toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen.
2. Night: Oil cleanser, water-based cleanser, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, moisturizer.
3. 2 to 3 nights a week: Add an exfoliator after cleansing.
4. 1 to 3 times a week: Add a sheet mask after toner and essence.

Korean skin care products for each step

These products fit the steps above. Choose the steps that match your goals.

1. Oil cleanser: Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil.
2. Water-based cleanser: Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser.
3. Toner: Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner, ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist.
4. Essence: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100.
5. Serum: medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, ANUA Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum.
6. Sheet mask or treatment: Peach Slices Snail Rescue Intensive Wash-Off Jelly Mask, Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Acne Pimple Patches.
7. Moisturizer: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream, Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream.
8. Sunscreen: COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum UV SPF50.
9. Starter kits: Peach & Lily Glass Skin Discovery Kit, ANUA 5-Step Glass Skin Routine Set.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 10 step Korean skin care routine?

The 10 steps are oil cleanser, water-based cleanser, exfoliator, toner, essence, serum or ampoule, sheet mask, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Sunscreen is for the morning only. You can use all 10 steps or choose the ones that fit your skin.

What order do you apply Korean skin care products?

Apply them from thinnest to thickest. Cleanse first, then use toner, essence, and serum. Finish with moisturizer, and add sunscreen in the morning.

Where should I start with Korean skin care?

Start with a double cleanse at night, a hydrating toner or essence, a moisturizer, and morning sunscreen. Add other steps one at a time.

Do you need all 10 steps?

No. The 10 steps are a menu. Many people use 4 to 6 steps and add exfoliators, masks, or eye cream when they want them.

What is the difference between a morning and night Korean skin care routine?

Night routines usually add an oil cleanser and any exfoliator or mask. Morning routines skip the oil cleanser and end with sunscreen.

How do you get Korean glass skin?

Glass skin describes a smooth, hydrated complexion that reflects light. Build toward it with gentle cleansing, hydrating layers, exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week, and daily sunscreen. Results vary by skin type.

Can you use Korean skin care on sensitive or acne-prone skin?

Many people do. Choose gentle formulas, patch test new products, and add one product at a time. If your skin stays irritated, stop and talk with a dermatologist.

What is a Korean skin care routine for men?

It uses the same steps: cleanse, hydrate, moisturize, and wear sunscreen daily. If you like a non-greasy feel, choose lighter gel textures. Shop men's skin care.

What is the difference between Japanese and Korean skin care routines?

Both focus on hydration and prevention. Korean routines often use more layered steps, and Japanese routines often keep steps simpler. Read the Japanese skin care routine guide.

Can I buy Korean skin care products at Ulta Beauty?

Yes. Shop the K-beauty page online or in store.

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