The classic 10 step korean skincare routine ruled over the internet, with its ampoules, essences and masks. But today k skincare has changed, it has become budget friendly with its minimal routines, easy to follow with just a few steps, perfect for sensitive skin with its focus on barrier repair.
Let’s break down the 10 step routine and tailor it to our skin perfectly without overdoing it. So whether you love a long pamper routine or a 3 step line up here’s what the skin gurus are doing in 2025
Oil cleansing
Works perfectly not only to remove makeup but most importantly sunscreen, but if you don’t wear any makeup, no need to double or triple cleanse, as modern k beauty is all about not stripping the skin off its natural oils.
Water based cleanser
Still important but preferably select hydrating low ph cleansers, though if you have dry to normal skin morning cleansing can even be optional. Perfect for your wallet!
Exfoliation
Way less frequent although highly recommended for even skin tone. 1-2 times a week is sufficient. Opt for barrier friendly options like glycolic acid, mandelic acid, AHAs BHAs PHAs
Toner
Yes, the toner step is still around but forget the old alcohol heavy toners, think gentler, centella asiatica, mugwort, rice based products
Essence
The holy grail of beauty! Essences are still beloved for its lightweight hydration and how it helps other products absorb better. Essenes can often double as serums too.
Serum/Ampoule
Serums are bigger than ever, it’s the main character now. You can find beneficial ingredients like vitamin c, snail mucin, peptides, niacinamide, cica. Serums do the real work, hence highly suggested to invest in good serums
Sheet masks
Now more of a treat, say bye-bye to daily sheet masking and hello to hydrating, wash off masks, preferably clay types.
Eye cream
Completely optional, if moisturiser or vaseline works for you, you’re good. But if you want extra brightening or smoothing, go for a good eye cream or eye serum
Moisturiser
Absolutely essential, no compromise. Opt for lightweight gel type moisturisers for oily skin, and thicker based moisturisers for dry skin.
Sunscreen
The non negotiable, the OG. This is one step no one argues about, and Korean sunscreens have only gotten better, they are lighter, hydrating, leave zero white cast, and are easy to apply. If you want to commit to one, let it be this.
Insider tip!
Barrier care is the keyword, so listen to your skin and add steps at a slow pace.
Written by – Rimpa Ash
About the author –
Hello hello! Two things I love the most? Putting pen to paper and sharing little bits about Korea, from its culture to food and everything in between. Here’s both of them combined for you by me, simply a guide for your next exploration, be it for a new k drama or a new kimchi recipe.I hope my words make you tingle with excitement and push you to try that next new thing. Just a cozy corner on the internet where we explore fascinating things together.