Your 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

The 10-step Korean skincare routine starts with a double cleanse and it's worth doing properly.

First up, is an oil-based cleanser. Massage it into dry skin using circular motions to lift make-up, sunscreen and excess sebum, without stripping anything away. Then gently rinse with lukewarm water.

Oily skin? Don't worry, oil actually draws out excess sebum rather than adding to it. If you're new to oil cleansers, try something light like the Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil. Its water-like texture makes it a gentle first step.

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, smooths your skin's texture and helps keep pores clear, while also making everything else in your Korean face care routine work harder. Both physical exfoliators (scrubs) and chemical exfoliators (like AHAs and BHAs) do the job well, just in different ways.

If you want something gentle and straightforward, the Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel is a solid choice. Depending on your skin type or the product you buy, this could be a daily or weekly step.

Step five is the essence and it's where K-beauty really starts to feel different. Lightweight and deeply hydrating, essences are all about renewal. They're not heavy or greasy; think of them as a boost your skin drinks in. The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water is a great all-rounder – it works for sensitive skin, oily skin and helps with fine lines, too.

To use, simply pour a few drops into your palms or onto a cotton pad, then gently pat – not rub – onto your face. Patting helps the essence absorb properly and keeps things gentle on your skin.

If there's one Korean skincare step that feels like a treat, it's this one. Possibly the most well-known K-beauty product, sheet masks are soaked in serums and essences that flood your skin with hydration. The Biodance Radiant Vita Niacinamide Real Deep Mask is a firm favourite.

To use, smooth it onto your face and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, then peel away and pat any remaining essence into your skin. While they’re gentle enough to be used daily, one to two times a week is plenty for most skin types.

Moisturiser is what locks everything in, strengthening your skin barrier so all those layers can actually do their job. Use it morning and night to finish your routine. What moisturiser you choose really depends on your skin type.

If you want that glossy, lit-from-within look – the glass skin effect Korean skincare is known for – the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream is worth trying. Its lightweight, jelly-like texture smooths over fine lines and sinks in without any heaviness.

Oily skin? Try the Medicube Zero Pore One Day Cream to keep things mattified. Sensitive skin? The iUNIK Mugwort Calming Cream soothes and hydrates without irritation.