The Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine: Why It Works (and Why You Don't Need All 10)

The Korean 10-step routine has a reputation for being complicated. It isn't, really. Each step just has one small job, and they're applied in an order that lets each product work. Once you understand the logic, you can keep the steps your skin needs and skip the rest.

Why the 10-step routine works

• Thin to thick. Watery products go on first, and creams go on last. Light layers absorb, and heavier ones seal them in.
• Hydration first. K-beauty treats hydrated skin as healthy skin. Several thin layers hydrate better than one thick one.
• Gentle cleansing. Double cleansing removes sunscreen and makeup properly without stripping your skin.
• Prevention. Daily sunscreen is the step that protects everything else you do.

The 10 steps, one by one

1. Oil cleanser (evening). Dissolves sunscreen, makeup and excess oil. Try Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Cleansing Oil or I'm From Fig Cleansing Balm.
2. Water-based cleanser. Cleans the skin itself. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser and Round Lab Birch Juice Cleanser are both gentle and low-pH.
3. Exfoliator (1–3 times a week). Clears dead skin so everything else absorbs better. Try COSRX Low pH Good Night Soft Peeling Gel or Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel.
4. Toner. Rebalances and adds the first layer of hydration. Try Round Lab Dokdo Toner.
5. Essence. The heart of K-beauty: a light, hydrating treatment. Try MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence or COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.
6. Serum or ampoule. Targets your main concern, like dark spots, dullness or breakouts. Try COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum for brightness or SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Serum for texture.
7. Sheet mask (optional, a few times a week). A concentrated boost of hydration.
8. Eye cream. The skin around your eyes is thinner and dries out first. Try COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream.
9. Moisturizer. Seals everything in. Try COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream.
10. Sunscreen (morning). The most important anti-aging step there is. Try Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen.

You don't need all 10 steps

Here's the secret most guides leave out: the 10-step routine is a menu, not a rule. Too many products at once can even irritate sensitive skin. Start small and add steps only when you have a reason to.

The 3-step routine (busy days)

1. Cleanser
2. Moisturizer
3. Sunscreen (morning)

The 5-step routine (our favorite)

1. Oil cleanser (evening)
2. Water-based cleanser
3. Toner or essence
4. Moisturizer
5. Sunscreen (morning)

Add a serum when you want to target a specific concern, and an exfoliator a couple of times a week. That's honestly all most people need.

Build yours the simple way

Shop by step in our 5-Step Routine and 10-Step Routine collections, or start with what our customers love most in Best Sellers. New to layering? Our guide to the art of layering goes deeper.