10-Step Korean Skincare Routine - Guide

The Korean 10-step routine is not a rigid ritual but a flexible order that deeply cleanses, hydrates, and protects your skin. You layer light textures from thin to rich, adapt steps to your skin type, and skip what you don't need. At NoticeMe you will find fitting K-Beauty and J-Beauty products for every stage from Korea and Japan.

1. Oil cleansing

Start with a cleansing oil or balm to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Massage onto dry skin, emulsify with a little water, and rinse. Oils are gentle because like dissolves like. Choose lighter oils for oily skin, richer balms for dry skin. Find varied oil-based cleansers for this first step.

2. Water-based cleansing

The second cleanse removes water-soluble residue and sweat. A mild gel or foam cleanser with pH 5-6 helps maintain the acid mantle and avoids tightness. Use lukewarm water and massage briefly. Double cleansing delivers deep clarity and optimizes absorption of the next steps. Discover suitable water-based facial cleansers.

3. Exfoliation

Exfoliation smooths skin, removes dead cells, and helps actives penetrate better. Chemical exfoliants use acids: AHAs like glycolic or lactic refine dry, dull skin; BHAs like salicylic work deep in pores for blemishes; PHAs are especially gentle and hydrating. 1-3 times per week is enough—don’t overdo it to avoid irritation. Skip other strong actives the same evening and always wear sunscreen the next day.

4. Toner

A hydrating toner balances pH and drenches the skin so everything after works better. Opt for alcohol-free formulas with soothing and hydrating ingredients like centella, green tea or hyaluronic acid. Apply with hands and pat in. Optionally layer 2-3 thin coats if your skin is very thirsty.

5. Essence

Essence is the heart of many K-beauty routines: an ultra-light, potent hydration layer that strengthens the barrier and boosts radiance. Typical ingredients include ferments, snail secretion filtrate, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid. Apply 1-2 thin layers and pat in. Essences calm, deeply hydrate, and prime skin perfectly for treatments.

6. Serum or ampoule

Serums and ampoules target specific concerns with concentrated actives. Layer a maximum of 1-2 products per routine and observe your skin. Apply spot-wise or over the face as needed, then follow with moisture.

• Blemishes: BHA, tea tree, propolis
• Dark spots: Vitamin C, niacinamide, arbutin
• Dryness/barrier: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol

7. Mask

Sheet masks deliver a hydration boost in 10-20 minutes. Gently pat in the excess; do not rinse. Sleeping masks seal in moisture overnight and are ideal 2-3 times per week when your skin needs extra comfort.

8. Eye care

The eye area is thin and delicate. A light eye cream or gel with caffeine, peptides, or retinal can reduce puffiness and fine lines. Dab sparingly before face cream without rubbing. Cooling eye patches are great for a quick refresh.

9. Moisturizer

The moisturizer step locks in hydration and protects the barrier. Choose gel or emulsion textures for combination to oily skin; creamier formulas with ceramides and squalane for dry skin. Go lighter by day and richer at night. Find the right moisturizer for your skin type.

10. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential and the most important anti-aging step. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 daily, even when it’s cloudy. Choose chemical filters for ultra-light textures or mineral filters for very sensitive skin. As a guide, use two finger lengths for the face. Reapply during the day if needed, e.g., with a stick or spray. Modern K-beauty formulas combine high protection with elegant, thin textures.

Start with a few well-tolerated steps, then build out. At NoticeMe you can find oil and water cleansers, exfoliants, toners, essences, serums, masks, eye care, moisturizers, and sunscreens from brands like Beauty of Joseon, Etude House, Hada Labo and SKIN1004—with fast delivery and free samples.

FAQ

What is the correct order for Korean skincare?

The rule of thumb is thin to rich: 1 oil cleanser, 2 water-based cleanser, 3 exfoliant, 4 toner, 5 essence, 6 serum/ampoule, 7 mask, 8 eye care, 9 moisturizer, 10 sunscreen. At night you can swap step 10 for a sleeping mask or richer night care.

What are the steps of the 10-skin method?

The 10-skin method means layering light liquids in multiple passes, usually toner and essence. Apply in thin layers until the skin looks plump and hydrated. Combine it with the 10-step Korean routine for maximum glow.