1. Oil Cleanser: The First Step in Your Routine
Begin your morning (or night) with an oil cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. As the first layer of your Korean skincare routine, this step ensures clean skin without stripping natural oils. Try a nourishing oil cleanser enriched with green tea or camellia oil.
2. Water-Based Cleanser: Double Cleansing Explained
Next up is the traditional “double cleanse.” Your how to layer skincare technique continues with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove water-soluble impurities. This cleans deeper and primes your skin for the next steps.
3. Exfoliator: Polish and Refresh
In step three, apply a mild exfoliator—chemical (like AHA/BHA) or physical—twice weekly to remove dead skin cells. This prevents dullness and lets your serums absorb more effectively—crucial in any successful 10 step skincare plan.
4. Toner: Hydration First
Applying a hydrating toner is the fourth step in your Korean skincare routine. The toner balances pH, adds moisture, and boosts absorption. For dry skin, opt for a humectant-rich toner packed with hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
5. Essence: The Heart of Korean Beauty
Essence is what makes the Korean skincare routine unique. As the fifth step in 10 step skincare, this lightweight potion delivers high concentrations of active ingredients to hydrate and prep skin. Learn how to layer skincare by patting essence into damp skin for maximum absorption.
6. Ampoule: Targeted Treatment Hero
Step six is where you customize your Korean skincare routine with an ampoule—a concentrated formula targeting specific concerns like pigmentation, dullness, or fine lines. This step lets you personalize your 10-step layering routine for your needs.
7. Serum or Booster: Extra Care
Now you move to the seventh layer: a serum or booster addressing individual skin needs. Whether it’s vitamin C for brightening or peptides for firmness, this step shows your mastery of how to layer skincare effectively.
8. Sheet Mask: Weekly Spa Experience
In the 10 step skincare ritual, the eighth step is a relaxing sheet mask. Use it 1–3 times a week to infuse your skin with hydration, soothing botanicals, or brightening ingredients. It’s a pampering bonus in your Korean skincare routine.
9. Eye Cream: Close to the Eyes
Step nine focuses on the delicate eye area. Apply an eye cream after your mask or serum to combat puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Don’t skip this part—it completes your layering process and reinforces strong Korean skincare routine habits.
10. Moisturizer & Sunscreen: Final Steps for Protection
Finish your Korean skincare routine with a moisturizer to seal everything in, then apply SPF in the morning. If doing your routine at night, swap sunscreen for a richer night cream. This final step emphasizes how to layer skincare by building effective skin protection every day.
Bonus: Optional Weekly Treatments
Once or twice a week, you can tweak the 10 step skincare plan with extras:
- Overnight mask instead of moisturizer
- Spot treatments between steps 8 and 9
- Facial oil after moisturizer for dry skin types
Summary Table: Layering Guide
Step: What It Is Why It Matters
1–2 Oil & Water Cleanse Removes oil and water-based impurities
3 Exfoliator Smooths and preps skin
4 Toner Hydrates and balances
5 Essence Nourishes at a cellular level
6–7Ampoule & Serum Treats skin concerns with active ingredients
8 Sheet Mask Deep hydration and pampering
9 Eye Cream Targets eye-area issues
10 Moisturizer & SPF Locks in nutrients + protects from UV
Why Follow the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine?
The beauty of the Korean skincare routine lies in its layering philosophy. By applying products from thinnest to thickest, you allow maximum absorption and targeted care. This method shows how to layer skincare properly—unlocking glowing, healthy skin with minimal irritation.
Product Picks for Each Step
Here’s a curated list of products you can link to or feature:
Oil Cleanser: medicube – One Day Exosome Shot Pore Ampoule 7500 – 30ml
Water Cleanser: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil – 200 ml
Exfoliator: ANUA – Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam – 150 ml
Toner: COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner 150ml
Essence: COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence Sheet Mask
Ampoule: medicube – One Day Exosome Shot Pore Ampoule 7500 – 30ml
Serum: COSRX – The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum – 150 ml
Sheet Mask: I’m From Rice Mask 110g
Eye Cream: COSRX Snail Peptide Eye Cream – 25 ml
Moisturizer Cream: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream