Korean skincare (K-beauty) is often linked to the famous “10-step routine”. In reality, you don’t have to do every step every day. The idea behind Korean skincare is simple: gentle cleansing, plenty of hydration and daily sun protection. Here’s what each step is for and where to begin.
The basics: start here
If you’re new to Korean skincare, four steps are enough:
- Cleanser – removes dirt, oil and makeup without drying the skin.
- Toner – rebalances the skin’s pH, hydrates and preps it for the next steps.
- Moisturiser – locks in hydration and protects the skin barrier.
- Sunscreen (morning) – the single most important step for keeping skin young.
Once these become a habit, you can add a serum, masks and an eye cream.
The full Korean routine, step by step
1. Oil cleanser (evening)
A cleansing oil or balm dissolves makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. You mainly need this step in the evening if you wear makeup or SPF.
2. Water-based cleanser
A gentle foam or gel cleanser removes what’s left. A good cleanser never leaves your skin feeling tight. Browse our cleansers.
3. Exfoliation (1–3 times a week)
A chemical exfoliant (AHA, BHA or PHA) removes dead skin cells and smooths the skin. Don’t exfoliate every day – it can damage your skin barrier.
4. Toner
Korean toners are hydrating rather than alcohol-based. Apply with your hands or a cotton pad. For example, the Anua Azelaic Acid 3+ toner suits blemish-prone skin. See all toners.
5. Essence
A light, watery layer of extra hydration. It’s optional, but dry skin loves it.
6. Serum or ampoule
Serums are the most concentrated step and target a specific concern: redness, dark spots, fine lines or dryness. For example, the Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ serum calms redness. See all serums.
7. Sheet mask (1–3 times a week)
A sheet mask gives a quick boost of hydration. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes and massage the leftover serum into your skin. Browse our face masks.
8. Eye cream
The skin around the eyes is thinner and needs gentler care. Pat the eye cream in with your fingertips. See eye creams and patches.
9. Moisturiser
The moisturiser seals in all the previous steps and protects the skin barrier. Dry skin needs a richer cream, oily skin a light gel cream. See face creams.
10. Sunscreen (morning)
Sunscreen is the last step of your morning routine. Korean sunscreens are lightweight and leave no white cast. For example, the Anua Zero-Cast sunscreen.
Morning vs evening routine
Morning: gentle cleanse (or just water) → toner → serum → moisturiser → sunscreen.
Evening: oil cleanser → foam cleanser → toner → serum → eye cream → moisturiser. Exfoliants and retinol belong in your evening routine.
The most common mistakes
- Too many new products at once. Add one new product about once a week so you can see what works for your skin.
- Over-exfoliating. Redness and stinging are a sign that your skin barrier needs a break.
- Skipping sunscreen. UV rays affect your skin even on cloudy days.
Where to start?
Start with the four basic steps and choose products for your skin type. Not sure what suits you? Read our guide to skincare for different skin types or visit our store in Tallinn – we choose every product ourselves, have tested many of them on our own skin, and will help you find the right routine.
Visit our store in Tallinn, Narva mnt 5 (Artius centre). We choose every product ourselves, test many of them, and will help you find the right routine for your skin.
