Korean skincare routine guide

The steps of the Korean routine

The Korean routine is not a list of ten products to pile on, but a logical order: cleanse, prepare, treat, moisturise, protect. Here is each step, with the matching collection.

1. Double cleansing (evening)

An oil or balm first dissolves SPF, make-up and sebum; a gentle, pH-balanced water-based cleanser then removes the rest. In the morning, a single cleanse is enough, or even a simple rinse with water for dry skin. See the cleansers.

2. Toner

It rehydrates the skin right after cleansing and prepares it for the next steps. Korean toners are usually alcohol-free and soothing. See the toners and essences.

3. Essence, serum or ampoule

This is the targeted step: niacinamide for pores and skin tone, centella to soothe, PDRN and peptides to support the skin, vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening. One or two serums are enough. See the serums and ampoules.

4. Moisturiser

Cream or gel, it seals in the hydration from the previous steps. Ceramide formulas suit a weakened skin barrier well. See the moisturisers.

5. Sun protection (morning)

The last step every morning, even on cloudy days. Korean sunscreens stand out for their light textures, which make daily application easier. See the SPF sunscreens.

6. Mask (once or twice a week)

A sheet mask for a boost of hydration, a clay mask for pores, a sleeping mask for dry skin. See the masks.

The short version: "skip-care"

An effective routine fits into three or four steps:

• Morning: gentle cleanser (or water), moisturiser, SPF.
• Evening: double cleansing, one serum suited to your concern, moisturiser.

Add the toner, essence or mask only if your skin asks for more. Our sets and routines gather these basics so you can start without getting it wrong.

Order of application

The rule is simple: from thinnest to richest. Watery textures (toner, essence) go before serums, which go before creams, and SPF closes the morning routine. Let each layer sink in for about thirty seconds before the next.

Common mistakes

• Retinol and exfoliating acids on the same evening. Alternate them from one evening to the next to limit irritation, and introduce retinol gradually, once or twice a week at first.
• Skipping SPF. Without sun protection, most of what your serums do for dark spots and signs of ageing is lost.
• Changing everything at once. Introduce one new product at a time, a week apart, so you can identify what doesn't suit you.
• Over-cleansing. A harsh foaming cleanser twice a day weakens the skin barrier; it is often the cause of skin that is both oily and tight.
• Stacking serums. Beyond two, the actives get in each other's way and the skin saturates.

Choosing by concern

• Sensitive skin: very gentle cleanser, centella (cica), ceramides, mineral or hybrid SPF.
• Acne and pores: regular cleansing, niacinamide, light gel moisturiser.
• Dark spots and dull skin: vitamin C in the morning, niacinamide, SPF without exception.
• Dryness and skin barrier: gentle double cleansing, hydrating essence, snail mucin, ceramide cream.
• Signs of ageing: retinol in the evening, peptides, collagen or PDRN, SPF in the morning.

Each product page states the actives, what they are good for and their limits. If in doubt, our FAQ and contact page are there.