You’ve probably tried a bunch of products that promised results and didn’t deliver. I’ve been there too. That’s why the 10-step Korean skincare routine is worth paying attention to — not because it’s trendy, but because it actually works. It’s rooted in a culture that treats skincare as daily self-love, not a quick fix. Dermatologists and beauty experts around the world now praise its layering approach for improving skin texture, hydration, and glow over time.
You don’t need every product out there. You just need the right ones — and I’ll help you figure that out. This guide breaks it all down, step by step, with tips, product ideas, and links to science-backed info. If your skin’s been feeling tired, dull, or just not its best, this is your glow-up moment. Ready to finally glow for real? Let’s start.
Step 1 – Oil Cleanser
The oil cleanser is always the first step in the Korean skincare routine because it gently removes everything your skin collects during the day—makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and even pollution. These are oil-based impurities, so water alone just won’t lift them off properly.
Using an oil cleanser first creates a clean, soft base, so every step that follows can actually do its job.
Oil cleansing is also backed by research. A study published on PubMed shows that mild cleansers, such as oil-based cleansers, remove impurities without damaging the skin barrier, unlike harsh surfactants that can strip your skin and leave it dry or irritated.
How to use it right:
Take 1–2 pumps of the cleanser and massage, use your fingertips and move in slow circles. Then, add a little water and continue massaging until the oil turns milky (this is called emulsifying). Finally, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Worried about breakouts?
It’s a fair concern. But the truth is, a properly formulated oil cleanser won't clog your pores. In fact, it can help prevent blackheads and acne by deeply clearing out pore-clogging buildup. Just make sure to follow up with the next step: a gentle water-based cleanser.
Recommended Product: Beauty of Renforcer Deep Cleansing Oil
Step 2 – Water-Based Cleanser
Once the oil cleanser has lifted off sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum, there’s still water-based dirt and sweat left behind. That’s where the second cleanser comes in. This step makes sure all the grime is gone—without over-cleansing or irritating your skin.
This two-step cleansing method (called “double cleansing”) is a core part of the Korean routine because it leaves your skin fresh, not stripped. It also helps prevent clogged pores and prepares your skin to soak in the benefits of the next steps.
Expert insight:
Research has shown that cleansers with a balanced pH help protect your skin barrier and reduce irritation. Harsh or alkaline cleansers can dry out your skin or trigger sensitivity. (Study via PubMed)
How to do it right:
Use a gentle, low-pH foaming cleanser. After rinsing off the oil cleanser, apply the water-based one to damp skin and massage for about 30 seconds. Then rinse with lukewarm water. You don’t need harsh scrubbing—just soft, circular motions.
Step 3 – Exfoliator (2–3 Times a Week)
Exfoliating helps sweep away dead skin cells, refreshing your face so it looks brighter and feels smoother. By clearing these away, exfoliation helps your skin absorb all those good products in your routine better.
But here’s the catch: you don’t want to overdo it. Using an exfoliator every day can irritate your skin, cause redness, and even damage your skin barrier. That’s why most experts, including dermatologists, recommend exfoliating only 2 to 3 times a week. (Source)
Types to consider:
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Chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) dissolve dead skin gently and are often better for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
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Physical exfoliants (scrubs) use tiny particles to scrub away dead skin, but you need to be gentle to avoid causing tiny cuts or irritation.
How to use it:
After cleansing, apply a thin layer of your exfoliator and let it work for the recommended time (usually a few minutes). Then rinse off gently with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing hard!
Be careful:
If your skin gets red, dry, or irritated after exfoliating, try doing it less often or choose a gentler product to let your skin heal.
Step 4 – Toner
After cleansing and exfoliating, your skin might feel a little dry or tight. That’s where toner comes in. It restores your skin’s pH balance and gives a little extra hydration, getting your skin ready for the next steps.
Not all toners are the same. Some can be harsh and drying, but the light, hydrating toners used in Korean skincare routines are gentle and soothing. They help your skin absorb serums and moisturizers better, making your whole routine more effective.
When to use toner:
If your skin feels dry or tight after cleansing, using a toner is a great idea. But if your skin feels comfortable, you can skip it—your skin doesn’t always need extra steps.
How to apply:
Pour a small amount onto a cotton pad or your hands, then gently press or swipe it onto your face. Avoid rubbing or harsh motions.
Helpful tip:
Look for toners with soothing ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid. They calm your skin and add moisture without irritation.
Step 5 – Essence
Essence might sound fancy, but it’s really just a lightweight, super-hydrating liquid that helps your skin stay soft, plump, and glowing. It’s designed to deliver moisture and active ingredients deep into your skin, improving texture, tone, and elasticity over time.
Many people say essence is what makes Korean skincare special because it boosts the results of every other product you use after it.
Science backs this up:
Ingredients like ginseng and fermented extracts found in essences can help with skin renewal and hydration. A study on fermented skincare ingredients shows they improve skin barrier function and reduce wrinkles (NCBI source).
Recommended product:
Beauty of Renforcer Ginseng Essence Water – it hydrates deeply and helps brighten your skin naturally.
How to apply:
Once you’ve applied toner, warm a few drops in your hands and gently pat it onto your face. Don’t rub—patting helps your skin absorb the essence better.
If your skin feels dry or dull, essence can make a big difference. It’s also great for all skin types, even oily or acne-prone.
Step 6 – Serum or Ampoule
Serums and ampoules are like supercharged potions packed with active ingredients. They target specific skin concerns, whether it’s brightening dullness, fading dark spots, or boosting firmness.
The difference? Ampoules usually have a higher concentration of actives and are used for short-term skin “boosts,” while serums are great for daily use.
Science says:
Vitamin C, a common serum ingredient, is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from damage and evens out skin tone. Studies show it can reduce dark spots and improve overall skin brightness (PubMed research).
Recommended product:
Beauty of Renforcer Vitamin C Glow Serum – brightens your skin and helps fade dark spots with regular use.
How to apply:
After essence, put a few drops of serum or ampoule on your fingertips and gently press it into your skin. Let it absorb fully before moving on.
Vitamin C serums work best when you use sunscreen afterward because they make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Step 7 – Sheet Mask (1–2 Times a Week)
Sheet masks are soaked in nourishing serums that give your skin a big boost of moisture and nutrients. Using them once or twice a week can calm your skin, brighten your complexion, and help with hydration—especially when your skin feels tired or dry.
They’re an easy way to boost your routine without extra effort. Plus, the mask creates a barrier that helps your skin soak in all the goodness.
Science behind it:
Studies show that sheet masks increase skin hydration and improve the skin barrier function when used regularly (NCBI source).
How to use:
After putting on your serum, gently set the mask on your skin and kick back for 15–20 minutes. Remove it, then gently pat any leftover essence into your skin. No need to rinse.
Helpful tip:
Choose masks that fit your skin needs—calming masks for redness, brightening masks for dull skin. Avoid using sheet masks too often if your skin feels sensitive or irritated.
Step 8 – Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is softer and more fragile than other areas of your face. That’s why it needs its own gentle treatment. Eye creams hydrate, smooth fine lines, and fight puffiness and dark circles—your eyes’ best friends.
Using a good eye cream regularly can keep your eyes looking fresh and rested, which makes a big difference in your overall glow.
Science says:
Ingredients like peptides and antioxidants in eye creams can improve skin firmness and reduce signs of aging (Study).
Recommended product:
Beauty of Renforcer Revive Eye Serum – targets puffiness and fine lines with a gentle, nourishing formula.
How to apply:
Use your ring finger to gently tap a small amount around your eye area. Avoid rubbing or pulling the skin.
Helpful tip:
Use eye cream twice a day—morning and night—for the best effect. If you wear makeup, let the cream absorb fully before applying your products.
Step 9 – Moisturizer
Moisturizer is what seals in all the hydration and nutrients from the previous steps. It creates a protective barrier that keeps your skin soft, smooth, and healthy throughout the day or night.
No matter your skin type—dry, oily, or combination—using the right moisturizer helps maintain your skin’s natural balance and prevents dryness or irritation.
Recommended product:
Beauty of Renforcer Dynasty Cream – rich but not heavy, perfect for all skin types, locking in moisture without clogging pores.
Helpful tip:
If your skin feels dry during the day, you can add a little moisturizer on top of your makeup for extra hydration.
Step 10 – Sunscreen (AM Routine Only)
You might be thinking, “Ugh, sunscreen again?” But trust me, this step seriously makes a difference. If you know, you know. No matter how amazing your skincare is, if you don’t protect your skin from the sun, all that work can get undone. Sun damage is the number one cause of wrinkles, dark spots, and tired-looking skin.
There’s solid research backing this — studies show daily sunscreen use can stop up to 80% of sun-related skin aging.
Even if you’re indoors most of the day, UV rays can sneak through windows, so make sunscreen a daily habit.
Recommended product:
Beauty of Renforcer Sunscreen – lightweight, non-sticky, and perfect for layering under makeup.
Tips for Following the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
Okay, here’s the thing — you don’t need to follow all 10 steps in this Korean skincare routine every single day. That might sound like a lot (because it is!), and your skin might not always want or need all of it.
The most important thing is to listen to your skin. If it feels dry or tight, add more hydration like essence or moisturizer. If it’s oily or sensitive, maybe skip the exfoliator or use lighter products that day.
Also, some steps like exfoliating and sheet masks are meant for only a couple of times a week — overdoing them can actually irritate your skin.
Think of this routine as your skin’s personal playlist. You don’t have to play every song every time — pick the ones that feel right, and mix it up depending on how your skin’s doing.
At the end of the day, consistency beats perfection. Find your flow, enjoy the process, and your skin will thank you.
How Long Does It Take to See Results From the 10-Step Routine?
I get it — when you start a new skincare routine, you want to see results fast. Here’s the real deal: glowing, healthy skin doesn’t happen overnight—it takes time and a bit of patience. Most people start noticing real changes after about 6 to 8 weeks of consistent use.
Why? Because your skin renews itself approximately every 48 days (source: Wikipedia). That means the routine needs a few weeks to help clear out dead skin, boost hydration, and repair damage.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a huge difference right away. Some improvements, like softer skin or less dryness, might show up sooner. But changes like brighter tone, fewer spots, and smoother texture usually take a bit longer.
Final Thoughts – Is the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine Right for You?
The 10-step Korean skincare routine isn’t about doing more just for the sake of it. It’s all about layering moisture and giving your skin what it truly needs — gently and effectively. When you follow it well, you’ll notice your skin feeling softer, looking brighter, and just healthier overall.
The best part? You don’t have to use every single step every day or mix a bunch of brands. You can build your own version using the Beauty of Renforcer range, which has all the products you need to make this routine simple and effective.
And if you want to grab everything in one place, you can find the full Beauty of Renforcer line here at Cheon Beauty — making your skincare shopping easy and hassle-free.
