Korean Skin Care Routines: The 10-Step K-Beauty Routine (Complete With Green Alternatives)

If you’re interested in exploring the notorious 10-step Korean beauty routine, whether it’s natural, or even have questions about where to start, you’ve come to the right place. As an esthetician and the founder of Korean beauty boutique Peach & Lily, I’ve seen firsthand how the K-beauty routine can help people truly see a profound improvement in skin health—whether that be helping to prevent breakouts, helping reduce hyperpigmentation and/or dark spots, or imparting a fresh glow. Believe it or not, devoting the time and energy to taking care of your skin can also boost a feeling of well-being.

You might have heard about the many steps in the Korean beauty routine. The Korean beauty routine doesn’t necessarily include 10 exact steps, but in general, the Korean beauty routine includes multiple steps and is focused on improving skin gently, through hydrating and nourishing layers, and achieving results that truly last. What I love about the Korean skin care philosophy is that fundamentally, the routine is about respecting your skin. Instead of using harsh ingredients that strip the skin of its natural barrier, it’s about working with your skin’s ecosystem and cleansing, hydrating, nourishing, and protecting it so that your skin can thrive. The results speak for themselves. People who thought that their skin was naturally reactive and sensitive, or people who believed that breakouts could never improve, or people who believed that the signs of UV damage are a part of getting older have seen results with the Korean beauty routine that say otherwise. Ultimately, it’s not about following the 10-step regimen militantly but tailoring the routine to your skin’s needs, your skin type, and your environment and focusing on truly improving the skin from within through a gentle but potent multilayered routine.

The double-cleansing routine has become well-known among K-beauty enthusiasts. The oil-based cleanser is the first of this dual-cleansing step. Oil and water repel each other, so a simple foaming water-based cleanser isn’t going to effectively remove all the oil-based impurities on skin. SPF, makeup, and our own sebum, which can trap impurities, are most effectively removed with an oil-based cleanser. If you have oily skin, I know it could sound counterintuitive, but using an oil cleanser can really help. I have seen a huge difference in my clients who have started oil cleansing as skin begins to thrive when not weighed down with impurities. I love the Shangpree Cleansing Gel for a traditional K-beauty option as it gently removes all makeup and washes off completely with water without leaving behind any greasy residue. It’s perfect for all skin types and leaves skin supple and refreshed.

The natural beauty world also has several green oil cleansing options including Kahina Giving Beauty’s new facial oil cleanser, Biossance's Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, and Monestary’s Rose Cleansing Oil. For more options, check out the best cleansing oils.

Follow up with a hydrating water-based second cleanser to remove remaining residue gently. This two-step cleansing process helps to remove and delayer impurities without stripping skin dry or tugging too hard at the skin. I personally love low-pH cleansers as they’re very gentle and less disruptive for your skin barrier. The Cerave Hydrating Cleanser is a great choice for all skin types. You can mix and match Korean and non-Korean products for a Korean beauty routine!

I am asked often if a toner is really necessary. (Hint: It is, especially if you use face oils!) I am a firm believer in toners as they help balance your skin’s pH, which is vital for skin health, and also help to kick-start hydration. Some of my favorite Korean toners are the Be the Skin toners as they completely drench skin with hydration while balancing the skin’s pH.

To boot, there are Korean toners for each skin type. The Botanical Pore Toner is a favorite for those with oily skin—in fact, this toner won the Peach & Lily Best of K-Beauty Award—as it completely mattifies shine without stripping skin dry and leaves it a balanced, hydrated matte. The Botanical Nutrition Power Toner is incredible for those with dry skin as it’s infused with nourishing and soothing royal jelly. The Botanical Nutrition Toner is perfect for those with combination skin as the formula helps the oilier parts become less oily and the dry parts more hydrated. Finally, the Purifying White Waterful Toner is incredibly hydrating and brightening for those with uneven skin tone or a lack of radiance.

Step 5 is where the K-beauty routine becomes the most personalized. This treatment step is all about choosing the ingredients that are best for your own personal skin care preferences. Whether you’re focused on correcting hyperpigmentation, calming breakouts, or infusing a youthful boost into dull skin, these products are typically concentrated with active ingredients. You can mix and match different treatments together. The general rule of thumb here, and always, is to apply thinnest texture to thickest texture.

This step of the K-beauty routine is particularly significant because it provides an opportunity for you to really get to know your skin. There are so many great treatment products out there, including, of course, non-Korean beauty products, and when you’ve done the prior steps—cleansed your skin well, toned and applied essence—these products can go even further for you. The Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum is great for those looking to intensify the skin’s glow or add firmness and hydration. Pai’s Rosehip Seed BioRegenerate Oil, or any rosehip seed oil, is a great way to replenish your lipid barrier while also delivering antioxidants to skin.

This is the single most important step in protecting your skin. Rain or shine, every morning, SPF, always—safety first! And if you’re out and about in the sun, remember to reapply every few hours. We all know SPF is so important, but it’s always a bit of a hassle to apply because of the white cast or the greasy, heavy feeling. I get it, but your skin will thank you when you find a good SPF that you like, and then get into the habit of never leaving home without protection. As an esthetician, I’ve seen this one simple habit be the difference between people whose skin aged prematurely (think age spots; dull, lackluster skin) and people who were able to maintain such incredible skin health. Daily habits add up for appearance but also help for protection against preventable skin cancer.