When you think of Korean skincare, you might picture a lengthy, 10-step morning and night routine. In reality, the so-called “10-steps” were always a misunderstanding. Per K-beauty expert Sarah Chung Park, Korean skincare was never meant to be a rigid formula. “The best part about Korean skincare is that it’s highly personalized,” she explains. “Depending on your skin concerns on any given day, you can add or take out as many steps as you want. Think of it as the precursor to layered skincare, whether that’s three products or fifteen.”
That philosophy shows up in how people actually use their products. As fellow K-beauty expert and former Allure editor-in-chief Michelle Lee explains, layering has always been the guiding principle. “If I’m feeling particularly dehydrated and dry one day, I might layer several hydrating essences and toners before moving on to my other steps, sometimes even a few layers of a milky toner,” she says.
Breaking Down the Korean Skin-Care Routine:
.jpg)
At the same time, routines have naturally become more streamlined thanks to lifestyle shifts, ingredient innovation, and better formulations. Chung Park explains that “The technology behind beauty science is so fast-paced in Korea, and companies are constantly improving their formulations to offer advanced solutions that are highly effective. They are able to target specific skin-care concerns, and at the core of Korean skin-care philosophy is ultimately healthy skin.” Lee notes that how this plays out looks different for everyone. “People who are really into Korean beauty often end up building a skin-care wardrobe. Think of it like the everything shower—we all know we have certain days when we have more time to do everything. On weekends, maybe you do the mask, the ampoule, the whole routine. But on busy days, you do the abbreviated version.”
Trends like glass skin, mochi skin, and jelly skin may dominate your FYP, but they all share the same goal of healthy, resilient, calm skin. As K-beauty continues its rapid expansion in the West, with Ulta expanding its Korean beauty aisle, and Olive Young entering the U.S. while partnering with Sephora, it’s easy for trends to blur the bigger picture. “Ultimately, it’s about finding foundational products that work well for your skin and then occasionally introducing new things to see what works for you, not getting stuck on a merry-go-round of trying viral product after viral product,” Lee explains.
With that in mind, we asked experts to break down a modern Korean skin-care routine for morning and night—from layering tips to optional steps and the K-beauty products we love at every stage, including expert recommendations.
In This Story:
- What Does Korean Skincare Look Like in 2026?
- Is Korean Skincare for Everyone?
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
AM Step 1: Gentle Cleanse
According to celebrity esthetician and founder of Peach & Lily, Alicia Yoon, the first step in any 10-step Korean skincare routine is an oil cleanser. Oil-based impurities like excess sebum, makeup, and SPF are best removed with oil because like attracts like, a principle familiar to those who can remember their high school science class. That said, this step doesn’t need to be overly intense. Many people find that a simple rinse works, depending on their skin type and what was applied the night before. If you choose to double cleanse, follow your oil cleanser with a water-based formula. “A gentle, hydrating water-based cleanser as the second step removes all water-based impurities like dirt, grime, and sweat, without being harsh on the skin,” Yoon explains.
Sulwhasoo
Gentle Cleansing Oil
If you decided to experiment with a waterproof cat eye or went for a full-coverage foundation look, you’re going to need something that removes everything easily and thoroughly. This means no rubbing, tugging at the skin, or worrying about emerging with raccoon eyes. This product melts everything off and leaves your skin fresh and hydrated in the process.
Haruharu Wonder
Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
For those who prefer a streamlined routine, this cleansing oil works with just one pump. It emulsifies easily to remove makeup, SPF, and daily buildup without stripping the skin, thanks to a nourishing blend of rice bran, olive, sunflower, jojoba, and macadamia seed oils.
AM Step 2: Hydration and Skin Prep
Next comes hydration, which often involves both a toner and an essence. While toners may still carry a negative connotation, many modern formulas are no longer harsh, stripping, or astringent, especially within K-beauty. “Korean toners are incredibly hydrating, and their main job is to focus on balancing the skin, including the skin’s pH level,” says Yoon. Although toners and essences can offer similar benefits, they are not exactly interchangeable. Yoon explains that the difference lies in their primary functions: a toner helps balance the skin, while an essence floods it with hydration. If your toner is deeply hydrating, it can double as an essence. Depending on the formula, essences may also contain more concentrated ingredients and benefits compared to toners. “Think of essences as hydrating elixirs that can also deliver lightweight treatment benefits,” says Yoon.
AM Step 3: Prescription Topicals
“If you are using any prescription topicals, you would typically apply them directly onto dry skin once everything is patted in, either right after cleansing or right after your toner and essence,” explains Yoon. Every prescription has its nuances, so check in with your doctor on where exactly this would fit into your routine.
AM Step 4: Treatment
The next optional step is treatment. In K-beauty, this typically means serums or ampoules, of which there are plenty to choose from. “Depending on the formula, the order might differ, but the general rule of thumb is light to heavy in texture to optimize absorbency,” says Yoon. When choosing a treatment, look for formulas that hydrate, brighten, firm, or calm the skin to support a luminous, smooth, and clear complexion. It’s also important to select serums that can be easily paired with other products without irritation. Ingredient-wise, we’ve seen growing interest in options like PDRN, spicules, microbiome-supporting formulas, and NAD+, and Chung Park notes that many of these are gentle enough for daily use. However, she advises to “apply the product with spicules first, then layer a simple, soothing PDRN product after, but remember to start slow and be mindful of your skin barrier. And do not mix spicules with any actives!”
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum
This lightweight ampoule absorbs into the skin easily and isn’t sticky, so you don’t have to wait too long before moving on to the next step. Gentle and hydrating, even those with the most sensitive skin types or eczema can use it without worry—instead, they’ll notice a soothing and calming sensation.
Aprilskin
TXA Niacinamide Toning Shot
Infused with micro-spicules, which are 25 times smaller than pores, along with TXA, niacinamide, and exosomes, this treatment targets concerns like dark spots and dullness. You may notice a slight tingle upon application, but clinical trials indicate it’s safe for daily use.
AM Step 5: Eye Cream
Don’t forget eye creams! Yoon advises choosing one that suits your eye area and addresses specific concerns you’re targeting. The eye area is sensitive and prone to milia, so always make sure to patch test. “Remember to dab on the product rather than tugging and pulling,” she adds.
Medicube
PDRN Pink Peptide Eye Cream
If PDRN is an ingredient your skin responds well to, you might as well incorporate it into your eye cream. An extension of the Medicube’s viral PDRN line, this formula helps reduce the appearance of dark areas under the eyes while improving overall tone and texture.
TIRTIR
Collagen Lifting Eye Cream
With a cooling metal roller applicator, this eye cream feels especially refreshing in the morning, particularly if you’re looking to depuff. Beyond application, it’s formulated with niacinamide, plant collagen, and five different peptides to moisturize the under-eye area and help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
AM Step 6: Moisturizer
It’d be a crime to skip moisturizer, which is why this step comes last to seal it all in. According to Yoon, Korean skincare offers incredible textures and exceeds expectations with sensorial experiences. This is particularly true for Korean moisturizers, as the final step not only provides skin-care benefits but also significantly affects how your skin looks and feels after application.
Etude
SoonJung 2x Intensive Cream
For fans of rich, thick creams, this facial moisturizer contains Panthenoside, a blend of panthenol and madecassoside, to calm irritation and help strengthen the skin barrier. While many rich creams err on the heavy side, this one feels lightweight, glides easily into the skin, and can be used morning and night without any stickiness.
AM Step 7: Sunscreen
And in the mornings, the final step is SPF, rain or shine. “With the diverse and modern sun filters that can be used, Korean sunscreens are typically weightless, invisible, and feel more like a light moisturizer or soothing serum than the sunscreens we might be familiar with stateside,” says Yoon. Lee adds that Korean sunscreens are so lovely and cosmetically elegant that it’s easy to think of them as the final skin-care step rather than a chore. There are also a variety of formats that make reapplication easy throughout the day, including sun cushions.
Glow Recipe
Dew Shield SPF 30
“We wanted to create an SPF that included the best parts of a Korean sunscreen but was created in the US and accessible for everyone,” Glow Recipe co-founder Christine Chang tells Vogue. “It’s formulated with niacinamide, which helps strengthen the skin barrier by boosting hydration and reducing hyperpigmentation from sun exposure.”
d'alba
Piedmont Sun Cushion
For those who prefer a cushioned format, this one offers SPF 50+ and leaves a dewy finish. Just be sure to apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure. Beyond its format, it’s also infused with ingredients like white truffle extract and vitamin E for antioxidant and nourishing benefits.
Abib
Quick Sunstick Protection Bar
This clear sunscreen stick from Abib is a favorite for several reasons. It applies transparently with no risk of white cast, is easy to travel with, and makes reapplication uncomplicated. Available in both a glowy and semi-matte finish, it’s non-greasy, offers SPF 50+, and is formulated with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, centella asiatica, and green tea leaf extract.
PM Step 1: Double Cleanse
No matter how much or how little you did during the day, an oil-based cleanser is an essential first step in the evening. These formulas effectively dissolve and draw out oil-based impurities, including SPF, makeup, and excess sebum. As esthetician Mandy Epley explains, “During the day, oil residue and dead skin cells accumulate on your skin. The first step in a Korean skin-care routine is to remove this buildup. With clean skin, you create a blank canvas for the following steps to be most effective.”
From there, follow up with a water-based cleanser to complete the double cleanse, a cornerstone of K-beauty routines that’s since been widely adopted across skincare everywhere, including Victoria Beckham’s. This second cleanse helps remove water-based impurities like dirt, sweat, and grime. As Chung Park adds, it’s important to make sure your face is fully clear of any residue from the day so your skin can enter recovery mode while you sleep.
When it comes to choosing a formula, Yoon suggests opting for a low-pH, sulfate-free, calming cleanser for a gentle reset or selecting a treatment cleanser suited to your specific skin concerns. If you’re acne-prone, she recommends an acne-specific cleanser to deeply cleanse down to the pores. Epley notes that double cleansing is best reserved for the evening, rather than as part of a morning routine.
The Pure Lotus
Jeju Botanical PH Balancing Cleanser
This luxurious and gentle cleanser deeply cleanses while delivering antioxidants through its exclusive Jeju lotus extract. Yoon says it visibly calms the skin and maintains its balance. For a deeper clean, gently massage the cleanser into the skin with water for 10 to 15 minutes.
PM Step 2: Exfoliation
Depending on your skin type and exfoliator, this might be a daily or weekly step—make sure to read the instructions on the label. Yoon explains that on the days you’re exfoliating, you should do so after cleansing. On exfoliation days, Yoon says you should do so after cleansing. She emphasizes that balanced exfoliation is key, as overdoing it can cause more harm than good. There are different types of exfoliants—chemical, physical, and enzymatic—so choose one based on your skin’s tolerance. “Most people only need to exfoliate two or three times a week,” Epley advises.
Peach & Lily
Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask
With 10% glycolic acid and 0.5% BHA, this mask delivers serious resurfacing power while staying gentle on the skin. Yoon explains that it’s uniquely formulated with blue agave, aloe, and eggplant to soothe and hydrate, keeping it true to her K-Beauty philosophy of “don’t-be-harsh-on-skin.”
Amore Pacific
Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder
Yoon describes this powder as a “classic.” It uses green tea-derived enzymes to gently buff the skin while hyaluronic acid keeps it hydrated. Its powder-to-foam formula is great for sensitive skin types, but make sure not to add too much water so it lathers properly.
PM Step 3: Hydration and Prep
This step is all about restoring moisture and preparing the skin for what comes next. In Korean skincare, that often means reaching for a toner, an essence, or a combination of the two, depending on what your skin needs that night. Many toners are hydrating, while essences are often pH-balanced and moisture-forward, making either option especially beneficial before bed. Rather than thinking of them as separate steps, it’s more helpful to think in terms of function. Yoon explains that if you’re using an exfoliating toner and not getting hydration from that step, layering in a deeply hydrating essence can help replenish moisture, since it serves a different purpose than your toner. “Essences are meant to hydrate and are packed with antioxidants and vitamins to enhance overall skin health,” says Epley. This step is particularly helpful in the winter, when indoor heat and dry air can deplete moisture while you sleep.
Femmue
Dual Essence Camellia
The best of both worlds, this essence-meets-serum-meets-toner mist is designed to strengthen the skin, balance moisture levels, and regulate sebum production. Just a few spritzes deliver hydrated, dewy, “what are you using?” skin, thanks to a blend of camellia rose petal brew and camellia oil.
PM Step 4: Treatment
This step is all about addressing your unique skin concerns with targeted treatments, explains Yoon. There are many options, including ampoules and serums. “The difference is that ampoules are typically considered more concentrated than serums, but it really depends on the formula, as some serums can also have very high concentrations of active ingredients,” says Yoon.
TIRTIR
Ceramic Milk Ampoule
This step can help you land the coveted glass skin look, as the finish of this milky ampoule is known for its high-gloss effect. The secret lies in its ingredients: moisturizing squalene provides deep hydration, white bran extract helps protect the skin, and a nourishing milk complex works to strengthen the skin barrier.
Purcell
24/7 Colostrum Ampoule Mist
A Lee recommendation for achieving glass skin, this mist is packed with colostrum, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol to hydrate and prime the skin much like a serum. It can also be misted over makeup, similar to a setting spray, making it an ideal makeup-skincare hybrid. For best results, we suggest applying it both before and after makeup.
VT Cosmetics
CT Reedle Shot 700
Spicule serums aren’t for everyone, but if you’re curious to try one, this formula is designed to suit even sensitive skin. The brand recommends starting with Mild 50 or 100 for beginners. You may notice a slight tingle upon application, but like other actives, it helps gently remove impurities while supporting the skin’s natural renewal process.
PM Step 5: Masks
This is a bonus step for nights when you have extra time or want to treat yourself. Masking is also one of the most diverse categories in Korean skincare, with formats and formulas that can be tailored to different needs. “Depending on the mask, its application might vary, but typically, they are used after cleansing and toning,” says Yoon. “What comes next is up to you: some prefer to complete their entire skin-care routine after masking, while others may simply want to lock in the benefits with a moisturizer.”
As for trends, collagen masks and bio-cellulose masks are both having a moment, though they’re typically used more strategically than traditional sheet masks. Chung Park explains that many Koreans, women and men alike, are very diligent about their skin-care routines, which is why collagen masks aren’t meant for frequent use; instead, they’re most effective as an overnight treatment or worn for a few hours. Lee adds that collagen masks are best saved for more occasional use, like the night before an event or during periods of extreme dryness.
Bio-cellulose masks are similarly used on an as-needed basis. For a lower-commitment option, some people opt for toner masking instead, a technique Lee recommends using toner pads placed strategically on areas like the cheeks, forehead, and chin for targeted hydration without committing to a full mask.
Neogen
Real Niacinamide Glow Up Daily Mask Pads
A favorite of Lee’s, she notes that these toner pads are absolutely drenched in helpful ingredients like centella asiatica and niacinamide. The cotton is also quite soft, allowing the pads to adhere well to the skin. “I find them a bit easier to walk around with than a full mask sometimes.”
Biodance
Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Almost synonymous with Korean sheet masks at this point, the Biodance mask has gone viral on TikTok. It’s beloved for its overnight format, which dries down as you sleep so you wake up with visibly glowing skin, as well as its deeply moisturizing and brightening effects. Depending on which version you choose, the formula targets different skin concerns, with each mask infused with a generous 1.19 ounces of essence.
PM Step 6: Eye Cream
To put the beauty in beauty sleep, applying an eye cream before bed, especially a thicker, nighttime formula, can make a marked difference. Many Korean eye creams now include retinol, which can complement your retinol serum or moisturizer.
Belif
Aqua Bomb Eye Gel
The cooling-tip applicator makes it easier than ever to apply eye cream—no need to dip your fingers into a sticky pot. This lightweight gel contains caffeine to depuff, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and niacinamide and vitamin C to brighten and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Numbuzin
No.9 NAD+ Retinol Eye Cream
Not only is the packaging worth buying on its own, but this retinol-infused eye cream–serum hybrid helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, regardless of how late you stayed up. It also contains NAD+, a buzzy K-beauty ingredient that supports the skin’s natural repair and recovery processes.
Dominas
AtClinic Arginine-E Eye Shot Serum
Dominas has built its brand around targeting dark circles, making it a smart option for anyone concerned about under-eye darkness. Its lightweight eye serum features a cooling gua sha tip and helps address concerns like discoloration, puffiness, fine lines, and uneven tone.
PM Step 7: Moisturizer
No matter your skin type or the climate you’re in, a good moisturizer is essential to lock in all the previous steps and protect your skin barrier. There are many different types of moisturizers with various formats, benefits, and ingredients that can either target specific concerns or provide multiple benefits at once. “Finding the right one depends on your skin’s needs and the results you’re looking for,” adds Epley.
Rejuran
Nutritive Cream
Many Korean beauty products are refreshingly affordable, but for those who enjoy a splurge, Rejuran is a luxury brand known for its top-tier formulas, with fans including Kris Jenner. This moisturizer is infused with the brand’s C-PDRN complex, alongside a blend of nourishing botanicals like jojoba seed oil and squalane, and feels silky and indulgent to apply.
Everything You Need to Know
What does Korean skincare look like in 2026?
As Chung Park explains, K-beauty isn’t about chasing trends. “The current K-beauty philosophy of 2026 will be the same as it has been for generations: gentle, effective skin-care routines that really nourish and hydrate your skin. It’s all about early prevention with proven ingredients like centella asiatica, mugwort, rice, etc., combined with cutting-edge technology.” Lee echoes that sentiment. “It’s still ultimately centered around skin health, calming inflammation, and supporting a strong barrier. Similar to the modern wellness movement, it focuses more on prevention and the idea of skin longevity, as opposed to jeopardizing your barrier with harsh ingredients to ‘fix’ a problem.”
Is Korean skincare for everyone?
There are still people who view K-beauty as cute or gimmicky and question its efficacy, but that perception is increasingly outdated. With the rise of social media, consumers are more informed than ever about ingredients and what they’re putting into their routines. One lingering misconception, Chung Park notes, is that K-beauty is only for Koreans or Asian skin types. In reality, it’s designed for a wide range of skin tones, concerns, and budgets, with hydration and protection at its core.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and K-beauty founders—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to Korean skin-care products, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, finish, and the skin care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Alicia Yoon is a celebrity esthetician and founder of Peach & Lily.
- Mandy Epley is a master esthetician at Mandy Epley Skin Studio in New Orleans.
- Natalia Barzotti is a licensed esthetician and lead medical esthetician for Dr. John Laura in Newport Beach, California.
- Michelle Lee is a beauty industry adviser, CMO at K-Beauty World, and the former editor in chief of Allure.
- Sarah Chung Park is a beauty industry veteran and the founder and CEO of Landing International and K-Beauty World.
.jpg)