The famous 10-step Korean skincare routine is definitely not for the faint of heart. As you might guess, it includes ten detailed steps, encompassing cleansing, treating, and hydrating twice a day, nearly every single day.

As someone who used to skip washing her face in the morning (I know, I know), I wasn’t initially sure I could handle it all. However, as a Korean girl who loves beauty, I decided to give the routine a try… and I haven’t looked back.

Want to learn more about the Korean skincare routine and how I do it? Below, I’ve explained the Korean skincare routine step by step, with recommendations for my go-to products. Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

Part I (Steps 1-3): Cleanse Me!

Products: Oil Cleanser, Water-based Cleanser, Exfoliator

Step One: Oil Cleanser

I skip this step if I’m not wearing makeup but if I am, I always make sure to use an oil cleanser to melt off my makeup. 

The Korean method involves using oil to remove makeup – and though it may sound weird, it works. Nothing I’ve used so far has been as effective as oil cleansers for makeup removal. (My fave is The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil.)

To do this step, I just apply the product all over with clean hands and massage it into my skin. Afterwards, I wipe the oil off my face with a cotton pad. (This is more effective than just splashing water. Water and oil don’t mix!)

Step Two: Water-based Cleanser

Not a fan of oily residue? Me either, so I always make sure to follow up my oil cleanser with a water-based cleanser. Koreans call this “double cleansing.”