The famous 10-step Korean Skincare routine — explained without the mystery. What each step does, when to use it, and the exact product to start with. Use all 10 or just 4: the order never changes.
Shop Best SellersOil Cleanser
PMDissolves sunscreen, makeup and sebum. The first half of the famous Korean double cleanse: massage onto dry skin, rinse, done.
![[Anua] Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil 200ml](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1747626713185_753db22b925849d3b9e4e1deeabafa01.png)
[Anua] Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil 200ml
Add This Step →Water-Based Cleanser
AM + PMRemoves what the oil left behind. A low-pH gel keeps your barrier intact — no tight, squeaky feeling.
![[COSRX] Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1719816266013_d16117e619524945bd06a70976e68da7.png)
[COSRX] Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml
Add This Step →Exfoliant
2-3x per week, PMBHA slips into pores and clears blackheads from the inside. Start twice a week and never combine with retinal nights.
![[COSRX] Two in One Poreless Power Liquid 100ml](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1719815561899_cebe2abd133545989396212e5700638c.png)
[COSRX] Two in One Poreless Power Liquid 100ml
Add This Step →Toner
AM + PMRebalances skin after cleansing and adds the first layer of hydration. Korean toners treat — they never strip.
![[Round Lab] 1025 Dokdo Toner 200ml](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1625721799029_b9a69dea420a4b0493ec1eb0193943d1_b9e9590f-9079-4f87-ad92-c1e2ab932440.jpg)
[Round Lab] 1025 Dokdo Toner 200ml
Add This Step →Essence
AM + PMThe most Korean step of all. Lightweight but powerful — snail mucin repairs the barrier and builds that signature glow.
![[COSRX] Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence 80ml](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1729655646005_210a82db35f3478f8f5ad64d275bbd50.jpg)
[COSRX] Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence 80ml
Add This Step →Serum / Treatment
AM or PMYour targeted active for brightening, dark spots or texture. One serum per routine — rotate, do not stack.
![[Beauty of Joseon] Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha Arbutin 30ml](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1748742673664_0c78cbfe268c41d79828d9610b293bf4.png)
[Beauty of Joseon] Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha Arbutin 30ml
Add This Step →Eye Cream
AM + PMThe thinnest skin on your face needs its own product. Tap it in gently with your ring finger.
![[COSRX] Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream 25ml](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1723527278621_b13ba77a41f94893bc8a05c89c7d2278.jpg)
[COSRX] Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream 25ml
Add This Step →Moisturizer
AM + PMSeals every previous layer in. Gel-cream for oily skin, a richer cream for dry skin.
![[Skin1004] Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica B5 Cream 75ml](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1753254820600_fa5140f378404b6d8a0d225a49e8bf51_41eef064-350f-4430-aa3c-73c048bad444.png)
[Skin1004] Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica B5 Cream 75ml
Add This Step →Sunscreen
AM - non-negotiableThe single most anti-aging product on this page. Korean SPF feels like skincare, not paste.
![[Beauty of Joseon] Relief Sun: Aqua-fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1767926396037_6eccd9a62e464bd0b0bcf96d90bbe5cf_d4ab9816-0acf-43a8-873a-dca68b165063.jpg)
[Beauty of Joseon] Relief Sun: Aqua-fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml
Add This Step →Sheet Mask
1-2x per weekThe relaxing bonus step: 15 minutes of concentrated essence. Korea's favorite self-care ritual.
![[Dr.G] Red Blemish Cool Soothing Mask 10ea](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/5055/8807/files/1721359479082_6e2076dbafc744c6b7ece37701c59b8b.png)
[Dr.G] Red Blemish Cool Soothing Mask 10ea
Add This Step →Just Starting? Build the 4-Step Core
You do not need all 10 steps on day one. Start with cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen — the core every Korean routine is built on — and add steps as your skin adjusts.
See the Top 10 ProductsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I really need all 10 steps?
No — even in Korea most people run 5-7 steps a day. Begin with the core 4: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, then layer in extras as your skin asks for them. Treat the 10 steps as a menu, not a mandate.
What order do the steps go in?
Lightest texture first: start with the oil cleanse, then water cleanse, exfoliate (2-3x per week), tone, essence, serum, eye cream, moisturize — and finish with SPF in the morning.
How long until I see results?
Expect a hydration boost within the first few days, while glow and smoother texture typically show after two to four weeks. Give pigmentation and fine lines a full 8-12 weeks of daily use before judging results.
