Korean skincare is often described as 10 steps, but in practice 4–6 are enough. What matters is applying products in the right order so each of them can work.
The main rule: from thinnest to thickest
Apply the most watery products first, then the thicker ones. Toner goes before serum, serum before cream. Cream finishes the routine and helps lock in moisture, and in the morning SPF is always the last step.
Morning routine
- Cleanse — a gentle foam or just water if your skin is dry.
- Toner — hydrates the skin and preps it for the next steps.
- Serum — for example, with vitamin C or niacinamide.
- Eye cream — optional.
- Moisturizer.
- Sunscreen — the last step, every day.
Evening routine
- Cleansing oil or balm — dissolves makeup and SPF.
- Cleansing foam — the second cleansing step (double cleansing).
- Toner.
- Active product or serum — for example, retinol or acids (but not on the same night).
- Eye cream — optional.
- Cream.
- Sleeping mask — 2–3 times a week instead of or over your cream.
Where sheet masks and toner pads fit
- Sheet mask — after toner, before serum and cream. After the mask, pat in the remaining essence and apply cream.
- Toner pads — instead of a regular toner.
Common mistakes
- Applying cream before serum — the thick texture gets in the way of the next layers.
- Combining several actives on one night: retinol, acids, high-strength vitamin C.
- Skipping evening cleansing after wearing SPF or makeup.
- Forgetting SPF in the morning.
You don't need every step at once: cleanser, toner, cream and SPF are enough to start.
