The 10 Step Korean Routine

The ten-step Korean skincare routine is a way to organize product categories. It is not a requirement to use ten products every day. Begin with the steps you need, then compare optional additions.

A shorter shopping list for beginners

Choose a cleanser and moisturizer. Plan daytime sun protection separately and follow its label. If you want an additional hydration step, compare a serum or essence rather than buying both automatically.

Read our dry-skin buying guide for a comparison of Torriden DIVE-IN, COSRX Snail 96 and Purito Hydro Wave cream.

The ten categories, explained

1. Oil cleanser or cleansing balm

This is a first-cleanse format to consider when removing makeup or sunscreen. An oil and a balm are alternatives; you do not need both. Read our double-cleansing guide before choosing a combination.

2. Water-based cleanser

Choose a cleansing formula by its complete ingredients and directions. A second cleanser is not automatically needed at every wash. Browse cleansers and reassess the combination if it leaves skin uncomfortable.

3. Exfoliating product — optional

Check whether a product is an exfoliant, a peel-off mask or another format. These are different categories. Follow the exact label rather than adding a fixed daily or weekly schedule just to complete the routine.

4. Toner — optional

Toners vary in formula and purpose. Do not assume every Korean toner has the same ingredients or is necessary for later products to work. Compare toners and essences by their full formula.

5. Essence — optional

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is an essence with snail secretion filtrate. Its directions place it before moisturizer. It contains an animal-derived ingredient; check this against your preferences.

6. Serum or ampoule — optional

Torriden DIVE-IN Serum lists several forms of hyaluronic acid, panthenol and Ceramide NP. Apply according to its directions before moisturizer. The term ampoule alone does not establish a stronger or more effective formula than a serum.

7. Mask — optional

Sheet masks, gel masks, wash-off masks and sleeping masks have different application and removal instructions. Compare mask formats and follow the chosen product’s own wear time. A generic ten-minute instruction does not apply to every mask.

8. Eye-area product — optional

Use only a formula intended for the area where you apply it. Follow the exact product’s amount and frequency. An eye cream is not a requirement to complete a beginner routine.

9. Moisturizer

Purito Hydro Wave Deep Sea Cream is a facial moisturizer listing sea water, glycerin and niacinamide. Compare moisturizers and choose one for this step; an essence or serum does not occupy the same routine position.

10. Daytime sun protection

A serum or moisturizer does not establish sunscreen protection. Choose sun protection separately and follow the product label. See the American Academy of Dermatology’s sun-protection guidance.

Which steps should I buy first?

Start with the gaps in your existing routine. Check full ingredients, size, directions and current availability before ordering. The products linked in this guide are individual options, not a requirement to purchase every step.

Compare the dry-skin shortlist or choose your moisturizing step. Review shipping information and return conditions before checkout.

Yugen Beauty is the retailer. This guide explains product categories and listed ingredients; it does not report independent product testing or promise a cosmetic result.