This post highlights the simplest and most effective form of Korean skincare routine for beginners. If you are a beginner to Kbeauty, this post is for you. For the ultimate guide on Korean skincare regimen for night and day, check out this post on step-by-step Korean morning and nighttime skincare.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Step 1: Double Cleansing
Double cleansing is a two-step skincare process that involves using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin and remove any remaining residue. This method ensures a deeper clean and helps prepare the skin for the subsequent steps in a skincare routine.
Oil cleansers are liquid and typically come in a pump bottle, applied directly to dry skin, massaged in, and emulsified with water. Cleansing balms have a solid or semi-solid texture.
While both are suitable for all skin types, oil cleansers are particularly effective for heavy makeup, and cleansing balms are especially beneficial for dry and sensitive skin due to their richer, nourishing texture.
Oil Cleansers Recommendation:
ma:nyo pure cleansing oil
This fan-favorite is a gentle oil cleanser that removes products from the face while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
This daily lightweight cleanser is efficient at removing all impurities on the surface. The key ingredient centella asiatica is ideal for soothing skin, making it great for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Cleansing Balm Recommendations:
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
This is the perfect cleansing balm mainly due to the packaging that makes it hygienic and mess-free. Enriched with Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil to leave the skin moisturized and rejuvenated
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Step 2: Use a Water-Based Cleanser
A water-based cleanser effectively removes impurities that an oil-based cleanser might miss and also clears away any leftover residue from the oil-based cleanser when used as a follow-up.
Some recommendations:
ROUND Lab Dokdo Cleanser
GOSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Step 3: Use a Toner/Essence
While toners and essences are very different steps in a Korean skincare routine, to simplify your skincare routine to the basics, you can skip the toner step and jump into using essences and serums. Toners are a way to rehydrate the skin and rid of any impurities remaining; however, after double cleansing, toners is not necessarily needed.
Essences are designed to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. They are packed with active ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin to enhance its moisture levels and promote a more radiant complexion.
Some recommendations include:
Mixsoon Bean Essence
This product is a multi-tasked essence that exfoliates, hydrates, and returns balance to the skin.
Mixsoon Bifida Ferment Essence
This light essence with key ingredient bifida ferment is designed to repair and restore a compromised skin barrier.
Mixsoon Galactomyces Ferment Essence
This lightweight essence has a high concentration of one ingredient galactomyces ferment to reduce discoloration, acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
Step 4: Applying Serums
Serums are slightly thicker and deliver high concentrations of active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, and niacinamide to target specific skin concerns like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne. These are applied after essences.
When shopping for a serum, it’s important to identify your specific skin concerns to choose one that addresses your particular needs. Apply serums with a lighter consistency first, followed by thicker serums to help with absorption.
Some recommendations include:
For acne-prone skin
SOME BY MI AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
This product is great because it contains AHA, BHA, and PHA to gently exfoliate and clear pores, while tea tree leaf extract helps soothe and reduce acne.
To reduce hyperpigmentation
NEOGEN Real Vita C Serum
This product contains vitamin C and niacinamide to reduce dark spots and improve overall skin radiance.
To reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampuoule
This serum contains fermented ingredients, peptides, and probiotics to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Step 5: Applying Moisturizer
Applying moisturizer is an important final step because it helps to maintain the skin’s hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and lock in the benefits of other skincare products.
It’s also important not to overwhelm your skin and cause irritation by applying too many products. If you’ve already applied multiple layers of essences and serums, I’d recommend sticking to a lighter water-gel like moisturizer but if you tend to lean towards dryer skin, opt for a creamer moisturizer.
Gel cream moisturizer
COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream
This lightweight gel moisturizer contains green tea and aloe vera extracts, providing hydration and soothing benefits without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.
Creamy Moisturizer
Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
This rich, creamy moisturizer is formulated with panthenol and madecassoside to deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin, providing long-lasting moisture and comfort.
