How to Follow a Korean Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin
Glowing, glass-like skin starts with a routine that’s built on hydration, balance, and consistency. The Korean skincare routine is all about layering gentle, advanced formulas—and even just a few steps can visibly transform your skin. At the heart of this glow-first philosophy, Banila Co offers essentials that make each layer count. Whether you’re starting small or going full 10-step, your glow-up begins here.
In This Article:
- What Is the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine?
- Step-by-Step: The 10 Korean Skincare Steps for Glowing Skin
- How to Start (Without Doing All 10 Steps Right Away)
- Conclusion: Glowing Skin, Your Way
What Is the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine?
Think of the 10-step Korean skincare routine as a fun, flexible way to show your skin some serious love. It’s all about layering gentle, hydrating products that help your skin glow naturally and stay healthy for the long run.
You don’t have to do all ten steps every day—this routine is totally customizable to what your skin needs right now. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, every step works together to bring out that fresh, radiant glow everyone loves.
Curious what each step is all about? Let’s get into it!
Step-by-Step: The 10 Korean Skincare Steps for Glowing Skin
The 10-step Korean skincare routine is more than just a series of products — it’s a self-care ritual rooted in centuries of tradition, innovation, and a deep respect for the skin. Each step is designed to nourish and help to maintain the skin’s natural balance while supporting its natural functions. Unlike many Western routines that focus on “quick fixes,” Korean skincare is all about building long-term skin health and achieving that glow-from-within effect.
1. Oil Cleanser – The Melt-Away Magic
Start your evening with a dreamy oil cleanse. This step breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and all that grime from the day — no harsh scrubbing required. Just massage it onto dry skin and feel it melt everything away. Super satisfying, and your pores will thank you.
With eight fabulous cleansing balms in our Clean It Zero collection, you get to pick your perfect match for that dreamy, fresh-faced feeling. Whether you love something light and gentle or rich and nourishing, there’s a balm that fits your mood and your skin’s needs every day. Discover our full range and find your new skincare must-have!
2. Water Cleanser – The Fresh Start
Now that the oil’s done the heavy lifting, follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to sweep away any leftover sweat or dirt. Think of it as your skin’s fresh start — clean, but never tight or stripped.
3. Exfoliator – The Smooth Operator (1–2 times a week)
When your skin’s feeling a little dull or rough, it’s time to exfoliate. A gentle scrub or a swipe of chemical exfoliant can do wonders — smoother texture, clearer pores, better glow. Just don’t overdo it. Once or twice a week is plenty!
4. Toner – The First Drink of Water
Forget the old-school stinging toners. Korean toners are all about hydration. Pat it on to rebalance your skin and help it absorb everything that comes next. It’s like prepping your skin to drink up the goodness.
Whether you prefer a classic liquid toner or the convenience of toner pads, we have you covered. Choose from our two gentle, soothing toners to rebalance and prep your skin or opt for our toner pads for a quick, easy refresh anytime.
5. Essence – The Secret Glow Booster
Here’s where K-beauty really shines. An essence is a lightweight liquid packed with hydrating, skin-loving ingredients that help enhance brightness, refine texture, and improve skin’s elasticity. A few gentle pats are all you need.
6. Serum or Ampoule – The Problem Solver
Got a skin concern you want to tackle? Serums are your go-to for that. Whether it’s dark spots or fine lines, this is where the magic happens. Pick one that matches your skin’s mood and let it get to work.
Explore our selection of gentle ampoules designed to help your glow stay strong. Want to learn more about when and how to use ampoules? Check out our handy guide here.
7. Sheet Mask – The Chill Out Treat (2–3 times a week)
Pop on a sheet mask and take a little me-time — Netflix, music, or just a quiet moment. These masks are soaked in essence to deeply hydrate and support the look of your skin in 15–20 minutes. It’s skincare and self-care rolled into one.
8. Eye Cream – The Bright-Eyed Boost
The skin around your eyes is super delicate, and it’s often the first to show signs of tiredness or ageing. A tiny dab of eye cream helps hydrate, smooth, and de-puff. Use your ring finger for the gentlest touch.
Our eye creams help hydrate, smooth, and reduce puffiness with just a tiny dab—perfect for giving tired eyes a refreshed, bright-eyed boost. Take a look at our gentle formulas and find your new go-to.
9. Moisturizer – The Sealing Step
No matter your skin type, moisturizing is a must. It locks in all the juicy layers underneath and keeps your skin plump and comfortable. Go light or rich — whatever feels right for your skin that day.
10. Sunscreen – The Real MVP (AM only)
This one’s non-negotiable. Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend when it comes to helping maintain youthful-looking skin and brightness. Support your skins vitality even on cloudy days. Even when you're inside. Apply it generously and reapply if you're out and about.
How to Start (Without Doing All 10 Steps Right Away)
Starting a Korean skincare routine doesn’t mean you need to do all 10 steps at once — taking it slow is completely fine. The first step? Understanding your skin type. If you want to learn more about identifying your skin type, check out our detailed guide here.
The foundation of any great routine is simple: cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen. Here’s how to begin:
- Double cleansing is a fantastic way to start. Begin with one of our Clean It Zero cleansing balms to gently melt away makeup and impurities, then follow up with the Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser to refresh and purify your skin.
- Next, lock in all that goodness with a moisturizer that suits your needs. For lighter hydration, try the Dear Hydration Water Barrier Cream — perfect for oily or normal skin. For more nourishing care, the Miss Flower Mr. Honey collection offers rich, soothing options.
- And don’t forget sunscreen every morning, no exceptions. It helps maintain youthful looking skin and supports skin brightness.
Banila Co products are designed to be gentle yet effective, making them perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a simple but powerful routine.
Conclusion: Glowing Skin, Your Way
Building radiant, glowing skin is all about layering the right steps — and the best part? You get to do it your way. Start small, try one new step at a time, and watch your skin transform.
Explore Banila Co’s range to find the perfect products that fit your unique routine and help you glow with confidence every day.
