Korean Skincare: The Secret to Radiant, Healthy Skin✨

Korean skincare, also known as K-beauty, has taken the world by storm with its innovative products and thoughtful routines. But what makes Korean skincare so special? And how can you best integrate this routine into your daily skincare routine? In this blog, you will discover all about Korean skincare and which products are perfect for your skin. Read on now!

What is Korean skincare?

Korean skincare is all about achieving healthy, radiant skin with a preventive approach. Instead of treating skin problems only when they arise, K-beauty focuses on hydration, protection and long-term skin improvement. Korean skincare products often contain natural ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, rice extract and ginseng, which are known for their soothing and nourishing properties.

Korean skincare vs 'regular' skincare

What distinguishes Korean skincare from western skincare is its focus on multiple thin layers (layering) of products. While Western routines often consist of three steps, such as cleanse, condition and protect, a Korean routine can consist of as many as 10 steps. This comprehensive approach ensures maximum hydration and nourishment without weighing down the skin. The glowy skin you get after using Korean skincare is the result of intensive hydration, skin toning and mild exfoliation. By applying layers of nourishing products such as essences, serums and moisturisers, the skin is deeply hydrated and given a natural, healthy glow (glass skin effect). Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Centella Asiatica and niacinamide help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness and promote an even complexion. This creates a fresh, radiant look without a greasy finish, but rather a soft, dewy glow.

What does a Korean Skincare routine look like?

A traditional K-beauty routine consists of several steps, which you can adapt to your skin type and needs:

• Step 1: Oil cleanser - Removes oil-based make-up and impurities.
• Step 2: Water-based cleanser - Cleanses the skin deeper and removes water-soluble dirt.
• Step 3: Exfoliator (2x a week) - Removes dead skin cells and stimulates cell renewal.
• Step 4: Toner - Restores the skin's pH level and prepares it for subsequent steps.
• Step 5: Essence - Hydrates and promotes the absorption of active ingredients.
• Step 6: Serum/ampoule - Targets specific skin problems such as acne, redness or wrinkles.
• Step 7: Sheet mask (twice a week) - Deep hydration and an extra boost for the skin.
• Step 8: Eye cream - Moisturises and conditions the sensitive skin around the eyes.
• Step 9: Moisturiser - Closes all previous care and provides long-lasting hydration.
• Step 10: SPF (morning routine) - Protects skin from harmful UV rays and skin ageing.

What is the difference between an oil cleanser and a water-based cleanser?

In Korean skincare, two types of cleansers are used in the double cleansing method: an oil cleanser and a water-based cleanser. Together, these cleansers provide thorough yet gentle cleansing, laying the foundation for healthy, radiant skin.

An oil cleanser is the first step and removes make-up, sunburn and excess sebum. The oil attracts impurities and dissolves fat-soluble residues without drying out the skin. This helps prevent clogging and pimples.

A water-based cleanser is the second step and further cleanses the skin by removing sweat, dust and water-based dirt particles. It often contains moisturising or soothing ingredients such as green tea or centella to keep skin fresh and balanced.

Which Korean Skincare brand is right for me?

There is a wide range of Korean skincare brands and products, so there is a suitable routine for every skin type. Here are some popular brands and their bestsellers:

Pyunkang Yul

Pyunkang Yul is a Korean skincare brand developed by the Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic in South Korea. The brand is known for its minimalist approach, using only necessary, mild and natural ingredients. Pyunkang Yul avoids irritants and focuses mainly on restoring and strengthening the skin barrier. Its simple and effective formulas make the brand suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Pyunkang Yul combines traditional Korean medical insight with modern skincare, resulting in reliable, soothing and moisturising products.

Anua

Anua is a Korean skincare brand known for its minimalist, skin-friendly formulas with natural ingredients. The brand focuses on soothing and moisturising the skin and is especially popular for its Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, a bestseller that reduces inflammation and redness. Anua uses mostly botanical extracts and avoids harsh chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Anua's philosophy revolves around a simple, effective routine that balances the skin and keeps it healthy.

Beauty of Joseon

Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand that combines traditional Korean ingredients (hanbang) with modern skincare technology. Inspired by the beauty rituals of the Joseon dynasty, the brand uses natural extracts such as ginseng, rice and honey to nourish and brighten the skin. Beauty of Joseon is best known for products like the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream and the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5, which are loved for their gentle, hydrating formulas. The brand focuses on radiant, healthy skin with mild, effective ingredients.

COSRX

COSRX is a popular Korean skincare brand known for its effective, minimalist formulas with science-based ingredients. The brand focuses on skin problems such as acne, hydration and skin ageing, with bestsellers such as the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. COSRX uses powerful ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide and snail mucin to soothe, exfoliate and moisturise the skin. Its focus on simple, skin-friendly formulas means the brand is loved by those with sensitive or problematic skin.

Dr Althea

Dr Althea is a Korean skincare brand known for its luxurious, dermatologically advanced formulas with natural and science-based ingredients. Combining aesthetics with effective skincare, the brand focuses on hydration, skin repair and anti-ageing. Dr Althea uses gentle, skin-friendly ingredients such as botanical extracts and peptides, making it suitable for sensitive skin and those looking for a refined, effective routine.

Laneige

Laneige is a Korean skincare brand specialising in hydration and skincare based on advanced water technology. The brand is known for its innovative products such as the LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask EX and the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Berry, which intensively hydrate and repair the skin. Laneige uses ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, minerals and antioxidants to strengthen the skin barrier and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. With a focus on science-based hydration solutions, Laneige is loved by those with dry or dehydrated skin.

Medicube

Medicube is a Korean dermatological skincare brand specialising in skincare for acne-prone and problematic skin types. The brand combines clinically tested formulas with powerful ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide and peptides to tackle skin problems such as acne, coarse pores and skin ageing. With a focus on science-based skincare, Medicube offers effective and safe solutions for healthier skin.

Mixsoon

Mixsoon is a Korean skincare brand that focuses on minimalist, pure skincare with highly concentrated, natural ingredients. The brand is known for its transparent formulas without unnecessary additives, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Mixsoon uses powerful botanical extracts such as soy, centella and bifida ferment to nourish, soothe and repair the skin. Popular products like the Mixsoon Bean Essence and Mixsoon Bifida Ferment Essence help strengthen the skin barrier and provide a healthy, radiant complexion. Thanks to its focus on simplicity and effectiveness, Mixsoon is loved by lovers of clean and minimalist skincare.

ROUND LAB

ROUND LAB is a Korean skincare brand known for its mild, hydrating formulas with natural ingredients inspired by Korean nature. The brand focuses on improving the skin barrier and maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Well-known product lines, such as the 1025 Dokdo Line with deep sea water and the Birch Juice Line with birch extract, offer intensive hydration and soothing for sensitive skin. ROUND LAB stands for effective, minimalist skincare and is popular with people looking for gentle, nourishing products with science-based formulas.

SKIN1004

SKIN1004 is a Korean skincare brand specialising in mild, effective skincare with pure and natural ingredients. The brand is best known for its use of Centella Asiatica extract, which soothes, repairs and hydrates the skin. Popular products such as the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule and the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening focus on strengthening the skin barrier and improving skin texture. SKIN1004 combines minimalist formulas with scientific innovations, making the brand ideal for sensitive and problem-prone skin.

TIRTIR

TIRTIR is a Korean skincare and beauty brand known for its innovative, hydrating and skin-enhancing formulas. The brand combines science-based ingredients with natural extracts to keep skin radiant and healthy. TIRTIR is especially popular for its TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion 18g, a long-lasting foundation that provides a flawless finish and offers skin-care benefits. The brand also focuses on products that strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate and give a natural glow. With its minimalist, effective approach, TIRTIR is loved by beauty lovers looking for both make-up and skincare in one.

Start your K-Beauty routine today

Want radiant, healthy skin following the principles of Korean skincare? Start with a basic routine and add extra care step by step. Discover the extensive Korean skincare collection at Salontotal.com and give your skin the care it deserves!