A Complete Guide to the 12-Step Korean Skincare Routine

Caring for your skin is an act of self-love. And as we all know by now, Korean skincare has it down to a science. Their amazing routines always deliver glowing results! This time, we’re taking a look at the elaborate 12-step Korean skin care regimen.

This routine is perfect for when you want to give your skin a healthy boost, like the week leading up to a big event (do we hear wedding bells?) or after you get back from a sun-soaked vacation.

It’s the ultimate way to pamper your skin and keep it looking its best. Let’s begin!

1. Oil Cleanser

The first step in your 12-step Korean skincare routine is the oil cleanser. This essential product breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

It's particularly effective at removing stubborn waterproof products, ensuring your skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepared for the next steps.

Gently massage your oil cleanser onto dry skin, then emulsify with wet hands before rinsing. We love the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil for this step because it easily melts off makeup while feeling uber-luxurious on the skin!

2. Water-Based Cleanser

After rinsing off your oil cleanser, follow up with a water-based cleanser to ensure your skin is completely clean. This step removes any remaining impurities, sweat, or dirt the oil cleanser may have missed.

Water-based cleansers typically have a gel or foam texture. Look for one with a low pH as it’s gentler and helps the skin maintain its natural balance.

Double cleansing is a key part of the 12-step Korean skincare routine because it primes your skin for the products that follow. We recommend the calming and refreshing Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam for this step!

3. Exfoliator

Exfoliating is an important step in any routine, and it's no different with the 12-step Korean skincare regimen.

Using a Korean exfoliator once or twice a week removes dead skin cells that clog pores and dull your complexion. It also promotes cell turnover and helps your skin absorb the rest of your products better.

A gentle chemical exfoliant, like the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner with AHA and BHA, is perfect for this. Its blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) gently clarifies and refines your skin’s texture.

4. Toner

After cleansing and exfoliating, it’s time to balance and hydrate your skin with a Korean toner.

Think of this part of your 12-step Korean skincare routine as setting the stage for what’s to come. Toners balance your skin's pH level, provide an initial layer of hydration, and help the rest of your products absorb better.

For this step, we recommend the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner. It's formulated with nourishing ingredients like panthenol and allantoin to soothe and replenish your skin with essential minerals and hydration.

Pour a few drops of toner onto a cotton pad and gently sweep it across your face and neck. If your skin is feeling especially thirsty, try the Korean seven-skin method which involves applying seven layers of toner, for extra hydration.

5. Serum

Korean serums are concentrated formulas packed with active ingredients that target specific skin concerns.

They’re a key part of the 12-step Korean skincare routine because they can make all the difference when fighting skin concerns like dryness, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation.

For example, the S.NATURE Aqua Squalene Serum is a fantastic option for dehydrated skin. It’s packed with squalene which deeply moisturizes your skin while locking in nutrients. Regular use of this serum improves skin elasticity and texture.

6. Ampoule

Ampoules are like serums but with an even higher concentration of active ingredients. Think of them as the super weapon of your 12-step Korean skincare arsenal.

This step is perfect for days when your skin needs a little extra love. After applying your serum, gently pat a few drops of the ampoule onto your face and neck.

Since the 12-step Korean skincare routine involves layering many products, choose an ampoule with a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without feeling heavy.

We love the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule for its soothing and healing properties—it’s a K-beauty favorite for calming inflammation.

7. Sheet Mask

Sheet masks are a quintessential part of K-beauty, and they’re a luxurious treat in the 12-step Korean skin care regimen.

Korean sheet masks are soaked in rich essence that delivers intense hydration and nourishment to your skin. They also create a barrier that helps the ingredients penetrate deeply, leaving your skin plump and dewy.

For this step of your 12-step Korean skincare routine, we recommend the Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Mask. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid which attracts and retains moisture that your skin will love.

After applying your ampoule, carefully unfold the sheet mask and place it on your face, aligning the holes with your eyes, nose, and mouth. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove and pat in any remaining essence.

8. Lip Mask

Your lips need love too! That's why we’ve included a lip mask as a dedicated step in the 12-step Korean skincare routine.

K-beauty lip masks hydrate, nourish, and soften your lips, leaving them smooth and supple. They’re perfect for people who struggle with dry, chapped lips.

The TOCOBO Lemon Sugar Scrub Lip Mask is an excellent choice for this step. It's a gentle exfoliating and moisturizing mask that removes dead skin cells and replenishes moisture, revealing soft, plump lips.

Use your lip mask as an overnight treatment or a prep step before applying lip color for the perfect, kissable finish.

9. Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to showing signs of aging, stress, and fatigue. That's where Korean eye creams come in—they’re designed to combat those pesky fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles.

The eye cream you choose for your 12-step Korean skincare routine should target your concerns. For example, eye creams with retinol work well on wrinkles, while ingredients like green tea and chamomile soothe irritation and depuff.

A multi-tasker like the VT Reedle Shot Lifting Eye Cream is even better. It's formulated with peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to firm, brighten, and hydrate the eye area.

Remember, use your ring finger to gently dab the product around your eyes as it applies the least pressure.

10. Moisturizer

Moisturizer is a must-have for every skin type, even for you oily-skinned beauties! It may seem counterintuitive, but this stage of your 12-step Korean skincare routine is important for sealing everything in.

The key is to find the right Korean moisturizer for your skin type and concerns. If you have oily or combination skin, opt for a lightweight, gel-based formula that won’t clog your pores. For dry skin, choose a richer, creamier product.

The Real Barrier Extreme Cream is a good example of a rich cream for those with drier skin. It’s deeply nourishing and formulated with a proprietary MLE® Skin Barrier Formula, which strengthens your skin's natural protective barrier and prevents moisture loss.

Apply a little more than a pea-sized amount of moisturizer to your face and neck. For optimal results, use your moisturizer both morning and night as part of your 12-step Korean skincare routine.

11. Eye Patch

Eye patches are like sheet masks specifically for your under-eye area. They're soaked in serum and provide an extra boost of hydration and nourishment to this delicate skin. They can help with everything from reducing puffiness to dark circles.

The Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch is a popular choice for its soothing and brightening effects. It's formulated with Bulgarian rose water, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which work together to hydrate, plump, and illuminate the under-eye area.

After applying your moisturizer, gently place the eye patches under your eyes and leave them on for the recommended time, usually around 20 to 30 minutes.

12. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the final and arguably the most important step in your 12-step Korean skincare routine. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging, sunburns, and even skin cancer.

Apply a generous amount of sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine. K-beauty gurus recommend using the two-finger rule: apply two finger-lengths of sunscreen to your face and neck.

The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-fit Sun Serum is a popular choice because it is lightweight and comfortable, even with multiple reapplications throughout the day.

Remember, UV rays can penetrate clouds, so don't skip sunscreen even on cloudy days!

Shop Affordable Korean Skincare Products at EYURS

There you have it—a comprehensive 12-step Korean skincare routine to help you achieve that coveted glass skin look!

EYURS has everything you need to dive into the K-beauty world. Browse our curated selection of authentic Korean skincare online to find the perfect additions to your 12-step Korean skin care regimen today.