10-step Korean skincare Routine

Building a comprehensive 10-step Korean skincare routine in the UK involves layering gentle, hydrating, and treatment-focused products in a precise order to achieve that coveted “glass skin.” You’ll start with a double cleanse (oil-based then water-based), move through exfoliation, toning, and essence, incorporate targeted serums and sheet masks, and finish with protective eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Each step serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s removing impurities, balancing pH, or delivering active ingredients deep into the skin. In this guide, we’ll explain the science behind each stage, according to UK resources like Boots and the British Beauty Council, and recommend specific products you can shop directly on K Beauty Shine.

What Is Korean Skincare?

Korean skincare—or K-beauty—is celebrated for its multi-step approach that prioritizes hydration, gentle exfoliation, and protective layering. Unlike many Western routines that focus on spot-treating or minimizing steps, K-beauty emphasizes preventative care and overall skin health, drawing on innovations like essences, ampoules, and sheet masks to deliver active ingredients gradually. This cultural commitment to skincare has led to a booming industry driven by consumer demand for effective, innovative, and sensory products.

Why Follow a 10-Step Routine?

The term “10-step routine” was popularized by Charlotte Cho of Soko Glam to educate newcomers on the variety of products available and their sequential roles—it isn’t mandatory to use all ten steps every day, but understanding each step helps you customize your regimen.

Dermatologists endorse double cleansing (oil then water) to thoroughly remove makeup, SPF, and pollutants before applying active treatments. Moreover, layering light formulations rather than one heavy cream allows your skin to absorb ingredients more effectively and reduces irritation.

The 10 Steps Explained

1. Oil-Based Cleanser

Purpose: Dissolves oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and sebum.
How to: Massage into dry skin, emulsify with water, then rinse.
Use this Product: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm 100ML

2. Water-Based Cleanser

Purpose: Removes water-based impurities (sweat, dirt) left behind after oil cleansing.
Use This Product: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (150 ml) - This gentle foaming cleanser maintains your skin’s optimal pH of 5.0–6.0.

3. Exfoliator (1–2× Weekly)

Purpose: Sloughs off dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores and boost radiance.
Use This Product: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (100 ml) – contains 4% BHA for gentle chemical exfoliation.

4. Toner

Purpose: Balances pH adds a hydration layer, and preps skin for essence.
Use This Product: COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner (150 ml) – soothes and calms sensitive skin with 60% centella asiatica extract.

5. Essence

Purpose: Lightweight hydrator that boosts cell turnover and allows deeper absorption of actives.
Use This Product: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water 150ML.

6. Serum/Ampoule

Purpose: Delivers concentrated actives (brightening, anti-aging, hydration)
Use This Product: COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule (30 ml) – 83% propolis extract for anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair benefits.

7. Sheet Mask (1–2× Weekly)

Purpose: Provides an intensive boost of hydration and active ingredients.
Use This Product: To Give you a variety of choice, Browse our Masks & Peels collection for top UK-favorite sheet masks.

8. Eye Cream

Purpose: Targets delicate under-eye area to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.
Use This Product: Cosrx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream 25ML

9. Moisturizer

Purpose: Locks in all previous layers, maintaining skin’s moisture barrier.
Use This Product: Check out our Lotion & Moisturizer Collection to find your perfect match.

10. Sunscreen (AM) / Night Cream (PM)

Purpose: Before Noon it protects against UV damage, essential even on cloudy UK days. After noon it delivers overnight repair.
Use This Product: Get your perfect match in our Sunscreen collection.

Tailoring Your Routine for UK Skin

Climate Considerations: The UK’s cooler, damper climate means lighter lotions often suffice over heavy creams.
Seasonal Switch: Pivot to richer products in autumn/winter.

Pro Tips to Maximize Results

Patch Test New Products: Prevent adverse reactions by testing on a small area first.
Listen to Your Skin: It’s okay to skip steps—quality over quantity wins. Customize the 10 steps to your lifestyle.
Consistency Is Key: Visible improvements often appear after 4–6 weeks of regular use.
Nutrition & Hydration: Pair your regimen with a balanced diet and plenty of water—UK-based naturopaths at the Healthspan Clinic recommend this synergy for “inner glow.”

Final Thoughts

Embracing a 10-step Korean skincare routine in the UK needn’t be daunting. By understanding the purpose behind each step, shopping quality products from K Beauty Shine, and consulting reputable UK resources like the NHS, you’ll be well on your way to radiant, healthy skin year-round. Start slowly, adapt as needed, and enjoy the ritual, because in Korean beauty, skincare is self-care.

Ready to begin? Explore our full range of K-beauty essentials at k Beauty Shine and take your first step toward glass-like skin today!