How to Build a Proper Korean Skincare Routine ( part 2 )

Step 1: The Double Cleanse — Start Clean

The Korean routine begins with a double cleanse: an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based cleanser. This is not redundant — each cleanser targets a completely different type of impurity. The oil cleanser dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. The water-based cleanser removes what is left — sweat, dust, and any remaining residue from the oil step. Together, they leave your skin genuinely clean without stripping it.

The oil cleanser is applied to a dry face, massaged in gently for about 30 seconds, then emulsified with lukewarm water before rinsing. The water-based cleanser follows on damp skin, lathered briefly, and rinsed. The whole process takes under two minutes, and it makes every product you apply afterwards absorb better. If you are looking for where to start, the Step 1 oil cleanser collection is the right place — these are the foundations everything else is built on.

Do I need to double cleanse in the morning too?

In the morning, a single water-based cleanser is usually enough. Your skin has been resting overnight and has not been exposed to makeup or sunscreen. The double cleanse is primarily an evening ritual — that is when the real work of removing the day's buildup happens. Some people skip the cleanser entirely in the morning and simply rinse with lukewarm water. Either approach is fine, as long as you are consistent.

Step 2: Toner — Rebalance and Prep

After cleansing, your skin's pH has shifted slightly. Toner brings it back into balance and creates the first layer of hydration. In Korean skincare, toner is not the astringent, alcohol-heavy product that Western skincare used to use. It is lightweight, gentle, and designed to make the skin more receptive to everything that comes next. Think of it as the bridge between cleansing and treatment.

The best toners for a Korean routine are hydrating formulas built around ingredients like hyaluronic acid, rice water, or fermented extracts. They absorb in seconds and leave the skin feeling slightly damp — not wet, not dry — which is exactly where you want it before applying the next layer. For skin that tends toward dryness or dehydration, a toner with hyaluronic acid is a strong choice. Browse the full range in the hyaluronic acid collection to find the right format and concentration for your needs.

Should I use a cotton pad or my hands to apply toner?

Hands are generally preferred in the Korean routine. Pouring a small amount into your palms and patting it gently onto your face reduces waste and delivers the toner more evenly. Cotton pads can absorb a significant amount of product and may also be rough enough to irritate freshly cleansed skin. If your skin is sensitive, hands are the safer and more effective method.

Step 3: Essence — The Heart of the Routine

Essence is one of the steps that sets the Korean routine apart from Western skincare. It sits between toner and serum — slightly more concentrated than a toner, slightly more watery than a serum — and its job is to deliver a targeted boost of hydration and active ingredients directly into the skin. Essences are where Korean formulation really shines: fermented ingredients, botanical extracts, and ceramide complexes are common, and the textures are designed to absorb quickly without heaviness.

For skin that feels tight, dull, or prone to dryness, essence is not an optional step — it is the layer that makes everything after it work better. The skin absorbs actives more effectively when it is already hydrated, and that is exactly what a good essence provides. If your skin leans dry or dehydrated, the dry and dehydrated skin collection has essences and supporting products that are specifically formulated for that concern.

What is the difference between essence and serum?

The main difference is concentration and texture. Essences are more watery and focused on hydration and skin prep — they set the stage. Serums are more concentrated and target specific concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, or firmness. In a full routine, you apply essence first, then serum. Some days, if your skin does not need a heavy treatment, essence alone can be enough.

Step 4: Serum and Ampoule — Targeted Treatment

This is where you address your skin's specific concerns. Serums and ampoules are the most concentrated products in the routine — they contain the highest levels of active ingredients and are designed to penetrate deeply. Peptides for firmness, niacinamide for brightening, retinoids for cell turnover — whatever your skin needs most, there is a serum or ampoule built around it.

The key rule with serums is thin to thick. If you are using more than one, layer them from the lightest texture to the heaviest. Apply a few drops to your fingertips, warm them gently, and press into the skin — do not rub. This helps the product absorb without disrupting the layers beneath it. Ampoules are a step above serums in concentration; they are typically used for a few weeks at a time as a targeted treatment, rather than as a daily staple. The Medi-Peel collection is one of the strongest options for peptide-based ampoules and serums on the market.

Can I use a serum every single day?

It depends on the serum. Hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid or snail mucin are designed for daily use — morning and evening. Serums with retinoids or strong acids should be used more carefully: typically in the evening only, every other day or a few times a week, to give your skin time to recover between applications. Start slow and pay attention to how your skin responds.

Step 5: Moisturiser — Lock It In

After your serums and ampoules have absorbed, moisturiser seals everything in. It creates a protective layer that prevents moisture from escaping and keeps the skin barrier intact. Without this step, even the best serums in the world will underperform — because the hydration they deliver will simply evaporate overnight or throughout the day.

The texture of your moisturiser should match your skin type. Gel creams work well for oily or combination skin — they hydrate without adding heaviness. Richer creams are better for dry skin, especially in colder months when the air pulls moisture away more aggressively. The goal is not to feel greasy or tight — it is to feel balanced, comfortable, and slightly dewy.

Do I need a different moisturiser for morning and evening?

Not necessarily. Many people use the same moisturiser both times and it works fine. The main adjustment, if any, is texture: a lighter gel or cream in the morning (so it layers well under SPF and makeup) and a slightly richer version at night (to support overnight repair). But using one good moisturiser twice a day is absolutely a valid approach.

Step 6: Sunscreen — The Non-Negotiable Final Step

SPF is the single most important step in any morning routine. UV damage is the leading cause of premature aging — more so than any other environmental factor. It breaks down collagen, causes pigmentation, and undoes the work that every other product in your routine is trying to do. Korean sunscreens have made this step genuinely enjoyable: they are lightweight, absorb quickly, and leave no white cast. There is no excuse to skip it.

Apply sunscreen as the very last step of your morning routine, after moisturiser and before any makeup. Use enough — two to three fingers' worth across your face and neck. Reapply every two hours if you are outdoors. In the evening, sunscreen is replaced by your serum and moisturiser, and the cycle starts again the next morning.

Morning vs Evening: What Goes Where

The Korean routine is not the same morning and night. The evening routine is about cleansing and repair. The morning routine is about protection and hydration. Here is exactly how they compare.

The Products That Make It Work

A routine is only as good as the products in it. The three products below represent different steps of the Korean routine — and each one demonstrates exactly what good K-beauty formulation looks like in practice.

Medi-Peel Peptide 9 Vitanol Ampoule Pro — The Serum Step, Redefined

If you are looking for a single ampoule that delivers real, visible results, the Medi-Peel Peptide 9 Vitanol Ampoule Pro is one of the strongest options available. It contains 20% niacinamide for brightening and barrier support, combined with nine types of peptides that work at a cellular level to stimulate collagen production and improve firmness. The Vitanol complex adds vitamins A, B, C, E, and K — covering antioxidant protection, tone evening, and hydration all in one formula. It absorbs quickly, works on all skin types, and sits perfectly in the serum step of both your morning and evening routine.

haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner — Gentle Barrier Care

For the toner step, haruharu wonder is a brand that gets the basics exactly right. Built on fermented black rice and enriched with hyaluronic acid, their toner delivers deep hydration without alcohol, fragrance, or unnecessary additives. Over 95% of the ingredients are naturally derived, and the formula is designed to strengthen the skin barrier from the very first application. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin, effective enough to be the foundation of a routine that actually lasts.

Medi-Peel Peptide 9 Golden Camellia Wrinkle Essence — The Essence Step, Elevated

The Medi-Peel Golden Camellia Wrinkle Essence is built for the essence step — but it goes further than most essences do. It contains 24K gold at 15ppm, which acts as a delivery agent, helping active ingredients reach the deeper layers of the skin. The Golden Camellia oil provides antioxidant protection, while nine peptides and collagen work together to smooth fine lines and improve elasticity. The Ecomo-Tech technology creates microbubbles on contact with the skin, which activates the formula and enhances absorption. It is a serious anti-aging essence that fits naturally into the layering sequence without adding heaviness.

Frequently Asked Questions