Korean skincare routine: steps and precautions | 1944 Paris

5 October 2026

The Guide · K-Beauty

Korean routine, the steps and precautions

Double cleansing, toner, serum, cream… The Korean routine has turned radiant, hydrated skin into an everyday art form. However, you still need to know the right order, tailor the steps to your skin type and avoid mistakes that can damage it. Here is our comprehensive guide.

01 · Understanding

K-beauty is a philosophy rather than just a routine.

The K-beauty, or ‘Korean beauty’, focuses on prevention rather than correction: skin that is thoroughly cleansed, deeply moisturised and protected every day.

His ideal, the glass skin, skin so smooth and radiant that it seems to reflect light cannot be achieved with a single «miracle» product, but rather through a regular skincare routine and the layering of lightweight textures. The famous ‘10 steps’ aren’t a must: the key is to understand the role of each skincare product so you can put together a routine that suits your skin.

Double cleaning

An oil-based cleanser to remove make-up, SPF and sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser to purify the skin. The foundation of any Korean skincare routine.

Layering

Apply several thin layers, from the lightest to the richest: each product prepares the skin for the next.

Prevention

Moisturise and protect your skin every day – especially from the sun – rather than trying to fix the damage later. Consistency is more important than the number of steps.

02 · The stages

The 6-step Korean skincare routine.

Formulated in Korea, our six skincare products follow the K-beauty layering routine: cleanse twice, then apply the skincare products from the lightest to the richest, allowing each coat to soak in for a few seconds before applying the next one.

Step 01 · Oily cleaning

The Cleansing Balm

Its sorbet-like texture melts into an oil, dissolving make-up – even waterproof make-up – and impurities, before rinsing off as a milky emulsion that leaves no greasy film.

Step 02 · Water-based cleaning

The Radiance Duo

A 2-in-1 kaolin mask cleanser that purifies and reveals clear, radiant skin. Do you have sensitive or dry skin? Opt for the gentleness of the Collagen Cleansing Foam.

Step 03 · Petrol

Jelly Elixir

A mist with a jelly-to-water texture, enriched with vitamins and hyaluronic acid: it moisturises the skin and prepares it for the serum.

Step 04 · Serum

Milky Concentrate

A milky-textured serum containing hyaluronic acids, collagen and niacinamide, which intensely moisturises, plumps and smooths the skin.

Step 05 · Eye contour

The Radiance Treatment

A vitamin-enriched eye cream that moisturises, smooths fine lines and brightens the eyes. Apply by gently tapping with the tip of your ring finger.

Step 06 · Cream

The Sublime Glow

A light cream containing hyaluronic acids and niacinamide that nourishes, locks in moisture and reveals a natural glow.

03 · The right pace

Morning and evening: two routines, not just one.

In the evening, we deep-clean and repair. In the morning, we moisturise and protect.

In the morning · short version

A mild cleaner or simply rinse with lukewarm water
Fragrance: The Jelly Elixir
Serum: The Milky Concentrate
Eye Contour: The Radiance Treatment
Cream: La Sublime Glow
Sun protection – always as the final step

In the Evening · Full Version

Oil-based cleansing: The Make-up Removing Balm
Water-based cleansing: The Radiance Duo or the Collagen Cleansing Foam
Fragrance: The Jelly Elixir
Serum: The Milky Concentrate
Eye Contour: The Radiance Treatment
Cream: La Sublime Glow

A treatment mask to be used as and when required, 1 to 3 times a week depending on your skin type.

04 · Precautions

Precautions you should be aware of before you start.

An ill-suited Korean skincare routine can make your skin more sensitive. These simple rules make all the difference, especially if you’re new to Korean skincare.

Precaution 01

Take a tolerance test

Before using a new product, apply a small amount to the crook of your elbow or behind your ear and wait 48 hours. Any redness or itching? Don’t use it.

Precaution 02

Introduce one treatment at a time

Add a new product every 7 to 10 days. If you have a reaction, you’ll know straight away which one is causing it.

Precaution 03

Tailor the steps to your skin type

Oily skin: opt for lightweight textures and fewer layers. Dry skin: go for a toner, serum and cream. More steps do not necessarily mean better results.

Precaution 04

Don’t over-purify

Clay masks and exfoliants should be used in moderation. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, it has been over-cleansed.

Precaution 05

Never forget the SPF

In the morning, applying sun protection as the final step is essential, all year round. Without it, the skincare routine loses much of its preventative effect.

Precaution 06

Follow the order of the textures

From the lightest to the richest. Applying a cream before a serum prevents the serum from absorbing properly.

Precaution 07

Measuring out the right amount

A few drops of serum, a grain of rice’s worth of eye cream per eye, a small amount of cream. Using too much product can block your pores.

Precaution 08

Avoid significant accumulation of assets

If you are already using a retinoid or an acid exfoliant, introduce them separately and seek advice from a dermatologist before using them together.

Precaution 09

Seek medical advice if necessary

If you have very sensitive skin, a skin condition, are pregnant or are currently undergoing treatment: please have your skincare routine checked by a healthcare professional.

05 · The box set

The Complete Korean Skincare Routine.

The six stages, all in one box set.

From the Make-up Removing Balm to La Sublime Glow, this set brings together the essentials of K-beauty layering: sensorial textures, targeted active ingredients and visible results, for radiant, comfortable skin with a smooth texture. It is suitable for dry, normal and combination skin.

Formulated in Korea6 stepsHyaluronic acidNiacinamideVegan collagen

5.0/5: the average rating given by our customers on 1944.paris.

06 · The bonus treatment

Hydrogel face masks.

A face mask is the pampering part of the Korean skincare routine. Our Second-Skin Masks are a new generation of hydrogel treatments: white when applied, they gradually become transparent as they release their active ingredients, leaving the skin smooth, plumped and radiant.

Apply after your serum, once or twice a week, or before an event for a ‘glass skin’ effect.

Made in KoreaVeganSecond-skin effect

07 · Making the right choice

Choosing your Korean beauty products.

A Korean brand – or a brand that develops its formulations in Korea – shouldn’t be chosen solely for its packaging.

Read the INCI list: the first ingredients listed are the most concentrated.
Identify the key ingredients in K-beauty: hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for radiance, collagen for comfort, and kaolin to purify.
Check the country of origin: it must be clearly stated whether the product is «formulated» or «manufactured in Korea».
Shop on reputable websites: the popularity of Korean skincare products attracts counterfeits, which offer no guarantee as to their formulation or shelf life.
Start small: one suitable cleanser and one suitable moisturiser are better than ten products bought all at once.

08 · Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Korean skincare routine.

What are the steps in a Korean skincare routine?

In the evening: oil-based cleanser, water-based cleanser, essence, serum, eye cream and moisturiser. In the morning, a shorter routine is sufficient: gentle cleanser, essence, serum, moisturiser, followed by sun protection.

Do we really need to go through 10 steps?

No. The «10 steps» are just a figure of speech. An effective Korean skincare routine can consist of just 4 to 6 steps, provided you follow the double cleansing method and include moisturising and sun protection.

What precautions should you take with Korean skincare products?

Test each new product for 48 hours on a small area of skin, introduce them one at a time, do not overuse purifying treatments, follow the recommended order of textures, and apply SPF every morning. If you have very sensitive skin or are undergoing treatment, seek professional advice.

Is the Korean skincare routine suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, provided you keep it simple: use a gentle cleanser such as Collagen Foam rather than a deep-cleansing product, keep the routine short, and carry out a tolerance test before using any new product.

How long before I see results?

You’ll notice the moisturising effects and improved comfort from the very first applications. For a radiant complexion and improved skin texture, allow around four weeks of regular use – the time it takes for one cell renewal cycle.

Can you mix Korean products with traditional ones?

Yes. What matters is the order in which you apply the products and whether the active ingredients are compatible. Stick to the skincare products prescribed by your dermatologist and gradually incorporate Korean skincare products alongside them.

The 1944 Journal · K-Beauty

Fewer steps, greater accuracy.

Double cleansing, layering, protection: the Korean skincare routine is all about consistency, not piling on products. Create your own routine, at your own pace.