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New to Korean Skincare? I’d Start With These
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items Korean skincare can get overwhelming very quickly. If I were starting again, I wouldn’t buy a 10-step routine or chase every product going viral. These are the products I’d start with based on what I’ve used, what I found easy to incorporate into a r...
Sections
3
Deep Cleansing
Easy Hydration
Treatments
Deep Cleansing
For removing sunscreen, makeup and the general buildup of the day without making cleansing feel harsh or complicated. These are the products I’d start with if you want skin to feel properly clean but not stripped.
I love this cleansing oil. It removes makeup and sunscreen properly and rinses away without leaving that heavy oily film that makes me want to cleanse my face three more times.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil 6.76 fl ...
I like this because it cleans properly but doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight afterwards. With sensitive skin, that sounds basic, but it rules out a surprising number of cleansers.
Arencia Korean Rice Mochi Face Cleanser
If you’re new to cleansing balms, I actually think this trio makes more sense than immediately buying a full-size tub. You can try three versions and work out which one your skin prefers. They’re particularly good for taking off makeup and sunscreen ...
BANILA CO Clean It Zero Best Of Balm Trio 0.84 fl. oz.(25ml) x 3ea | OLIVE YOUNG US
I’ve used sonic cleansing brushes because I like the feeling of a really thorough cleanse, and I find the massage side genuinely relaxing. I don’t think you need a cleansing device to start a Korean skincare routine, though, so I’d treat this as an o...
Sonic Facial Brush | 5 in 1
Easy Hydration
The easiest place to start if your skin feels dry, tight or dehydrated. These are gentle, straightforward products that add moisture without turning your routine into ten different steps.
Probably my favourite night serum when my skin feels dry or depleted. I use it in the evening when I want to wake up with my skin feeling properly hydrated without turning the routine into five different layers. One I’d especially look at if dehydrat...
Deep Water Surge Overnight Serum 30
One of the gentler hydrating serums I’d recommend if you’re just starting out, especially if your skin is sensitive. I can use this morning or night and it gives me hydration without feeling like I’m introducing another “active” my skin has to adjust...
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Serum 50ml / Hydrating, Alcohol- ...
I’ve used this for years. I like it when my skin is looking tired or feels dehydrated and I want to wake up looking a little more refreshed without doing anything complicated.
Water Sleeping Mask: Overnight Hydrating Face Mask - Laneige
This is the kind of serum I reach for when my skin simply needs more hydration, not another strong active. I’d put something like this into a beginner routine before experimenting with acids, retinoids or anything more aggressive. Simple job, but som...
EQQUALBERRY Hyaltoin Flooding Smoothie Serum
I like this when my skin needs moisture but doesn't want a heavy cream. It's light, doesn't irritate my skin and works particularly well for me in warmer weather or under makeup.
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream 2.7 Fl Oz
I actually like these most as a quick mini-mask rather than just swiping them over my face. I leave a pad on areas that feel dry or need extra hydration for a few minutes. Useful when I want something more than toner but don’t feel like doing a full ...
Biodance Collagen Gel Toner pads 60pads 4.93 oz.(140g)
One of the easier toners I’d start with if your skin feels dehydrated or dull. I like it because it adds another layer of hydration without making the routine feel complicated. I use it after cleansing and before serum, especially when my skin feels ...
I'm From Rice Toner
Treatments
Once the basics are working, these are the products I’d add for more specific concerns like dullness, texture, visible pores or mature-skin needs. I’d introduce them one at a time rather than starting several active products together.
I like this when I want something a little more treatment-focused than a basic hydrating serum, but still gentle enough for my sensitive skin. For me it’s more about hydration and smoother-looking skin than chasing the whole NAD+ trend. A nice option...
EQQUALBERRY NAD+ Peptide Boosting Serum
I use this when visible pores and uneven texture are bothering me, but I’d treat it as a targeted product rather than a basic hydrating serum. This is one I’d introduce gradually, especially if your skin is sensitive, and I wouldn’t reach for it when...
Zero Pore One-day Peptide Serum
Of all the PDRN products I’ve tried, this is one I particularly like for uneven tone and dark spots. I’m much more interested in whether I can actually see a difference than in the PDRN hype around it.
medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum | Glass Glow & Uneven Tone Care
I’ve tried more than one lash serum and this is the one where I felt I noticed a difference surprisingly quickly. It’s inexpensive and very straightforward to use. Definitely not an essential skincare step, but one of my favourite little Korean beaut...
[2types] ETUDE My Lash Serum Mascara 0.31 oz.(9g)