Routine

How to create a minimalist Korean skincare routine

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SkinTalks - May 26, 2025

Introduction

Defining the essentials: Which steps are a must

Multifunctional products: When less is more

Adapting your routine to your lifestyle and skin type

Shop the recommended products

Simplify without losing effectiveness

Hello, SkinTalks readers!

 

Korean skincare is often celebrated for its multi-step routines that deliver glowing, healthy skinโ€”and while we love a full regimen, there are also simpler versions that can fit into any lifestyle. If you find the famous โ€œ10-step routineโ€  a bit intimidating and complex, thereโ€™s no need to follow it to the letter.

 

You can absolutely embrace the principles of this routine in a simpler, more minimalist wayโ€”without sacrificing its effectiveness. If youโ€™re curious about K-beauty but donโ€™t want to spend too much time on it, itโ€™s time to build your own minimalist Korean skincare routine.

Defining the essentials: Which steps are a must

The beauty of a minimalist routine lies in knowing exactly whatโ€™s essential. To do that, itโ€™s important to define which steps are fundamental for your skinโ€™s health. The most minimalist version of the Korean skincare routine can be reduced to 3 key steps:

  • Cleansing: Do a two-step cleanse. First with an oil or balm to remove makeup and impurities, followed by a gel or foam cleanser for a deep clean.
     
  • Moisturizing: Even oily skin needs moisture. Choose a lightweight moisturizer that wonโ€™t feel heavy or clog pores..
     
  • Sun protection: This is considered an essential step. Sunscreen is the most important product for protecting your skin from future damage.

Multifunctional products: When less is more

In a minimalist routine, the trick is to use multifunctional products. These simplify your daily routine and reduce the number of items in your cabinet. Examples include:

Moisturizers and sunscreen:

Although some Korean moisturizers include SPF, ideally you should use a separate sunscreen with SPF 50 to ensure effective UV protection. The Korean routine emphasizes daily sunscreen use as essential to maintaining healthy skin and preventing signs of aging.

Hydrating toners:

Some toners provide extra hydration and help prepare the skin for the following products, but they donโ€™t replace the need for a moisturizer. Their role is to complement the routine, offering extra benefits like strengthening the skin barrier and improving absorption of serums and creams.

Multifunctional serums:

Serums that combine hydration with treatments for pigmentation, acne, or oil control can replace the need for multiple targeted products. 

 

If you feel like your skin needs more than just the essential trio of cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, a serum is a great extra step to add. You can use a serum after cleanser and before moisturizer. It offers a boost of active ingredients without complicating your routine.

Adapting your routine to your lifestyle and skin type

Each skin type has different needs, and choosing the right products is essential to optimize your routine without sacrificing effectiveness.

Dry skin

Opt for products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Oily skin

Choose lightweight, mattifying formulas like gels and toners that help control oil production.

Sensitive skin

Use gentle, fragrance-free products with calming ingredients like centella asiatica.

Shop the recommended products

Simplify without losing effectiveness

The big secret to a minimalist Korean skincare routine is simplifying without losing effectiveness. Choose products with powerful ingredients that deliver maximum impact on your skin. Some examples:

 

Instead of using several creams for different concerns, pick a multifunctional serum that combines benefits like hydration, anti-aging, and brightening.

 

Adapt your routine based on your skinโ€™s needs. On hotter days, a lightweight gel may be enough, while in colder weather, a thicker cream may offer better protection against dryness. Although the basic foundation of skincare includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, exploring additional steps can be beneficial. Choose the products that best meet your skinโ€™s needs and adjust your routine according to what works for you.

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