Why Hydration is the Key to Glowing Skin

In Korean skincare, hydration is the foundation of healthy, radiant skin. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination, dehydrated skin can make pores more visible, highlight fine lines, and dull your natural glow.

This Korean skincare routine is all about layering lightweight, hydrating products that boost your skin barrier, retain moisture, and leave you glowing from within.


Step 1: Double Cleanse (Oil + Foam)

The World’s #1 Cleansing Balm 🥇
Beloved by K-beauty fans around the globe, this award-winning balm effortlessly dissolves even waterproof makeup, leaving your skin perfectly clean, soft, and refreshed. Now officially the #1 best-selling cleansing balm worldwide!

(Source: Euromonitor International Limited; based on retail sales value (online and/or offline) of cleansing balm products, 2023. Research conducted November 2024 – February 2025.) Start your Korean routine with double cleansing to remove makeup and impurities.

Banila Co Clean It Zero balm jar

Read the review: BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original


Step 2: Toner

Say hello to balanced, glowing skin with the cult-favorite ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Toner. Powered by deep sea water from Dokdo Island, this toner gently exfoliates while regulating oil and sebum, leaving your skin clean, hydrated, and never sticky. With ingredients like Panthenol and Allantoin, it’s perfect for sensitive skin and daily use.

✨ Refresh your skincare game with a Korean favorite—grab your Dokdo Toner now and feel the difference!

🛒 Order ROUND LAB Dokdo Toner today on Amazon

Say hello to balanced, glowing skin with the cult-favorite ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Toner. Product: Round Lab Dokdo Toner


Step 3: Essence

The COSRX Snail Mucin 96 Power Repairing Essence is a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum powered by 96% snail secretion filtrate to visibly restore tired, dull skin. Known for its ability to hydrate, repair, and plump fine lines, this essence strengthens the skin barrier and enhances elasticity without stickiness. A must-have in every K-beauty routine, it’s safe for sensitive skin and free of fragrance, parabens, and cruelty. Essence delivers hydration and boosts absorption of your serums.

COSRX snail mucin essence bottle

Product Review: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Summary: 96% snail mucin to deeply hydrate, repair the skin barrier, and enhance elasticity.


Step 4: Serum/Ampoule

A concentrated formula to target hydration on a deeper level.

Beauty of Joseon Revive Snail Mucin Ginseng Serum Hydrating Peptide Facial Moisturizer Dark Spot Acne Scar Remover for Sensitive Face.

Product: Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
Summary: Combines traditional Korean herbal medicine with modern science. Boosts hydration and elasticity while calming redness.


Step 5: Moisturizer

Soothe, hydrate, and protect your skin with Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream – the go-to Korean moisturizer for dry, sensitive, and even infant skin. Infused with patented ceramide skin complex™, this gentle yet powerful cream provides up to 100 hours of hydration, reinforcing the moisture barrier for lasting softness and comfort. Perfect for both face and body, this vegan-certified, fragrance-free formula is ideal for sensitive users seeking a clinically-proven, non-irritating cream. A must-have for all skin types craving deep, lasting moisture.

🛒 Add it to your routine today – your skin will thank you!

ILLIYOON Ceramide cream tube

Rich cream with ceramide capsules to nourish and hydrate skin barrier

Product Review: ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream


Step 6: SPF (Daytime Only)

No Korean routine is complete without daily sun protection. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Organic Sunscreen SPF50+, PA++++ combines the nourishing powers of rice and probiotics to protect and hydrate your skin. With SPF 50+ and PA++++, this sunscreen provides advanced UV defense, protecting you from harmful rays while benefiting from its skin-calming properties. Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this lightweight and non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving no white cast. It’s the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine for effective sun protection, enhanced with organic ingredients that care for your skin.

🌞 Keep your skin protected and nourished with this Korean skincare gem.

Beauty of Joseon SPF tubeProduct Review: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
Summary: Lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen with calming ingredients like rice extract and probiotics.


Bonus: Sheet Mask (2–3x per week)

Mediheal N.M.F Ampoule Mask (30 Sheets Jumbo Set) is your ultimate solution for deep hydration and skin rejuvenation. This No.1 best-selling Korean sheet mask is powered by Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel extract to deliver intense moisture and refine skin texture. Ideal for all skin types, this jumbo pack is a value-rich skincare essential—perfect for daily use or pampering spa nights. Expect smoother, plumper, and healthier-looking skin with every application.

💧 Hydrate smarter. Glow deeper. Experience the Korean sheet mask everyone swears by!

Mediheal sheet mask pack

Product Review: Mediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Sheet Mask
Summary: Deep hydration in 15 minutes. Contains hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and witch hazel.


Why This Routine Works

✨ Korean skincare is based on hydration layering.
✨ Each step builds moisture, locks it in, and strengthens the skin barrier.
✨ Lightweight textures are better absorbed and cause less irritation.

Hydration = elasticity, glow, and protection from environmental stressors.


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