K-Beauty | MyOrigines

K-Beauty: Korean skincare, key ingredients, and the glass skin routine

K-Beauty, or Korean beauty, refers to the world of skincare inspired by routines and innovations developed in South Korea. It places particular emphasis on hydration, radiance, skin comfort, and consistency in skincare practices rather than on the systematic layering of products. Essence, toner, serum, cream, sheet masks, or sunscreen: Korean skincare stands out for its often lightweight textures and the inclusion of iconic ingredients such as centella asiatica, ginseng, rice bran, snail mucin, and hyaluronic acid. On MyOrigines, discover a selection of K-beauty brands and products to build a step-by-step routine tailored to your skin’s needs and the desired results.

The Main Steps of a K-Beauty Routine

Step	Product	Main Purpose
1	Cleansing oil or balm	Removes makeup and oils
2	Water-based cleanser	Clean Residues
3	Toner or essence	Provides comfort and hydration
4	Serum	Targeting a specific need
5	Cream	Maintain hydration
6	Morning sun protection	Protecting the skin from UV rays

Glass Skin in K-Beauty

"Glass skin" refers to a look where the skin is deeply hydrated, smooth, and radiant. The goal isn’t to achieve textureless skin, but to promote a supple and glowing appearance through a regular, tailored skincare routine. Hydrating in several light layers, using a targeted serum, and applying sunscreen daily can all contribute to this type of finish.

Key Ingredients in Korean Beauty

K-beauty often highlights ingredients that are both traditional and modern. Centella asiatica is frequently used in skincare products for sensitive or irritated skin. Ginseng appears in many formulas focused on radiance and revitalization. Rice bran is used in certain formulas designed to provide softness and radiance, while hyaluronic acid is valued for its role in hydration. Snail mucin, a common ingredient in certain Korean skincare lines, is used to improve skin comfort and appearance, depending on the formula.

K-beauty brands to discover

Erborian

Erborian combines Korean inspiration with French cosmetic expertise, offering a line that bridges the gap between skincare and makeup. The Ginseng BB Cream is one of the brand’s iconic products. It helps even out the complexion while maintaining a natural finish.

Beauty of Joseon

Beauty of Joseon draws inspiration from hanbang, the traditional Korean use of plants and botanical ingredients in skincare. The Dynasty Cream combines ginseng, squalane, and rice bran in a formula designed to provide hydration and comfort to the skin.

Dr.Jart+

Dr.Jart+ offers skincare products tailored to various skin needs, including hydration and support for the skin barrier. The Cryo Rubber includes masks designed to occasionally supplement a skincare routine and provide a feeling of comfort and hydration.

Anua

Anua develops skincare products with simple, lightweight textures, featuring several products centered around the heartleaf plant. The Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner is easily applied after cleansing to refresh and soothe the skin.

COSRX

COSRX is particularly known for its targeted skincare products and formulas that highlight certain iconic K-beauty active ingredients. The Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a hydrating essence made with snail mucin, designed to provide comfort and suppleness to the skin.

SKIN1004

SKIN1004 offers a wide range of products centered around Centella asiatica, available in serums, creams, essences, and masks. These products can be incorporated into a skincare routine when you’re primarily looking for hydration, comfort, and simplicity.

Torriden

Torriden focuses primarily on hydration with formulas that use various forms of hyaluronic acid. The Dive-In Serum fits into a routine when the main goal is to improve skin comfort and hydration.

Double cleansing in a K-beauty routine

Double cleansing involves first using a cleansing oil or balm, followed by a water-based cleanser. This method allows you to remove makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and residue in succession. It isn’t necessary for everyone or for every cleansing session. It’s especially useful in the evening when the skin is wearing makeup, a long-lasting sunscreen, or multiple layers of products.

Korean Toners and Essences

Korean toners are generally used after cleansing to provide an initial layer of hydration or comfort. Unlike some very astringent lotions, many K-beauty formulas prioritize light, hydrating textures. Essences often fall between toners and serums. They can be applied in one or more thin layers depending on the skin’s needs.

K-beauty Serums to Target the Skin’s Needs

Serums allow for more precise targeting of hydration, radiance, imperfections, or skin comfort. There’s no need to layer multiple serums: a well-chosen formula can be sufficient in a skincare routine. To avoid overloading the skin, introduce new active ingredients gradually, especially if they are exfoliating or potentially irritating.

Sheet Masks to Complete Your Routine

Sheet masks are iconic in Korean beauty. They are infused with a lotion or serum and are used occasionally to provide extra hydration or comfort. They serve as a supplement to your routine rather than an essential daily step.

Sun Protection in the Korean Skincare Routine

Sun protection plays an important role in many K-beauty routines. It is applied in the morning as the final step in your skincare routine, before makeup. For effective protection, use a sufficient amount and reapply as needed based on sun exposure and the product’s instructions.

A K-beauty routine tailored to every skin type

The Korean skincare routine doesn’t necessarily require ten steps. A simple routine can consist of just a cleanser, a serum or toner, a moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning. Those with dry skin may want to prioritize moisturizing and nourishing formulas, while those with combination or oily skin may prefer lighter lotions, essences, and gels. Those with sensitive skin are advised to limit the number of new products introduced at once.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About K-Beauty

What Is K-Beauty?

K-beauty refers to the world of skincare and beauty products inspired by Korean cosmetics. It places particular emphasis on hydration, light textures, layering skincare products, and sun protection.

Do you really need to follow a 10-step K-beauty routine?

No. The ten steps mainly reflect a popular perception of the Korean routine. An effective routine can be much shorter and tailored to your skin’s needs.

What is “glass skin”?

“Glass skin” refers to skin that is smooth, supple, and very radiant. This effect is primarily achieved through proper hydration, a consistent skincare routine, and adequate sun protection.

What are the most commonly used ingredients in K-beauty?

Centella asiatica, ginseng, rice bran, snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and various plant extracts are among the most commonly found ingredients.

Is Centella asiatica suitable for sensitive skin?

It is often used in formulas designed to soothe sensitive skin, but tolerance always depends on the product as a whole. A formula containing Centella Asiatica is therefore not automatically suitable for all reactive skin types.

What is the purpose of rice bran in Korean skincare?

Rice bran is used in certain formulas to provide softness, comfort, and radiance. However, its effect depends on its concentration and the overall formula.

What is the purpose of snail mucin in Korean skincare?

It is used in certain skincare products to provide hydration, suppleness, and comfort to the skin. In particular, it can be incorporated into essences or serums.

What is the difference between a toner, an essence, and a serum?

Toner is generally used right after cleansing; essence provides an additional light layer of care; and serum often contains more targeted active ingredients. However, the distinctions between these categories may vary by brand.

Is double cleansing necessary every day?

Not necessarily. It’s especially useful in the evening when you’re wearing makeup, a long-lasting sunscreen, or multiple layers of skincare products. A single cleanse may be sufficient in other situations.

Is K-beauty suitable for oily skin?

Yes, as long as you choose the right textures. Gels, lightweight lotions, and hydrating serums can work well for oily skin without requiring multiple layers.

Is K-beauty suitable for dry skin?

Yes. Those with dry skin can apply several layers of lightweight moisturizers, followed by a richer cream to minimize water loss.

What are the best K-beauty products right now?

Products containing centella, hydrating toners, snail mucin essences, and hyaluronic acid serums remain very popular. On MyOrigines, you can find, for example, the Erborian Centella Hyaluronic Acid CC Cream and the Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil.

Is the K-beauty routine expensive?

Not necessarily. Korean brands span a wide range of price points, and it’s not necessary to buy a lot of products. A simple, well-targeted routine can still be affordable.

All your K-beauty products on MyOrigines

On MyOrigines, discover a selection of K-beauty products to build a routine tailored to your skin’s needs: cleansers, toners, essences, serums, creams, masks, and treatments inspired by Korean beauty. You can also explore our face care category to complement your skincare routine with other products tailored to your skin.