How to create a minimalist Korean skincare routine
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SkinTalks - May 30, 2025

Hello, SkinTalks readers!

 

Korean skincare is often celebrated for its multi-step routines that deliver glowing, healthy skin—and while we love a full regimen, there are also simpler versions that can fit into any lifestyle. If you find the famous “10-step routine”  a bit intimidating and complex, there’s no need to follow it to the letter.

 

You can absolutely embrace the principles of this routine in a simpler, more minimalist way—without sacrificing its effectiveness. If you’re curious about K-beauty but don’t want to spend too much time on it, it’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 what’s essential. To do that, it’s important to define which steps are fundamental for your skin’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.
     
  • Moisturising: Even oily skin needs moisture. Choose a lightweight moisturiser that won’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.

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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:

Moisturisers and sunscreen:

Although some Korean moisturisers 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 don’t replace the need for a moisturiser. 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, moisturiser, and sunscreen, a serum is a great extra step to add. You can use a serum after cleanser and before moisturiser. 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.

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 skin’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, moisturising, and sun protection, exploring additional steps can be beneficial. Choose the products that best meet your skin’s needs and adjust your routine according to what works for you.

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