Korean 10-step skincare routine: a traveler's guide
Understand the Korean 10-step skincare routine, learn which steps matter most for travelers, and find out what to buy at Olive Young in Seoul at half the US price.
Quick answer
The Korean 10-step skincare routine is a layered approach to skin health that emphasizes cleansing, hydration, and sun protection. For travelers visiting Seoul, the practical version is 5 to 7 steps: oil cleanse, water cleanse, toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. The biggest advantage of buying in Seoul is price — most products cost 30 to 50 percent less at Olive Young than on US retail sites.
What the 10 steps actually are
The 10-step routine was popularized by Soko Glam and has become the most recognized framework for Korean skincare [1]. Here is the full list with what each step does:
| Step | Product | When to use | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oil cleanser | PM | Dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities |
| 2 | Water-based cleanser | AM and PM | Removes sweat, dirt, and remaining residue |
| 3 | Exfoliator | 1–2x per week | Sloughs dead skin cells, improves texture |
| 4 | Toner | AM and PM | Balances pH, preps skin for absorption |
| 5 | Essence | AM and PM | Lightweight hydration, supports cell turnover |
| 6 | Serum / ampoule | AM and PM | Targets specific concerns (acne, dark spots, aging) |
| 7 | Sheet mask | 1–2x per week | Delivers concentrated nutrients and moisture |
| 8 | Eye cream | AM and PM | Hydrates the delicate eye area |
| 9 | Moisturizer | AM and PM | Locks in all previous layers |
| 10 | Sunscreen | AM only | Protects against UV damage (the most important step) |
Vogue notes that dermatologists generally agree the routine is beneficial, but not every step is necessary for every person [2]. The key insight is that Korean skincare is about building layers of hydration rather than using one heavy product.
The traveler's version: 5 to 7 steps that matter
Carrying 10 products in your suitcase is impractical. Here is the simplified routine that covers the essentials:
| Step | Traveler version | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Double cleanse | Oil cleanser + foam cleanser | Removes sunscreen and sweat after a full day of sightseeing |
| Toner | Hydrating toner (not exfoliating) | Restores moisture after cleansing |
| Essence | Snail mucin or hyaluronic acid | Lightweight hydration that layers well |
| Moisturizer | Gel or cream depending on skin type | Seals everything in |
| Sunscreen | SPF 50, PA++++ | Non-negotiable — Seoul summers are hot and UV is strong |
Sheet masks are a bonus step you can buy individually at Olive Young and use in your hotel at night. They are not essential, but they are cheap and effective, making them a nice travel treat.
What to buy at Olive Young in Seoul
The products below are consistently recommended by Korean dermatologists and travelers alike. Prices are approximate Olive Young retail in Seoul as of 2026.
Oil cleanser
Banila Co Clean It Zero — A sherbet-to-oil balm that dissolves makeup and sunscreen. Travel-sized jars are available. Approximately ₩18,000 (~$13) for 100 ml in Seoul versus $22 on US sites [3].
Water-based cleanser
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser — A gentle gel cleanser with tea tree oil. Low pH formula respects the skin barrier. Approximately ₩12,000 (~$9) for 150 ml in Seoul versus $14 in the US.
Toner
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner — A calming, hydrating toner suitable for sensitive skin. One of Olive Young's top sellers in 2026. Approximately ₩22,000 (~$16) for 250 ml.
Essence
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence — The most iconic Korean essence. Absorbs quickly, hydrates without stickiness. Approximately ₩21,000 (~$15) for 100 ml versus $25 in the US.
Serum
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule — A soothing, repair-focused serum. Works well for post-sun exposure. Approximately ₩25,000 (~$18) for 50 ml.
Moisturizer
Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cream — A lightweight gel cream that works for most skin types. Approximately ₩22,000 (~$16) for 100 ml.
Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ PA++++ — A rice-and-probiotic sunscreen that has become a global bestseller. Lightweight, no white cast. Approximately ₩15,000 (~$11) for 50 ml versus $16 in the US.
Price comparison: Seoul versus US
The savings are consistent across categories. Here is a summary for a full traveler routine:
| Product | Seoul price | US price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil cleanser (Banila Co, 100 ml) | ~$13 | ~$22 | 41% |
| Foam cleanser (COSRX, 150 ml) | ~$9 | ~$14 | 36% |
| Toner (Anua, 250 ml) | ~$16 | ~$22 | 27% |
| Essence (COSRX Snail, 100 ml) | ~$15 | ~$25 | 40% |
| Serum (SKIN1004, 50 ml) | ~$18 | ~$25 | 28% |
| Moisturizer (Torriden, 100 ml) | ~$16 | ~$22 | 27% |
| Sunscreen (Beauty of Joseon, 50 ml) | ~$11 | ~$16 | 31% |
| Total | ~$98 | ~$146 | ~33% |
Add the tourist VAT refund of 7 to 8 percent at Olive Young, and the total savings approach 40 percent compared to buying the same products in the US [4].
Common mistakes tourists make at Olive Young
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Buying full sizes of everything | Start with travel sizes or minis to test before committing |
| Ignoring the app | Download the Olive Young app for real-time member discounts and barcode scanning |
| Shopping at peak hours | Visit before 11 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds in Myeongdong |
| Forgetting tax-free | Present your passport at checkout for the VAT refund |
| Buying only what TikTok recommends | Ask staff for recommendations based on your skin type — they know the Korean market better than social media |
How the routine fits a Seoul trip
A practical daily routine while traveling in Seoul looks like this:
Morning: Water cleanser → toner → essence → moisturizer → sunscreen. Five minutes.
Evening: Oil cleanser → water cleanser → toner → essence → sheet mask (optional) → moisturizer. Ten minutes.
The double cleanse in the evening is important because Korean sunscreen is designed to be long-wearing and water-resistant. A single water-based cleanser may not fully remove it.
SeoulSheets connection
SeoulSheets includes all major Olive Young locations with district fields, nearest subway exits, and opening hours. Use the shopping category filter to plan a route that passes an Olive Young branch without going out of your way. For Myeongdong, the spreadsheet also links nearby restaurants and cafes, so the skincare stop becomes part of a neighborhood afternoon rather than a standalone errand.
References
[1] Soko Glam: 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
[2] Vogue: What Experts Really Think of the 10-Step Korean Skin-Care Routine
[3] Healthline: Korean Skin Care Routine
[4] Jane Yoo MD: Best Korean Skincare Routine 2026
Image credits: Cover image by Piqsels, CC0. K-Beauty Expo by Kintexsw, CC BY-SA 4.0. Beauty store by Piqsels, CC0. Images were cropped for layout.