Korean Skincare Order Thumbnail

Cleanser

Toner

Essence

Serum

Moisturizer

Sunscreen

Thin to Thick Rule

Korean Skincare Routine Order: The Right Way to Layer Your Products

You’ve invested in quality Korean skincare products. You’ve read the reviews, watched the tutorials, and spent your hard-earned money. But if you’re applying them in the wrong order, you might as well be flushing that money down the drain.

The order you apply your skincare products isn’t just about being organized—it’s about effectiveness. Apply products incorrectly and they can’t penetrate your skin, which means you won’t see results.

This guide will teach you the exact order Korean skincare experts use, and more importantly, why this order matters.

The Golden Rule of Skincare Layering

From thinnest to thickest consistency.

That’s the foundational principle. Lightweight, water-based products first, heavier oil-based products last.

Why? Thicker products create a barrier on your skin. If you apply a heavy cream first, lightweight serums can’t penetrate through it. But if you apply lightweight products first, heavier products can seal them in.

Simple science, massive impact.

The Complete Korean Skincare Routine Order

Here’s the full routine in perfect order. Don’t worry if you don’t use all these steps—most people use 5-7 products, not all 10.

Morning Routine (AM)

Cleanser (water-based only)
Toner/Tonic
Essence
Serum/Ampoule
Eye Cream
Moisturizer
Sunscreen (ALWAYS last before makeup)

Evening Routine (PM)

Oil Cleanser (first cleanse)
Water-based Cleanser (second cleanse)
Exfoliator (2-3x per week, not daily)
Toner/Tonic
Essence
Serum/Ampoule
Sheet Mask (2-3x per week)
Eye Cream
Moisturizer
Face Oil/Sleeping Mask (optional, 2-3x per week)

Let’s break down each step and why it matters.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1 (AM): Water-Based Cleanser

What it does: Removes overnight oil, dead skin cells, and leftover skincare products

Why this order: Always first to start with a clean canvas

Products to use:

Gentle foam cleanser
APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Facial Polish Cleanser
Low-pH gel cleanser

Application:

Wet face with lukewarm water
Lather cleanser in hands
Massage face for 30-60 seconds
Rinse thoroughly

Pro tip: Morning cleansing should be gentle. Your skin isn’t dirty—you’re just refreshing it.

Step 1-2 (PM): Double Cleansing

What it does: First cleanse removes makeup/sunscreen, second cleanse removes remaining debris

Why this order: Oil-based must come before water-based

Products to use:

First: APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Cleansing Balm
Second: APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Cleanser

Application:

Follow our Complete Double Cleansing Guide

Pro tip: This is non-negotiable if you wore sunscreen or makeup.

Step 2 (AM) / Step 4 (PM): Toner

What it does: Balances skin pH, preps skin for better absorption, provides first layer of hydration

Why this order: Immediately after cleansing while skin is still slightly damp

Types of toners:

Hydrating toners: Add moisture (most common in K-beauty)
Exfoliating toners: Contain AHA/BHA (use at night only)
pH-balancing toners: Restore skin’s natural pH after cleansing

Application methods:

Method 1: Patting (most effective)

Pour onto palms
Pat gently into skin
Don’t rub—patting enhances absorption

Method 2: Cotton pad (good for exfoliating toners)

Saturate cotton pad
Swipe across face in upward motions
Be gentle—don’t scrub

Wait time: 30 seconds before next product

Pro tip: Apply to damp skin, not dry. It helps products absorb better.

Step 3 (AM) / Step 5 (PM): Essence

What it does: Delivers concentrated hydration and active ingredients deep into skin

Why this order: Lighter than serums, heavier than toners

What’s the difference from toner? Essences are more concentrated with active ingredients and focus on cellular repair and hydration.

Application:

2-3 drops or one pump
Warm between palms
Press gently into skin (don’t rub)
Focus on areas needing extra hydration

Wait time: 1 minute before next product

Pro tip: Essences are a K-beauty staple. If you’re going to skip something, don’t skip this.

Step 4 (AM) / Step 6 (PM): Serum/Ampoule

What it does: Targets specific skin concerns with high concentrations of active ingredients

Why this order: After essence, before moisturizer so actives can penetrate

Common serum types and when to use them:

Vitamin C: AM only (antioxidant protection, brightening)
Niacinamide: AM or PM (brightening, pore-refining)
Hyaluronic Acid: AM and PM (hydration)
Retinol: PM only (anti-aging, acne)
AHA/BHA: PM only (exfoliation)

Application:

2-4 drops or one pump
Warm between palms
Press into skin, focusing on concern areas
Allow full absorption

Wait time: 1-2 minutes (especially for active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol)

Pro tip: Don’t mix too many active ingredients at once. Use vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night.

Step 5 (AM) / Step 8 (PM): Eye Cream

What it does: Addresses fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness in delicate eye area

Why this order: Before moisturizer but after serums so actives can reach the eye area

Application:

Use your ring finger (gentlest pressure)
Dot product around orbital bone
Pat gently—never pull or drag
Start from inner corner, work outward

Wait time: 30 seconds

Pro tip: Apply eye cream AROUND the eye area, not directly on the eyelid or too close to lash line.

Step 6 (AM) / Step 9 (PM): Moisturizer

What it does: Seals in all previous products and provides hydration barrier

Why this order: Heavier than serums, creates protective layer

Choosing the right moisturizer:

Gel: Oily/combination skin, summer
Lotion: Normal/combination skin, year-round
Cream: Dry/mature skin, winter

Application:

Dime to nickel-sized amount
Warm between palms
Press onto face in upward motions
Don’t forget neck and décolletage

Wait time: 1-2 minutes before sunscreen

Pro tip: If your serum is very hydrating, you can use a lighter moisturizer.

Step 7 (AM ONLY): Sunscreen

What it does: Protects against UV damage, prevents premature aging and skin cancer

Why this order: ALWAYS THE LAST STEP in your AM routine (before makeup)

Products to use:

Application:

¼ teaspoon for face
Apply evenly to all exposed areas
Don’t rub it in like moisturizer—pat and press
Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors

Wait time: 2-3 minutes before makeup application

Pro tip: Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Every single day. Even indoors. Even cloudy days. EVERY. DAY.

Additional PM Steps

Exfoliator (2-3x per week, after cleansing)

What it does: Removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, improves texture

Types:

Physical: Scrubs (use gentle versions only)
Chemical: AHA (for surface), BHA (for pores)

When to use: After cleansing, before toner

Pro tip: Don’t over-exfoliate. 2-3x per week maximum.

Sheet Mask (2-3x per week, after serum)

What it does: Intensive hydration and ingredient delivery

When to use: After serum, before moisturizer

Application:

Leave on 15-20 minutes
Don’t let it dry on your face
Pat remaining essence into skin
Continue with moisturizer

Face Oil/Sleeping Mask (2-3x per week, last step PM)

What it does: Seals in moisture overnight, provides intensive repair

When to use: Last step PM routine, after moisturizer

Pro tip: Not everyone needs this step. Add it if your skin is very dry or you’re using strong actives that cause dryness.

Wait Times Between Products: Do They Actually Matter?

Short answer: Yes, but you don’t need to wait as long as you think.

Realistic wait times:

Toner: 30 seconds
Essence: 30-60 seconds
Serum: 1-2 minutes (especially actives)
Eye cream: 30 seconds
Moisturizer: 1 minute
Sunscreen: 2-3 minutes before makeup

Total routine time:

Morning: 5-7 minutes
Evening: 8-12 minutes

Pro tip: Use wait times to brush your teeth, get dressed, or prep other parts of your routine.

Common Layering Mistakes

Mistake #1: Applying Sunscreen Before Moisturizer

Wrong: Toner → Serum → Sunscreen → Moisturizer Right: Toner → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen

Why it matters: Sunscreen must be the last skincare step to form a protective film. Applying moisturizer over it disrupts this film.

Mistake #2: Using Oil-Based Products Before Water-Based

Wrong: Face oil → Serum → Toner Right: Toner → Serum → Face oil

Why it matters: Water can’t penetrate oil, so your water-based products won’t absorb.

Mistake #3: Mixing Incompatible Actives

Wrong: Vitamin C + Retinol in same routine Right: Vitamin C (AM), Retinol (PM)

Why it matters: Some ingredients cancel each other out or cause irritation.

Mistake #4: Applying Too Much Product

Wrong: Glopping on products in thick layers Right: Thin layers, allowing absorption between steps

Why it matters: More product doesn’t mean better results. Skin can only absorb so much.

Mistake #5: Rubbing Instead of Patting

Wrong: Rubbing products vigorously into skin Right: Gentle patting and pressing motions

Why it matters: Rubbing causes friction and can damage skin, especially delicate areas.

Creating Your Personalized Routine

You don’t need 10 steps. Here’s how to build a routine that works for YOU:

Beginner Routine (4 steps)

AM: Cleanser → Moisturizer → Sunscreen PM: Double Cleanse → Moisturizer

Intermediate Routine (6-7 steps)

AM: Cleanser → Toner → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen PM: Double Cleanse → Toner → Serum → Moisturizer

Advanced Routine (8-10 steps)

AM: Cleanser → Toner → Essence → Vitamin C Serum → Eye Cream → Moisturizer → Sunscreen PM: Double Cleanse → Exfoliator (2-3x/week) → Toner → Essence → Treatment Serum → Eye Cream → Moisturizer → Face Oil (as needed)

Start simple and add products gradually. Your skin needs time to adjust.