Introduction
Choosing between Korean beauty products can be confusing, especially if it is your first time. In this selection we have lined up 12 Korean beauty products from K-LAB's stock in routine order: from cleanser to sunscreen, with a short note on what each does and who it suits. You do not need them all; start with the ones that suit your skin.
The order of use
- Cleansing: in the evening, first dissolve make-up and sunscreen with a balm, then wash with a foam.
- Toner or pad
- Serum and essence: from the most watery to the richest.
- Cream
- Sunscreen (morning) or a sleeping mask (evening).
1-2. Cleansing and toner
- 1. Natinda Calming Sherbet Cleansing Balm (100 ml): the first step of double cleansing. Massage it onto dry skin; with water it turns into an emulsion and dissolves make-up and sunscreen. For all skin types.
- 2. Patch Holic Yuja Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pad (160 ml): brightening pads soaked in a toner with yuja extract and vitamin C, 60 to a jar. Sweep one over the face after cleansing; no rinsing needed. Sulfate-free.
3-6. Serums, essences and ampoules
- 3. Plc-Atticos Galactomyces Essence (100 ml): a vegan essence with galactomyces ferment filtrate, labelled as a brightening functional cosmetic. Use it as the first layer after toner for hydration and a smoother texture.
- 4. Patch Holic Jericho Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum (30 ml): a hydrating serum with Jericho rose extract and hyaluronic acid; the packaging says it suits all skin types, sensitive included.
- 5. Patch Holic Yuja Serum (30 ml): a brightening vitamin C serum for dark spots and a dull tone. If you use it in the morning, do not skip sunscreen.
- 6. Rivecowe PDRN Retinol Ampoule (30 ml): a revitalising ampoule with PDRN, retinol and vitamin E that the brand recommends especially for oily skin. Because it contains retinol, use it in the evening, start every other night for the first weeks, and always wear sunscreen the next morning.
7-8. Creams
- 7. Rivecowe Barrier Collagen Cream (50 ml): a tone-up cream with hydrolysed collagen, niacinamide and adenosine; a light texture for oily skin that evens tone and hydrates.
- 8. Patch Holic Watermelon Moisture Cream (70 ml): a light gel cream with watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and centella that hydrates oily and combination skin without feeling heavy. Contains fragrance.
9-10. Masks
- 9. Rivecowe Firming Collagen Sheet Mask (10 masks): a sheet mask with hydrolysed collagen and ginseng callus extract; leave it on clean skin for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week.
- 10. Patch Holic Sleeping Mask: a brightening sleeping mask with 2% niacinamide and yuja extract (70 ml); the last step of the evening routine, 2 to 3 nights a week.
11-12. Sun protection and complexion
- 11. Beautyway UV Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++ (70 g): a hydrating, high-protection sunscreen; the last step of the morning routine for all skin types. For a lighter option for oily skin, try Rivecowe Strong Shield SPF50+ PA++++.
- 12. Natinda Aura Perfect Cover Cushion SPF 50+ PA++++: a high-coverage cushion with a natural finish and a refill. #21 Vanilla for light skin, #23 Beige for wheat and medium skin. For shade choice, read Cushion 21 or 23?
Quick picks by skin type
- Dry skin: Jericho Rose serum + Natinda DFRAU Luminous Dew Cream + sunscreen.
- Oily skin: Galactomyces essence + Watermelon gel cream or Barrier Collagen Cream + sunscreen.
- Combination skin: Yuja toner pad + Watermelon gel cream, with DFRAU Luminous Dew Cream on dry areas.
- Pigmented skin: Yuja serum + Sleeping Mask + sunscreen every day.
- Sensitive skin: gentle cleansing with the balm + Pine Needle Cica Cream; move to retinol products slowly.
Related K-LAB products
Frequently asked questions
In what order are Korean beauty products used?
Cleanser, toner or pad, essence and serum, then cream; sunscreen is the last step in the morning and a sleeping mask is optional in the evening. The general rule is to apply from thinnest to thickest.
Should I start using them all at once?
No. Start with a cleanser, a moisturiser and sunscreen, then add serums and masks one at a time, a few days apart. That way you can tell how your skin reacts to each product.
Can I use vitamin C and retinol together?
Separate them rather than applying them at the same time: the vitamin C serum in the morning and the retinol ampoule in the evening. While you use retinol, sunscreen every morning is essential.
Can I use these products during pregnancy?
Always talk to your doctor before using retinol products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For the other products, we recommend sharing the ingredient list with your doctor too.
Are Korean beauty products suitable for men?
Yes. Skincare does not change with gender; you choose by skin type. For sensitivity after shaving, a light, soothing cream is a good start.