In 2015, the New York Times introduced Korean skincare like this: "10 steps to perfect skin"
The world was amazed. "10 steps for skincare?"
But soon understood. For Koreans, skincare isn't about 'applying products', it's 'time to communicate with your skin'.
The Art of Segmentation
10 steps is not complexity, it's precision
Western skincare: Cleanser -> Moisturizer -> Sunscreen (3 steps)
Korean skincare: A meticulous 10-step journey
This is not 'complexity' but 'precision'.
Each step addresses different layers of skin and different concerns. This is the secret to 'Glass Skin'.
10-Step Routine
- Step 1: Oil Cleanser (Remove makeup)
- Step 2: Foam Cleanser (Double cleanse)
- Step 3: Exfoliator (2-3 times per week)
- Step 4: Toner (pH balancing)
- Step 5: Essence (Hydration)
- Step 6: Serum/Ampoule (Intensive care)
- Step 7: Sheet Mask (2-3 times per week)
- Step 8: Eye Cream (Eye area care)
- Step 9: Moisturizer (Seal in moisture)
- Step 10: Sunscreen (AM) / Night Cream (PM)
Treasury of Innovative Ingredients
The magic of fermentation and biotech
Korean cosmetics ingredient lists are amazing.
The Magic of Fermentation - Galactomyces, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Korean herbal fermentation
Biotechnology - Peptide complexes, EGF, Stem cell culture, Niacinamide
Natural Ingredients - Centella Asiatica, Propolis, Snail Mucin, Birch Sap
"Korean cosmetics ingredient lists read like scientific papers" - Vogue, 2023
Glass Skin: Philosophy of Transparency
Not covering, but glowing
Western makeup: Coverage
Korean makeup: Glow
"Glass Skin" is not just a trend. It's a Korean skin philosophy.
3 Elements of Glass Skin
1. Transparency - Clear, clean skin texture
2. Dewiness - Moist, not dry radiance
3. Smoothness - Minimized pores and blemishes
Value Revolution
Same ingredients, 1/10 the price
This is the real reason K-Beauty conquered the world.
Vitamin C Serum: Luxury $120 vs K-Beauty $15 (8x difference)
Retinol Cream: Luxury $180 vs K-Beauty $25 (7x difference)
But ingredient concentration and quality are similar or better.
Why possible? Large-scale production infrastructure, fierce domestic competition, fast product turnover, minimal brand marketing costs
Rapid Trend Reflection
SNS trend to product launch: 3 months
Korean cosmetics market speed is unbelievable.
January: Influencer introduces 'dewy makeup'
February: 10 brands plan 'dewy lines'
March: 50 products launched
April: Global spread
Thanks to this, consumers always have access to the latest trend products.
K-Skincare goes beyond just 'good cosmetics'
It's a philosophy toward skin, a ritual of self-care, a belief that inner health reflects outward
Does 10 steps seem like a lot?
For Koreans, this is not 'hassle',
**It's meditation time for myself, twice a day.**
Your skin is also waiting for such time.