Personally, I prefer my Korean oil cleansers to any Western alternatives I’ve tried, due to their incredibly nourishing yet lightweight nature, which also doesn’t lean too greasy. Once rubbed into the skin, you can also emulsify them with water to wash the formula off, which also adds to their therapeutic feel. I also rate the standard gel Korean cleansers for their purifying yet non-stripping tendencies. The result? Clear skin and a moisture barrier that’s left undisturbed.

“Oil or balm cleansers are effective at dissolving sunscreen and make-up without disturbing the skin barrier, while water-based foaming cleansers remove residual debris. The emphasis is always on thorough yet gentle cleansing, leaving the skin comfortable rather than stripped,” she explains.

Step 2: Korean toners and toner pads

I often use my trusty toner pads as a face mask for targeted areas (think under-eyes, chin, and forehead). I love that most of them come with a double-sided pad — the rough side is intended to gently exfoliate while the smoother side works to boost hydration levels. I also have a soft spot for rice toners for their deeply nourishing and cocooning nature, which is exactly what my dry and sensitive skin craves all year round.

“The formulation of modern Korean toners is notably gentler and more hydrating than the typically astringent versions found in Western skincare,” says Dr Hall. “They are primarily hydrating, often formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, rice water or birch sap.”

“These toners help to rebalance the skin’s pH after cleansing and prepare the skin to better absorb subsequent layers,” she adds. Elsewhere, Dr Hall shares that “toner pads are pre-soaked with active ingredients, adding a level of convenience and providing gentle exfoliation without causing irritation, which makes them such a popular and effective option for daily use.”

Step 3: Korean serums and ampoules:

Over the years of testing various formulas, I’ve found a handful of Korean serums and ampoules that have genuinely impressed me with actual results. With my rosacea, I tend to prioritise soothing and hydrating ingredients, whether it’s found in PDRN serums, niacinamide serums or centella-infused ampoules.

“Ampoules, often mistaken for serums, are highly concentrated treatments designed to target specific concerns such as pigmentation, dehydration or signs of ageing,” says Dr Hall. “They’re typically dispensed from dropper bottles, delivering potent actives like niacinamide, peptides or propolis at a clinical level of efficacy, yet remain gentle enough for daily use.”

Meanwhile, Dr Cho shares that “Korean serums are usually lighter in texture compared to many Western equivalents, which makes them suitable for layering.”

“They frequently combine hydration with treatment actives, offering multi-functional benefits. Their versatility means they can be tailored to virtually any skin type, whether the focus is brightening or soothing,” she explains.

Step 4: Korean eye creams

I’m very particular when it comes to taking care of my under-eyes. Since my skin is sensitive, it’s not often that I find a formula that’s both non-irritating and actually effective. With Korean eye creams in particular, I’ve been loving the gentler take on actives (even with vitamin-A-infused eye creams, most formulas feature retinaldehyde as opposed to traditional retinol). Not to mention, the textures feel a lot more soothing and replenishing without turning too greasy or sticky.

Step 5: Korean moisturisers

Call me biased, but Korean moisturisers are on a whole other level. Everything from their velvet-smooth and bouncy textures to their surprisingly lightweight yet deeply hydrating formulas has earned them a permanent spot on my skincare shelf, and with good reason.