All About Korean Skincare And How To Start Using It

Quiet luxury for your face!

By Sanika Achrekar | LAST UPDATED: NOV 19, 2025

Let’s face it – your skin does a lot for you.

In 2025, grooming is part of a broader conversation about how we show up – whether it’s in boardrooms, on dates, at 7 a.m. workouts, or during 2 a.m. flights. Your skin takes the hit from all of it: late nights, long flights, gym sessions, and everything in between. While grooming routines have evolved, skincare is still the missing piece in many men’s self-care arsenals.

Ever wondered how K-drama leads and K-pop idols manage to look like they’ve been airbrushed in real life? Think Mingyu of Seventeen or Park Bo-gum and Kim Seon-ho from When Life Gives You Tangerines – their skin isn’t just good, it’s next-level. However, it’s not magic or CGI. It’s skincare and specifically, Korean skincare.

Kim Seon-ho

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Forget the intimidating 10-step routine – Korean skincare is all about building a regime that fits your life: simple, effective, and designed for guys who want to invest in themselves without overthinking it.

Dr. Meghna Mour, a celebrity dermatologist and co-founder of Skuccii Supercliniq, explains: “Korean skincare is a preventive, holistic method, prioritising moisturisation, minimal layering, and gradually repairing the skin barrier. K-beauty contrasts with Western regimens that focus on activities and quick fixes. Instead, it nourishes the skin with light, hydrating, and calming ingredients in a multi-step routine. The ethos of K-beauty revolves around routine, sunlight protection, and an inside-out radiance – something that aligns perfectly with dermatology’s focus on a healthy skin barrier and good hydration.”

Adding to this, Dr Janaki K Yalamanchili, consultant dermatologist & cosmetic physician at Zennara Clinics, notes that Korean skincare can be particularly beneficial for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. “Even though there isn’t anything specifically formulated for men,” she explains, “most ingredients in Korean skincare are highly hydrating and calming, which helps create a good barrier on the skin. Additionally, the calming nature of the ingredients helps reduce inflammation, making it ideal for those with dry, irritated skin or conditions like rosacea.”

Why Korean skincare works for men and how to start using it

Forget the internet hype around Korean skincare being a shortcut to glass skin – it’s not. What it is, however, is a smart, ingredient-focused approach that prioritises hydration, calming, and barrier repair, especially for oily, flaky, or sensitive skin. Expect real results: smoother texture, balanced moisture, and a healthy, low-shine finish. Most formulas are non-greasy and hydration-focused, making them a great fit for Indian weather. Look for key ingredients like snail mucin, ginseng, centella asiatica, rice water, green tea, propolis, bamboo extract, and mugwort.

Double cleansing

Double cleansing is the cornerstone of Korean skincare, and for good reason. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve sweat, dirt, and impurities from your skin. Follow up with a gel or foam cleanser to eliminate any remaining residue. This two-step process ensures your skin is thoroughly clean, balanced, and ready for the rest of your routine without stripping its natural moisture. Keep it simple, keep it effective.

Toner

Toner has a bad rep in the skincare world, often associated with stinging and harsh formulas. But in Korean skincare, it’s all about hydration. In the K-beauty world, toners are often called essences preps your skin to absorb the next steps and restores balance after cleansing. Think of it like a pre-game stretch for your face. Pat it in gently and your skin will thank you.

Serums

Serums are where things get interesting. These high-performance treatments target specific skin concerns like fine lines, dullness, breakouts, blackheads, and pigmentation. Korean serums are packed with potent ingredients that deliver visible results. A few drops are all it takes for your skin to reap the benefits.

Moisturiser

Now that you’ve cleaned and hydrated your face, it’s time to lock that moisture in. A solid moisturiser is the backbone of your routine. Go for gel-based moisturisers if you have oily or combination skin, or creams with ceramides and vitamin E for dry, flaky skin. Use it morning and night, religiously.

Sunscreen

Every man knows sunscreen is essential, but it’s worth repeating: wear it every day, even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors. Korean sunscreens are next-level – no white cast, no greasiness, and no chalky mess. They feel like a light moisturiser or serum and disappear into your skin while protecting you from UV damage, premature ageing, and uneven skin tone.

Sheet masks (optional upgrade)

Sheet masks are the Korean skincare equivalent of a power nap – quick, restorative, and surprisingly effective. Use one after a long day, post-flight, or before a night out when your skin needs a reboot. In just 20 minutes, you would get to experience legit self-care. For an extra cooling effect, keep a few in the fridge. Choose masks with hyaluronic acid, ginseng, or honey if you’re feeling dry, or opt for tea tree or charcoal if breakouts are the issue.

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Here are some K-beauty staples we recommend:

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil