The Korean skincare routine is famous worldwide for its effectiveness and gentleness.
At the heart of this method is layering , a technique that involves applying skincare products in a specific order to maximize their benefits without weighing down the skin.
But how do you layer your products properly without creating a greasy or suffocating effect?
👉 Here's everything you need to know to adopt Korean-style layering with the right techniques and the right products.
🌿 What is layering?
Layering comes from the English word layer which means “layer”.
The principle: apply several light products from the most watery to the richest , so that each treatment penetrates effectively without clogging the pores.
Contrary to what you might think, layering several treatments does not overload the skin — provided you use suitable textures and respect the order of application.
It is this harmonious succession that allows us to obtain the famous Korean “glass skin”: smooth, luminous and healthy-looking skin.
🧴 The essential steps of Korean layering
1️⃣ Cleansing (oil + gentle gel)
Clean skin is the foundation of any routine.
Start with a cleansing oil like Anua's Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil to dissolve makeup and impurities, then follow with a gentle cleansing gel like COSRX's Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser .
💡 Tip: Double cleansing preserves the skin barrier while removing pollution residue.
2️⃣ The toner (or tonic lotion)
This step prepares the skin to receive the following treatments.
The toner hydrates, rebalances the pH and improves the penetration of active ingredients.
Opt for Anua's Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner to soothe and refresh, or SKIN1004's Madagascar Centella Toning Toner for a rebalancing action.
3️⃣ The essence
It's one of K-beauty's best-kept secrets!
Light and concentrated, the essence boosts hydration and cell regeneration.
Example: COSRX's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence , rich in snail mucin, which helps smooth and repair skin.
4️⃣ The serum (or ampoule)
This is the targeted stage of layering.
Choose it according to your main need:
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💧 Hydration: Madagascar Centella Ampoule from SKIN1004
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🌸 Radiance: Peach 70 Niacin Serum by Anua
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🐌 Repair: Revive Serum Ginseng + Snail Mucin from Beauty of Joseon
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✨ Anti-aging: Retinol 0.5 Oil from COSRX
5️⃣ Moisturizing cream
It seals in all the hydration provided by the previous steps.
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream or Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream are perfect for nourishing skin without a greasy finish.
6️⃣ Sun protection (morning only)
Essential, this is the last step of the morning routine.
Choose a lightweight, invisible formula like Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics or COSRX's Aloe Soothing Sun Cream .
☀️ Without SPF, no routine is complete!
💡 Our tips for successful layering
✔️ Respect the textures : always from the lightest to the richest.
✔️ Allow each treatment to penetrate before applying the next (10–20 seconds is enough).
✔️ Adapt your routine to your skin : there's no need to use 10 products if your skin is combination or sensitive.
✔️ In the evening , choose richer, more restorative textures.
🌸 In summary: layering, a smart beauty ritual
Layering is not a complicated routine, but an intuitive method for listening to and nourishing your skin step by step.
By adopting the right products and the right gestures, you give your skin what it needs, at the right time , without ever suffocating it.
✨ Result: a radiant complexion, plump skin and lasting comfort — the Misoderma signature 🌷
