For K-beauty beginners, it is recommended to start with a few basic products that embody the principles of Korean skincare and provide visible benefits without having an overly complicated routine. Here are some must-have products:
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Gentle Cleanser (Water-Based Cleanser)
- A gentle, water-based cleanser is a great place to start, especially for those new to double cleansing. Korean cleansers are often formulated to deeply cleanse without drying, and they're suitable for all skin types. Examples include Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser .
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- Essence is a K-beauty icon and can really transform a skincare routine by helping to deeply hydrate the skin and increase the absorption of other products. It’s a great starter product because it’s lightweight and provides a boost of hydration. Case in point: Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence .
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Hydrating or brightening serum
- A gentle, hydrating serum is a good product to enrich the routine without too much complexity. For beginners, a serum containing vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide is perfect for hydrating and brightening the skin.
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- A lightweight yet hydrating Korean moisturizer is perfect for sealing in moisture. K-beauty offers gel, cream, or balm textures, often formulated with soothing and nourishing ingredients like green tea or centella asiatica. Examples include Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream or Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion .
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Sun protection (SPF)
- Sunscreen is essential in any routine, and Korean sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy, and fit well into a daily skincare routine. This can be a great first purchase for beginners, as it makes a visible difference in protection and luminosity.
Why these products?
These basic products are gentle, effective, and allow you to experience the K-beauty philosophy without having an overly complex routine. They embody the importance of hydration, sun protection, and prevention, and they can be used by all skin types, even the most sensitive.
By starting with a simple selection, beginners can observe results and eventually add steps (like masks, exfoliators, or eye creams) as their skin gets used to the routine.