What is K-Beauty?

K-Beauty — Korean beauty — is an approach to skincare that puts prevention, hydration and gentle care first. Rather than one strong product, it builds a routine of light layers, each doing one job.

The ideas behind it

• Skin barrier first. Gentle cleansers and soothing ingredients keep skin comfortable, so it can do its job of holding moisture in.
• Layering. Thin, watery products first, richer ones last. Each layer adds hydration or targets a concern.
• Daily sun protection. Korean sunscreens are known for light textures people are happy to wear every day.
• Ingredient innovation. Centella, heartleaf, rice, ginseng, snail mucin, niacinamide and propolis are familiar names in Korean formulas.

Where to start

You do not need ten steps. A cleanser, a serum for your main concern and a sunscreen is a complete beginning. Our 3-step routine shows how, and the skin quiz matches products to your skin.