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10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin: Definitive Guide

Jason Park
Published by: Jason Park
Last updated:

Do you have dry skin and don’t know what kind of products you need? Always looking for new products, but knowing deep down it won’t work.

Well, that’s what I exactly thought until I tried this Korean skincare routine for dry skin.

It took me exactly $3,233,05 and many months to test all the products.

Finally, I found some that worked. So, if you’re serious about taking care of your dry skin. This is it.

Let’s get started.

Warning: Most other Korean skincare routines for dry skin I’ve read about. Only gave bad advice, make sure you are reading an updated article or you will get the wrong info and outdated products!

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Cleansing Oil
Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
  • Repairs dry skin
  • No irritation or redness
  • Great for removing makeup
9.8
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Water-Based Cleanser
Benton Tea Tree Cleansing Water
Benton Tea Tree Cleansing Water
  • Prevents dark spots
  • Great for double cleansing
  • Formulated with 70% tea tree water
9.6
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Exfoliator
Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine
Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine
  • 3-layer pure cotton gauze pad
  • Infused with wine extract
  • Fresh scent
9.4
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Toner
Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Tone Up Cream
Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Tone Up Cream
  • Mineral water rich
  • Removes dead cells
  • Treats flaky skin
9.3
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Essence
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
  • Include sodium hyaluronate
  • Elasticity-enhancing effects
  • Snail slime-rich formula
9.3
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Serum
Farm Stay Visible Difference Snail Sun Cream
Farm Stay Visible Difference Snail Sun Cream
  • Calms irritated and damaged skin
  • Prevents blemishes
  • Removes dead skin cells
9.3
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Sheet Mask
Dear, Klairs Sheet Mask
Dear, Klairs Sheet Mask
  • Enriched with white willow bark extract
  • Cooling ingredients such as erythritol
  • Low irritating
9.2
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Eye Cream
MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream
MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream
  • Containing 80% snail mucin
  • Helps diminish lines
  • Prevents wrinkle
9.2
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Moisturizer
Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
  • Non-sticky and non-greasy
  • Cools and soothes sensitive skin.
  • Infused with 14 EWG-verified ingredients
9
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SPF
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
  • Enriched with 55,000ppm of aloe vera
  • Clinically proven to be hypoallergenic
  • Fast-absorbing texture
9
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Beware: Some people have noticed fake products on certain stores. To ensure you are getting the real product, use the links above.

Korean Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin

1. Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil

  • Essential: Yes
  • Product: Cleansing Oil
  • Size: 150ml

It’s the only cleansing oil you need. That’s saying enough.

Using rice water for your skin is scientifically backed to clean the skin. Give you perfectly smooth skin overnight without any additional work.

If you prefer to cleanse your face twice… well, with this cleansing oil you don’t have to. You can. But it’s not necessary because of the ingredients. These leave your skin fresh, clean, and soft.

This is the only cleanser that felt like waking up. It’s so refreshing that you can’t get enough of it.

It’s not cheap, but knowing you are serious about improving your dry skin. This was added to the final list out of more than 13+ different cleansers for dry skin.

Knowing it won’t cause redness, irritation or itchiness gives me peace of mind when using this.

There have been many instances where my skin texture got worse over time. Luckily, this one doesn’t do that.

In fact, it repairs dry skin. Fast.

Also tired of trying new cleansers every single week, well, it might be fun to try out new products. But your skin doesn’t love that.

Keeping your skin healthy will show later on in your life. When you’re 25+ and you start the age. You’ll be thankful that this oil-based cleanser prevented that.

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2. Benton Tea Tree Cleansing Water

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Water-Based Cleanser
  • Size: 200ml

A water-based cleanser is not essential. However, it is recommended if you wear a lot of makeup.

Double cleansing is good for the skin, while also preventing the skin from getting dark spots. It might not be viable for you if you can’t fit this into your budget.

It’s way pricier if you’re going to double cleanse. But for most people with dry skin, it’s worth giving it a go.

It’s fast and easy to do it right after an oil cleanser. Takes no more than 2 minutes of your day, making it better to remove dead skin cells.

If you’re looking for a clean moisturizer that’s formulated with 70% Tea Tree water, this is the one you should go for. And your way to achieving glass skin will be way faster.

The only downside is that this cleanser needs to be used with a cotton pad. This means, adding additional costs to double-cleansing.

But if you can afford it, I highly recommend this routine.

It also contains 10 ingredients that prevent radiant skin. The best part? A 200ml bottle will last you about 4 months when used daily.

That’s quite cheap but don’t forget the cotton pads. Important is that you never want to use a single water-based cleanser. An oil-based cleanser is a must, making this an additional cleanser.

Never use this as the only facial cleanser. It will give your skin a hard time.

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3. Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine

  • Essential: Yes
  • Product: Exfoliator
  • Size: 30 Sheets

This is my all-time-favorite peel pad. Especially if you have very dry skin, this will be your life-saver.

It’s like superman saving your life at the last second. Making you feel like a new person no matter how rough the day was, or how long you’ve been dealing with dry skin.

Joking aside, it’s by far the best exfoliator for dry skin. Which makes this a must-have essential in the Korean skincare routine for dry skin.

I’ve noticed that you don’t need to use this every day. Using it once every three days will do the job.

Saving you $30/mo! Though using it on a daily-basis might speed up the recovering process for extremely dry and damaged skin. When you’re first opening this package, it’ll smell like fresh wine.

The only downside is that it can be very expensive, but it’s one of the best exfoliators for dry skin.

So knowing that, it’s up to you. However, if I were you, I’d highly recommend giving it a go.

Chances are, it’ll be the product that keeps your skin hydrated all day long. This is the secret-sauce that did it for me.

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4. AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Toner
  • Size: 150 ml

Toners are overrated, that’s what I thought when I started using Korean skincare.

After trying it for a few weeks, that’s when I knew that it worked. But do I really need it?

I asked myself that question, and you should too. It’ll speed up the process to achieve glass skin, but how much faster.

From many case studies, It’s about 1.3 times faster when you’re adding a toner to your skincare routine. The Clarifying Treatment Toner isn’t essential, but it’s definitely good if you have very dry and flaky skin.

It’s light on the skin, making it feel like you are washing your face with fresh water. Every morning, it felt like heaven when I used this toner.

The scent is perfect, and starting the day with a fresh toner is one of the best ways. For me, it gives every morning that extra confidence boost, which is a huge difference for most people.

But every benefit has its costs. One bottle only lasts 6 weeks if you’re using it twice a day. This adds up quickly and doesn’t forget.

You need cotton pads for the toner to work efficiently. That’s the reason why I have not included it as an essential product.

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5. Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Essence
  • Size: 100 ml

Using essence is one of the most important things when buying products for dry skin. But maybe I’m wrong, who cares about delicate and soft skin.

Hence, the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. You will notice some quick improvements when you start using this.

The main ingredient that does all of that is the snail mucin, which is backed by many experts. Knowing it will strengthen your skin barrier, why not add it to the essentials list?

The reason being is the price, most people don’t want too many products. Can you imagine, having more than $1,000 of Korean skincare products laying around. And not using them.

Well, I had exactly that and that’s why I focused on the main products with the highest efficiency. Like the exfoliator that I mentioned.

It’s not essential but it adds to your routine in a positive way.

Of course, the active ingredients aren’t super impressive, but that’s not what matters to you, right?

It’s the result and achieving glass skin ASAP. That’s why it’s a good addition to add to your Korean skincare routine if you have the budget.

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6. SOME BY MI 30 Days Miracle Serum

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Serum
  • Size: 50 ml

A serum for dry skin. Is it really necessary? Well, for most people it actually is.

This is the serum for you, and it costs less than $20. It’s easy to use, highly concentrates on tea trees, while also preventing irritation.

It’s also perfect for anti-aging, making this one of the better Korean serums on the market. It’s got everything you could possibly want in serum, and more.

You probably didn’t even know about the dead skin cells on your face. Using this every morning will not only promote cell regeneration, it’ll also enhance the natural oils.

At first, you won’t notice much when using this serum. However, after some time your skin tone will brighten up. This will improve your overall skin health significantly, especially dry skin.

Don’t waste your time, money, and energy.

This is the serum that you must have. The only downside is that the bottle is quite small, it’ll last you about 5 to 6 weeks. Which isn’t for everyone.

But if you can afford this, I’d highly recommend adding it to your skincare routine.

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7. Dear, Klairs Sheet Mask 

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Sheet Mask
  • Size: 5pcs x 25ml

A sheet mask isn’t that what everyone already uses, well, not really.

I’ve seen countless people use sheet masks as their only skincare routine. If you are like this, change it ASAP.

Sheet masks are additional products that enhance the other ones. It works as a moisturizer, and this will bring moisture. Always feeling sticky after using a mask. Well, this is the one that solves all of that and more.

It’s non-sticky and non-greasy formulated.

Backed by many studies, showing it’ll improve dry skin. Even better? It also prevents aging skin.

And I can definitely say that this works very well as hydration. Therefore, you never have to spend extra money on products that’ll never work.

You’re getting about 5 sheet masks for under $5. So, it was not cheap. However, if you’re serious about the next steps. This is it.

This will take your skin to the next level. Look at it like this, after 10+ years you’ll be happy that you used this sheet mask every week.

Why? Because all of your friends didn’t take care of their skin. All of them most likely have saggy skin. Start to take action right now, before it’s too late.

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8. MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Eye Cream
  • Size: 25 ml

Baggy eyes, saggy skin, and wrinkles. This eye cream will fix all of that and more.

But is it essential, well, if you already have wrinkles. Then yes. However, if you’re still at the early stages of your skincare routine, then no.

This eye cream is easy to take with you. Anywhere you go in the world. Going to Seoul, Tokyo, or Amsterdam, is a must-have.

Containing about 80% snail mucin, which is backed by many studies. It shows you that it’ll improve your dry skin within a few weeks.

But I’m not saying it’ll work for everyone. Even though it might not work for your friend, it might work for you. At first, I was a bit skeptical but once I started using this my eyes were on another level.

I felt like I could shoot lasers, that’s how smooth the skin around my eye area was. Dark circles, haha. This cream will laugh at that, it’ll be gone in a few days.

That’s what I love about this eye cream. However, not all eye creams work like this. Sadly, there are tons of products that say it helps with dry skin, but in reality, it doesn’t.

The only downside is that this eye cream won’t last you really long. Probably about 4 to 5 weeks when used every day. This means it’ll add another expense to your skincare routine.

If you have dark circles already, give it a go, chances are it’ll be a life-changer for you.

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9. Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream

  • Essential: Yes
  • Product: Moisturizer
  • Size: 100ml

A moisturizer is essential for every skin type. No matter if you have oily skin, combination skin, or sensitive skin.

Using a moisturizer is a must.

If you aren’t using this moisturizer already… damn, you’re purposely want to damage your own skin.

That’s what someone said to me. So I gave it a go, and wow it was incredible. Once you start using this moisturizer, your skin feels like heaven.

And that’s the first few days of using it. When you get to the 3-month mark, say goodbye to dry skin forever!

It’s infused with 14 EWG-verified ingredients, meaning it’s proven by many experts to improve dry skin. What I love about this moisturizer is that it works for all skin types.

Not only dry skin.

Give it a try, and you’ll be surprised how good this is. So, stop reading here. If you are serious about taking your skincare to the next level, this is it.

I’ve read countless reviews and tested many moisturizers. None of them came close to this. So, if you aren’t using this already, you are missing out big time!

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10. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

  • Essential: No
  • Product: SPF
  • Size: 50 ml

Going out and considering applying for an SPF, well I had this problem too and didn’t know if I needed it.

If you go outside a lot in a country where it’s quite sunny, then yes. However, for most people, it’s not essential. The reason being is that the moisturizer I’ve mentioned before already protects your skin.

In the Korean beauty industry, SPF’s are extremely well promoted. But after testing many different products, it wasn’t necessary for me.

However, it does protect your skin from getting extremely dry. Look at it as an extra protector for your skin.

And it’ll help the process of achieving glass skin way faster. This sunscreen is SPF 50+, meaning it protects your skin very well under all circumstances.

Also, it’s enriched with 55,000ppm, which is scientifically backed to keep your skin protected against UV rays. Knowing all of that, you should probably give it a try.

For 95% of the people that use this will notice a huge difference, but for the other 5%, it might not.

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Buyer’s Guide: 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin

This is the only buyer’s guide that you’ll ever need.

Do You Need All the 10 Products?

No, you don’t need all the 10 skincare products.

However, if you’re serious about taking your dry skin to the next level, it does speed up the process. And by speeding up, I mean a lot. You can probably expect it to be 300% faster than usual.

Look at it from an investment, and your face is what everyone looks at the first time they see you. And having clear skin will definitely give a confidence boost.

But if you have to stay within a budget, I’d recommend going for the 5 or 3-step Korean skincare routine.

This will do practically the same, but a bit slower. Taking your time and going step-by-step is great. You can expect to take at least 6+ months longer if you’re going this route.

5-Step Korean Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

  • Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
  • Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine
  • Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
  • Dear, Klairs Sheet Mask 
  • COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

3-Step Korean Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

  • Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
  • Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine
  • Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream

How Often Should You Use This Skincare Routine?

This skincare routine should be used every day. Some at night and others in the morning. Try using the Korean skincare products in this order.

Morning:

  • Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
  • Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
  • COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

Night:

  • Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
  • Benton Tea Tree Cleansing Water
  • Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine
  • AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
  • COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
  • SOME BY MI AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
  • Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
  • MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream
  • Dear, Klairs Sheet Mask

FAQ

Q. Does Korean Skincare Actually Work?

Yes, it does. A lot of Koreans have clear skin, and it’s due to skincare. A lot of people in Korea use a 10-step skincare process, so it works.

Q. Will This Skincare Routine Improve Your Dry Skin?

Yes, it will. It’s not a 100% guarantee, but these products will make a huge difference in your skin.

Final Thoughts

This is the Korean skincare routine for dry skin, and it’ll improve your skin in a big way. If you follow this routine, your dry skin will be gone soon.

Give it a go and feel free to ask me questions. Thank you for reading and enjoy your new skin!

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    About The Author

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    Jason Park

    Jason has been living in Seoul for over 4 years, and during that time, he has experienced many of the city's hidden stores. He loves to write about his experiences and share them with others. Jason has been quoted and referenced by different major media companies like Mashed, Distractify, ThePrint and TastingTable. In his free time, he likes to watch Korean dramas and learn more about Korean culture.

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