In my twenties, I preferred luxury brands. Lancôme and Estée Lauder felt more reliable simply because they were expensive. At that time, price and branding seemed like proof of quality.
Twenty years later, Korean skincare has changed dramatically. It is now globally recognized, and Korean routines often rank high in search results.
Some of my foreign friends ask whether Korean women really use 12 different skincare products every day. That is how Korean beauty is often portrayed abroad.
In reality, most of us do not follow complicated routines.
The Myth of the 12-Step Routine
The idea of a strict 10- or 12-step routine is more of a marketing image than everyday life.
Most ordinary Koreans, including my friends and family, keep their routines simple. We choose products that suit our skin and continue using them consistently.
Skincare does not dramatically transform your face. Consistency matters more than marketing.
Over time, I stopped chasing new launches and influencer trends. I focus on stability, barrier support, and gentle formulations.
How I Choose Products Now
I have sensitive skin, so I avoid strong fragrances and harsh exfoliants. I look for barrier-supporting ingredients, low irritation potential, and products that can be used long term.
I am pescetarian, but I am not strictly vegan in skincare. My priority is skin compatibility rather than labels.
It is also useful to know that some Korean skincare products contain animal-derived ingredients such as snail mucin, collagen, propolis, or beeswax.
For vegetarians and vegans, this may be an important consideration. For others, it depends on personal choice.
If you are interested in how hidden ingredients can appear in everyday products, you may also find this guide helpful: Hidden Animal Ingredients in Korean Food.
My Current Routine
If you're visiting Korea, they are simple and accessible items to consider.
Cleansing
Dewytree Mild Acid Cleansing Milk
Aestura Atobarrier Gentle Foam Cleanser
Skincare
Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide
Wellage Blue Ampoule
IOPE Retinol Serum
Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream (day)
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (night)
Sun Care
Innisfree Hyaluronic Moisture Sunscreen
These are steady sellers. They are not dramatic or trendy, but they work well for sensitive skin.
Korean Skincare Is Practical
Korean skincare culture is often presented as elaborate and trend-driven.
In reality, it is practical. Most people choose affordable, accessible products and continue using what works.
For travelers curious about Korean skincare, the better approach is not to copy a 12-step routine, but to understand ingredients, skin type, and consistency.
If you are new to reading ingredient lists in Korea, this post may help: How to Read Korean Food Labels (For Vegetarians & Vegans).
Further Reading
Vegetarian Travel in Korea (2026 Guide)
Hidden Flavor Ingredients in Korean Cooking
Meat-Free in Korea Hub
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