Today we compare the two most popular skincare routines globally - Japanese Vs Korean Skincare. resTORbio covers two of the most significant differences between their applications, such as application tools and frequency of use, and then pick which one is better suited for you.
What is Korean Beauty?
K-beauty, or Korean beauty, is well-known for its multi-step skin routines. These rituals are inspired by the desire to have luminous skin that glows like glass.
K-beauty focuses on using the right combination of products for each person. It also doesn't hesitate to try unusual ingredients such as snail mucin and mung bean, which have proven to be great for the skin.
Steps to Korean skincare
Step 1. Use a balm to clean your face thoroughly. Creams are more effective than makeup removers that you need to apply to your skin with cotton. Banila Co's Clean It Zero is a Korean beauty balm I can recommend.
It is incredibly gentle on the skin and leaves it hydrated and clean. Hanskin and Beauty of Joseon are two other Korean skincare brands well-known for their balms.
Step 2. Use a water-based cleanser to wash your face. Water-based cleaners do a better job of removing impurities from your skin than your balm.
The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright is my cleanser. Rice extract is gentle on my skin. It doesn't sting and leaves my face feeling moisturized. You might also want to check out Korean brands Innisfree or COSRX for neat cleansers!
Step 3. You should exfoliate at least once a week. To clean your pores and remove dead skin cells, you need to use chemical and physical exfoliators.
What is the difference? The physical exfoliators are scrubs, peel-off gels, and masks. Chemical exfoliators are serums, creams, shows, and essences that contain ingredients such as AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs [beta-hydroxy acid].
You can choose which one is best for you, but they will make your skin appear younger and brighter. Look out for ingredients like black sugar, salicylic Acid, and lactic Acid.
Skin Foods' Black Sugar Essential Scrub is a cult favorite, as well as Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon.
Step 4. Toner is a good choice. Toners prepare your skin for moisturizing by removing any residue left from previous products.
Your skin will absorb the following products faster because of it. Dear, Klairs Supple Prepare Unscented Toner is what I am currently using.
It doesn't make me feel irritated like other toners. Etude House and Missha, both Korean brands, are also high up on the country's top toners list.
Step 5. Apply essence. The essence is the heart of the Korean skincare routine because these products are concentrated with hydrating ingredients, antiaging, and complexion-enhancing.
This step is essential, and you shouldn't skip it! COSRX Hyaluronic acid Hydra Power Essence is the essence I have been using lately.
It creates a barrier against impurities and protects my skin from drying out. This is an excellent product for Hanskin, Missha, and Huxley.
Step 6. Apply your treatments if necessary. There are many treatments available, including boosters, serums, and ampoules.
These have multiple functions, such as correcting hyperpigmentation and reducing fine lines. Many Korean brands offer top-quality treatments, including Mamonde and Klairs.
Step 7. For 20 minutes, put on a face mask in the morning and night. This face mask will either be a favorite or a nemesis. The essence of Korean skincare is the core of the Korean skincare routine.
However, the face mask is the heart and soul of the regimen. You don't need to use a face mask every day. A cover should only be used once or twice per week. You don't want your skin to be crammed with more nutrients than is necessary.
Try to apply masks at most once per week. Look for shows that promote collagen, lightening, and detox. The face masks from Mediheal, MakeP: rem or Dermal are worth looking at.
Step 8. Use eye cream. Give your skin around your eyes some love. Your youthful appearance can be affected by the state of your eyes.
An eye cream can be used to combat dark circles, puffiness, and the formation of crow's feet. Beauty connoisseurs love Korean eye creams like AHC, Mizon, and Nature Republic.
Step 9. Moisturizer seals everything. To lock in the skin-loving ingredients, moisturizer is a must. It would help if you looked for moisturizing ingredients like green tea, snail mucin, and bamboo. Beligif, Nature Republic, and Laneige are the top-selling brands.
Step 10. Apply sunscreen. Apply sunscreen. It's never too late for you to get started. Sunscreens with high SPF are designed to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
Applying SPF regularly is the best way to avoid skin cancer and premature aging. Missha, Etude House, and Neogen are Korean sunscreen brands.
What is Japanese beauty?
J-beauty, or a Japanese beauty, is about simple products derived from Japanese skincare ingredients and scientific innovations.
Local women have used these beauty methods have been used for centuries by local women to achieve flawless skin. J-beauty emphasizes skincare and prevention starting at an early age. Naturally glowing, clean skin is the highest standard of J beauty.
Steps to Japanese skincare
Step 1. Double cleanse. To remove any grease or makeup, apply an oil-based cleanser. Next, wash your face using a foam cleanser.
Shu Uemura Blanc Chroma Oil is Japan's best cleanser. Senka's Perfect Whip foam cleansing gel is a favorite of mine. My skin feels soft and moisturized, not too dry or too sticky.
Step 2. You can exfoliate up to twice a week but avoid microbeads. Instead, use gel-like formulations that you can gently massage onto your skin. What is the most trusted Japanese exfoliator? Cure Natural Aqua Gel is the most trusted Japanese exfoliator.
Step 3. Use lotion or kesho sui. Skincare lotions are not to be confused with moisturizers. They soften and moisturize your skin using a watery formula, similar to toners.
After cleansing, these lotions can be applied to the skin. The Kikusasamune Hi Moist Lotion and Gokujyn Hyaluronic acid Lotion are two of the most affordable creams on Japan's market.
Step 4. Use essence in the morning. This will prepare the skin for moisturizers and serums to be absorbed better. The SK-II essence is a favorite among beauty enthusiasts!
Step 5. Apply a nightly face mask. You don't have to apply a face mask every day. Use it only when your skin is in need. Face masks replenish your skin's natural nutrients, which have been removed from your skin over time.
Face masks from Japan's top brands like Minon, Lululun, and My Beauty Diary will give your skin more moisture and a radiant glow.
Step 6. After the essence, apply the serum (optional in the morning). Different functions can be achieved with serums, such as lightening uneven skin tones and softening fine lines. You can skip this step if you don't have these concerns. Popular Japanese beauty serum brands include SK-II and Hada Labo.
Step 7. Apply moisturizer. Even though you might think your skin is well-moisturized, moisturizing your skin is still necessary.
Japanese beauty consumers are embracing milk-based moisturizers as an alternative to regular creams. Look out for brands such as Sana Labo and Hada Labo.
Step 8. Use sunscreen. Sunscreen is the lifeblood of J beauty and health industry. They are highly competitive in producing superior SPF and anti-aging products.
So much so, they have developed the fastest-absorbing sunscreens such as Canmake and Biore. Shiseido is the waterproof holy grail. This is a must-have step in your skincare routine.
What is the difference between Japanese and Korean beauty products?
Japanese and Korean beauty products have some similarities, but there are also some key differences.
One difference is that Japanese beauty products tend to focus more on simplicity and natural ingredients, while Korean beauty products tend to focus more on innovation and technology. Japanese skincare routines often involve fewer steps and rely on traditional ingredients like rice bran and green tea, while Korean skincare routines can involve up to 10 steps and may include ingredients like snail mucin and bee venom.
Another difference is that Japanese beauty products tend to have a more minimalist packaging design, while Korean beauty products often have more colorful and playful packaging. This reflects a cultural difference in aesthetics, with Japanese culture valuing simplicity and understated elegance, while Korean culture values bright colors and bold designs.
Overall, both Japanese and Korean beauty products are known for their high quality and effectiveness, and which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and skincare needs.
Korean Vs Japanese Skincare: Formulas & Aesthetic
J-beauty is renowned for its innovative formulas, which combine Japan's rich traditions and culture with scientifically-driven ingredients that are highly functional.
They have high-quality active ingredients that target multiple skin concerns, so no matter what Japanese skincare product you choose, you can trust them to deliver the best.
They have simple yet effective formulas to ensure you don't waste your money on products that only take up space in your makeup cabinet.
K-beauty uses only the best natural ingredients that target specific skin issues. Therefore, K beauty emphasizes a multi-step skincare routine.
Although some elements may seem odd at first, such as snail mucin and bee propolis or birch tree oil, they have been very beneficial for many skin conditions.
K-beauty products have a more appealing aesthetic than J-beauty. Japanese and Korean skincare is known for their cute illustrations and gram-worthy packaging that makes them stand out on beauty store shelves. Japanese skincare products favor sleek, minimalist packaging that lets the product's function grab attention.
Both countries' cultures and heritage influence the aesthetics and formulations. They also have different ways of presenting themselves.
K-beauty draws inspiration from pop culture and other fun elements that have helped k beauty become a global leader. At the same time, J-beauty is proud of its beautiful traditions and understated luxury.
There is no clear winner when it comes down to which beauty routine is best. It is always better to tailor your skincare regimen by using products that work well together and deliver your desired results. Here are some product recommendations to get you started.
You can read more some tips on How to Pack Skincare for travel and How to Introduce New Skincare Products in Your Routine.
Japanese Skincare Vs Korean Skincare: Conclusion
There is no one definitive answer to Japanese Vs. Korean Skincare Routine. Korean and Japanese skincare has their unique skincare traditions and products that offer various benefits. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of skincare they prefer. Some people may find that Japanese beauty skincare is better for them, while others may like the Korean approach.
