The 5 Most Surprising Korean Beauty Rituals

Kbeauty continues to fascinate the world. Behind its meticulous routines, innovative ingredients, and elegant packaging, it also hides a multitude of rituals that can be surprising for those unfamiliar with Korean culture. Some are inherited from ancient traditions, others are ultra-modern innovations... but they all have one thing in common: providing radiant, healthy skin.

In this article, we'll dive into 5 surprising Korean beauty rituals that are worth knowing about—and maybe incorporating into your routine.

1. “Double cleansing”… even in the morning!

Double cleansing is a kbeauty classic, but in Korea, many people do it twice a day , including in the morning. The idea? To remove impurities produced during the night (sebum, sweat, dust) before applying your skincare.

How does it work?

• Step 1: an oily cleanser to dissolve fatty substances (sebum, care residue, pollution).
• Step 2: an aqueous cleanser (gel, foam) to remove water-soluble impurities and prepare the skin to receive care.

Why is this surprising?

In the West, it was long thought that cleansing too frequently was damaging to the skin. But in kbeauty, the gentle formulas allow for frequent cleansing without drying out.

Example products:

• Cleansing Oil : Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm – Perfect for dissolving excess oil and impurities.
• Gentle Cleanser : Ksecret Seoul 1988 Cleansing Foam: Pine Cica 1% + Probiotics – Deep cleanses while respecting the skin barrier.

💡 Pro tip: choose gentle cleansers that are suited to your skin type to avoid any imbalance.

2. Fabric masks… every day!

While in Europe we apply a mask 1 to 2 times a week, in South Korea, sheet masks can be used every day , sometimes even morning and evening for maximum hydration in a kbeauty routine.

Why does it work?

The fabric masks are soaked in essences rich in active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica , green tea , niacinamide , etc. Prolonged contact with the skin (10 to 20 minutes) maximizes the penetration of the ingredients.

What is surprising in the West

Using a mask every day may seem excessive, but Korean formulations are lightweight and suitable for frequent use.

💡 Pro tip: For an even more soothing effect, place your mask in the refrigerator before use.

3. The Korean version of “slugging”

Slugging is a trend that's gone viral on TikTok, but it has its roots in Korean rituals. In Korea, this method is called “overnight occlusion,” and it involves applying a generous layer of a rich skincare product at the end of your routine to seal in moisture.

The difference with the Western version

In the West, pure petroleum jelly is often used. In kbeauty, we prefer balms or creams containing beneficial active ingredients: ceramides, centella, panthenol, etc. This choice makes the method more pleasant and more nourishing.

Example products:

• Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream – Rich texture that seals in moisture while soothing.
• Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream – Provides a glowy and protective effect for the night.

💡 Pro tip: Use this technique once or twice a week, or every night if your skin is very dry or sensitized.

4. Daily scalp massage

In Korea, beauty doesn't stop at the face. Scalp care is an integral part of kbeauty. Koreans believe that beautiful, healthy hair begins with a balanced scalp.

Key actions

• Massage the scalp with your fingers or a special massage brush.
• Use gentle shampoos with a low pH.
• Apply nourishing hair serums or essences.

Why is this surprising?

In the West, scalp massage is often reserved for hairdressers. In k-beauty, it's a daily routine, as important as facial hydration.

💡 Pro tip: A 5-minute massage a day stimulates microcirculation and helps prevent hair loss.

5. The art of facial steam bathing

Steam has long been used in Korea to open pores and facilitate deep cleansing. But instead of using just hot water, Koreans like to add herbal infusions (chamomile, green tea, lavender, etc.) to combine warmth with the benefits of plants.

Benefits

• Opens pores and promotes the extraction of impurities.
• Activates blood circulation.
• Prepares the skin to better absorb the treatments applied afterwards.

Example products:

• Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA – Ideal after a steam bath for gentle exfoliation.
• Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream – Perfect for rehydrating and soothing after steaming.

💡 Pro tip: Limit steaming to once a week to avoid dehydration.

Why do these kbeauty rituals work so well?

Korean beauty rituals, even the most surprising ones, are based on three main principles :

1. Prevention rather than repair : we act before problems appear.
2. Softness and respect for the skin : the formulas are designed not to be aggressive.
3. Regularity : Results come from daily application.

How to integrate these rituals into your routine?

If you want to try these methods, start by adding one or two to your current kbeauty routine. For example:

• Introduce a fabric mask 2 to 3 times a week.
• Try double cleansing at night, then again in the morning if your skin tolerates it.
• Try a scalp massage after each shampoo.

The important thing is to respect your skin type and listen to its needs.

📌 To remember
Kbeauty isn't just about layering: it's made up of small, sometimes surprising, rituals that, when combined, produce spectacular results. These practices, combined with gentle and effective products, can transform your skin... and your vision of skincare.

👉 To discover these products and receive personalized advice, visit our website beautylau.fr . You'll find a selection of Korean skincare products made with raw ingredients, as well as a skincare quiz to help you create your ideal routine.