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Korean Skincare Routine Morning (AM) : Best K-Beauty Products to Use in 2025 for Glass Skin

If you’re looking to transform your skin and achieve that glowing, glass-skin look everyone’s raving about, it’s time to dive into the world of Korean skincare. Known for its gentle yet effective approach, the Korean morning skincare routine is all about hydration, protection, and prep for the day ahead.

Whether you’re new to K-beauty or a long-time fan, this step-by-step Korean morning skincare routine will help you perfect your AM regimen using some of the most beloved Korean skincare products of 2025.

Why Follow a Korean Morning Skincare Routine?

The Korean AM skincare routine isn’t just a trend—it’s a philosophy. It’s focused on protecting the skin barrier, maintaining hydration, and prepping the skin for makeup or daily exposure to the elements. 

If you’ve ever wondered why your skin needs a different routine in the morning than at night, you’re not alone. The truth is, your skin has different needs depending on the time of day. A morning skincare routine is all about protection and hydration — think lightweight layers, antioxidants like Vitamin C, and most importantly, sunscreen to shield your skin from UV rays and environmental stressors. Meanwhile, your nighttime routine can focus on treatments and repair, using ingredients like exfoliants or retinoids that might increase sun sensitivity. That’s why a dedicated K-beauty morning routine is essential for healthy, radiant skin throughout the day.

Here’s the ultimate morning skincare routine with a curated list of top-rated Korean skincare products to help you get that dewy, radiant complexion.

Best K-Beauty Products to Use in 2025 for Glass Skin in Your Korean Skincare Routine (AM):

Step 1: Korean Cleanser

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Start your morning with a gentle, low pH cleanser to cleanse away nighttime sweat and impurities without stripping your skin.
This cult-favorite COSRX cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and maintains the skin’s optimal pH level for a healthy barrier.

costs morning cleanser Korean skincare morning routine glass skin
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Cleanser

Step 2: Korean Toner Pads

Numbuzin No.5 Daily Multi-Functional Toner Pad
Exfoliate lightly and hydrate with a toner pad for smoother, softer skin.
These K-beauty toner pads are soaked in nourishing essence to gently prep the skin, leaving it refreshed and primed.

korean toner pads
numbuzin No.5 Toner Pads | Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad

Step 3: Korean Exfoliating Toner

After prepping your skin with your toner pads, it’s time to gently exfoliate. The Swimming Pool Toner – Gentle Exfoliating Toner with Natural Enzyme is the perfect addition to your morning Korean skincare routine. It uses natural enzymes instead of harsh acids to gently resurface your skin, helping remove dead skin cells and revealing a smoother, more even texture — all without irritation. The gentle exfoliation process minimizes pores and removes dead skin cells, leaving your complexion clearer and more refined. Hyaluronic acid penetrates deeply into the skin, delivering lasting moisture throughout the day. It’s ideal for daily use and works beautifully under makeup, giving you that glass-skin glow.

 

korean skincare morning routine swimming pool toner
Swimming Pool Toner - Gentle Exfoliating Toner with Natural Enzyme

Step 4: Korean Rice Toner

TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner
Brighten and smooth with this milky, hydrating rice toner. Packed with rice extract, this toner helps even out skin tone, boost hydration, and give your skin a luminous finish.

tirtir rice toner glass skin korean skincare kbeauty
TIRTIR Milk Skin Rice Toner - also available in Light Milky Toner for oily skin

Step 5: Korean Essence

mixsoon Bean Essence
Hydrate and revitalize your skin with a deeply nourishing Korean essence. This bean-based essence is rich in fermented ingredients that support skin regeneration and glow.

mixsoon korean skincare essence
Mixsoon Bean Essence Exfoliating and Hydrating for Glass Skin

Step 6: Korean Vitamin C Serum

Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Protect your skin from free radicals and boost brightness. A gentle yet effective vitamin C serum perfect for morning use to brighten dull skin and fade dark spots.

vitamin c serum
Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum

Step 7: Korean Serum / Ampoule

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Calm and repair with this centella-infused ampoule, ideal for redness-prone or irritated skin. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and packed with centella asiatica, it’s a must-have in any Korean skincare routine.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum

Step 8: Korean Moisturizer

ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Lock in moisture and support your skin barrier. This barrier-repair cream is ultra-soothing, fragrance-free, and ideal for sensitive skin types.

korean morning skincare moisturiser
ETUDE House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream - 16.74$

Step 9: Korean Eye Cream

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
Treat and protect the delicate eye area. Infused with bakuchiol and fermented black rice, this K-beauty eye cream targets fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.

korean eye cream
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

Step 10: Korean Sunscreen

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
Never skip SPF in your morning routine! This viral Korean sunscreen is hydrating, non-greasy, and protects the skin while giving it a soft, glowy finish.

beauty of JOSEON korean sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 - 18$

Final Thoughts on the Korean Skincare Morning Routine 

The Korean morning skincare routine is a luxurious yet practical ritual that preps your skin for the day ahead. With consistent use, you’ll enjoy glowing, hydrated, and healthy-looking skin — and who doesn’t want that? These 10 essential K-beauty products for 2025 are the perfect way to refresh your skincare lineup and embrace the power of Korean skincare.
Check out our Korean Sincere Night Routine guide next !