Japanese vs Korean Skincare — Which One Should You Try? Skincare goal, routine, ingredients, and products… There’s clearly a lot to get into!

Let me tell you. When it comes to skin, K-Beauty and J-Beauty do not mess around and they seem to always know how to remain one step ahead of the game.

What is Japanese skincare or J Beauty?

As expected of Japanese standards, their focus remains on creating beauty products that have been made from the highest-quality ingredients that cannot be produced without research or proof. To them, an authentic approach to health and skincare is imperative.

When it comes to skincare, Japanese prefer to take the Marie Kondo approach meaning keeping things simple and straightforward.

The focus is on achieving that ultra-soft skin texture. Achieved with layering on moisturizing and smoothening products that nourish the skin. It’s quite similar to the Korean skincare routine but their routine involves fewer steps.  

The 4 steps J-beauty skincare routine:

1. Double cleanse
2. Hydrating lotion (“toner” without the alcohol)
3. Serum 
4. Moisturizer 

Plus face masking every so often. 

Although simpler, this skincare routine claims to still be able to provide you with long-term results.

What is Korean skincare or K beauty?

In the last decade, Korean skincare swept the world by storm. Women from all walks of life got swept away by this new trend people were swearing by. From Asia, all the way to the US. Why? Because Korean skincare is all about innovation, scientific advancements, and a meticulous routine that is backed by results that can stand on its own. The goal, of course, is to achieve a flawless, youthful complexion. 

When I say meticulous, I mean it. In fact, it involves a lengthy 10-step skincare routine. But before you decide to back out, know that you don’t need to do all 10 steps every day, because there are certainly products that you shouldn’t use on a daily basis and some products that you don’t really need. It’s a case-to-case basis, to each his own.

The 10-step K-beauty skincare routine:

1. Double cleanse
2. Toner
3. Essence
4. Emulsion
5. Serum/Ampoule
6. Sheet mask
7. Eye cream
8. Moisturizer
9. Sunscreen (am)
10. Sleeping mask (pm)    

It’s important to note that hydration is key in all 10 steps so, simply put, Koreans love layers and layers of hydration.

The difference between J-BEAUTY and K-BEAUTY

The big difference between these two skincare and beauty routines is that although Korean beauty products have some of the most innovative products in the world today, their pharmaceutical laws are not as strict as those found in Japan. As expected the Japanese products are mostly of higher quality and are often more effective. 

Customize and Merge

Understanding one’s own skin and its needs are what’s most important. Check out the top products on both, assess what you need, create your own routine and simply take stock of what’s working with you. Personally, I use some products from K beauty and some from J Beauty. Note: Don’t forget to note any allergic reactions that you may have to any ingredient, paying attention to these things will help you to become more aware of your skin type.

Thinking Long Term

The emphasis here is on the gentle nurturing of the skin toward the desired result through a consistent and highly personalized skincare routine. As with anything else consistency and dedication are always the keys. A long-term approach to skincare is said to be the reason for getting that glow from within.

And finally, what to take away from this…

Whether you’re leaning towards one skincare more than the other, it’s always great to take tips from both J-Beauty and K-Beauty. This way you can enjoy the best of both worlds!