A Simple and Hard-Working 5-Step Korean Routine for Sensitive Skin

Having sensitive skin can be hard, especially when there are so many products out there to choose from. Whether your skin is always sensitive, or if you are trying to repair your skin after being too heavy-handed with your favourite chemical exfoliants, we have put together a fool-proof routine for you. There are options out there for everyone, so keep reading to find out more!

1. CLEANSERS

Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil:

Despite having less than 10 ingredients, this new release from Klairs is nothing short of impressive. It removes makeup and sunscreen with such ease, and washes off completely clean with water. Unlike their original cleansing oil, this one is free from any essential oils or ingredients that could be potentially triggering for sensitive skin. Each ingredient in this formula is incredibly beneficial for the skin: most notably sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil, jojoba seed oil, and black currant oil to not only cleanse, but also provide much needed nutrients to the skin, such as vitamins A, B, C and essential antioxidants.

Sioris Cleanse my Softly Milk Cleanser:

This beauty formulation can double as a first cleanse or a second cleanse! It can gently cleanse even the most sensitive skin, and also remove light makeup. This milky cleanser is packed with wonderful ingredients, such as 61% organic green plum water to rejuvenate and replenish the skin while cleansing. Like all Sioris products, this cleanser is free from parabens, artificial fragrance, or any other harmful chemicals. All the ingredients in this cleanser have also been carefully selected during their peak seasons to ensure they're at their freshest and most effective.

Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser:

If you're in the market for a cleanser that is a little more 'heavy duty' without being stripping, consider the Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser. The entire Soon Jung range from the brand is an excellent option for sensitised skin as they are formulated with a patented ingredient Panthensoside (Panthenol and Madecassoside), tested to be safe for sensitive skin and are non-comedogenic. The Soon Jung range is also formulated to be slightly acidic to strengthen and prevent your skin from becoming dry, plus the range is entirely vegan. This cleanser uses 98% natural ingredients to deliver a satisfying second cleanse without causing further damage to a weak skin barrier.

2. TONERS

Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner:

An updated version of their original toner which has earned itself a 'cult' status among K-Beauty lovers, this toner is the perfect companion for sensitive skin, only now formulated without fragrance and essential oils! This toner features madecassoside and panthenol to soothe, as well as green tea leaf extract. This is a great toner to layer for the '7 skin' method for particularly parched skin, but simply patting on one layer of this after cleansing will immediately calm any irritation and sensitivity.

Sioris Time is Running Out Mist: 

If you prefer a toner in a mist form, look no further. This one from Sioris is the creme de la creme, in my opinion. As mentioned before, Sioris uses ingredients picked during the peak of their season to ensure maximum efficacy. In this toner, there are three oils (jojoba, macadamia and sunflower) to boost hydration levels, and also green tea leaf water to soothe and provide antioxidants. This is also excellent to take with you throughout your day to give yourself a little spritz whenever your skin is feeling a little lacklustre.

3. SERUMS

By Wishtrend Polyphenol in Propolis 15% Ampoule:

This serum truly does it all; it targets so many different skin concerns, yet is still a super soothing formula. If you also deal with breakouts, the propolis extract in the formula will help heal and kill bacteria. If you have dry skin, the sodium hyaluronate will take care of that. For soothing, there is Houttuynia Cordata Extract and Zinc PCA. This serum can potentially take the place of multiple serums in your routine, and that's why it's definitely worth the investment!

Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol:

If you’ve read this far, you may be noticing a trend with some of the key ingredients in these products. Green tea and panthenol will help soothe the skin, but this serum is also enriched with natural hanbang ingredients to calm and hydrate. There is also sodium hyaluronate, propolis extract and centella asiatica extract.

4. MOISTURISERS

Pyunkang Yul ATO Cream Blue Label:

Pyunkang Yul is another amazing brand to look out for if you are interested in minimalist products. This powerful cream helps lock moisture in the skin and soothe any irritation or itchiness. What makes this cream stand out is its star ingredient: honeysuckle flower extract. It's known for surviving harsh winters, and helps calm and protect the skin from external stressors. This cream is made with EWG-friendly ingredients, without any potential irritants, making this a safe option for your face, body and even babies.

A’Pieu Madecassoside Cream:

This is a wonderful skin-repairing moisturiser that is packed with 40% centella asiatica leaf extract and 0.1% madecassoside extract. It also contains niacinamide, ceramides and witch hazel to brighten and strengthen your skin’s barrier. This is also a great option for those of you on a budget, coming in at only $18!

5. TREATMENTS

I’m From Mugwort Mask:

I couldn’t write this product round-up without mentioning one of my all-time favourite products! This mask is formulated with a high concentration of mugwort (otherwise called artemisia), which is an incredible ingredient for sensitive skin and a personal favourite of mine. You can read all about the wonders of mugwort in this blog post. This wash-off mask is a lovely treat you can use once or twice a week to revive and balance irritated skin, and it's also slightly detoxifying without being drying at all. It also comes in a mini size for you to try out!

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask:

I first used this mask when I was trialing fragrance-free sheet masks and I immediately fell in love. This mask is packed with cholesterols, fatty acids, and five types of ceramides, so it is really going to quench dry and dehydrated skin. It also has aloe and panthenol to soothe. The mask itself comes in two pieces, so it adheres to the skin incredibly well, and is a great pick-me-up to use when your skin is feeling dull and irritated.

Related article: 5 Fragrance-Free Sheet Masks You Have To Try

Contributed by Alice Falkai. Check out her Instagram & YouTube!