Korean vs Indian Beauty Routine: The Battle of Skincare

With all the growing trends, skincare has become overwhelming. Everyone follows the trends on social media religiously, even when it comes to skincare, and confusedly switches between Korean “glass skin” routines and traditional Indian haldi masks. Both have centuries of wisdom and dedicated fandoms but do they actually work for your skin type? Here, we are breaking it down in a simplified manner.

Korean Beauty: All About Gentle Layers, Long-Term Care

Korean skincare isn’t just about aesthetic outer packaging but is packed with effective ingredients from within. It’s grounded in layering lightweight, hydrating products to build up the skin’s barrier. Instead of harsh actives, it uses fermented ingredients, calming agents like centella, and hydration heroes like hyaluronic acid.

Best suited for:

• Dry, dull, dehydrated, or sensitive skin

• Early signs of aging or uneven skin texture

Key Practices:

• Double cleansing (oil + gentle foam)

• Toner, essence, serum layering

• Hydrating sheet masks

• Lightweight moisturisers and SPF

The focus is long-term skin health and not overnight miracles. If your skin is prone to sensitivity or just feels tired, K-beauty routines can repair and strengthen it gradually.

Indian Rituals: Ayurvedic Ingredients, Derived from Nature

Indian skincare comes from Ayurveda, where beauty starts with nature and tradition. Whether oily T-zones or sun-induced pigmentation, there’s an herb or DIY recipe for everything. Most rituals involve natural powders, plant-based oils, and simple ingredients your nani probably used too.

Best suited for:

• Oily, acne-prone, pigmented, or combination skin

• People looking for detoxifying, clarifying routines

Common Practices:

• Ubtan masks (turmeric, gram flour, curd)

• Neem and tulsi for acne

• Aloe vera for soothing

• Weekly oil massages for blood circulation

These methods are powerful, but require consistency. And if you’ve got sensitive skin, patch tests are a must because natural doesn’t always mean mild.

Choose The Best for Yourself 

If your skin needs calming and hydration, Korean routines offer relief without overwhelming your barrier. If you're dealing with oiliness, breakouts, or pigmentation, Indian rituals help clear things out naturally.

Let’s be honest, you don’t have to pick sides. Use a calming Korean essence after a homemade haldi mask. Or apply aloe vera post-double cleansing. Let your skin, not the trend, decide.

Your skin doesn’t care about borders. It cares about what feels right. Try both, mix a little, and let your routine be as personal as your playlist.