8 October 2026‎ ‎ |‎ ‎ 4 minutes

Autumn Skincare Routine: Best Seasonal Product Swaps & Tips

Just as you reach for more layers when the temperature drops, your skincare routine might need a few extra steps to keep your skin comfortable as the seasons change.

During summer, we tend to favour light, breathable clothes that keep us cool and help us avoid that sticky, overheated feeling. In the same way, our skincare routine stays simple and lightweight, with gel moisturisers, fast-absorbing serums and lightweight SPF that feel more comfortable in the heat.

Then autumn arrives. Summer dresses make way for cardigans, long trousers and jackets, and your skincare can benefit from a similar seasonal switch-up. Cooler temperatures and drier air can leave skin feeling tighter and more sensitive, making richer moisturisers and extra hydration much more appealing.

But just as you wouldn’t replace your entire wardrobe the moment September arrives, you don’t necessarily need to start a completely new skincare routine. Instead, seasonal skincare is about recognising what your skin needs as the weather changes and adjusting a few steps accordingly.

Why should my skincare routine change in autumn?

As the weather changes, so do the conditions your skin is exposed to. Higher temperatures and humidity can make skin feel warmer, oilier and heavier, while cooler temperatures can increase moisture loss, leaving the complexion feeling drier than usual.

And when indoor heating starts, the air can become even drier, adding further stress to the skin barrier. Compared with the excess sweat and sebum we are used to in summer, the cooler months bring a different set of concerns: dry patches, irritated skin, and redness.

This seasonal transition can leave the skin feeling more vulnerable and easily irritated. That’s why a few thoughtful changes to your routine can help keep it comfortable throughout the cooler months.

Here are some of the best skincare swaps you can make to create the ultimate autumn skincare routine.

From cleansing oils to cleansing balms

There are plenty of good cleansing oils out there. Some of Malkn’s favourites include IUNIK’s Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil and haruharu wonder’s Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil. However, as our skin starts to feel drier, we like to reach for cleansing balms instead.

Their rich, nourishing textures can make cleansing feel more comfortable, helping to remove makeup and impurities without leaving the skin feeling excessively dry or tight. They start as a balm, melt into an oil when massaged into the skin and emulsify with water, making them an easy three-in-one addition to your routine.

The Village 11 Factory Clear Houttuynia Cordata Vegan Cleansing Balm has a sherbet-like texture that effortlessly dissolves makeup and impurities while helping to soothe the complexion. It also helps regulate excess sebum and care for the appearance of pores, making it suitable even when autumn dryness is accompanied by oiliness.

Alternatively, the Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm combines Green Tea and Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate to deeply cleanse pores and excess sebum, while soothing blemish-prone and sensitive skin.

Cleanse & Soothe

Clear Houttuynia Cordata Vegan Cleansing Balm

Combination Skin

Melts away makeup, SPF & excess sebum without stripping skin.

Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata)

Calms redness and helps strengthen the skin barrier.

Vegan Formula

Sherbet-textured balm, dermatologically tested for zero eye irritation

VILLAGE 11 FACTORY

Clear Houttuynia Cordata Vegan Cleansing Balm

Vegan sherbet-type cleansing balm, enriched with Houttuynia Cordata, that gently removes makeup and excess sebum, whilst soothing irritation.

Hassle-Free

Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm in blue container on white background

Oily & Congested Skin

Tackles excess sebum, oily T-zones & visible pores.

Green Tea & Guaiazulene

Regulates sebum while soothing redness.

Hydrating Finish

Skin remains clear without irritation or discomfort.

DR. ALTHEA

Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balm with green tea and guaiazulene that deep cleanses pores, controls sebum, and soothes sensitive skin.

Introducing milky toners & essences

Toners and essences can also benefit from a seasonal switch. While lightweight formulas such as the ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Toner and ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Toner work well for a fresh summer routine, autumn calls for something a little more nourishing.

A Malkn favourite is BEAUTY OF JOSEON’s Glow Replenishing Rice Milk. Its double-layered formula combines Rice Extract and Amino Acids to provide long-lasting hydration, while the sebum-controlling powder targets clogged pores and minimises shine.

For an even richer formula, DR. CEURACLE’s Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence combines an essence and cream layer in one. Fermented Black Tea, Probiotics and Vitamin B help hydrate and nourish the skin, making it a great choice when your complexion starts asking for more than a lightweight toner can provide.

Balanced Glow

Glow Replenishing Rice Milk bottle with Korean text on a white background

All Skin Types

Deeply hydrates and balances oil for a glow without greasiness.

Rice Extract

Rich in antioxidants & minerals, it keeps the skin hydrated for longer.

Sebum Balance Complex

Double-layer formula that balances sebum and refines pores.

BEAUTY OF JOSEON

Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

A hydrating dual-layer toner enriched with rice extract to balance sebum, minimise shine, and leave the skin with a healthy, luminous glow.

Pure Nourish

Bottle of Dr.Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence with white cap on white background

Dull Skin

Detoxifies the skin while delivering vital nutrition.

Kombucha Extract

Strengthens skin immunity with Probiotics & Vitamin B.

Green Tea Leaf Extract

Slows signs of ageing with a nutrient-rich formula.

DR. CEURACLE

Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence

Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence that detoxifies and strengthens the skin barrier, with detoxing and anti-ageing properties.

Rich moisturisers become a staple

The final swap is perhaps the most obvious one: your moisturiser. During summer, when everything can feel heavy on the skin, fast-absorbing gel moisturisers such as VILLAGE 11 FACTORY Hydro Boost Gel Cream and ISNTREE Aloe Soothing Gel Moisture Type can provide lightweight hydration without leaving a heavy finish.

However, during autumn and later on in winter too, your skin is exposed to harsher weather and environmental conditions and might need something more nourishing. If your usual moisturiser no longer feels sufficient, this is a good time to switch to a richer formula and introduce a barrier repair routine to help keep your skin protected and comfortable.

Ingredients such as Ceramides, Peptides and Panthenol are worth looking out for when choosing a moisturiser for dry or sensitive skin.

The ETUDE Soonjung 2x Cream is particularly well suited to this seasonal change. Its creamy texture glides onto the skin and absorbs quickly without feeling heavy, delivering hydration while helping to strengthen the skin’s natural defences. Designed specifically for dry and easily irritated skin, it provides soothing and moisturising care while helping the complexion feel softer, calmer and more comfortable.

For a more targeted barrier-focused option, the SOME BY MI Beta Panthenol Repair Cream combines D-Panthenol and Beta-Sitosterol in its patented Beta-Panthenol™ complex. The formula is designed to help restore the skin’s pH balance and strengthen its natural protective barrier, while providing deep nourishment and moisture. It is also non-comedogenic and formulated with sensitive and acne-prone skin in mind.

Bestseller

Barrier Comfort

Soonjung 2x barrier intensive cream tube by Etude, 60ml skincare moisturizer

Sensitive Skin

Low-irritating formula that strengthens the skin barrier.

Panthenol

Retains moisture and soothes dry skin.

Madecassoside

Calms irritation and protects skin from external stressors.

ETUDE

Soonjung 2x Cream

Low-irritation Moisturising Cream that soothes sensitive skin, strengthens the barrier, and provides rich hydration.

Vegan

Easy Repair

Blue jar of Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream with black lid on white background

Dry & Acne-Prone Skin

Soothes visibly irritated skin without clogging pores.

Beta-Panthenol

Blend of Panthenol & Beta-Sitosterol to restore the skin’s protective barrier.

Non-Comedogenic

Melts into the skin and provides long-lasting hydration.

SOMEBYMI

Beta Panthenol Repair Cream

Cream that repairs damaged skin barrier and moisturises sensitive and acne-prone skin with Beta-Panthenol.

Final Thoughts

Your autumn routine doesn’t have to become complicated. Start with small, thoughtful swaps based on how your skin feels and add an extra layer of hydration when needed. For an extra moisture boost, try BIODANCE’s viral sheet-free hydrogel masks two to three times a week. Or reach for CENTELLIAN24’s Madeca Cream Time Reverse, one of Korea’s bestselling derma brands, to help your skin look smoother, firmer and more supple over time.

Author

Malkn

Malkn is a UK-based destination that brings together the best of K-Beauty and K-Fashion on one carefully curated platform. Through our editorial content, product curation, and direct partnerships with brands across South Korea, we make the most exciting Korean beauty and fashion labels more accessible than ever.

Why does my skin feel tighter during autumn?

As autumn arrives, dropping temperatures and lower humidity levels strip moisture from our skin, leaving it feeling tight, dry, and uncomfortable. Indoor heating only compounds the problem, drying out the air and placing extra strain on the skin barrier.

What are some good skincare products for autumn?

As the weather cools down and indoor heating comes on, our skincare needs can shift from managing excess summer oil to maintaining hydration and supporting the skin barrier. Rather than changing our entire routine, we can introduce a few richer product types that help our skin stay comfortable throughout the season.

Cleansing balms can be a good alternative to lighter cleansing oils or foaming cleansers when our skin starts to feel dry or tight. Their rich, cushiony texture melts into the skin to dissolve makeup and impurities while making cleansing feel more comfortable.
Milky toners and dual-layer essences can add an extra layer of hydration after cleansing. Compared with lightweight, watery formulas, their richer textures can provide more lasting moisture, with ingredients such as rice extracts and fermented teas helping to nourish and condition the skin.
Finally, richer, barrier-supporting moisturisers can become more useful as autumn brings cooler temperatures and drier air. Cream-based formulas containing ingredients such as Ceramides, Panthenol and Peptides can help support the skin barrier, retain moisture and keep our complexion feeling soft and comfortable.

What key ingredients should I look for in a moisturiser during cooler weather?

When it comes to autumn skincare tips, look for a balanced blend of humectants (hydrating ingredients) to draw water into the skin, emollients (smoothing ingredients) to soften rough texture, and occlusives (sealing ingredients) to lock moisture in. Barrier-supporting ingredients like Ceramides and Peptides can help protect the skin from dry wind and indoor heating, while soothing ingredients such as Panthenol, Beta-Glucan and Madecassoside help calm seasonal redness, irritation and sensitivity. Deeply hydrating ingredients like Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid and Amino Acids can also help relieve dry patches and that tight, uncomfortable feeling.

Why should I switch from a cleansing oil to a cleansing balm in autumn?

While both effectively melt away makeup and impurities, cleansing balms have richer, more nourishing textures that comfort skin during drier months without leaving it tight, dry, or irritated.

Do I still need to wear sunscreen during the autumn months?

Yes. While UVB rays (which cause sunburn) weaken in autumn, UVA rays (which cause premature ageing and skin damage) remain strong year-round and penetrate through clouds and glass.

Vendor: VILLAGE 11 FACTORY

Clear Houttuynia Cordata Vegan Cleansing Balm

£15.00

Vegan sherbet-type cleansing balm, enriched with Houttuynia Cordata, that gently removes makeup and excess sebum, whilst soothing irritation.

Shop this product

Vendor: HARUHARU WONDER

Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

£19.00

Gentle, non-irritating cleansing oil that removes makeup and SPF, that is hydrating and infused with black rice.

Shop this product

Clear 200ml Dokdo Toner bottle with blue label and Korean text on white background

Vendor: ROUND LAB

1025 Dokdo Toner

From £10.00

A gentle exfoliating toner that combines deep-sea water with patented technology to remove dead skin cells while hydrating and calming the complexion.

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Vendor: BIODANCE

Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

£14.50

Hydrogel sheet mask with 243Da low molecular Collagen that tightens pores and firms skin overnight, no fabric sheet needed.

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Vendor: BIODANCE

Refreshing Sea Kelp Real Deep Mask

£14.50

Sea kelp hydrogel mask formulated for oily, acne-prone skin that soothes and helps balance excess sebum.

Shop this product

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