Collection: Men's Essentials

Yes, Korean skincare is good for all genders, skin types and ages as it prioritises long-term skin health over quick fixes. It places heavy emphasis on hydration, barrier repair and daily sun protection, which are exactly the areas men's skin tends to need the most support with, especially alongside regular shaving. It's also refreshingly low-effort: lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas like SOME BY MI's Beta Panthenol Repair Toner or Round Lab's 1025 Dokdo Cream deliver visible results without demanding a complicated routine.

* Malkn Tip: New to skincare altogether? Start with a simple moisturiser and sunscreen and then add other steps along the way.

A men's skincare routine works best when it's built around genuine skin needs rather than a long list of extras. The essentials are a proper cleanser, a lightweight moisturiser and daily sun protection. Dr. Ceuracle's 5α Control Clearing Cleansing Foam is a strong starting point for men dealing with excess oil or congestion, while Isntree's Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel covers sun protection without the heavy, greasy finish that puts a lot of men off sunscreen in the first place. From there, a calming toner such as Beauty of Joseon's Ginseng Essence Water helps rebalance skin after cleansing, particularly useful if shaving is part of the daily routine.

A simple skincare routine for men should follow four steps: 

1. Cleanse: Start with a gentle, low-pH cleanser like Round Lab's 1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam to lift away oil and impurities without stripping the skin.
2. Treat: Follow with a hydrating toner to deliver extra hydration into the skin. The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus is a good fit for most skin types. 
3. Moisturise: Lock in moisture with a lightweight moisturiser such as Round Lab's 1025 Dokdo Cream.
4. Protect: Protect your skin from damaging UV rays using Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

* Malkn Tip: You can add more skincare steps between Treat and Moisturise once your skin gets used to the routine. Opt for Vitamin C serums, like the Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum, or acne treatments, such as SOME BY MI’s Beta Panthenol Repair Serum.

Absolutely! In fact, most Korean skincare products are designed to be used by anyone, regardless of gender. The principles of a good skincare routine are the same for everyone. Products like Arencia Fresh Green Rice Mochi Cleanser or Axis-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen work just as effectively for men as they do for women. The most important thing is choosing Korean skincare that suits your skin type and concerns, rather than the audience the packaging is marketed towards.

Absolutely! Men should apply sunscreen every single day, regardless of the weather. Daily sunscreen is one of the most overlooked parts of men's skincare routine, yet it's the single most effective step for preventing premature ageing and long-term sun damage. 

* Malkn Tip: If sunscreen has never felt like part of your routine, start with a watery gel formula rather than a cream. It's the easiest texture to build a daily habit around.

Three to four products cover a proper routine: a cleanser, a moisturiser, a sunscreen, and optionally a toner or treatment for a specific concern. A combination like Iunik Centella Mild Cleansing Foam, Arencia Holy Hyssop Serum 30 and Isntree's Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel already covers cleansing, hydration and sun protection, which is genuinely enough for most men to see real improvement.

* Malkn Tip: Add products one at a time, roughly every couple of weeks. It's the easiest way to know what's actually working for your skin.