Kylie Jenner's beauty empire might have started with lip kits, but her secret to camera-ready skin involves a surprisingly detailed routine—one that's evolved from a basic five-step regimen to a glass-skin obsession powered by K-beauty devices. Unlike many celebrity skincare routines that require ten products and half an hour, Kylie keeps most of her products accessible at around $22-$29 each, though her latest 2024 additions push the investment higher. For those seeking similar results without the complexity, science-backed multifunctional products that combine cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration in one step offer a streamlined alternative. The biggest standout from Kylie's routine? Her $20 eye cream that visibly lightened dark circles in just one week of testing.
Key Takeaways
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Kylie's daily routine combines 5-7 products from her Kylie Skin line plus SPF, totaling $145-$385 depending on add-ons
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Her 2024 "glass skin" secret involves a $240 LED device paired with targeted serums for enhanced absorption
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Vegetarians and those with plant-based diets may see more dramatic results from certain ingredients in her routine due to lower baseline levels
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A simplified alternative approach can deliver comparable exfoliation, hydration, and impurity removal in fewer steps through multifunctional formulations
Kylie's Daily Morning Routine
Kylie's approach to morning skincare follows the traditional layering method—starting with the thinnest products and building to thicker textures. This sequence maximizes absorption and ensures each active ingredient can work effectively.
Cleansing: The Foundation Step
Kylie Skin Foaming Face Wash serves as the starting point every morning. Priced at $26, this cleanser took Kylie the longest to perfect during product development.
The formula contains coconut-derived surfactants for gentle cleansing, plus kiwi seed oil, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. When massaged into skin, it creates a micro-foam texture that removes overnight oils and impurities.
Key features:
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Sulfate-free, vegan, and cruelty-free formulation
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Requires only 1-2 pumps for full face coverage
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Contains hydrating ingredients to prevent stripping
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Rated 4.8 out of 5 with 184 reviews
Professional reviewers noted the lather felt effective without stripping skin, though those seeking a simplified approach might prefer a daily exfoliating cleanser that combines cleansing with chemical exfoliation in one step.
Toning: Hydration Before Treatment
After cleansing, Kylie applies her Vanilla Milk Toner—though this product works more like a lightweight essence than a traditional astringent. At $22-$23 for 8 ounces, it offers the best value in her line.
The milky texture comes from squalane, jojoba, apricot seed, and avocado oils. Unlike alcohol-based toners that can dry skin, this alcohol-free formula acts as a lightweight moisturizer while apple fruit extract provides gentle exfoliation.
A Harper's Bazaar reviewer called it a tie for favorite product in the line, noting the hydrating texture felt more nourishing than typical toners.
Treatment Serums: Targeted Active Ingredients
Kylie layers two serums most mornings—her Vitamin C Serum being the pricier of the pair at $28-$29. She's described this product as her "obsession" in interviews.
The formula uses Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a stable form of vitamin C that's less likely to oxidize and smell like pennies—a common complaint with traditional L-ascorbic acid serums. Additional ingredients include ferulic acid, green tea extract, and safflower seed oil.
Professional testing found the serum gentle for daily use with quick absorption that doesn't interfere with makeup application.
When she wants extra hydration, Kylie adds her Hyaluronic Acid Serum—sometimes mixing with vitamin C for what she calls "bouncy, ultra-moisturized skin." This layering technique helps maintain the dewy complexion she's known for.
Moisturizing: Locking in Hydration
The Kylie Skin Face Moisturizer comes next at $23-$24 for 1.75 ounces. Despite being fragrance-free, the formula features shea butter as its star ingredient, plus oat bran extract and orange peel extracts.
What sets this moisturizer apart is its performance under makeup—it doesn't pill or ball up when foundation is applied on top. The texture is richer than expected but absorbs without leaving a greasy film.
It's one of the best-reviewed products in the line. The fragrance-free formulation means it layers well with the subtly scented products used earlier in the routine.
Eye Care: Early Prevention
The eye cream section has been moved to the beginning as the #1 Standout Product.
Sun Protection: The Non-Negotiable
Kylie finishes her morning routine with SPF 40 sunscreen, though she doesn't specify a particular brand—her own line doesn't include SPF, which Harper's Bazaar noted as a significant gap.
She's been vocal about becoming "more religious about applying SPF" as she's gotten older, recognizing its importance for protecting her fair skin from sun damage. She never leaves the house without it, making it the final and most critical step in her morning skincare routine.
The Evening Routine
Kylie's nighttime skincare differs from her morning approach, starting with a different type of cleanser and skipping sun protection in favor of repair-focused treatments.
Makeup Removal: First Cleanse
At night, Kylie swaps her foaming cleanser for the Kylie Skin Makeup Melting Balm. This oil-based cleanser contains olive and lavender oil to melt away makeup while plumping skin with hydration.
The balm represents the first step of double cleansing—a method that removes makeup and impurities more thoroughly than a single wash. Kylie emphasizes this step's importance: "Never sleep in makeup", she told PopSugar, stressing the importance of removing all makeup before bed.
Double Cleanse and Night Treatment
After the balm removes makeup, Kylie follows with her foaming face wash for a thorough second cleanse. This two-step approach ensures all residue is removed before applying treatment products.
The rest of her evening routine mirrors the morning—toner, serums, moisturizer, and eye cream—though she may adjust serum choices based on her skin's needs. This consistent layering supports overnight repair when skin naturally undergoes cell regeneration.
2024 Glass Skin Additions
Kylie's routine took a significant turn in 2024 when she shared her "glass skin" secret on TikTok—a Korean beauty approach characterized by dewy, almost translucent-looking skin.
Medicube Booster Pro: The Device Game-Changer
The Medicube Booster Pro represents Kylie's biggest skincare investment at around $240 (though a Mini version is commonly discounted and may retail below $120 depending on sales). This customizable LED device features multiple modes for different skin concerns.
Kylie calls it an "all-in-one facial tool" that "helps absorb the skin care, irons out fine lines and wrinkles, gives me a good contour and minimizes my pores." The device enhances product absorption, which explains why she pairs it with specific serums.
Celebrity endorsement extends beyond Kylie—Kyle Richards also swears by Medicube devices, and the product frequently goes on sale during Amazon Prime Day.
PDRN Pink Peptide Serum: K-Beauty Innovation
The product Kylie applied in her viral April 2024 TikTok was the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, priced at $26. PDRN—a salmon-derived ingredient trending in K-beauty—works with the pink peptide complex when used alongside the Booster Pro for enhanced absorption.
This serum represents Kylie's current obsession with Korean skincare innovation, moving beyond her own brand's offerings to incorporate trending ingredients and technologies. Kylie herself visited the Medicube Glowland Pop-Up in LA to restock the product.
Weekly Treatments
Beyond her daily routine, Kylie incorporates intensive treatments several times per week. "I try to do a face mask a few times a week, whether it's a sheet or a leave-on treatment," she told IntotheGloss.
Detox Face Mask: Chemical Exfoliation
The Kylie Skin Detox Face Mask uses glycolic and lactic acids (AHAs) plus fruit enzymes for chemical exfoliation. Charcoal and sea silt help unclog pores while brightening the complexion and fading dark spots.
Used 1-2 times weekly, this mask provides cell renewal beyond what daily cleansing offers. The hydroxy acid formulation represents a gentler alternative to physical exfoliants like walnut scrubs, which can cause micro-tears in skin.
The Science Behind Kylie's Routine
While Kylie's routine involves numerous products, the underlying science focuses on three core principles: exfoliation for cell turnover, hydration for plumping, and layering for maximum absorption.
Exfoliation for Cell Turnover
Multiple products in Kylie's routine provide exfoliation through different mechanisms. The toner includes apple fruit extract, the vitamin C serum contains acids, and the weekly mask uses AHAs and enzymes.
This multi-angle approach to exfoliation keeps dead skin cells from building up while promoting cell renewal. Chemical exfoliants work by breaking down the bonds between dead cells rather than physically scrubbing them away.
For those with sensitive skin, the layered approach—using gentle acids in several products rather than one strong treatment—can be more tolerable. However, it also increases the risk of over-exfoliation if all products are used simultaneously without monitoring skin response.
Hydration Strategies
Hyaluronic acid appears in multiple steps of Kylie's routine—the cleanser, toner, dedicated serum, and moisturizer. This molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it effective for skin hydration.
The layering of different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid (from serums and creams) helps hydrate at various skin depths. Smaller molecules penetrate deeper, while larger ones create a moisture barrier on the surface.
Natural oils from the toner and moisturizer work as emollients and occlusives, preventing transepidermal water loss—the evaporation of water from skin. This combination of humectants (water-attracting) and occlusives (water-sealing) maintains the dewy, plump appearance Kylie achieves.
Multi-Product Layering
The traditional Korean and Japanese beauty philosophy of layering products from thinnest to thickest ensures each ingredient can penetrate effectively. Water-based serums absorb before oil-based moisturizers seal them in.
This approach maximizes ingredient delivery but requires time and precision. Products must be applied in the correct order, and each layer needs time to absorb before adding the next—typically 30-60 seconds between steps.
The Medicube device takes this concept further by using LED light and gentle microcurrent to enhance absorption, particularly of the PDRN serum. This technology-assisted penetration represents an evolution beyond simple layering.
Simplified Alternative: The Kipi Approach
Kylie's routine delivers results but requires 5-7 daily products plus weekly treatments. For those seeking comparable benefits without the complexity, multifunctional formulations offer a streamlined path.
Three Benefits in One Formula
The Kipi Exfoliating Daily Cleanser combines three of Kylie's separate steps—cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration—into a single product. At $36 for a one-time purchase or $28.80 with subscription, it replaces the cleanser ($26), toner ($23), and provides exfoliation comparable to her weekly mask.
The formula features:
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Triple-action hydroxy acids (1% AHA, 0.4% BHA, 1% PHA) for gentle daily exfoliation
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Charged hyaluronic acid (0.1%) that binds water molecules even after rinsing
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Provitamin B5 (1%) to soothe skin and support the moisture barrier
This science-backed formulation delivers exfoliation without the harsh physical scrubbing of walnut-based products, while the hydroxy acid blend removes impurities and dead cells that dull the complexion.
Cost and Time Comparison
Kylie's Core Routine Investment:
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Foaming Face Wash: $26
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Vanilla Milk Toner: $23
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Vitamin C Serum: $29
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Face Moisturizer: $24
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Eye Cream: $22
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SPF 40: ~$15-30 (varies by brand)
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Total: $139-154 (without Medicube devices)
Simplified Kipi Approach:
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Exfoliating Daily Cleanser: $36 (or $28.80 with subscription)
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Moisturizer: ~$20-30
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SPF: ~$15-30
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Total: $71-96
Beyond cost savings, the time investment differs significantly. Kylie's routine requires 5-10 minutes morning and night for proper layering and absorption. A one-step skincare routine using multifunctional products cuts this to 2-3 minutes while delivering similar exfoliation, cleansing, and hydration benefits.
Science-Backed Simplification
The Kipi cleanser's pH of 4.5-5.5 matches skin's natural pH, maintaining the microbiome balance that multiple products can sometimes disrupt. The triple hydroxy acid blend works synergistically:
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Alpha-hydroxy acids from citrus fruit extracts brighten and gently exfoliate the surface
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Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) penetrates pores to remove debris and control oil
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Polyhydroxy acid (gluconolactone) exfoliates while providing additional hydration
This combination delivers the cell turnover benefits of Kylie's multi-product approach in a single, gentle enough for daily use formula. The charged hyaluronic acid innovation ensures hydration persists even after rinsing—solving the traditional challenge of maintaining moisture during cleansing.
Building Your Own Effective Routine
Whether you follow Kylie's detailed approach or prefer simplified multifunctional products, building a routine that works for your skin requires understanding a few core principles.
Identify Your Skin Type and Concerns
Kylie's products target normal to combination skin types, but individual needs vary. Oily skin benefits more from lightweight, non-comedogenic formulations, while dry skin requires richer textures and more occlusive ingredients.
Core skin types:
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Normal: Balanced oil production, few concerns
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Dry: Tight feeling, flaking, needs rich hydration
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Oily: Shine, enlarged pores, prone to breakouts
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Combination: Oily T-zone with dry cheeks
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Sensitive: Reactive to many ingredients, redness, irritation
Understanding your baseline helps determine which products and ingredients will deliver results versus causing problems.
Start with Foundational Steps
Rather than implementing a 7-step routine immediately, build gradually:
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Cleanse: Remove impurities and prepare skin (daily cleanser is non-negotiable)
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Treat: Address specific concerns with targeted ingredients
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Moisturize: Seal in hydration and support the skin barrier
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Protect: Apply SPF every morning without exception
This four-step framework provides the foundation for healthy skin. Additional products like eye creams, masks, and devices can be added once the basics are consistent.
Consider Multifunctional Products
The skincare market statistics show growing consumer preference for products that deliver multiple benefits. This trend reflects both time constraints and the recognition that simpler routines often prove more sustainable.
A cleanser that also exfoliates eliminates the need for separate exfoliant purchases and application steps. A moisturizer with SPF combines two steps. Serums with multiple active ingredients address several concerns simultaneously.
The key is ensuring these multifunctional products use efficacious concentrations of ingredients rather than including trace amounts of many activities for marketing purposes. Transparency in formulation—listing ingredient percentages—helps verify you're getting therapeutic doses.
Track Results and Adjust
Give new products at least 4-6 weeks before evaluating effectiveness. The skin's natural renewal cycle takes approximately 28 days, so visible results typically appear after this initial period.
Signs your routine is working:
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Improved texture and smoothness
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Reduced appearance of pores
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More even skin tone
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Better moisture retention
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Fewer breakouts or irritation
Signs to adjust:
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Increased sensitivity or redness
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New breakouts
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Excessive dryness or oiliness
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No improvement after 8 weeks
Most importantly, consistency matters more than complexity. A simple routine you follow daily delivers better results than an elaborate one you skip frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kylie Jenner use retinol in her skincare routine?
While Kylie hasn't publicly confirmed retinol use in her routine, the Kylie Skin line doesn't currently include a retinol product. Her focus appears to be on vitamin C for brightening and hydroxy acids for exfoliation rather than retinoids for anti-aging. Many dermatologists recommend incorporating retinol in your late twenties or early thirties, so it's possible she uses this ingredient privately without featuring it in her brand.
Can I achieve glass skin without expensive devices like the Medicube Booster Pro?
Yes, glass skin is achievable through consistent cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration without devices. The core principles involve removing dead skin cells, maintaining optimal hydration levels, and using products that create a light-reflecting surface on skin. Regular use of hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide can deliver similar results over time. LED devices like the Medicube may accelerate results by enhancing product absorption, but they're not essential. Focus on gentle chemical exfoliation, layered hydration, and sun protection as your foundation.
Is Kylie Jenner's routine suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Kylie's routine includes multiple products with active ingredients—hydroxy acids in the toner and cleanser, vitamin C in the serum, and AHAs in the face mask. For sensitive skin, this layering of acids might prove too aggressive, potentially causing redness or irritation. Acne-prone skin might benefit from the salicylic acid present in some formulations, but the heavier moisturizer could be problematic for very oily types. Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin should introduce products gradually, patch test first, and consider consulting a dermatologist before implementing a multi-product routine with several activities.
What's the main difference between Kylie's approach and simplified skincare routines?
Kylie's approach follows traditional multi-step skincare philosophy—using 5-7 separate products with each serving a single primary function. This allows for precise customization but requires more time, money, and product knowledge. Simplified routines use multifunctional formulations that combine several benefits in one product, reducing steps while maintaining efficacy. For example, a cleanser with hydroxy acids eliminates the need for a separate exfoliant and potentially the toner step. The choice depends on your preferences: Kylie's method offers granular control and the ritual of layering, while simplified approaches prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
How long does each step of Kylie's morning routine actually take?
Based on proper application techniques, Kylie's morning routine likely takes 8-12 minutes. Cleansing requires about 60 seconds of massaging and rinsing. Toner application takes 30 seconds. Each serum needs 30-60 seconds for application and absorption time before the next layer. Moisturizer and eye cream add another 1-2 minutes. SPF application—which should be a generous 1/4 teaspoon for the face—takes about 30 seconds. If using the Medicube Booster Pro, add another 3-5 minutes for the device treatment. These times assume you're allowing proper absorption between layers rather than rushing through steps, which compromises effectiveness.
