The 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine

Not sure which skin type you are?

Normal You rarely experience breakouts or are sensitive to products. You have little pores along the T-zone and experience a slight oily shine at the end of the day. Dry You have very few visible pores and blackheads. Your skin can feel tight, itchy or even rough. You rarely experience an oily shine, even at the end of the day. Combination You have visible pores along your T-zone, but dry elsewhere. Your skin is really indecisive and unbalanced, sometimes dealing with dry patches and acne at the same time. Oily You frequently experience breakouts and have blackheads, and you might even have a breakout now. Early in the day, you have an oily shine and can feel oily residue when you touch your skin. Pores are large and visible throughout your face.

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Soko Glam’s Original 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

The 10-Step is more than a routine—it’s a lifestyle that has become a global phenomenon, grounded in Korea’s cultural obsession with healthy skin and backed by decades of scientific advancement. It’s not about having more products than you can count, but rather about having the right products that do the right things, and using them in the right order.

Makeup remover
& oil cleanser

Water Based
cleanser

exfoliator

Toner

Essence

Treatments

sheet masks

eye cream

Moisturizer

Sun protection

Oil cleansers are the base of the Korean skin care routine and the first step of the double cleanse. They’re not only relaxing to use; as you gently massage these cleansers in, they also remove makeup and draw out other oil-based impurities, such as sebum, SPF, and pollution.

Breaks down oil-based debris such as makeup and sunscreen

Morning and night, gently massage into dry skin, add lukewarm water to emulsify, then rinse

Macadamia oil
Jojoba oil
Grape seed oil

The second step of the double cleanse. Cleansing twice is recommended by aestheticians and dermatologists because it helps to thoroughly remove any impurities that can cause breakouts. Water-based cleansers dissolve the water-based impurities such as dirt and sweat that your oil cleanser didn’t pick up.

Removes water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt

Morning and night, apply to your damp face and neck and massage in a circular motion, then rinse with lukewarm water

Green tea
Rice extract
Pearl extract

Physical and chemical exfoliation help clean pores and slough off dead skin cells for visibly brighter and smoother skin. Regular exfoliation will also help your other skin care products absorb and work more efficiently!

Cleans debris from pores and removes dead skin cells

Gently exfoliate 1-2 times/week, focusing on your nose and the visible pores on your cheeks

Black sugar
Salicylic acid
Lactic acid

Toners are the ultimate prep product, removing any leftover residue from your cleansers while also repairing your skin’s barrier to effectively absorb the moisturizers that follow. Think of your skin like a sponge—it’s more difficult to rehydrate it when it’s dried up and hardened than when it’s already a bit damp.

Balances moisture and pH levels

Use a cotton pad to swipe all across your face or pat gently into your skin using your hands.

Aloe
Licorice
Citric acid

Essences are lightweight and packed with a concentrated blend of hydrating, anti-aging, and complexion-enhancing ingredients

Hydrates and aids in cell turnover

Sprinkle into hands and lightly pat into face and neck

Rice extract
Birch juice
Hyaluronic acid
Yeast

Boosters, serums, and ampoules are the ultimate skin perfectors. Packed with powerhouse ingredients, they target specific skin concerns such as acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.

Directly treats problem areas

Gently tap into skin, focusing on areas affected by skin concern

Soybeans
Tea tree
Vitamin C

If essences are the heart of the Korean skincare routine, sheet masks are the soul. The key to sheet masks is the sheet, which when in prolonged contact with your face allows the skin to fully absorb the nutrients and moisture. Plus, they promote the quiet, meditative ritual of relaxation.

Infuses your skin with concentrated essence.

Smooth onto clean skin, lie back and relax for 15-20 minutes, then pat in excess essence

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on your face, and regularly using an intensive eye cream can keep dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s-feet at bay. Eye creams are concentrated with beneficial ingredients and formulated to be extra gentle and non-irritating.

Hydrates and prevents dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet

Use your pinkie to gentle tap (never rub!) around the entire orbital bone, avoiding the water line

They come in many forms (emulsion, lotion, gel, cream, and sleeping mask) and seal in moisture to plump up skin and smooth fine lines.

Seals in moisture to plump and smooth skin

Pat into your face and neck morning and night, every day.

Bamboo
Hyaluronic acid
Centella asiatica (cica)
Snail mucin
Green tea

You should always wear sunscreen, even if you’ll be inside most of the day. It’s the easiest and most effective way to prevent premature aging (and skin cancer!). Sunscreen should be your last step so it can shield your skin without being diluted by additional products.

Protects the skin from damaging UV rays.

Gently pat into your face and neck as the last step in your morning routine. Re-apply throughout the day.

Titanium dioxide
Zinc oxide

For quick reference download our PDF Cheat Sheet of all 10 Steps!

DOWNLOAD PDF Do I need to use
all steps?

While we showcase all 10 steps of the Korean Skincare Routine, we recommend you select the steps that align with your personal skin goals.

REAL RESULTS

The Korean Skincare Experiment

Real customers, newbies, and Soko Glam team members share their Korean Skincare Routine and journey to only good (skin) days ahead!

View more results videos

SHOP ROUTINE SETS

Jumpstart on your own routine – and save! – with sets perfectly curated for your skin type.

MY SKIN TYPE IS : Normal Dry Oily Combination

Only Good (Skin)
Days ahead™

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