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.
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.
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.
What it does
Breaks down oil-based debris such as makeup and sunscreen
How to
Morning and night, gently massage into dry skin, add lukewarm water to emulsify, then rinse
Ingredients to love
Macadamia oil Jojoba oil Grape seed oil
Water Based Cleanser
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.
What it does
Removes water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt
How to
Morning and night, apply to your damp face and neck and massage in a circular motion, then rinse with lukewarm water
Ingredients to love
Green tea Rice extract Pearl extract
Exfoliator
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!
What it does
Cleans debris from pores and removes dead skin cells
How to
Gently exfoliate 1-2 times/week, focusing on your nose and the visible pores on your cheeks
Ingredients to love
Black sugar Salicylic acid Lactic acid
Toner
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.
What it does
Balances moisture and pH levels
How to
Use a cotton pad to swipe all across your face or pat gently into your skin using your hands.
Ingredients to love
Aloe Licorice Citric acid
Essence
Essences are lightweight and packed with a concentrated blend of hydrating, anti-aging, and complexion-enhancing ingredients
What it does
Hydrates and aids in cell turnover
How to
Sprinkle into hands and lightly pat into face and neck
Ingredients to love
Rice extract Birch juice Hyaluronic acid Yeast
Treatments
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.
What it does
Directly treats problem areas
How to
Gently tap into skin, focusing on areas affected by skin concern
Ingredients to love
Soybeans Tea tree Vitamin C
Sheet mask
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.
What it does
Infuses your skin with concentrated essence.
How to
Smooth onto clean skin, lie back and relax for 15-20 minutes, then pat in excess essence
Ingredients to love
Cucumber Green tea Rose
Eye Cream
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.
What it does
Hydrates and prevents dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet
How to
Use your pinkie to gentle tap (never rub!) around the entire orbital bone, avoiding the water line
Ingredients to love
Honey Ginseng Lily
Moisturizer
They come in many forms (emulsion, lotion, gel, cream, and sleeping mask) and seal in moisture to plump up skin and smooth fine lines.
What it does
Seals in moisture to plump and smooth skin
How to
Pat into your face and neck morning and night, every day.
Ingredients to love
Bamboo Hyaluronic acid Centella asiatica (cica) Snail mucin Green tea
Sunscreen
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.
What it does
Protects the skin from damaging UV rays.
How to
Gently pat into your face and neck as the last step in your morning routine. Re-apply throughout the day.
Ingredients to love
Titanium dioxide Zinc oxide
For quick reference download our PDF Cheat Sheet of all 10 Steps!