Blog

The 10-Step Routine, Simplified: What You Actually Need (And What’s Just Hype!)

August 8, 2025

A No-Nonsense Guide to K-Beauty’s Most Famous Ritual—Because Who Has Time for 10 Steps Every Day?

Skincare used to be simple. A splash of cold water, a dab of cold cream, and off you went. Then, K-beauty entered the chat and declared, “You need ten steps, darling, or your skin will never glow like a Seoul influencer’s.” Suddenly, we were layering toners, essences, ampoules, and serums like we were in a chemistry lab. But let’s be real—who has time for a 10-step routine every single day? And do you really need that much product, or is it just an elaborate marketing ploy to make your vanity look aesthetic? Welcome to the great K-Beauty reality check. This is where we break it all down—what’s essential, what’s extra, and how to create a routine that actually works for you.

Step 1 & 2: The Double Cleanse—This One is Non-Negotiable

Let’s start with the first truth bomb. Washing your face once is not enough. That’s right. Your micellar water is not cutting it, and your single cleanse is leaving half the gunk behind. Enter the legendary double cleanse, a staple in K-beauty for a reason.
  • Step 1: Oil Cleanser – Dissolves sunscreen, makeup, and pollution.
  • Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser – Sweeps away sweat, dirt, and leftover impurities.
If you’ve ever woken up wondering why your skin still feels congested despite all those expensive serums, it’s probably because you’re skipping this step. Western cleansers often strip the skin raw, leaving you feeling tight and parched. But in Korea, cleansing is an art, not an assault. It’s about purifying without wrecking your moisture barrier. When you can skip it: If you’re spending the day in a monastery with no sunscreen, no pollution, and no stress. Otherwise, it stays.

Step 3: The Toner—Hydration, Not Harshness

If you’re still thinking of toner as that alcohol-laden, skin-burning astringent from your teenage years, let’s clear the air. In K-beauty, toners are hydrating preps, not stripping nightmares. They balance your skin’s pH, soften the surface, and create the perfect canvas for whatever comes next. French toners often rely on floral waters and nostalgia. Korean toners are scientifically formulated hydration bombs. Best for Indian skin: Choose ones with Centella Asiatica, Green Tea, or Rice Water—they calm, hydrate, and subtly brighten. When you can skip it: If your cleanser already leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated, and you’re going straight into an essence or serum.

Step 4: The Essence—The Real MVP of K-Beauty

This is where things start to feel a little extra, but hear me out—essence is the reason Korean skin looks like it was blessed by the gods. It’s lightweight but packs a punch, delivering hydration, repair, and glow-boosting ingredients deep into the skin. Western brands are just now catching on, slapping the word “essence” onto fancy toners. But in Korea, an essence is its own category, and for good reason. Best for Indian skin:
  • Galactomyces essence (think SK-II’s secret ingredient, but without the ridiculous price tag) brightens and strengthens skin.
  • Snail mucin essence (yes, snail slime—don’t be squeamish) repairs and hydrates like nothing else.
When you can skip it: If your serum is already doing the job, but honestly, why would you?

Step 5: The Serum—The Real Workhorse of Your Routine

If you can only afford to splurge on one step, make it this one. Serums are where skincare gets serious. They contain the highest concentration of active ingredients and are designed to fix actual skin problems—whether it’s pigmentation, fine lines, dullness, or dehydration. Korean serums are next-level because they aren’t just luxury—they’re lab-tested for real results. For Indian skin:
  • Morning: Vitamin C (for glow and sun protection boost).
  • Night: Snail mucin or Hyaluronic Acid (for hydration) OR Retinol (for anti-aging).
When you can skip it: If your essence already has active ingredients, but honestly, this is the step that makes or breaks your routine.

Step 6: The Sheet Mask—Luxury, Not Necessity

Ah, the sheet mask. It’s Insta-worthy, fun, and makes you feel like a K-drama lead. But do you need it every day? Absolutely not. Sheet masks are hydration boosters, not miracle workers. They’re perfect for special occasions or a mid-week pick-me-up, but don’t let anyone tell you they’re essential. When you can skip it: If your skin is already feeling plump and hydrated.

Step 7: The Eye Cream—Mostly Overrated, Unless…

Most eye creams are just overpriced moisturizers in smaller jars. If your regular moisturizer is gentle, you can use it under your eyes too. But, if dark circles are your nemesis, then you need something stronger. Look for caffeine-based eye creams—they de-puff, tighten, and help with discoloration. When you can skip it: If your eye area isn’t particularly dry or puffy.

Step 8: The Moisturizer—Do Not Skip, Ever

This is where many people go wrong. They assume if they’ve layered on serums, they can skip moisturizer. Wrong. Without a moisturizer, all that hard work just evaporates. You need something to seal it all in. Best for Indian skin:
  • Gel-based creams for humid weather.
  • Richer creams for dry winters.
When you can skip it: Never.

Step 9: SPF—The One Thing That Actually Stops Aging

Forget anti-aging serums. Forget fancy facials. If you’re not using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, nothing else matters. If you only do one thing for your skin, make it this. When you can skip it: You can’t. Just don’t.

Step 10: The Sleeping Mask—A Nice Bonus, But Not Essential

Sleeping masks are supercharged night creams that work overtime while you sleep. If you want to wake up looking fresh, this is your answer. When you can skip it: If your moisturizer is already giving you enough hydration.

So, What Do You Actually Need?

If you’re busy, overwhelmed, or just don’t want to spend 20 minutes layering products every morning, this is your must-have K-Beauty routine:
  1. Double Cleanse
  2. Hydrating Toner or Essence
  3. Serum
  4. Moisturizer
  5. SPF (AM) / Sleeping Mask (PM)
Everything else? A luxury, not a necessity. Because skincare should be effective, not exhausting. Want to build your perfect K-Beauty routine? SoKo has the exclusive, dermatologist-approved products you need—without the unnecessary fluff. It’s time to simplify, streamline, and glow the right way.