10 Step Skincare: Everything You Need to Know

A practical (and scientific) guide to entering the world of Korean skincare and letting yourself be won over by Koranic and Japanese products.

Why the Korean routine?

South Korea is considered the "Silicon Valley" of cosmetics: rapid patenting, rigorous clinical testing, and a culture that views skincare as self-care , not a luxury. The famous 10-step ritual was born there because it focuses on hydration, prevention, and light layering —three concepts that, if you're new to skincare, will change the way you look in the mirror.

The 10 steps, explained simply

1. OILY CLEANSER: Oils dissolve sebum, SPF, and makeup without rubbing the skin. In one study, oil even removed waterproof sunscreen with less irritation than foaming cleansers. Some recommended cleansing oils are:
   
   1. Anua - Pore Control Cleansing Oil
   2. SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
      
2. WATER-BASED CLEANSER : Completes the cleansing oil's work by removing all extracted impurities. It can be in gel, cream, or foam form—choose according to your skin type and preferences!
   1. COSRX - Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
   2. Round Lab - Dokdo Bubble Foam
      
      
3. EXFOLIATION : Smoothes, reduces blemishes, and helps subsequent steps penetrate. Depending on the product used, it's recommended not to exfoliate more than 2-3 times a week. However, it's important to listen to your skin's needs!
   Check out these Korean exfoliants:
   
   1. Celimax - Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
   2. medicube - One Day Exosome Shot Pore Ampoule 2000
      
      
4. TONER : can have various functions, including hydrating, purifying, and soothing. Choose based on your skin type!
   1. TIRTIR - Milk Skin Toner
   2. EQQUALBERRY - Swimming Pool Toner
      
      
5. ESSENCE : It is the heart of the K-beauty routine: a watery texture loaded with active ingredients that stimulate cell turnover.
   
   1. mixsoon - Bean Essence
   2. MEDI PEEL - Pro Peptide 9 Volume Lifting All-In-One Essence
      
      
6. SERUM AND AMPOULES : Here, things get serious: vitamin C for brightening, niacinamide for pores, anti-aging peptides. Or even just hydration, because sometimes that's really what we're missing. Here are some interesting serums:
   
   1. Anua - Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
   2. medicube - Triple Collagen Serum
      
      
7. MASK : Fabric soaked in serum, pushes the active ingredients deep down and gives the “glass skin” effect.
   
   1. Dr. Jart+ - Cryo Rubber Collagen Mask
   2. Mary&May - Collagen Peptide Vital Mask
      
8. EYE CONTOUR : The eye area is thin and delicate: it needs peptides, ceramides or other specific ingredients.
   1. Mary&May - Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream
   2. TIRTIR - Collagen Lifting Eye Cream
      
      
9. MOISTURIZING CREAM : It seals in moisture and all the previous steps, while also deeply hydrating the skin. It comes in various forms and with different ingredients: lotion, gel, cream, and even active ingredients. Here are some:
   1. medicube - Deep Vita C Capsule Cream
   2. mixsoon - Bean Cream
   3. Purito - Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream
      
      
10. SUN PROTECTION : The best anti-wrinkle cream is sunscreen. It's the essential and most important step in the entire Korean routine. Without it, all the others are useless.
    1. SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
    2. Isntree - Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQ
       
       

“Do I have to do all 10 steps every day?”
Absolutely not. Every skin is different: start with double cleansing + hydration + SPF and add the other steps only if you feel the need (or curiosity!).

🔑 Golden rule: There's no "one size fits all" routine. Personalize, experiment slowly, and note how your face reacts.

“My skin is sensitive: am I at risk of 'layering' too many products?”
Korean cosmetics are known for their lightweight textures and physiological pH. Start with a few active ingredients (e.g., just hyaluronic acid + SPF) and gradually increase.

"How long does it take?"
Less than you think: oil + cleanser (1 min), patted toner (30 sec), essence (15 sec), serum (30 sec), cream (30 sec), SPF (15 sec). You're at 4-5 minutes: the time it takes to listen to a K-pop song on Spotify.

Your 3-Step “Battle Plan”

1. Find the products for your skin

2. Patch test – Apply any new product to your forearm for 24 hours before using it on your face.

3. Document your progress – Take a before/after photo every 2 weeks – you’ll see smoother texture, even tone, and no tightness.

Conclusion

Korean skincare isn't an esoteric ritual: it's a scientific strategy made simple by innovative formulations. If you want supple, radiant skin, start your journey with Kimochi today. Your future glow will thank you.

Sources

1. Kim M. et al. “The optimal cleansing method for the removal of sunscreen: Water vs. Cleansing Oil.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019. ( PubMed )

2. Chow S. et al. “Effect of facial washing frequency on acne vulgaris.” Dermatology. 2006. ( PubMed )

3. Pullar J. et al. “The roles of vitamin C in skin health.” Nutrients. 2017. ( PubMed )

4. Gold M. et al. “Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging.” Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021. ( PMC )

Pro tip : For personalized questions, write to us at supporto@kimochi.it or DM us on Instagram @kimochi.it!