They may look odd when worn, but Korean face masks are powerful skincare products that can effectively deliver the much-needed vitamins and nutrients to your skin needs.
Packed with ingredients that help your skin recover from daily stress, having K-beauty sheet masks on-hand is a MUST for a consistently healthy complexion.
Here, we’ve listed the top Korean face masks that will give you rejuvenated and refreshed skin. You’ll surely be ready to face the day with a K-beauty glow in no time!
10 Best Korean Face Masks
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Our Pick
If you have oily skin, your best bet is to look for Korean skin care products or sheet masks that have ingredients that help absorb extra sebum. The Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask uses volcanic ash to do just that.
Aside from oil absorption, this clay mask gently exfoliates the skin and does a good job in preventing breakouts from happening. If you have combination or oily skin, this is the best Korean face mask for you.
Because the formula is very gentle, this mask will work even if you suffer from skin sensitivity. The only problem we have with this is it can take some time to remove it. Since it dries out very quickly, it may not be a good fit for dry skin.
Pros
- Effective on oily skin
- Gently exfoliates the skin to prevent breakouts
Cons
- Mask can be hard to rinse off
- Not suitable for dry skin type
DERMAL 24 Combo Pack
Budget Pick
We all want the best and healthiest skin. However, skincare products, especially high-quality ones, are not cheap. It’s a good thing then that Dermal has come up with their 24 Combo Pack.
Now you can treat yourself to a mask every day because this combo mask set is very affordable. This invaluable mask set allows you to choose from various active ingredients such as bamboo, cucumber, aloe, Hyaluronate, and olive.
Despite their low price, these sheet masks are safe even for those with sensitive skin. They are highly moisturizing, and you can be sure they are well-saturated with the solution.
However, because these masks are budget-friendly, we noticed that it also uses lower quality paper that is thicker.
Pros
- Affordable enough to be used daily
- Keeps skin elastic with Vitamin E and collagen
- Works well for sensitive skin
Cons
- Lower quality paper
- Contains preservatives
Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Sheet Mask
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
This is Korea’s best sheet mask, and it’s not hard to see why. After the brand collaborated with world-renowned K-pop boy group BTS, their sheet masks became the best-selling face mask in South Korea.
But even without the group’s promotion, this mask’s benefits are already more than enough to make it a best-seller. It contains rosemary and tea tree oil that works wonders in preventing acne. To take care of the redness caused by irritation, it has chamomile and Asiatic Pennywort.
What we love most about this sheet mask is the fact that it does not contain artificial fragrances or colors. It has no mineral oil, silicone, or animal products either.
Some users, however, do not get immediate results from using this Korean face mask. It would take some time for them to notice any significant changes. Despite this, when it comes to soothing irritated skin, this mask still does the best job.
Pros
- Contains rosemary oil that helps prevent breakouts
- Asiatic Pennywort helps ease redness and irritation
- Does not contain alcohol, parabens, or artificial fragrances and colors
Cons
- Some users would have to wait some time to see results
Dr. Jart Clearing Solution Mask Sheet
If you want an even skin tone and repair the sun damage on your skin, then you will love the Dr. Jart Mask Sheet.
Packed with Glutathione, the Dr. Jart Mask Sheet evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of dark spots. It also works to prevent acne due to the presence of Salicylic acid and tea tree oils.
Because the Dr. Jart Mask Sheet is of such good quality, it is quite a bit more expensive than others. The sheet mask is made of hydrating microfibers that are finer than hair strands. This feature ensures the essential nutrients are delivered effectively to your skin.
Pros
- Soothes sun-damaged skin
- Evens out skin tone and reduces dark spots
Cons
- Expensive
Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask
This mask is for those who want to add a little fun to their beauty regimen. The product comes in a cute tub packaging. When you put it on, the mask will start to bubble on the skin while working its magic.
This bubbly mask is made of clay and carbonated water. Based on these components alone, you know that it’ll work in detoxifying your pores.
Aside from clay and carbonated water, however, this product contains a bunch of other essential components.
Ingredients like Aloe Vera, charcoal powder, and green tea leaf extract further nourish the skin.
It effectively cleans your pores, but it does so in an interesting manner. After about 5 minutes of tingly foaming, you’d have to massage the mask all over your face to melt off dirt and sebum. This may be fun for some, but others are not open to the feeling.
The mask could also trigger adverse reactions for those with a sensitive skin type. It’s best to try it out first before committing to the full jar.
Pros
- Effectively removes dirt from pores
- Prevents acne from forming
- Reduces inflammation
Cons
- May have adverse reactions to sensitive skin type
- Requires more time to remove
Benton Snail Bee High Content Sheet Mask
If there’s one ingredient in Korean skin care products that our skin loves, it’s definitely Snail Mucin.
Naturally, this substance helps wounds heal faster, hydrates dry skin, and has antibacterial properties to keep any breakouts at bay. Any mask containing Snail Mucin makes it extremely hydrating and keeps skin looking plump and healthy.
This sheet mask is especially recommended for those who are prone to acne and have lots of scars because of them. It’s not enough to prevent pimples from forming. Because of its hydrating properties, a dry skin type can especially benefit from this too.
In addition, this mask also has bee venom to help clear dead skin cells. So overall, the effect is to slough off the dead cells from the unwanted scars and blemished skin, giving you an even and toned complexion.
The one thing we have to note here is that the mask sheet is made up of pure cotton, so it can easily be ripped upon application.
Pros
- Contains snail mucin and bee venom that even out skin tone
- Good for acne-prone skin and dry skin types
Cons
- Sheet is made of cotton that easily rips
Tosowoong Pure Mask
This entry is actually a line of Tosowoong face masks. You can choose from a variety of active ingredients such as Propolis, Snail Mucin, aloe water, green tea, blueberry, and deep sea water.
Snail Mucin is used to speed up scar healing and is highly hydrating. Green tea prevents premature aging. Aloe water, on the other hand, helps deal with breakouts and is rich in antioxidants.
Blueberry combats free radicals and minimizes the damage caused by sun exposure. Deep sea water is good for treating skin problems like eczema. The minerals contained in it reduce the levels of toxins on the skin.
Pros
- Has a variety of active ingredients to choose from
- Mask sheets are extremely saturated
Cons
- Scents can be too strong
Kisskin Anti-Aging Korean Face Mask
If you have aging skin, this is the best face mask for you. This anti-aging face mask is completely plant-based and is rich in Vitamin C that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, lines, and wrinkles.
The Kisskin Anti-Aging Korean Face Mask also has other components such as green tea, rose, and Aloe Vera extracts that gently exfoliate the skin while battling signs of premature aging.
People who have sun damaged skin will also love these sheet masks since they give a soothing moisture and calming effect while reversing the effects of photo damage.
Pros
- Rich in Vitamin C; gives anti-aging effects (reduces wrinkles)
- Gently exfoliates the skin
Cons
- Expensive
- Contains ingredients that may not sit well with a sensitive skin type
Banobagi Vita Genic Jelly Mask Collection
If you want to brighten your skin just like your favorite K-beauty inspos, this Korean jelly mask collection is a good place to start.
Each individual sheet mask contains the benefits of Liposome jelly that efficiently delivers the potent elements.
These include Hyaluronic acid which aids in hydration, Niacinamide which brightens the skin, and Ubiquinone which reduces redness.
Pros
- Effectively brightens the skin
- Aids in skin hydration using hyaluronic acid
Cons
- The sheet mask is gloppy, which may not sit well with some users
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Among all the Korean face masks in this list, the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is the one with the cutest color.
This is a mask that works wonders while you sleep, so we love how it is formulated to be pillow-proof. This sleeping mask does not smudge or stain your pillowcases overnight.
The texture is bouncy and light, which allows your skin to breathe while you sleep.
The main element of the Sleeping Mask Glow Recipe is watermelon extract. Sheet masks containing this ingredient are known for their ability to fight free radicals and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By using this sleeping mask, you can wake up to calm and glowing glass skin.
We have to caution you, however, that this mask may cause redness to some users during the first use. If this happens, don’t give up too easily because it goes away with time as your skin gets used to the formulation.
Pros
- Does not stain pillows
- Calms the skin using watermelon extract
Cons
- May cause red patches for some during the first use
What Is a Face Mask?
Face masks are skin care products that are used to deliver potent nutrients to the skin in just a few minutes.
There are also other face masks that are designed to be used overnight.
There are different kinds of Korean face masks in the market today. They can come in the form of sheet masks or thick creams in tubs that you need to rinse off afterwards. There is also another kind which are rubber masks that prevent the evaporation of the nutrients after application.
Masks have hydrating properties that help the skin recover from various environmental aggressors.
A sheet mask, in particular, can be thought of as a means to deliver an ampoule through microfiber sheets that are usually made of cotton. Other masks come in tubs and are applied to the skin as if they were creams. You simply wait for them to dry and then rinse off.
Benefits of Using a Face Mask
Each K-beauty face mask is designed to nourish, moisturize, and target skin concerns for specific skin types. Korean sheet masks are good for delivering the much-needed hydration to the skin.
Aside from its hydrating properties, these masks also have other benefits, depending on the ingredients used.
Masks are a great way to pamper your skin after being exposed to stressors. Over time, using these masks will give your skin a youthful glow and reduce the effects of aging and sun damage.
Ingredients to Look For
If you want an EVEN SKIN TONE, look for ingredients like Centella Asiatica Extract, Vitamin C, and Snail Mucin. These elements speed up the healing process of wounds and acne scars. They effectively reduce dark spots as well.
When your main problem is ACNE, look for Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and vitamin C. Make sure that the masks you use are non-comedogenic to ensure your pores won’t get clogged with heavy ingredients. Stay away from masks with added fragrances because they can aggravate sensitivity.
To prevent PREMATURE AGING, look for Green Tea, Ceramides, and Centella Asiatica. Masks containing Hyaluronic acid also helps rejuvenate aging skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
On the other hand, when it comes to OILY SKIN, look for sheet masks that either absorb excess sebum or normalize the skin’s pH levels to prevent excessive oil production.
How Often Should You Use a Face Mask?
This important step in your K-beauty routine does NOT need to be done daily, but you can definitely do so if you can afford it. The normal suggestion for using Korean face masks is three times a week, but generally, this number is affected by your budget, time, and personal preference.
We personally love using a sheet mask right before we apply makeup. This is so that we have a prepped and moisturized base for foundation.
How to Use Face Masks
Face masks are used according to their types. There are different ways you can learn how to use Korean face masks but the main gist is below:
- For sheet masks, simply apply the fiber, following the contours of the face. This can be a challenge at times, but with a little practice, the task will get easier. The same method is used for rubber masks. You’re just dealing with a different material.
- When it comes to Korean face masks in tubs, however, read the directions first to determine how much of the product you need to apply. Each of these masks has specific instructions. Some masks need to be rinsed off after a few minutes; other masks need to be massaged gently; while some can be left overnight.
Why Choose Korean Sheet Masks?
When it comes to skin care, the Korean beauty industry has the rest of the world taking notes. Most K-beauty brands use only the purest ingredients to deliver the benefits of nature to get that K-beauty complexion.
Korean face masks contain potent ingredients that are sure to give you that coveted dewy look. Some of the more popular components include rose water, Snail Mucin, and Centella Asiatica.
Because of its reputation in skincare, Korean products are the best choice for healthier skin. They have all types of safe-to-use options that would match any skin type, so you’re sure to find one that fits you best!
Conclusion
We made sure to include the type of skin problem each of the masks aims to solve so it would be easier for you to find a match.
If you’re looking for a Korean sheet mask that fits your budget, we would suggest going for the DERMAL 24 Combo Pack. The sheer number of masks you can choose from also allows you to try out different active ingredients without breaking your wallet.
But if you’re looking for the BEST face mask, then our personal favorite is the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask because it takes care of the unwelcomed oily skin!
Final tip: Whichever skin concern you have, be sure to find face masks that can specifically target it.
CHANGELOG:
August 18, 2021 – Updated product descriptions, improved article formatting, reviewed and updated overall content
July 26, 2021 – Updated article title
July 14, 2021 – Reviewed and updated article links
