Simply put, Korean skincare is on a whole other level. From their effective double cleansing methods to their potent ampoule products, there’s a lot to learn about Korean skincare, but it’s all fun and exciting in our opinion!
Not only do Korean skincare companies take pride in delivering affordable skincare that works, but the majority are formulated natural ingredients-based and also come in the cutest packaging!
Learning that the true Korean skincare routine comes in 10 steps can be a little overwhelming initially. If you’re new and looking to get gently started, we highly recommend reaching for a Korean face mask – it’s often one of the first things people try!
Korean face masks are affordable and generally very versatile. They’re often formulated using different ingredients to address various skin concerns whilst promising soft, hydrated, dewy skin after.
Korean face masks come in various forms as well, from a physical sheet that comes in different materials (for a different experience each time!), to face mask gels and spreads that you eventually wash off after a few minutes – or even leave on overnight!
For those who are Korean beauty mask aficionados, don’t dismiss this list just yet! We’ve curated the best of the best Korean face masks on the market right now for you to try.
Let’s have a look!
1. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
The Laneige Lip Mask may be the face of Laneige’s skin care products, but its water sleeping mask must not be slept on!
This ultra-hydrating overnight gel mask gives you the sensation of rubbing ice all over your skin. It contains a high level of hyaluronic acid and is formulated to soften, hydrate, and lock in moisture in your skin. You’ll wake up pleasantly surprised at how bright, plump and dewy your skin looks and feels.
Summary
- Suitable for all skin types, especially those who are experiencing dehydration
- Free of paraben and sulfate
- Shows results quickly
- Note: contains fragrance
2. Nature Republic Real Nature Aloe Mask Sheet
Nature Republic offers a huge variety of face masks, but their aloe vera one offers the most value and is the most popular due to its immediate and longer-lasting effects on the face.
Aloe vera is an ingredient with enormous benefits for the skin. It is commonly used to soothe the skin (many sunburn products utilize aloe vera), hydrate the skin, and soften it.
This particular face mask uses aloe leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen to pump moisture into the skin and plump it up. Using this a few times a week will ensure softer, smoother, brighter skin.
Summary
- Soothes irritated or sensitive skin
- Hydrating formula for dry skin
3. Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask
The Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay mask is somewhat a cult product for those who worship facial exfoliation.
Clay masks rose in prominence when people began to realize their potential in targeting clogged pores for cleaner, clearer, purified skin.
Once applied as a thin layer on the face, it will effectively absorb any excess sebum, giving your skin an extra deep clean. You’ll immediately notice your skin feeling smoother after you rinse off the mask.
Summary
- Contains Jeju Island volcanic clusters and lactic acid
- Suitable for oily and combination skin
- Purifies and exfoliates the skin
- Fragrance-free
You May Also Like: Best Korean Moisturizers For Oily Skin
4. Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask
Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask has to be in our list of the best Korean face masks! As an all-rounder mask, it’s the one you’d use if your skin needs a general pick-me-up.
It contains ceramides, ectoin, and peptides, all of which work together to boost your skin’s protective barrier, lock moisture in, and keep irritants out. They also soothe your skin and increase its moisture.
It contains gentle ingredients that suit all skin types.
Summary
- Soothes and calms the skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
- Boosts your skin’s protective barrier, locks moisture in
5. COSRX Acne Pimple Patch
Anyone who’s looked online for a solution to treat pimples before would have heard of the COSRX Acne Pimple Patch. This super popular product is the go-to to many people around the world to target upcoming pimples to ensure they don’t reach their full potential.
Whilst it’s not a mask per se, we’d like to think of it as a treatment mask for your acne!
These stick-on patches work by covering the affected area with a hydrocolloid bandage, protecting it from any additional bacteria, and speeding up its healing process by creating a moist environment. Simply apply this patch overnight and you’ll immediately see results the next morning.
Summary
- Does not contain harsh ingredients
- Multiple patches per package
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested
Read More: How Do K-pop Idols Deal With Acne
6. AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peeling Masque Gel to Cream Face Mask
If you’re looking for a gentle daily exfoliator, the AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme masque gel is a fantastic option.
Glycolic acid is the active ingredient present in this mask which gently cleanses impurities from the face whilst leaving it feeling refreshing and balanced.
It also contains green tea water, an ingredient that works together with glycolic acid to reveal brighter, cleaner skin with a dewy glow.
Summary
- Contains glycolic acid, green tea water, and enzymes
- Can be used as a gentle daily cleanser
7. RE:P. Bio Fresh Mask with Real Calming Herb
For a refreshing mask with serious exfoliating abilities, check out the RE:P Bio Fresh Mask.
It contains rose flowers and jasmine flowers to scrub and remove all your old dead skin cells from the surface level of your skin. This effectively promotes the regeneration of new skin.
It also contains calming herbs such as peppermint and rosemary to soothe any irritated skin and provides a calming, clean, and refreshing finish.
Summary
- Exfoliates, soothes and moisturizes the skin
- Contains peppermint and rosemary calming herbs
8. Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Healing Solution Mask Sheet
Many users of this cult-favorite mask claim that it is the most popular face mask in all of Korea. It’s a big claim, we know, but it’s substantiated by the number of products that sell every week!
This tea tree-infused mask is particularly helpful for those with acne-prone sensitive skin. It contains tea tree oil and Centella Asiatica for antibacterial and soothing effects on the skin. This combination not only targets current acne but also prevents future acne from forming.
It will hydrate without irritating your sensitive skin and calms down any redness and acne activity.
Summary
- Free of artificial fragrances, colors, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, mineral oil, silicone, and animal products
- Soothe redness and irritation
- Targets acne and breakouts
9. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is easily one of the products that are leading the Korean face mask movement. This addictively fresh-feeling face mask flies off the shelves in stores worldwide.
Loaded with hydrating watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid, this face mask works by smoothing, plumping, and hydrating your face overnight.
The results? Brighter, dewy skin in no time!
Before bed, simply gently lather a generous amount on your skin as the final step of your skincare routine. Wash it off in the morning.
Summary
- Contains amino and vitamin-rich watermelon extract
- Contains AHAs which buff away dead skin cells
- Free of parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, phthalates, drying alcohols, and synthetic dyes
- Contains fragrance
10. Innisfree My Real Squeeze Masks
Innisfree My Real Squeeze Masks make for the perfect little pamper activities for a girl’s night in, or when you simply feel like giving yourself some TLC (tender loving care).
Whatever your skin concern or state may be, Innisfree My Real Squeeze Masks offer a huge variety of masks to target it. They are naturally-derived cellulose sheet masks that are formulated using a range of ingredients that work to nurture, pamper, and heal the skin.
Some key ingredients used include Centella Asiatica, fig extract, aloe vera, and green tea.
Summary
- Wide variety of masks to choose from
- Will suit a wide variety of skin types
- Top picks include tea tree (for purifying), and aloe vera (for soothing)
As you can tell from this list, Korean face masks are super diverse.
There are sheet face masks containing super ingredients that will hydrate faces that feel as dry as the desert in under 10 mins. There are herb exfoliating face masks that require some gentle massaging to bring out regenerated skin.
The point is, there is quite literally a Korean face mask for everyone out there!
Whether you’re just looking for a little boost of hydration, or you’re looking for a long-term daily face mask product to bring out the best in your skin, we highly recommend looking into the Korean face mask range. Their gentle formulas and affordable pricing make them perfect to slide seamlessly into your skincare routine.
Don’t miss our complete guide about Korean nighttime skincare routine here! We also made more Top 10s on the best Korean moisturizers, the best Korean serums and the best Korean ampoule products.