While all K-skincare products, such as face washes, serums, and moisturizers, are nice and dreamy, nothing, and we mean nothing, can beat the magical power of Korean beauty face masks. And what makes these masks all the more precious is that they deliver an intensive treatment that helps address various skin concerns.
Dr Alok Vij, MD, a dermatologist, says, “the beauty of Korean skincare is that it hits the sweet spot, where it has active ingredients that work for everything.” We at Beauty and Blush couldn’t agree more with this, as K-beauty products have revolutionized the way we take care of our skin, thanks to its innovative and traditional formulas that work well with diverse skin types.
Although the multi-step Korean skincare routine is making waves on the Internet, let’s be real: it’s not always possible to go through with it. But fret not, as K-beauty masks are one of the easiest ways to reap those benefits. These beauties are very versatile, as they are loaded with nourishing, skin-loving, too-good-to-be-true ingredients that deliver in no time. From hydrating to brightening, rejuvenating, and revitalizing, there is a K-beauty face mask out there for everyone.
To help you pick the right mask for your skin type, we scoured the web for the best Korean beauty face masks – sheets to overnight sleeping masks, evaluating them on different points, from ingredients to absorption, price, and result, and narrowed down our list to eight amazing facial masks that will be your do-it-all.
Comparing the Most Amazing Korean Beauty Facial Masks
Glow Recipe Mini Watermelon Sleeping Mask — Best Overall
If you want a smoother, plumper, bouncier skin, this Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask is the answer. This pink bouncy gel is a cult favorite and is worth all the hype, thanks to the potent ingredients in it that actually deliver what it promises. Loaded with watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and a blend of AHAs, this beauty sleeping mask does everything you could ask for.
As if all this was not enough to make us fall in love with it, the mask glides smoothly and is suitable for all skin types. The luxurious spa-like feeling it gives off is a treat for the skin and is one of the best ways to de-stress at the end of a long, tiring day. What’s more amazing about this pick is its versatility – you could use it as a sleeping mask, and it would pamper your skin while you snooze, or you can use it as a quick rinse-off treatment if short on time. Plus, the size is convenient, which makes it travel-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about missing your glow when on the go.
Pros
- Smells incredible
- Lightweight, unique gel-like texture
- Absorbs quickly without making skin feel sticky
Cons
- Pricey
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask — Best Exfoliating
The beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen is making rounds on the Internet and is one of the most sought-after products these days, so we’re equally excited to try out the brand’s other range, and boy, we’re over the moon! This Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask is a treat for oily and combination skin types as it not only cleanses and purifies the skin but also hydrates and exfoliates, leaving behind smoother, brighter, clearer skin.
The powerful blend of traditional Korean beauty ingredients such as haenam red bean and extract with others like kaolin clay and fruit extracts, coupled with modern cutting-edge technology, makes this mask one-of-a-kind. Plus, its creamy, gooey texture is dreamy and glides smoothly on the face without feeling too harsh. Its hydrating and exfoliating properties make this clay mask one of our favorite and go-to products for clear, brighter skin. So grab it before it sells out because this beauty gets out of stock like hotcakes on a Sunday morning.
Pros
- Great value
- Has a nice, subtle scent
- Feels great on the skin
Cons
- Might be irritating for people with sensitive skin types
LANEIGE Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask — Best Overnight Treatment
While Laneige is known in the beauty industry for its lip-sleeping mask, the buzz around this Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask is also hard to miss. This before-bed treatment is packed with fermented forest yeast extract that offers next-level calmness to your skin and squalene for intense moisture, making it a fail-safe formula for all skin types, especially sensitive. Plus, it also features shea butter, glycerin, and tea tree oil, making it a one-stop shop to soothe irritated, angrier-looking skin.
The texture is rich and creamy and melts like a dream on your skin. The packaging is convenient and travel-friendly, as it comes in a container and features a spatula. Just use it twice per week, and make sure to use it as a last step in your beauty routine, and get ready to embrace calmer, glowier, plumper skin in no time.
Pros
- Light scent
- Reduces the redness
- Gentle yet effective formula
Cons
- Higher price point
innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Masks — Best Purifying
Formulated with volcanic lava straight from Jeju island in South Korea and a powerful AHA (lactic acid), this innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask is a game-changer for oily to combination skin types. Be it clogged pores, excessive sebum, or dead skin cells, this deep purifying mask penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and works its magic.
Plus, it’s not too drying like the typical clay masks, so you can use it without worrying about stripping your skin off its natural oils. All in all, this will become your go-to product for clearer, smoother skin. Just scoop the mask in your hands and lather it on clean, dry skin, wait for 10 minutes, and rinse it off with lukewarm water in circles for brighter, soft, supple skin. Don’t forget to put on your moisturizer afterward.
Pros
- Gentle exfoliation
- Fragrance-free
- Leaves skin soft and supple
Cons
- Can leave a residue behind
Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Face Mask — Best Radiance-boosting
This K-beauty favorite gives skin a kind of glow that garners compliments everywhere. The Yuzu Vitamin C Face mask from the buzzing brand Saturday Skin is all the rage these days, and why not, this sleeping mask is packed with powerful ingredients that brighten up the dull skin inside out. From radiance-boosting vitamin C to exfoliating glycolic acid, blemish-fighting niacinamide, anti-aging vitamin A, and a blend of 7 peptide mix, this pick has everything you could ask for.
Plus, it is suitable for all skin types, thanks to the gentle formula, which is free from parabens and other harsh chemicals. The scent is light and dreamy and gives a refreshing, cooling feeling when applied to the skin. So, if you are also looking for something that gives you a luminous glow, you know where to go!
Pros
- Clean beauty
- Has a cute packaging
- Comes with a spatula
Cons
- Relatively higher price point
The Face Shop Aloe Sheet Mask — Best Soothing
Tired of looking for a product that does not exacerbate your sensitive skin? You’re in luck today, as this Face Shop Aloe Sheet Mask is the answer to your prayers. Infused with the nourishing ingredient aloe vera (as the name suggests), this K-beauty mask delivers an intensive dose of hydration to the skin.
Plus, the soothing and calming properties of the star ingredient help alleviate any redness, irritation, or inflammation. It also provides instant relief from sunburn and calms the angrier-looking skin by working its magic. The brand also has a versatile range and caters to diverse skin needs, so make sure to check it out.
Pros
- Moisturizes the skin
- Adheres easily
- Good for post-sun exposure
Cons
- Don’t use it if you have acne currently, as some reviewers notice that it flared up.
TONYMOLY I’m Real Sheet Mask — Best Range
No matter what your skin concern is, TONYMOLY makes a mask for it. For just $2.60 a piece, this set of 10 sheet masks is a treat for skin. The 3-layer pulp sheet is soaked with the essence of natural ingredients that address various skin concerns, like rice for brightening, tea tree for soothing, avocado for nourishing, and coconut for hydrating – you get the picture.
These full of ingredient-goodness sheets can be sticky, but not a deal breaker as they offer intense, quick treatment to the skin. Just apply the mask on clean skin for 20 minutes, and you’re good to go.
Tip: store your mask in the refrigerator for an extra cooling and soothing effect.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Feels light on the skin
- Targets multiple skin concerns
Cons
- It can be a little sticky
COSRX Propolis Nourishing Sheet Mask – Best Revitalizing
It may be the snail mucin from this brand that gets the most buzz but don’t take this Propolis Nourishing Magnet sheet mask any less. Soaked in the essence of full-fit propolis ampoule, royal jelly, and honey extracts, this sheet mask is a game-changer for dehydrated, dull skin.
Plus, it feels incredibly light and deeply nourishes the skin for a soft, supple glow. Just take the beauty out of the packet, apply it on your face, and get ready to say hello to brighter, smoother, and plumper skin. Also, it is fragrance-free, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin types.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Super hydrating
- Gives a plumping effect
Cons
- Some reviewers found it slimy
Calendula Peel-Off Mask — Best Nourishing
Infused with real calendula flowers that help brighten up the complexion, centella asiatica for barrier repair, and rosemary leaves for soothing, this Calendula Peel Off Face mask hits all the sweet spots.
This K-beauty mask helps fade the dark spots and fights hyperpigmentation and dullness for brighter-looking skin. Plus, it’s free from harsh substances like silicons, petroleum, and parabens and is a cruelty-free product, making it all the more close to our hearts.
Pros
- Reduces the redness
- Improves skin texture
- Leaves the skin calm and relaxed
Cons
- The scent might be off-putting for some
Buying Guide: Korean Beauty Face Masks
Korean skincare was once a novelty in the American beauty space but has become an expansive category with many options on the market. There are brands after brands claiming their products to be the best, making it all the more difficult for consumers to choose. But fret not; today, we’re going to discuss all the do’s and don’ts of buying a K-beauty face mask, just like we did for others.
Things to Look for in a Face Mask
Here are a few things you should remember when shopping for a face mask.
Skin type
It’s important to know your skin type so that you don’t end up buying a product that conflicts with it. For instance, if you have an oily skin type, you might want to check out the clay masks, but if you’re on the drier side, hyaluronic acid is a good choice. Similarly, if your skin falls in the sensitive category, steer clear of products that contain fragrance.
Type of the masks
Many K-beauty masks are sheet masks, but other categories include overnight sleeping masks and peel-off masks. If you want a quick solution, go for a sheet mask, as it delivers instant results. But if you want to immerse yourself in a luxurious experience and give your skin some extra love it deserves, overnight masks are a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use the K-beauty face mask every day?
A. Whether you can use a K-beauty face mask every day depends on the type of mask you’re using. A K-beauty face mask with nourishing and hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, aloe, ceramides, etc) can be used every day if you want to treat your skin with some extra love. However, if you’re using an exfoliating mask, it’s better to use it once or twice a week. Make sure to read the label before deciding the frequency of the mask that you’re going to put on.
Q. What step in your skincare routine should you use a K-beauty face mask?
A. You can use your K-beauty face mask at the start or end of your skincare routine. For instance, if you’re using a sheet mask, you can use it at the beginning, but if you’re planning to use an overnight mask, it’ll be the last step in your beauty routine.