Image contains an Allure editor wearing a Korean face mask surrounded by a collage of Korean face masksCollage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Lest we state the obvious: The Korean skin-care industry is a hotbed of innovation, and the best Korean face masks (in all shapes and forms) are essential in helping us look our glowiest. Whether we're masking once a week or daily—hey, daily sheet masking isn't out of the question—these treatments load our skin with barrier-repairing, brightening, clarifying, hydrating, soothing, and texture-smoothing ingredients we can't get enough of. Best of all? They're as gentle on our wallets as they are on our skin—in fact, none of the masks on this page cost more than $45, with tons of $20-and-under picks. Ahead, our editors give us the low-down on their top picks from Some by Mi, Laneige, Innisfree, Biodance, Sulwhasoo, and more. Time to reap in the glassy skin.

Our Top Korean Face Masks

  • Best Wash-Off Mask Overall: Some by Mi PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask, $18
  • Best Sheet Mask Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, $19 (4-Pack)
  • Best Peel-Off Mask Overall: Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask, $24
  • Best Overnight Mask: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask, $54
  • Best Bubble Mask: Menokin Collagen Bubble Mask, $33
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask, $19 (4-Pack)
  • Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask, $12 (4-Pack)

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • What makes Korean face masks innovative?
  • What are the different types of Korean face masks?
  • Meet the experts
  • How we test and review products
  • Our staff and testers

Best Wash-Off Mask Overall: Some by Mi PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask

Some by Mi PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Some by Mi

PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask

$18

Amazon

$19

Ulta Beauty

$26

Olive Young

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Some By Mi PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: This isn’t your average slap-it-on, peel-it-off mask—there’s a little DIY moment that makes it feel more like a fun skin-care experiment. You mix the powder with water yourself, and within seconds it transforms into a cool sherbet-to-jelly texture that spreads easily and sets into a soothing, green-smoothie-for-your-face mask. That cooling effect matters: “Long-term exposure to [heat] can accelerate biological aging, leading to the loss of collagen and elastin in the skin,” which is why this formula is designed to instantly calm overheated, stressed-out skin, says Sarah Chung Park, creator of K-Beauty World at Ulta Beauty based in Los Angeles.

A K-beauty standout, PDRN (here derived from spirulina rather than traditional salmon DNA) helps support skin repair, while marine ingredients provide quick relief and help calm redness and sensitivity—something Park points out “continues to work even after you’ve wiped it off.” Pear fruit, rose water, and lotus root add antioxidant-rich hydration, while gluconolactone (a gentle PHA) smooths texture and hyaluronic acid rehydrates without sting. The result is skin that feels calmer, bouncier, and refreshed, which is especially welcome after sun exposure, post-procedure, or anytime skin feels sensitized.

A selfie of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before using the Some By Mi PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask

Han before applying the Some By Mi PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask

Sarah HanA selfie of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han after using the Some By Mi PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask

Han after applying the Some By Mi PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"What's better than a soothing face mask? A fun, soothing face mask. Sure, it's a little more time-consuming to do the actual mixing, but it signals to my brain to take a beat, slow down, and invest in my self-care. I love how freaking cooling sheet masks are, but Some by Mi's PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask's cooling effects are longer-lasting, IMO. My body runs in two extremes, one of which is wildly hot—like, I'm the one awkwardly taking off my coat in the subway car because I'm overheating and sweating. This really soothes my sensitized skin and leaves my complexion feeling baby-soft and smooth. By the way, one packet produces way too much gel for one application—I can get away with using just one-half of a packet and then I clip the packet with the other half for another day." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: spirulina PDRN, seaweed, hyaluronic acid
  • Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with dry or sensitive skin
  • How to use it: add water to the fill line, sprinkle in the powder and mix well, apply evenly to skin, then after about 10 minutes, remove with the spatula and rinse off any remaining residue
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best Sheet Mask Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask white box, pink sachet, and white sheet mask on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Biodance

Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask

$19

Amazon (4-Pack)

$19

Soko Glam (4-Pack)

$19

Sephora (4-Pack)

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Lee applying the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: You might wonder how a mask could possibly stay on all night without getting serum all over your pillow, but Biodance's Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is different: The gel-like consistency makes it far less “juicy” than your typical sheet mask. It goes on opaque, then slowly turns transparent as it absorbs and dries, which is your cue that it’s done its job. Whether you wear it until morning or peel it off after a solid 3–4 hours (hello, WFH perks), Biodance's Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask delivers lasting hydration that parched skin craves. Its ultra-low molecular weight collagen and oligo hyaluronic acid allow for deeper penetration of all that hydrating, plumping goodness. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City, confirms this mask's popularity, adding, "It leaves the skin more glowy and hydrated for hours after application."

Lee after wearing Biodance BioCollagen Real Deep Mask after four hours

Lee before applying the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Christa LeeLee after removing the Biodance BioCollagen Real Deep Mask

Lee after removing the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Christa Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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"I love this mask for both overnight use and daytime self-care breaks (when I don’t have any Zoom meetings). The jelly-like sheet can be a little delicate and prone to tearing, but once it sets, it clings so well that a few hours in, it’s a tad hard to move your face, which is exactly why it's so effective to lock in the formula. By morning, my skin feels deeply hydrated and looks gorgeously glowy, making it totally worth the effort to stay still in my sleep.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: ultra-low molecular weight collagen, galactomyces, oligo hyaluronic acid, allantoin
  • Who it’s for: everyone
  • How to use it: leave on for 3-4 hours or overnight
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best Peel-Off Mask Overall: Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask

Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Knours

PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask

$24

Amazon

$24

Knours

Why it's worth it: Peel-off masks rank up there with nose strips in the “oddly-satisfying” category of beauty products, and while this one is undeniably fun to remove, the coolest part is what it does for your skin. The Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask uses a plant-based twist on traditional PDRN (usually a salmon-derived repair ingredient), tapping fermented rice PDRN and green tea PDRN to deliver similar benefits—think skin-barrier repair, soothing, sebum control, and texture refinement. It’s also loaded with brightening and hydrating favorites like rice ferment filtrate (sake), multiple weights of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide to keep your skin smooth, bouncy, and noticeably glowier in just 20 minutes (though it works even harder overnight).

Han applying the Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask

Sarah Han

Han removing the Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“There's something so undeniably satisfying about a peel-off mask. I'll admit: I don't use them super frequently—maybe once every two weeks at best—but when I do, I'm so glad I did. My skin gets to absorb all of this goodness that hydrates, strengthens my barrier, and brighten skin, in just 20-ish minutes—and it's the perfect prep for my serum and moisturizer to absorb and work even harder. I'm left with such soft skin that I'm almost tempted to skip the rest of my skin-care routine, but c'mon, you wouldn't catch me actually doing that.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: sake water, rice PDRN, green tea PDRN, clover, vitamin C
  • Who it’s for: people with dull skin
  • How to use it: leave on for 20-30 minutes or overnight
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best Overnight Mask: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask

Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Sulwhasoo

Overnight Vitalizing Mask

$54

Amazon

$54

Nordstrom

$54

Sephora

Why it's worth it: If your skin has been feeling under pressure (dry, tight, easily irritated, or all of the above), this overnight cream mask gives an extra boost of TLC before bed. It creates a soft, nourishing seal that helps your skin recover while you sleep. Inside, you’ll find all the good stuff ideal for aging skin: jujube extract to support your moisture barrier, pomegranate extract for antioxidant protection, ginseng for radiance, plus squalane and shea butter to keep everything hydrated and cushiony. It sinks in quickly and never feels sticky, so you’re not going to bed with your skin feeling coated in product. Still, come morning, just rinse with lukewarm water and skip the cleanser. That light film has done its job overnight, and a gentle rinse removes the residue so your daytime routine can absorb properly.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask

Christa Joanna LeeLee after applying the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask

Lee after removing the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

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“The texture feels incredibly indulgent and luxe as it goes on—it feels like such a treat for my sensitive skin prone to dryness. It absorbs beautifully, leaving just a hint of dewiness, but never in that uncomfortable, hair-sticking-to-your-face way. By morning, there wasn’t a trace of residue—I even forgot to wash it off—and my skin was unbelievably soft, supple, and deeply hydrated. Cold weather doesn’t stand a chance against this mask.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: jujube extract, pomegranate extract, squalane, shea butter, ginseng
  • Who it’s for: people with dry or mature skin
  • How to use it: leave a thin layer on overnight and wash off with lukewarm water in the morning
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best Bubble Mask: Menokin Collagen Bubble Mask

Menokin Collagen Bubble Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Menokin

Collagen Bubble Mask

$32 $28 (13% off)

Amazon

$33

Ulta Beauty

$33

Olive Young

Han applying the Menokin Collagen Bubble Mask

Why it’s worth it: If sheet masks never quite sit right—or you don’t have time for anything that requires rinsing—this one’s for you. Menokin’s Collagen Bubble Mask foams up in about 30 seconds, then sinks straight into skin with zero mess or washing off. Instead of fabric sitting on your face, the airy foam creates tiny bubbles that expand and collapse, gently pressing the formula into the skin so ingredients can make closer contact with pores and fine lines, and absorb more efficiently. The instant glow comes from ultra-low molecular vegan hibiscus collagen, which helps improve elasticity, visibly refine pores, and smooth the look of fine lines. Madecassoside (derived from cica) supports the skin barrier and helps calm and refine texture, while niacinamide brightens uneven tone and boosts radiance. It’s a fun, shortcut to plumper, glowier skin with just a few seconds of effort.

Tester feedback from Han

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“The moment I saw this bubble mask in Olive Young, I knew I had to get it. I love a sensorial skin-care product and K-beauty always nails that category. Not only does it melt into your skin in 30 seconds, you don't even need to wash it off—how simple for someone who's already running late…and taking work-related content at the very last minute. (Guilty.) The instant satisfaction of my glowing, hydrated skin is unmatched. I love sheet masks, but they often slip and slide across your face, feel heavy, and take at least 20 minutes (don't get me started on the multi-hour/overnight masks—I simply won't do them!) to do their thing. Whatever gets me masking more regularly is what wins in my book. Hydration is king!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: vegan hibiscus collagen, madecassoside, niacinamide, adenosine
  • Who it’s for: people with uneven skin tone, fine lines, or dry skin
  • How to use it: let it absorb onto skin after cleansing (no need to rinse off)
  • Fragrance-free: undisclosed

Best for Sensitive Skin: Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Sungboon Editor

Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

$19

Amazon (4-Pack)

$19

Revolve (4-Pack)

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying and removing the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Sarah Felbin

Why it’s worth it: Sungboon Editor’s Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask is made from bio-cellulose, a gel-like material that clings to skin like a second skin—hugging the contours of your face instead of slipping around like a typical cotton sheet mask might. That close fit helps the formula absorb more efficiently, especially the star ingredient: micro-collagen. Unlike traditional collagen, which mostly sits on the surface, micro-collagen is broken down into smaller fragments that can better penetrate the upper layers of the skin, plumping, smoothing, and hydrating without feeling heavy. It’s a great match for sensitive skin thanks to Centella asiatica to calm redness, allantoin and panthenol to support repair, and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid for long-lasting moisture. Tea tree helps keep oil balanced, while ceramides and peptides strengthen the barrier for a cushioned, healthy-looking glow.

Felbin before applying the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Felbin before applying the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Sarah FelbinFelbin after applying the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Felbin after removing the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“Sheet masks can feel overwhelming to me, but I genuinely look forward to using this one. The jelly texture is a nice change from the usual fabric sheet mask, and it feels very cooling and soothing on my skin. As it sits, it dries a little, so it's not so drippy-wet. After a few hours, the mask turns clear, so you know when to peel it off. (That process is super-satisfying, by the way.) And the results speak for themselves: My skin feels incredibly soft, smooth, and has that telltale K-beauty glass-skin glow. Trust me, the longer wait time really is worth it—indulge in a short TV marathon, and you'll be glowing in just a few episodes.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: micro-collagen, Centella asiatica, allantoin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, tea tree, ceramides, peptides
  • Who it’s for: people with sensitive or dry skin
  • How to use it: leave on for 20–30 minutes
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Althea

345 Relief Cream Mask

$12

Amazon (4-Pack)

$18

Olive Young (4-Pack)

$14

Yesstyle (4-Pack)

Why it’s worth it: If you loved Dr.Althea’s viral Jelly Seal Dewy Mask but want something more targeted for breakouts, the 345 Relief Cream Mask delivers exactly what the name promises: three blemish-relief, four nourishing, and five soothing ingredients working together to calm stressed, acne-prone skin. The breakout-focused lineup starts with 30% tea tree leaf water to soothe inflamed blemishes and post-acne redness, niacinamide to help regulate oil and fade lingering marks, and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) to support skin repair without clogging pores. Classic K-beauty calming staples like Centella asiatica and madecassoside help settle down irritation, while ceramides and hyaluronic acid cushion and hydrate skin, so it feels balanced, comforted, and calmer after masking.

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey removing the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask

Annie Blay-TetteyBlayTettey after applying the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask

Blay-Tettey after applying the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask

Annie Blay-Tettey

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“I use this product about once a month or just when I'm having a self care night. I cleanse my face, use toner, then apply the mask and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. I love how soft and moisturized it makes my skin feel. It's super gentle and though it doesn't really give my skin any major results it's nice to use. After taking it off I pat in the remaining serum and follow up with a moisturizer. They really don't skim on the serum so the mask can actually be a little too gooey but that's my only qualm." —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: 30% tea tree leaf water, niacinamide, vitamin B5, Centella asiatica, madecassoside, ceramides
  • Who it’s for: people with acne-prone skin or post-acne marks
  • How to use it: leave on for 10–15 minutes
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Innisfree

Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

$18

Amazon

$18

Sephora

$19

Yesstyle

Why it's worth it: Clay masks literally draw out dirt and excess sebum from your pores, which means you get the satisfying look at your pores being singled out once Innisfree's Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask has dried down. Then there's lactic acid to swiftly remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover—resulting in brighter, smoother skin. In turn, "increasing cell turnover also reduces clogged pores and the chances of developing acne lesions," Aegean Chan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Barbara, California, previously explained. Bonus: Lactic acid has naturally occurring moisturizing properties, so your barrier reaps benefits, too. All in all, this tingly wash-off mask keeps oil, pores, and blackheads in check while soothing the skin—for less than $20.

Pai before using the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai before applying the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Deanna PaiPai after using the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Pai after remvoing the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"I'm not a hydration girlie. Instead, I look for masks that can suck the gunk out of my pores with abandon, and this mask does exactly that. What makes it great isn't just the combo of bentonite and kaolin clays, but the addition of volcanic ash and lactic acid for dual exfoliation. I liked that I got a little scrubbing action as I was rinsing it off—and my skin looked way more even and radiant after just one use." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: volcanic ash clusters, lactic acid, bentonite, kaolin, walnut shell powder
  • Who it’s for: people with acne-prone, oily skin
  • How to use it: leave on for 10 minutes (or until dry) and gently rinse off with warm water
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best Brightening: Hanyul Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask

A yellow tub of Hanyul Yuja Brightening Sleeping Mask on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Hanyul

Yuja Brightening Sleeping Mask

$30

Amazon

$30

Soko Glam

$30

Sephora

Han applying Hanyul’s Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Hanyul's Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask smells like it was freshly picked from an orchard—probably because its origins can be traced to the Goheung area of South Korea, where yuja fruit is grown, harvested, and bottled up for your radiance-boosting skin-care desires. The intensely cooling jelly formula is a sensorial delight and absorbs quickly, even if you're heavy-handed like we are. Your skin will immediately look glowier, and even better, the effects will last well into the next day.

Tester feedback from Han

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"In the clip above, you can see me mouthing the words, 'It smells so good,' because there are six yuja fruits (rich in vitamins B, C, E, and P) in a single jar. Aromatherapy aside, this jelly leave-on mask immediately plumps my skin and I wake up looking a little more fresh-faced and less dull. (Nothing's a miracle worker, considering my wonky sleep schedule.)" —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: yuja fruit water, niacinamide, vitamin C
  • Who it’s for: people with dry, dull, or combination skin
  • How to use it: apply a thin, even layer as the last step of your evening skin-care routine; no need to rinse off in the morning
  • Fragrance-free: yes

More Korean face masks we like

Best for Uneven Texture: I’m From Rice Mask

I’m From Rice Mask in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

I'm From

Rice Mask

$28 $25 (11% off)

Amazon

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: If there’s one ingredient Koreans truly can’t live without, it’s rice—and not just because it’s on the menu at every meal. In K-beauty, rice is a staple for skin that looks smoother, brighter, and more refined. I’m From’s Rice Mask highlights rice sourced from Yeoju, one of Korea’s most respected rice-growing regions, known for its clean water and mineral-rich soil. This is “a gentle Korean wash-off mask,” designed to refine skin without stressing it out, says Park. Beyond the rice, shea butter helps keep skin cushioned and comfortable, while fig fruit extract delivers antioxidants to revive dullness. Park also notes that the mask helps “restore a radiant and nourished complexion,” making it a go-to when skin needs softness, glow, and balance without harsh exfoliation.

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: rice powder, rice bran, rice extract, Centella asiatica, beta-glucan, ceramides, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
  • Who it’s for: people with dull skin or uneven texture
  • How to use it: massage into skin after cleansing, leave on for 10 minutes, and wash off
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Uneven Tone: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Laneige

Water Sleeping Mask

$33 $25 (24% off)

Amazon

$33

Sephora

$33

Kohl's

Why it’s worth it: Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask may have held the top spot as our favorite overnight lip mask for years, but long before that hit shelves, the brand launched the original Water Sleeping Pack, which has since evolved into today’s Water Sleeping Mask. The lightweight, gel-textured formula works overnight to help skin look brighter, more even, and well-rested by morning, thanks in part to niacinamide, which helps improve uneven tone, boost radiance, and support the skin barrier over time. “It’s a fan-favorite for its ability to flood the skin with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and mineral water to restore moisture balance,” says Christine Hall, MBChB, a general practitioner in medical aesthetics based in London. It doesn’t rely on just one type of hyaluronic acid (HA)—it layers multiple forms that work differently across the skin. The brand describes this as magnetic HA, hyper HA, and cross-linked HA, which essentially means hydration that pulls in, holds onto, and slowly releases moisture over time.

Despite that deep hydration, it “feels weightless,” Hall says, so skin never feels greasy or overloaded. If you want those same benefits with an added firming boost, the brand’s newest collagen- and peony-packed Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask is a great pick.

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: niacinamide, magnetic HA, hyper HA, cross-linked HA, squalane, mineral water
  • Who it’s for: people with dry skin or uneven skin tone
  • How to use it: apply an even layer after cleansing, leave on overnight, and wash off with water in the morning
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best for Barrier Support: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Round Lab

1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask

$17

Amazon (10-Pack)

$6

Olive Young (Single Mask)

$5

Yesstyle (Single Mask)

Why it's worth it: Known for creating one of Korea’s most popular sunscreens, Round Lab brings the same gentle approach to its 1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask. “Thanks to its comforting ingredients and zero fragrance, it’s a great option for sensitive skin,” says Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor based in Fort Lee, NJ. The ultra-thin hydrogel sheet conforms perfectly to your face, locking in moisture as mineral-rich deep-sea water, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids drench skin in lasting hydration. Meanwhile, panthenol and allantoin soothe irritation and strengthen the barrier. In just 10 minutes, skin feels bouncier, calmer, and comfortably dewy.

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: deep-sea water, hyaluronic acid, amino acid, panthenol, allantoin
  • Who it’s for: people with sensitive or reactive skin
  • How to use it: leave on for 10 minutes, remove, then gently pat the remaining essence into your skin
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Korean face masks innovative?

"Korean face masks are all about delivering high-performance results that help the skin optimize ingredient absorption," says New York City-based Charlotte Cho, cofounder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam and founder of Then I Met You. Adding on, Dr. Chang notes they "use advanced and innovative materials, ranging from bio-cellulose and hydrogel to bamboo fiber sheet masks, as well as overnight masks and peel-off masks," adding that the range of mask types makes the experience fun and hands-on for the consumer.

Similar to other skin-care categories, Korean face masks are known to be gentle and supportive to the skin barrier—popular ingredients include Centella asiatica (also known as cica), ceramides, and fermented ingredients, Cho notes. "There's also been a rise in multi-functional actives like PDRN (salmon DNA) for regeneration, Volufiline for plumping, and micro-spicules for deeper penetration—ingredients once reserved for professional treatments and are now found in serums and masks." As for hydration, birch sap and polyglutamic acid are some of the mainstream, tried-and-true ingredients, Cho adds.

What are the different types of Korean face masks?

We broke down the most common types of face masks in an episode of our The Science of Beauty podcast, with the help of David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. There, you'll find everything you need to know about sheet, clay, charcoal, cream, wash-off, sleeping, peel-off, and bubble masks.

Meet the experts

  • Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
  • Charlotte Cho, cofounder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam and founder of Then I Met You, based in New York City
  • Sarah Chung Park, founder and CEO of beauty distributor Landing International and creator of K-Beauty World at Ulta Beauty based in Los Angeles
  • Christine Hall, MBChB, a general practitioner in medical aesthetics of Taktouk Clinic based in London
  • David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology and founder of Lightsaver, based in New York City
  • Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor and Medical Director of PureenMD based in Fort Lee, NJ

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best Korean face masks to make your skin feel utterly refreshed, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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