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Nov 13, 2024

The 11 Best Korean Face Masks in 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Long-haul flight sold separately. Korean skin care is experiencing a major boom

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Long-haul flight sold separately.

Korean skin care is experiencing a major boom here in the States, and we all know why. The K-beauty industry has always been ahead of the curve, providing effective formulas, like Korean toners, face serums, and soothing moisturizers, that keep our complexions looking their best. Of course, that also includes Korean face masks.

According to Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily, South Koreans have considered face masks a “staple skin care item for well over fifteen years now,” she says. Thanks to K-beauty, sheet masks and “multi-masking”—applying different masks to various areas of your face at once—are no longer unfamiliar concepts to us. Plus, Korean skin care brands offer so many different formulas and types of masks now that no matter your primary skin concern, there’s a face mask on the market that you’ll appreciate. Years ago, I used to have to fly to South Korea to get my hands on my favorite ones. Fortunately, more and more top brands are launching in the United States, making Korean face masks more accessible.

The ELLE beauty team tested dozens of Korean face masks over the years, so we have a pretty good idea of what to recommend. But to make sure, we also consulted experts and reviewed lots of customer feedback to present you with this guide to the 11 best Korean sheet masks to transform your complexion.

Ginseng has been used and consumed in Korea for thousands of years for its health benefits, but the plant also has skin barrier-supporting powers. Sulwhasoo tapped into this when creating the beloved First Care Activating Serum VI; its face mask iteration contains a 21-day supply of the serum, providing a burst of glow-inducing hydration.

Key ingredient: Ginseng

Size: 5 sheets

Sulwhasoo rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “While my love for the First Care Activating Serum runs deep, I typically use it in tandem with other products to help calm and hydrate my skin. Familiar with its efficacy, applying it throughout the week has become a comforting habit rather than a deliberate choice. However, this mask is a 10-minute reminder of the serum’s wonders; powered by ginseng and other skin-loving herbs, my face drinks the solution up so I wake up with plumped, hydrated skin.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

In case you haven’t heard, the hottest new celebrity-endorsed skin care treatment is the “salmon sperm facial.” Trust us, it’s not as weird as it sounds. This formula injects polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) derived from salmon sperm into the skin to boost collagen production. One big catch: The facial will set you back hundreds of dollars. Still, this face mask allows you to apply salmon PDRN to moisturize and stimulate collagen topically, and also contains low-molecular collagen to instantly plump the skin. Whether you use it for three to four hours or overnight, don’t be surprised if you see a visible improvement in elasticity and the appearance of fine lines.

Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, niacinamide, salmon DNA (PDRN)

Size: 4 sheets

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Yes, you kind of look like a horror movie villain while you wear this mask, but don’t worry—once you take it off, you’ll unveil a soothed and deeply hydrated complexion. I haven’t worn it overnight yet, but I have used it during the day, and can only imagine how beautiful my skin would look after a couple of extra hours.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

This variety pack of Tonymoly’s I’m Real Sheet Masks is a certified steal. Although each mask contains specialized ingredients that provide various benefits, all contain hydrating glycerin and soothing allantoin. Prepare for your skin to be smooth, moisturized, and happy.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, allantoin

Size: 10 sheets

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “One of the last times I went to South Korea, it felt like there was a Tony Moly store everywhere I looked. I took the opportunity to grab as many of these sheet masks as I could carry. I used to apply one every single night, and my skin has probably never been as moisturized as it was during that time period. I’ve probably tried all of the different varieties they offer, and I’ve never disliked a single one of them.”—Carol Lee

If you have easily irritated, redness-prone skin, you might have a compromised skin barrier. But this pick from Laneige is here to save the day. The sleeping mask features fermented forest yeast extract, sourced from vines that grow on South Korea’s Jeju Island, which strengthens and soothes the skin.

Key ingredients: Fermented forest yeast extract, glycerin, tea tree leaf oil

Size: 2 fl. oz.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Whenever my skin gets inflamed or I have stubborn dry patches, I layer this sleeping mask over my night cream. It works magic overnight—every time I use it, I wake up with completely renewed skin.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor

Skin care TikTok has fallen head over heels for this mask, which shrinks pores, smoothes texture, and plumps the skin—like a real-life filter. You’ll know the serum has fully absorbed into the skin once the mask becomes transparent after about three hours, but you can also leave it on during your beauty sleep to wake up to nearly flawless skin.

Key ingredient: Galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

Size: 4 sheets

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Like any beauty obsessed 20-something, I spend a lot of time on TikTok looking up the trendiest new products and treatments. This mask flooded my timeline for weeks and after trying it, I can confirm that the hype is true. This mask felt slightly different than any sheet mask I’ve tried—the hydrogel texture feels cooling as the mask is applied, and I didn’t have to worry about the mask slipping as I slept. When I woke up the next morning, my skin felt hydrated and soft, and also I noticed how smooth and glowy it looked.”—Tasha Smith, ELLE beauty assistant

Who knew artichokes were so good for the skin? In this face mask, it serves to refine pores, smooth wrinkles, and improve elasticity, leaving an undeniable glow behind. Plus, sensitive skin need not be afraid, as the serum is formulated to be hypoallergenic.

Key ingredient: Artichoke extract

Size: 4 sheets

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “I didn’t know I needed artichokes on my skin until I tried this mask. The formula is super hydrating and contains so much extra serum that I get to slather it not just on my neck and decolletage, but all over my body! I used this mask after I had a slight sunburn from surfing, which was so soothing to my skin. After a bit more research, I realized in addition to artichokes, it also contains allantoin, which calms the skin.”—Danielle James, beauty expert

This dermatologist-tested mask floods the skin with glycerin, resulting in hydrated, supple skin that feels and appears more youthful. An ideal addition to your at-home facial routine, nourishing peptides offer a little pick-me-up whenever necessary.

Key ingredient: Glycerin, peptides

Size: 1 sheet

Sephora rating: 3.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “I don’t get Botox or fillers, so it’s important for me to keep my skin plumped and hydrated. On days when I need more than hyaluronic acid, or my skin is dehydrated from flying or dry weather, I reach for this mask. It has glycerin and peptides, which keep my skin smooth and supple. I wear it for about an hour, and when I take it off, any superficial fine lines are gone. This is a great mask to wear before getting ready for a night out or a big event when you don't have time for a facial. In fact, I’m wearing it right now!”—Danielle James

If you’re on the hunt for something that will calm your skin, help eliminate hyperpigmentation, and feel like a treat, you’ve come to the right place. This mask does all of that and more, and we have the healing prowess of snail mucin to thank.

Key ingredient: Snail mucin

Size: 10 sheets

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Such a great product if you like snail mucin, and I do. It’s so soothing and calming to my skin. I always feel like I’ve done something special for my skin. I always save the leftovers in the pouch and use [them] during my night routine.”

Peach & Lily first began as a Korean skin care retail platform, but has since developed an award-winning brand of its own. The Original Glow sheet mask soothes, brightens, and moisturizes with the help of ingredients like chemical exfoliators and peptides. “Whether it’s on a long, drying flight or during a sleepless post-partum night, this sheet mask always brings a vibrant radiance back to my skin. Also important is what’s not in the mask—nothing irritating, stripping, or harsh. It’s for everyone,” reports Yoon.

Key ingredients: Botanicals, peptides, AHA

Size: 1 sheet

Peach & Lily rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Peach & Lily reviewer says: “This gives you an instant glow. Best before a party. Facial at home. The results are glowing and smooth skin, and it’s very good for acne-prone skin, and the application is also quite simple. I’m going to buy more.”

Physical exfoliators can be tricky—use one that’s too harsh, and it can do more harm than good by causing tiny injuries on the skin. However, this mask combines BHA and micro pieces of chestnut to create an unstoppable yet gentle duo that banishes unwanted sebum and dead skin cells. Plus, it also smells divine.

Key ingredients: Chestnut, BHA

Size: 3.38 fl.oz

Soko Glam rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Soko Glam reviewer says: “The light scent of hazelnut melts into your skin as you apply the mask to your face. It goes on lightly, so there is no need to use too much. You leave on for 10 minutes then wash off. It clears the face within a day and makes your face feel clearer.”

People know Too Cool for School for its fun-loving attitude and unique formulas, and this mask perfectly represents the brand’s vibe. The playful packaging houses a pumpkin- and papaya-rich formula created to infuse the skin with moisture and lift dead skin cells from your face while you sleep.

Key ingredients: Pumpkin extract, papaya extract

Size: 3.4 oz.

Yesstyle rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Yesstyle reviewer says: “I bought this SOOO many times. I’m not even kidding. I love it, and it makes your skin soo soft after. This is coming from someone with very sensitive and oily skin.”

Alicia Yoon is the founder of Peach & Lily.

Michelle Shieh is the senior scientific communications manager of Amorepacific Americas R&I Center.

Michelle Shieh, the senior scientific communications manager for Amorepacific Americas R&I Center, recommends prepping the skin by cleansing to ensure maximum absorption. Before you open the mask, “gently massage it to evenly distribute the essence or serum throughout the mask,” she adds.

You can also massage, or as Yoon calls it, “sheet mask-age” your skin while you have the mask on. “Easy glide and no friction is the perfect opportunity for facial massage moves, and massaging can help the sheet mask essence absorb that much better,” she says. Additionally, Yoon likes to “sheet mask sandwich” or pat in a serum before the mask dries completely. “Then place the sheet mask back over the face and the damp skin will help the serum sink in more,” she explains.

If you don’t use them correctly, sheet masks can actually dry out your skin instead of moisturizing it. For example, Yoon warns against leaving them on for too long. “If you’re using a sheet mask made out of cotton or tencel or any other cotton-like material that gets dry, be sure to remove the sheet mask before it's fully dry. If it’s fully dried down, the dry sheet can cause reverse osmosis and pull hydration back out of skin,” she explains.

You also need to remember to apply a moisturizer after you take a sheet mask off. “Most sheet masks contain serum or essence type formulas which are lighter in texture and contain more humectant ingredients that help draw water into the skin. It’s important to add on a moisturizer or cream after with more emollient ingredients to help seal in the hydration!” Shieh says.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted skincare experts about Korean face masks. She also searched the internet for Korean face masks, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.

Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.

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