TOP 18 BEST KOREAN FACE MASKS FOR HYDRATED AND GLOWY SKIN

Dreaming of dewy, radiant skin? Look no further than Korean face masks! Packed with innovative ingredients and luxurious textures, these masks are a K-beauty staple for a reason. Whether you’re on the hunt for an overnight treatment or a quick pick-me-up, this list unveils the top 18 Korean face masks to quench your skin’s thirst and leave you glowing from within. Get ready to discover masks for all skin types and concerns, formulated to transform your complexion into a hydrator’s paradise.

THE ROLE OF REGULAR FACE MASKING

Adding face masks to your skincare routine can help with different skin problems like dark spots, wrinkles, and skin tightness. Regularly using face masks can give you these benefits:

Cleaning: Face masks get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and extra oil on your skin, making it cleaner and shrinking pores.

Less wrinkles: Face masks help reduce signs of getting older like wrinkles, crow’s feet, and uneven skin color by giving your skin important nutrients, making it softer and smoother.

Moisturizing: Face masks help your skin keep moisture and important nutrients, making it softer and more elastic. When you use a face mask, you’ll see that your skin feels smoother and more flexible.

Helping skin problems: Face masks can help treat different skin problems like oily skin, pimples, dark spots, and sunburn.

Relaxation: After a long day, using a face mask can help you relax and feel calm, giving your skin time to rest and improve its natural tightness.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A K-BEAUTY FACE MASK

Think about what your skin needs: Many K-Beauty masks focus on a couple of main ingredients that are meant to do specific things and work best for certain skin types. Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, suggests finding a mask that matches your skin needs. For instance, if you want to hydrate your skin for that trendy glass skin look, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

The material of the mask matters too: Many K-Beauty masks are sheet masks, but besides the ingredients, the material of the mask itself is important, says Chang. “Cotton masks are usually gentle and give a lot of moisture. Hydrogel masks feel cool but might tear easily, while cellulose masks help the ingredients soak in better.”

Think about how sensitive your skin is: Some masks are designed to be gentle on the skin, but others have strong ingredients that might irritate sensitive skin. If your skin gets red easily, you might want to avoid products with acids or essential oils and choose something soothing and hydrating instead, like a water-based option.

TOP 18 BEST KOREAN FACE MASKS FOR GLOWING SKIN

REJURAN C-PDRN INTENSIVE REJUVENATING HEALING MASK

The REJURAN c-PDRN Intensive Rejuvenating Healing Mask is known for helping skin heal and reducing wrinkles. It’s a thin gel that soaks into your skin easily, giving great results. The main ingredient in this mask is C-PDRN, which helps sensitive skin heal, makes skin renew faster, and strengthens its barrier.

Also, the mask has Adenosine and hydrolyzed DNA, which boost collagen production. This helps skin renew faster, keeps it elastic, and stops it from aging too quickly, making it smoother and tighter. It’s best to use the Korean REJURAN c-PDRN Intensive Rejuvenating Healing Mask 2 to 3 times a week for the best results.

GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW SLEEPING MASK

Infused with the refreshing essence of summer, the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a cult-favorite for a reason. This bouncy, overnight treatment combines the power of watermelon extract with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) for a double dose of skin magic. The watermelon extract delivers a surge of hydration, while the AHAs gently exfoliate, buffing away dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion by morning. Perfect for all skin types, this mask also boasts hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, and niacinamide to help minimize the appearance of pores. With its playful scent and effective formula, the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a fun and fruity way to wake up to glowing, radiant skin.

MEDIHEAL TEA TREE ESSENTIAL MASK

Calling all blemish-prone pals! The MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Mask is your knight in shining (or should we say, mattifying) armor. This mask is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, with tea tree oil as its hero ingredient. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, making it a powerful tool to combat breakouts and soothe irritation.  The MEDIHEAL mask doesn’t stop there. It also contains Centella Asiatica extract, also known as cica, to further calm and heal the skin. Plus, it helps regulate oil production, leaving you with a balanced, shine-free complexion. So, if you’re looking to calm breakouts, minimize redness, and achieve a clearer, more matte visage, the MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Mask is a mask worth masking about.

MEDIPEEL BIO-INTENSE GLUTATHIONE WHITE AMPOULE MASK

The MEDIPEEL Bio-Intense Glutathione White Ampoule Mask is a serum from the Medi-peel brand that deeply whitens and moisturizes your skin. It contains Glutathione, Niacinamide, and 12 powerful antioxidants that help your skin absorb nutrients better, make it brighter and more even-toned, stop melanin formation, and improve pigmentation.

The mask is thin and light, so it fits your face well and helps your skin absorb the nutrients evenly. It’s good for all skin types, especially if you have uneven skin tones. Also, the MEDIPEEL Bio-Intense Glutathione White Ampoule Mask reduces signs of aging, makes your skin look younger, and tightens your pores, giving you firmer, smoother, and more glowing skin.

MISSHA SHEET MASK

This skincare product is liked because it feels light and sticks easily to the skin. It offers three different types to choose from. However, some people find it doesn’t fit well around the eyes and nose. It softens and hydrates the skin and is suitable for all skin types. It’s a single-use mask made of rice paper and comes in five variations, each featuring different ingredients like aloe vera or green tea to address various skin needs. While it may not have as many active ingredients as some other masks, it leaves rough, dry skin feeling smoother with regular use.

INNISFREE PORE CLEARING CLAY MASK WITH SUPER VOLCANIC CLUSTERS

For those seeking a deep clean and minimized pores, the Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask with Super Volcanic Clusters is a powerful option. This mask leverages the natural absorbing properties of Jeju volcanic clusters, tiny volcanic particles that work like magnets to draw out excess oil, dirt, and impurities trapped within your pores.  This Innisfree mask goes beyond simple pore clearing. It also contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) that gently exfoliate, removing dead skin cells and promoting smoother texture. The result? A clearer, visibly minimized pore appearance and a refreshed, shine-free complexion.  If you have oily or combination skin and struggle with clogged pores, blackheads, or excess oil, the Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask with Super Volcanic Clusters might be your new best friend.

DR. JART+ DERMASK VITAL HYDRA SOLUTION MASK

The Dr. Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Mask is famous in South Korea for being the first capsule mask, resembling a large capsule on the outside. This mask is made of cellulose fibers that deeply moisturize the skin. When you put it on, it feels refreshing, has a light scent, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave any sticky residue. This mask is enriched with xylitol and aquaxyl extracts, which help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier by keeping it from getting dry. It also contains seaweed and Oligo-hyaluronic acid, which are good for keeping your skin moist for a long time and boosting collagen production. This makes your skin look younger, well-hydrated, and refreshed.

SATURDAY SKIN YUZU VITAMIN C SLEEP MASK

Brighten up your beauty sleep with Saturday Skin’s Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask! This luxurious overnight treatment harnesses the power of the antioxidant-rich Yuzu citrus fruit, delivering a potent dose of vitamin C to your skin. Vitamin C is a superstar ingredient for brightening and evening skin tone, leaving you with a radiant, healthy-looking glow. But the Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask goes beyond just brightening. It also boasts a cocktail of other beneficial ingredients. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, works to further minimize the appearance of pores and improve skin texture. Additionally, retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting overall skin renewal. 

TONYMOLY I’M MASK

Tonymoly’s I’m Mask collection isn’t just one mask, it’s a delightful squad of sheet masks catering to a variety of skin concerns! Think of it like a K-beauty buffet for your face. Each mask within the I’m Mask line features a unique key ingredient, offering targeted solutions. For example, the I’m Honey Mask hydrates and nourishes with real honey extract, while the I’m Aloe Mask provides a surge of cooling moisture. If you’re looking to brighten and even skin tone, the I’m Lemon Mask is your pick. And for those with oily or acne-prone skin, the I’m Tea Tree Mask swoops in to combat blemishes and soothe irritation.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Tonymoly offers I’m Masks with ingredients like Red Wine for pore care, Rice for clear skin, and Seaweed for deep purification. 

AHC PREMIUM HYDRA SOOTHER CELLULOSE MASK

The AHC Premium Hydra Soother Cellulose is one of the top Korean face masks that you shouldn’t miss. Developed by experts worldwide, it’s great for protecting and nourishing your skin. The mask fits your face well, feels soothing, and helps your skin absorb nutrients easily, making it comfortable to use. It’s made with Hydra Soother Cellulose, which moisturizes, rejuvenates, and repairs damaged skin, and vitamin B5, which soothes and keeps your skin moist. The mask also has Hyaluronic Acid to give moisture, leaving your skin smooth and revitalized. Plus, it deeply locks in moisture in every layer of your skin, making it soft and protecting it from the environment.

INNISFREE MY REAL SQUEEZE MASK

Innisfree, a renowned brand under the Korean beauty giant Amorepacific, offers a popular series of sheet masks known as My Real Squeeze Masks. These masks are available in three hydration levels, ranging from water-based to cream-based formulas, catering to different skin needs. Additionally, the extensive selection of key ingredients provides customers with a wide array of options to address specific skincare concerns. Featuring ingredients like Acai berry and Manuka honey, among others, the My Real Squeeze Masks offer a diverse range of benefits. During research, masks infused with Tea Tree, Rice, and Aloe were frequently highlighted as popular choices among consumers.

LANEIGE CICA SLEEPING MASK

The LANEIGE CICA Sleeping Mask, part of the Laneige brand, is specially made for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin. It has a thick, creamy gel texture and comes in a white color. When you put it on your skin, it feels refreshing and soothing, and it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy feeling. This mask contains wild forest yeast extracts, which have strong antioxidant properties and are even better at calming the skin than centella asiatica. It also has tea tree essence, known for fighting bacteria, deeply hydrating the skin, calming red and inflamed acne spots, and protecting the skin. Moreover, the LANEIGE CICA Sleeping Mask includes pine tree extracts, which help repair the skin, improve its elasticity, and make it firmer.

COSRX ULTIMATE NOURISHING RICE OVERNIGHT SPA MASK

Craving deep nourishment and a touch of brightening power? Look no further than the COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask. This pampering mask, suitable for most skin types (especially normal to dry), is a nighttime treat formulated to deliver a multi-pronged approach to a healthy complexion. The star ingredient is rice extract, formulated at over 65% concentration. Rice extract is a gentle yet effective ingredient known to brighten skin tone, even out texture, and provide a surge of hydration. The COSRX mask also boasts niacinamide, a superstar for minimizing pores and refining skin texture. This overnight mask goes the extra mile by offering multiple uses. While designed for nighttime pampering, it can also be used as a heavier moisturizer for those with extra dry skin or as a gentle cleanser for a touch of morning refreshment.  

ALL NATURAL 365 GREEN CENTELLA ASIATICA MASK SHEET

Calling all sensitive skin warriors! The All Natural 365 Green Centella Asiatica Mask Sheet is your calming hero. This fragrance-free sheet mask boasts a gentle formula ideal for those with easily irritated or reactive complexions. The key ingredient is Centella Asiatica extract, also known as cica, at a concentration of 60%. Cica is renowned for its soothing and calming properties, helping to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation. This mask is perfect for calming breakouts, soothing sunburns, and promoting overall skin recovery. The All Natural 365 mask also keeps things simple with a minimal ingredient list, focusing on gentle hydration and nourishment. It contains green tea extract, packed with antioxidants to protect the skin, and adheres comfortably with a nature-derived, vegan fabric.

ABIB HEARTLEAF STICKER GUMMY FACE SHEET MASK IMPROVE SKIN ELASTICITY

The Abib Heartleaf Sticker Gummy Face Sheet Mask for Improved Skin Elasticity is a product from Abib, a cosmetics brand. This mask is lightweight and thin, making it easy to fit onto the face and allowing the skin to absorb nutrients effectively. It’s made mostly from Houttuynia Cordata extract, which is known for its skin-soothing, sebum-controlling, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for acne-prone skin. Additionally, the mask contains powerful amino acids with antioxidant effects, which help prevent signs of aging and leave the skin feeling firm, plump, and refreshed.

NATURE REPUBLIC ALOE MASK SHEET

This sheet mask stands out for its soothing effect on the skin and its various hydrating formulas. It’s praised for softening the skin and contains key ingredients like aloe leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen, which are beneficial for balanced and dry skin types. However, some users note that it may not fit as well as other masks. Dermatologist Dr. Chang recommends it for its high concentration of aloe, which not only soothes the skin but also provides long-lasting hydration. She also highlights the brand’s diverse range of options, catering to different levels of hydration needs.

DERMAL COLLAGEN ESSENCE MASK

Dermal’s Collagen Essence Masks stand out for offering an extensive selection of 24 varieties, featuring diverse ingredients such as rose, apricot, gold, and pearl. These masks combine vitamin E and collagen with essential ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol. When applied, these Korean facial masks effectively soothe redness, moisturize the skin, and diminish age spots. Users appreciate that they don’t leave a sticky residue after use, and the sheets are made of 100% premium cotton. Notably, these masks come with eye flaps for added relaxation. Simply let the flaps cover your eyes to fully enjoy the healing experience.

CONCLUSION

With such a wide range of options available, you’re bound to discover the ideal mask or masks to target your unique skin concerns and revitalize your complexion. Keep in mind the importance of consistency! For optimal outcomes, integrate these masks into your daily skincare regimen to achieve radiant and healthier-looking skin. It’s important to note that face masks have expiration dates, so be mindful of that. Prepare to immerse yourself in the wonders of K-beauty and witness the transformation firsthand.

From Sunrise to Sunset: A Comprehensive Guide to Your AM and PM Skincare Routine

To achieve glowing, blooming skin, you need a healthy diet, lifestyle as well as additional minerals from a proper skincare routine. And I have to admit people seem to underestimate the importance of morning skincare and think morning skin care is not necessary. That’s extremely wrong since taking care of your skin in the morning helps you prepare your skin for the day ahead as well as removing leftover product from the previous night which may affect your makeup. 

The morning and evening skincare routines differ in their goals and techniques, and it’s important to understand these differences to get the most out of your products. If you haven’t planned out your AM and PM skincare routine, let us do it for you.

AM Skincare Routine

For a good beginning to a new day, you probably need to refresh yourself with a good skincare routine. In case you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help you.

Cleansing

Cleansing in the morning is important to remove any sweat, oil, or debris that has accumulated on your skin overnight. Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils, and massage it onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Toning

Toning helps to balance your skin’s pH level and prepare it for the rest of your skincare routine. You would love to use a toner that is alcohol-free and contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. Apply it to a cotton pad and sweep it over your face, avoiding the eye area. You can also apply it on your bare hands and pat them on your face like how Asian women do. To me, this is the best Korean skincare for 40s technique ever.

Serums

Serums are lightweight formulas that penetrate deep into your skin to deliver active ingredients. Choose a serum that targets your specific skincare concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. Apply a few drops onto your fingertips and gently press it into your skin.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing in the morning is important to keep your skin hydrated and protected throughout the day. Choose a moisturizer that contains SPF to provide sun protection, and make sure it’s suitable for your skin type. Apply it all over your face, neck, and chest.

For those who haven’t found any matte moisturizer with SPF, here are our recommendations:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid: This lightweight, oil-free sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a matte finish. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30: This moisturizer is specifically designed for oily skin and helps to control oil production while providing sun protection. It also contains niacinamide to help soothe and calm the skin.

Supergoop! Matte Screen SPF 40: This mattifying sunscreen contains silica to help absorb excess oil and create a smooth, matte finish. It’s also enriched with antioxidant-rich plant extracts to help protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is essential to prevent damage from harmful UV rays. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and apply it generously all over your face, neck, and any other exposed areas. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors.

PM Skincare Routine

After a busy day, it’s night time and you can spend some time for yourself now. For relaxation, you might want to start doing your daily PM skincare. 

Cleansing

You should double cleanse at night to take off your makeup and clean dirt, and oil that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down any makeup or sunscreen, then follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. You can also use a clay mask for deeper cleansing.

Toning

Unlike your morning routine, you might want to choose a stronger toner at night. Go for a product that contains gentle exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Apply it to a cotton pad and sweep it over your face, avoiding the eye area. You can just pat the toner all over your face if the product you’re using is gentle on the skin.

If you’re looking for a cruelty-free, Paraben free and naturally derived toner that has at least 2% of salicylic acid, Azimd skincare the one spray can work well for you.

Treatments

Night time is the best time to apply treatments that target specific skincare concerns as you don’t have to go out for the next 8 hours, giving your skin more time to absorb the product. Choose a treatment that is suitable for your skin type and concerns, and remember to read the instructions before using it. If you want to retain moisture, while providing protection and enhancing the natural repair process of your skin, you should try out Essential Beauty hydrating facial serum.

Eye Cream

To hydrate and protect the delicate skin around your eyes, you might want to use eye cream. This is optional since most people who use eye cream are over 30. Choose a product that contains antioxidants, such as vitamin C or E, to brighten and protect the skin. Gently pat it onto the skin around your eyes, using your ring finger.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing at night helps to hydrate and nourish your skin while you sleep. A moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin is best for a night routine. 

Recommended Skincare Items

Bad Habit Skincare

Bad Habit is a skincare brand from the US that is focused on resetting stressed-out skin. They help people with damaged skin from bad habits recover like dehydration from too much screen time.

The brand ensures that their products do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, formaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban which might cause irritations and other skin problems.

Bad Habit is also perfect for people who are vegan since their products are 100% cruelty-free and clean.

This brand is quite popular on social media and many influencers, and even Emma Chamberlain have done a Bad Habit skincare review. Most of the feedback is positive but it’s claimed that this brand is not for people with sensitive skin.

Photo from Cosmetic Businesses

Le Mieux Skincare

Le Mieux is a skincare brand that offers a range of products for various skin concerns, including aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity. The brand combines science and nature to create innovative formulas that use advanced technology and high-quality ingredients.

Le Mieux products contain a variety of active ingredients, such as peptides, stem cells, and antioxidants, to improve the appearance and health of the skin. The brand also offers various types of products, including cleansers, serums, moisturizers, masks, and eye treatments.

The brand claims that their products don’t contain binders, thickeners, fillers, sulfates, or parabens. They are also a proud participant in PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies Program, their products are cruelty-free and not tested on animals.

Many people have used Le Mieux’s products and left a lot of reviews. They said their products were effective, well-formulated and affordable. You can read Le Mieux skincare reviews on social media or online shopping websites like Amazon.

Photo from Create. Play. Travel

For healthy, radiant, youthful skin, you should be doing your skincare properly and frequently as well as knowing your skin and the products you use well. The key for a perfect skincare routine is understanding and being steady as skincare is a form of relaxation and self-love. And don’t be impatient if they don’t work immediately, your skin needs time to absorb. If you’re into skincare but don’t know where to start or just want to try new products, you should check out Bad Habit and Le Mieux, they might have what you need.