Let’s face it: Most of us have K-beauty to thank for making our skin look smooth, plump, and dewy. So many Korean beauty and skincare brands have really changed the game, bringing BB creams, lip tints, glass skin, ingredients like bee venom and snail mucin, and face masks to the forefront. And if you’re just dipping your toes into the K-beauty game, the latter is the best way to start. Nobody does a face mask like a Korean beauty brand.
And there’s a mask for every type of skin concern or need. Dry skin? You won’t be at a loss for products that will quench your skin. Dullness? There are exfoliating and resurfacing ones that will leave your skin looking absolutely glowy. Dealing with acne and blemishes? Try a pore-declogging option.
Here’s a list of some of our favorites below. Take a look, and happy masking!
This mask is an absolute cult favorite. It manages to hydrate and exfoliate the skin thanks to watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, a blend of lactic and glycolic acids, and peony root.
Belif’s jelly-pudding overnight mask is ultra hydrating. It can transform skin that’s dry and dull to glowy and dewy. It contains skin-soothing herbs like Scottish heather and lady’s mantle.
Unclog pores with this peel-off mask that contains Jeju volcanic clusters that absorb excess oil. It minimizes the look of your pores, too.
Our readers and editors love Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair line because it works wonders on redness. Use this mask to get rid of redness and irritation overnight—it contains the brand’s Green Repair Solution, which is a blend of Centella Asiatica, herbs, minerals, a moisturizing humectant, and probiotic ferment.
Say goodbye to dullness with this resurfacing mask. It’s a mix of 10% AHA, 0.5% BHA, soothing aloe, and blue agave—all of which work together to exfoliate, unclog pores, smooth, and brighten. And even though it’s a resurfacing product, it still works well on sensitive skin.
In just 15 minutes, you can get an at-home facial treatment with this mask. A blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids gets rid of dead skin cells and clears pores, plus resveratrol, damask rose petals, and Coptis japonica extract hydrate and calm the skin.
I’ve been using this hydrating overnight mask for years, and it’s still a part of my weekly routine. I use it about once a week. It always leaves my dry skin feeling plump and softer the next morning.
The star ingredients in this formula are pure propolis and honey extracts, which can nourish and hydrate stressed-out skin. It’s also a versatile product that can be used as an overnight mask, wash-off mask, or face cream.
This mask has anti-aging benefits since it pretty much wraps the skin in moisture, leaving it looking more radiant and firmer.
Use these sheet masks to control blemishes and acne. They contain willow bark to exfoliate pore buildup; rosemary to purify; tea tree oil to target breakouts; and chamomile and Asiatic pennywort to soothe.
Missha’s sleeping mask contains the aforementioned snail mucin extract—an excretion from a snail—which can moisturize, heal scars and wounds, fade dark spots, and smooth skin.
This peeling mask can be used once or twice a week for just five minutes to improve texture and target dullness. It’s formulated with exfoliating enzymes, sesame milk, and sesame oil.
To use this mask, apply the stick ampoule (the actual product) to the skin. Then, place the rubber mask on your face and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes. After that, remove the mask and gently pat the skin so it can absorb the excess product. You can even put all the items in the fridge before using for a cooling experience.
Hanacure’s mask is beloved by celebrities and editors. That’s probably because it does it all—smooths, corrects, brightens, tightens, lifts, firms, and detoxifies.
Infused with traditional Korean herbs, this overnight mask delivers nutrients and locks in moisture while you sleep.
This cleansing balm has a unique sorbet-like texture that just glides on to the skin. It wipes away excess oil, dirt, and makeup without leaving any dryness. Ingredients include sea buckthorn, persimmon extract, olive oil, and vitamin E.
This can’t be a K-beauty list without Laneige’s legendary Lip Sleeping Mask. It’s just so good at healing dry and chapped lips.
Belif’s eye cream is cooling and keeps the eye area moisturized for up to 26 hours. It also boosts elasticity and radiance.
The cool thing about this balm is it self-heats and uses a steaming effect to eliminate blackheads, dirt, and dead skin cells.
This serum contains two big K-beauty ingredients: snail mucin and bee venom to repair skin, improve hyperpigmentation, clear acne scars, and target breakouts.
