The Korean Face Masks That Make Us Look Ridiculously Glowy (2025)

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 to our wallets as they are to 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 Beauty of Joseon, Innisfree, Medicube, Numbuzin, and more. Time to reap in the glassy skin.

Our Top Korean Face Masks

• Best Wash-Off Mask Overall: Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask, $20
• Best Sheet Mask Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, $19
• Best Peel-Off Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask, $19
• Best Overnight Mask: Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, $18
• Best for Dry Skin: Torriden Dive In Sheet Mask, $33
• Best for Sensitive Skin: I’m From Mugwort Mask, $35
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Trioareuke Acsen Pore Control Mask, $45
• Best for Oily Skin: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, $18
• Best for Mature Skin: PRMR Vitatinol Serum Gel Mask, $25
• Best Brightening: Hanyul Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask, $29
• Best Lifting: Numbuzin NAD+ Bio Lifting-sil Full Face Mask, $20
• Best Deep-Penetrating: Mediheal Spicule Pore Tightening System, $22

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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: Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

Why it's worth it: Beauty of Joseon does a lot of things right, from sunscreens to toner-essences. The brand's masks are no exception: The Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask, in particular, strikes the ideal balance between clarifying and brightening your complexion—all while being non-irritating. The stars of this formula are upcycled makgeolli lees (a byproduct of Korean rice wine), honey, kaolin clay, and rice hull powder—which together sweep away the gunk residing in your pores, gently buff away uneven texture, and with consistent use, help brighten discoloration.

Tester feedback: "As someone who approaches physical exfoliation a little cautiously, I love how gentle this mask is," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "It gives my skin an instant brightening effect—as subtle as it may be—and helps even out some texture and redness I experience in and around my T-zone."

Key ingredients: kaolin, honey, upcycled makgeolli lees, rice hull powder | Who it’s for: people with oily or combination skin, congested pores | Fragrance-free: yes

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

Why it's worth it: Whether you leave it on all night or call it quits around the 3 to 4-hour mark (hello, work-from-home days!), Biodance's Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is one tall glass of water for your skin. Using ultra-low molecular weight collagen and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (otherwise known as oligo HA) means deeper penetration of hydrating, plumping goodness. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, confirms this mask's popularity, adding "It leaves the skin more glowy and hydrated for hours after application."

Tester feedback: "When I wake up, my skin is so hydrated and smooth that it literally looks like glass," shopping market editor Ang Trakoshis said. "And that's just one night. After using this mask for a week, my skin feels firmer, looks brighter, and is so hydrated—like my face went on a retreat and came back dewy, healthy, and refreshed."

Key ingredients: ultra-low molecular weight collagen, galactomyces, oligo hyaluronic acid, allantoin | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Peel-Off Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Why it's worth it: Viral skin-care products don't always live up to their fame, but we're happy to report Medicube's Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is up to snuff. Aside from being extra satisfying to peel off—feel free to pull a "skin shed" prank on your partner—this clear mask is chock-full of hyaluronic acid, collagen extract, niacinamide, and vitamin E to smooth and plump skin while you snooze. Notably, it's also a less messy alternative to the Biodance overnight sheet mask—just wait 15 minutes to ensure it's totally dry before your face meets your pillow. "It leaves the skin looking radiant and smooth the next morning," Dr. Chang attests. "As a side sleeper, I love how quickly it dries so that you can fall asleep right away."

Tester feedback: "The way my skin looks with a layer of Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is exactly how I want my skin to look without it: glassy, glowy, and clear," gushes features director Dianna Mazzone Singh. "And with each overnight—yes, overnight—application of its niacinamide- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula, I get a little bit closer to that goal. I've been using it once or twice a week, and never cease to be delighted by the satisfaction of peeling it away in the morning."

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, collagen extract, niacinamide, vitamin E | Who it's for: people with dull skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Overnight Mask: Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask

Why it's worth it: Sometimes, a plain 'ol moisturizer doesn't cut it when your skin is in desperate—like, really desperate—need of hydration. Instead, we like slathering on a generous layer of Cosrx's Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, which has a 68% concentration of its namesake ingredient and 2% niacinamide. Hydration, boosted. Dullness, minimized. It's no wonder Soko Glam cofounder Charlotte Cho says in Korea, "Sleeping masks continue to be the go-to mask for deeply hydrating and repairing overnight."

Tester feedback: "This was a godsend after an in-office laser treatment (Clear and Brilliant, in case you're wondering) I got—I was told my skin would feel a bit like sandpaper for a few days, and they weren't exaggerating," Han notes. "This overnight mask helped minimize that dry, tight feeling and sealed in all of the other hydrating products I applied beforehand—my skin is noticeably radiant the following morning, so what more can I ask for?"

Key ingredients: rice extract, glycerin, niacinamide, allantoin | Who it's for: people with dry or sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Torriden Dive In Sheet Mask

Why it's worth it: Torriden takes hydration seriously. Each product in its Dive In family is injected with a 5D multi-low-molecular hyaluronic acid system for optimal saturation. In layman's terms, that means five types of HA with low, medium, and high molecular weights to address skin at different levels—not just the surface. Allantoin and panthenol provide more skin-soothing, barrier-strengthening, and moisture-locking abilities in this refreshing, 15-to-20-minute treatment. Get ready to look like a dewy dumpling.

Tester feedback: Han and Cho are big fans of the Torriden Dive In Serum. "There's something oh so satisfying about this serum's silky texture," Han says. "It dries down almost immediately, and my skin always feels bouncier with each application. At night, I often pair it with my retinol serum to offset any dryness, as well as in the morning to give my vitamin C serum a hydrating boost."

Key ingredients: five types of hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin, ceramide NP | Who it's for: people with dry, sensitive, or dull skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: I'm From Mugwort Mask

Why it's worth it: Like a calming cup of tea for your face, I'm From's Mugwort Mask instantly soothes inflamed skin with a blend of mugwort extract and leaf powder. A healing herb that's been used in Korean medicine and cuisine for centuries, mugwort relieves redness, kills breakout-causing bacteria, protects against free radical damage (thanks to ample antioxidants like vitamin E), boosts radiance, and is gentle enough for those with conditions like eczema and psoriasis, according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. Whew, we're sold. Since there are physical mugwort bits in the formula, take your time washing it off after your 10 to 15 minutes of relaxation are up.

Editor's tip: The Mugwort line is stocked with everything you need to buff out your skin-care routine: gel cleanser, spot treatment, essence, serum, cream, and sheet masks.

Key ingredients: mugwort extract, mugwort leaf powder, green tea extract, licorice root extract, cica | Who it's for: people with sensitive or easily irritated skin, mature skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

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.

Tester feedback: "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," attests Allure contributor Deanna Pai. 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."

Key ingredients: volcanic ash clusters, lactic acid, bentonite, kaolin, walnut shell powder | Who it's for: people with acne-prone, oily skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Trioareuke Acsen Pore Control Mask

Why it's worth it: Many Korean face masks focus on hydration, but there are plenty of options catered towards people who deal with breakouts on the reg. Trioareuke's Acsen Pore Control Mask is as straightforward as they come, filled with three types of pore-clearing clay (Moroccan, kaolin, and bentonite) to absorb every bit of oil and dirt that they run into. This wash-off formula also helps speed up the healing of active breakouts as well as treat post-acne inflammation and scarring, thanks to anti-inflammatory cica.

Editor's tip: It also works well as a spot treatment for stubborn breakouts that need special attention.

Key ingredients: Moroccan lava clay, kaolin clay, bentonite clay, cica | Who it's for: people with oily or acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Mature Skin: PRMR Vitatinol Serum Gel Mask

Why it's worth it: Retinol in a sheet mask? Let alone paired with vitamin C? Your eyes aren't deceiving you. PRMR's Vitatinol Serum Gel Mask packs in both well-researched and well-loved ingredients to deliver brightening, texture-refining, and fine line-smoothing benefits. Similarly to the Biodance mask, you can wear it for three hours or keep it on overnight. Keep in mind: Due to its use of retinol, this mask may not be the best fit for sensitive skin—plus, it's the only mask on this list with added fragrance.

Editor's tip: For an everyday, non-single-use treatment, add the Youth Radiance Vitatinol Serum to your cart. It's the serum that this biocellulose mask is based on and contains a ratio of 60% encapsulated vitamin C and 95% pure retinol.

Key ingredients: panthenol (13,000 ppm), shea butter, retinal (50 ppm), retinol (1 ppm), ascorbic acid (10.5 ppm), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (98.85 ppm) | Who it's for: anyone concerned with signs of aging, fine lines | Fragrance-free: no

Best Brightening: Hanyul Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask

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 go well into the next day.

Tester feedback: "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," Han says. "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.)"

Key ingredients: yuja fruit water, niacinamide, vitamin C | Who it's for: people with dry, dull, or combination skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Lifting: Numbuzin NAD+ Bio Lifting-sil Full Face Mask

Why it's worth it: There are your hydrating sheet masks that sometimes slip and slide (to our chagrin) and then there's the Numbuzin NAD+ Bio Lifting-sil Full Face Mask, a two-section mask that ensures a more snug fit, thanks to ear loops. And if that wasn't enough, it also comes with a reusable cotton strap you can wrap around your entire head to double down on the lifting effects—genius. We also appreciate the fact that the bottom mask extends down to our necks, which deserve just as much love. As for the ingredients, count on NAD+, short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, to repair damaged DNA, protect skin cells against day-to-day stress, and assist with other bodily processes that naturally slow down over time. Oh, and there are 50 types of peptides packed into each sheet mask for intensive plumping.

Tester feedback: "I love a more lifted look (who doesn't?) so the fact that this mask includes a bottom half with ear loops sold it for me—I hate constantly fidgeting with and adjusting sheet masks for that perfect fit," says Han. "I do feel a bit like a mummy but it's a small price for a more sculpted look—I will definitely be using this before special events. Hello, photo-ready jawline!"

Key ingredients: NAD+, hydrolyzed collagen, 50 types of peptides, adenosine | Who it's for: | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Large Pores: Mediheal Spicule Pore Tightening System

Why it's worth it: If you can handle a little bit of tingle and spice when it comes to your skin care, we suggest looking into Mediheal's two-step Spicule Pore Tightening System. First, you dispense and apply the Spicule Derma Ampoule 1000, a microneedling serum infused with spikey structures derived from marine sponges called spicules that essentially create microchannels in your skin and allow actives—in this case, low molecular weight collagen—to penetrate past the outer layer of skin, as we previously reported. This, coupled with the gel mask you pop on after, will help smooth texture and refine pores. You'll know you're done when the mask turns transparent after about 30 minutes or so.

Editor's tip: If you're ready to level up, Mediheal offers the Tightening System 2 which comes with the Spicule Derma Ampoule 3000 for even deeper penetration.

Key ingredients: low molecular weight collagen spicule (1,000 ppm) | Who it's for: people with uneven texture and large pores | Fragrance-free: yes

P.S. If you're into more traditional hydrating sheet masks, Dr. Chang recommends Mediheal's Vita Essential Mask, which she says is "an amazing brightening sheet mask formulated with three types of vitamins (C, E, and B) that boosts skin hydration and brightens the skin." She adds that the bamboo-derived, biodegradable, and vegan "feels cool and refreshing when applied, helping to soothe the skin."

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 Cho. 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 the range of mask types makes the experience fun and hands-on for the consumer.

Similarly 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

• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City and founder of Lightsaver
• Charlotte Cho, licensed esthetician, cofounder of Soko Glam, and founder of Then I Met You
• Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City

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.

Korean skin care has our hearts. The following shopping stories are proof:

• Our Favorite Korean Serums for Impossibly Hydrated Skin
• The Best Korean Body-Care Products, According to K-Beauty Enthusiasts
• These Korean Sunscreens Are Glow Ups in a Bottle

Now, watch the cast of XO, Kitty spill their secrets:

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