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 Beauty of Joseon, Innisfree, Medicube, Round Lab, 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, $18
• Best Sheet Mask Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, $19
• Best Overnight Mask: Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask, $19
• Best Peel-Off Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask, $19
• Best Cooling: Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask, $13
• Best for Dry Skin: Torriden Dive In Sheet Mask, $33
• Best for Oily Skin: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, $18
• Best for Barrier Support: Round Lab 1025 Water Gel Hydration Mask, $23
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Celimax The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask, $15
• Best for Mature Skin: Dr.Jart+ Cryo Rubber Firming Mask, $16

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.

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.”

Best Overnight Mask: Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Why it’s worth it: You might have a lot of questions about us suggesting you wear a sheet mask overnight—how does it even stay on?—but hear us out. Don’t try this with a standard cloth sheet mask (those will slide right off in your sleep); however, the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask is specifically designed to cling to the skin all night with its gel-like texture. As you snooze, collagen and peptides boost elasticity and soften fine lines, while niacinamide brightens and evens tone. Centella Asiatica calms redness and reinforces your skin’s barrier, while glycerin locks in deep hydration, keeping your complexion supple. By morning, you pulled off an overnight spa treatment without ever leaving your bed.

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 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.”

Best Cooling: Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask

Why it’s worth it: Instead of a standard cotton sheet, this mask uses a soft gauze infused with gel technology, so it hugs every contour of your face without slipping or bubbling up. The plush, cushiony texture creates a moisture-locking seal that helps actives absorb more effectively while delivering a refreshing cooling sensation that feels truly soothing on skin. Inside, not one but 10 types (!) of hyaluronic acid—ranging from high to ultra-low molecular weights—drench your skin with multi-level hydration, instantly plumping the surface while sinking deep for long-lasting moisture and improved elasticity. To top it off, plant-derived PDRN (derived from salmon DNA) is known for boosting skin repair and regeneration, panthenol calms and strengthens the barrier, and madecassoside soothes irritation, leaving skin recharged, resilient, and glowing.

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.

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.

Best for Barrier Support: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel 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 internal medicine physician 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.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Celimax The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask

Why it’s worth it: When your skin is feeling especially stressed, Celimax The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask is an instant reset. “If you’re a big fan of the hallmark K-beauty ingredient Centella Asiatica, this mask is perfect for those with sensitive skin that needs calming relief,” says Judy Hong-Jin Joo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seoul, Korea. If you haven’t tried cica before, the ingredient is celebrated for reducing redness, accelerating skin repair, and reinforcing the skin barrier—making it a go-to for irritation-prone complexions. Paired with madecassoside and hyaluronic acid for extra soothing and hydrating powers, this ampoule-soaked mask leaves skin supple and balanced.

Best for Mature Skin: Dr.Jart+ Cryo Rubber Firming Mask

Why it’s worth it: Unlike typical sheet masks that come pre-soaked, the Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Firming Face Mask uses a two-step system for maximum results. First, apply the included ampoule packed with hydrolyzed collagen to boost elasticity, niacinamide to brighten, and mango seed butter and macadamia oil to nourish and protect. Then, layer on the Cryo Rubber Firming Mask, infused with seaweed-derived chondrus crispus extract, panthenol, and mineral-rich clays that give it its signature rubbery texture. This cooling second step locks in all that hydration and delivers a tightening effect for firmer-looking skin. “The results mimic a facial you’d get from an esthetician—so hydrating that it’s become my favorite in-flight mask to combat dry cabin air,” says Dr. Hee Jin Kim.

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.

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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
• 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 internal medicine physician and medical director of Pureen MD, based in Fort Lee, NJ
• Judy Hong-Jin Joo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Glassy Skin Clinic in Cheongdam, based in Seoul, Korea

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.

When fine lines, sun spots, and sagging begin to set in, the best face masks for mature skin can provide the plumping moisture your skin might have lost over time. Sure, there are so many serums, creams, and at-home treatments developed for aging skin, but masks have a major advantage in that their ultra-concentrated formulations have been specifically crafted to address signs of aging at a much more intensive rate than the rest of the products in your routine.

“Generally speaking, masks are used intermittently to help give your skin a boost when it needs it,” David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, previously told Allure. So, if you find your skin needs a nourishing, sag-reducing pick-me-up, you’ve come to the right place. We asked board-certified dermatologists for their favorite line-defying face masks—check out their picks, below.

Our Top Face Masks for Mature Skin

Best Overall: Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask

Why it’s worth it: Stop and smell the roses—and let them nourish your skin, too. Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask delivers an instant boost of hydration and radiance. “This mask combines black rose extract, vitamin E, and shea butter to deeply hydrate, smooth fine lines, and restore volume to mature skin,” says Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut. Its dense texture sits for 10 to 15 minutes, creating a barrier that helps the ingredients absorb more effectively. “It’s incredibly calming and an excellent choice for complexions that are parched or irritated. I even use it on early morning flights to the West Coast to counteract the skin-parching airplane air, so I can step off the plane and head straight into meetings looking refreshed,” she says.

Best Eye Mask: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Masks

Why it’s worth it: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Masks deliver hydration, brightness, and a cooling refresh to the undereye area in just 15 minutes. “This can be used alone or in combination with the SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream or your own eye cream. I like eye masks to help improve penetration of active ingredients,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. In addition to making your eye creams work more effectively, the formula includes antioxidant-rich golden root extract to defend against free radical damage, baker’s yeast to help brighten and even tone, and golden herb extract to soothe and calm delicate skin. “As skin ages, the most common changes around the eyes are fine lines, wrinkles, undereye bags, dark circles, and dry or crepey skin. This undereye mask can help hydrate and plump dry skin, while the cooling effect of the hydrogel can also help reduce puffiness,” she says.

Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

Why it’s worth it: When mature skin is feeling overworked, whether from a cosmetic treatment, environmental stress, or just daily lifestyle habits, SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque is a great reset. “It is very soothing, so I find it beneficial for sensitive, post-procedure skin, but also in general to rehydrate and soothe red or irritated skin. I also love that it is fragrance-free because many masks have fragrance and can be overpowering for people who are sensitive to fragrance,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. The bouncy gel formula blends thyme, cucumber, and olive leaf extracts with hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and bring comfort to skin.

Best for Dry Skin: Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare Mineral Mask

Why it’s worth it: If your skin feels especially dry and flaky, try slathering on Blue Lagoon’s Skincare Mineral Mask, a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. Its blend of jojoba oil, glycerin, aloe vera, and thermal water sourced from Iceland delivers an intense surge of hydration while soothing sensitive skin, leaving you with your bounciest, softest complexion yet.

Best Plumping: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask

Why it’s worth it: The game-changer in this face mask is its hyaluronic acid base, which hydrates the surface layer of skin rather than coating it with a veil of goopy moisture. “PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask contains moisturizing and soothing ingredients—including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol—to hydrate and rejuvenate skin overnight,” explains Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who says applying it as the last step in your nighttime routine will lead to waking up with plumper, glowing skin.

Best Firming: Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask

Why it’s worth it: When your night cream just isn’t cutting it, Fresh’s Black Tea Peptide Firming Overnight Mask can be used every evening in its place. Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, is a fan of its hyaluronic acid- and peptide-powered formula because these ingredients, along with antioxidant-rich black tea extract, can help tighten, firm, and hydrate all at once. “The black tea complex improves skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid heightens moisture,” he says.

Best Brightening: EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask

Why it’s worth it: Snooze your way to calmer, plumper skin with this plush overnight mask. “EltaMD’s Skin Recovery Night Mask is a hydrating mask that can repair a damaged skin barrier,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. The impressive tech behind the mask is due to the brand’s AAComplex and Chronobiology Technology, which work in sync with your skin’s natural nighttime repair cycle to replenish essential amino acids, strengthen the barrier, and reduce visible signs of irritation. A healthier skin barrier means better moisture retention, improved resilience against environmental stressors, and skin that wakes up softer, smoother, and glowing.

Best Sheet Mask: La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask

Why it’s worth it: La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask takes the beloved classic Treatment Lotion formula and transforms it into an ultra-luxurious sheet mask experience. Each silky mask is drenched in the radiance-boosting essence, powered by La Mer’s iconic Miracle Broth (a nutrient-rich blend of sea kelp, minerals, and antioxidants), along with glycerin and algae extracts to deeply replenish moisture and soften the look of fine lines. “The sheet format creates a gentle occlusive barrier, helping these ingredients absorb more effectively, while delivering an immediate plumping and soothing effect,” says Dr. Mraz, who recommends it for people with mature or dry skin who need a quick radiance boost, especially after travel or a day spent in the sun.

Best Overnight Mask: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask

Why it’s worth it: Although Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask has “overnight” right in the name, Dr. Camp says this mask can also be used as a targeted 15-minute treatment. However you use this Allure Beauty of Beauty Award winner, expect your skin to feel smooth and supple after applying this squalane-powered mask. “A sugarcane-derived lipid, squalane helps maintain the integrity of the skin barrier to improve hydration,” he says of the star ingredient.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a face mask?

Skin’s characteristics change over the years in both obvious and not-so-apparent ways, so even if you’ve maintained an elaborate, diligent skin-care routine, you’ll likely experience a decrease in elasticity (the quality and quantity of our collagen plummets) and an increase in discoloration.

More than anything else, mature skin typically looks and feels much drier than it did in younger years—hence the need for moisturizing intervention through a hydrating, skin-plumping mask. “As we age, our capacity to retain water in the skin diminishes, so skin becomes drier,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Dry skin can appear dull and make fine lines more noticeable.” So while you might have collected oil-absorbing, acne-clearing masks in your twenties, your now-seasoned skin’s needs demand a shift in priorities. And by “priorities,” we mean ingredients.

Which ingredients should my face mask have?

According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, dry skin and fine lines can be immediately improved with humectants like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin to “bring more water to the surface and help plump the skin.”, She also notes that adding ingredients like shea butter and colloidal oatmeal will also help with rejuvenation by deeply moisturizing and soothing dry skin.