10 Best Korean Face Masks for Glowy Skin

As a frequent flier, my skin often suffers for it, which is why I always keep these masks in my suitcase. Nothing revives my skin more post-flight than these little guys, which only take 15-20 minutes to bring my complexion back to life. My dry, tired skin get an instant boost of hydration and radiance, and that uncomfortable tightness melts away. The hero ingredient is the brand’s famous First Care Activating Serum VI, which contains the ancient anti-inflammatory ingredient ginseng. Sure, the mask is a splurge, but I think it’s a worthy one.

Thirsty skin will drink this deeply hydrating mask right up. It taps an ultra-low molecular collagen that goes deeper into the skin for better absorption to visibly tighten pores, improve elasticity, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains niacinamide and galactomyces ferment filtrate to tackle uneven skin tone and texture. Note that it should be worn a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, or ideally overnight. “Love this hydrogel mask that is intensely hydrating,” Dr. Karp says. “It is great for regular use and post-procedure skin.”

Korea is famous for its beauty products with innovative textures, like this rubber mask that cools the skin’s temperature for a cryogenic effect. The 2-step mask treatment is worth the extra work. First, after cleansing and toner, apply the serum ampoule with niacinamides and peptides all over the face. Next, remove the film from the mask and apply the top first and then the bottom, leaving it on for 20 minutes. Massage the remaining serum into the skin to maximize the perks.

GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek isn't usually a fan of face masks as she finds them messy to use, but she likes this one. “It wasn’t a paper-like sheet but rather a more of a gel rubber-like texture,” she says. “I also loved that I could control how much serum is paired with this because you apply the serum first before applying the mask. The mask fit pretty well, it didn’t move, and wasn’t messy. All wins for me. Once I took the mask off after the recommended time, my skin felt so smooth and moisturized! I still had some of the serum left so I used it on its own the next day.”

The sheet mask’s pretty blue hue comes naturally from azulene, which helps soothe irritated skin, making this hydrating pick great for sensitive skin. It moisturizes with bambusa bulgaris water-H that is rich in amino acids. It also contains jojoba seed oil to improve elasticity and even out texture. Dr. Karp explains it as “another hydrogel hydration-focused sheet mask which is great for soothing sensitive skin.” Note that some reviewers said the mask was too large for their face.

Think of this as a face cream in sheet mask form—instead of the typical serum texture that’s water-based, it’s cream-infused for maximum impact. It has a special coating to help stay put, though one reviewer complained it was sticky. The triple threat of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and melazero V2 works to improve the appearance of dark spots, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone, leaving skin more radiant.

“I was honestly blown away by this mask!” an Amazon reviewer shared. “The Celimax Pore + Dark Spot Brightening Cream Mask is one of the best sheet masks I’ve ever tried. The cream texture is rich but not heavy, and it doesn’t drip at all. It stays perfectly in place while deeply hydrating my skin. After removing it, my skin looked brighter, calmer, and sooo glowy. I loved how soft and refreshed my face felt!”

Tight on time? This mask only takes 15 minutes to help hydrate, brighten, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Despite the cream-based formula, the two-piece design hugs the face just right to prevent sliding. It has a unique three-layer design for efficacy with an inner layer to fits the face, a breathable middle layer, and an outer layer that locks in moisture. However, at over $10 per mask, it’s on the pricey side.

“I absolutely love this mask!” an Amazon reviewer shared. “What makes it so unique is the design—the outer layer stays completely dry while the inside is packed with amazing moisture. I’m a total efficiency freak who loves multitasking, and this mask fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I could get ready in the morning without worrying about sticky, dripping sheet masks getting my hair wet, and I was even able to move around the house doing chores while taking care of my skin.”

When my skin feels like the Sahara, I swap out my regular moisturizer for this gel-cream overnight mask and wake up to happy, hydrated skin. Despite that it deeply hydrates, the texture is impressively light and fluffy, plus it has a cooling effect. It’s formulated with a blend of three types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and lock in moisture, plus probiotics to strengthen the skin barrier and boost radiance. Finally, squalane and niacinamide in the formula help brighten. While I find the light scent pleasing, some reviewers wish it didn’t have any fragrance.

All that glitters is gold—like this sheet mask and your skin after using it. “An overnight gel mask designed to firm, hydrate, and brighten skin, it shifts from a beige to a luminous gold as it absorbs,” Dr. Karp says. “It features 24K colloidal gold, 31 peptides, and silk protein water, targeting wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.” Designed to be left on overnight, it strengthens the skin barrier and hydrates for up to 72 hours, leaving skin absolutely glowing for that coveted glass skin effect. Just note that some reviewers complained it didn’t stay put all night.