The Korean beauty market offers a wide selection of face masks, each designed to address specific skin concerns. Glamour editors tested popular options, including sheet masks, peel masks, and collagen masks, with input from dermatologists and K-beauty experts. Below are their top recommendations for soothing sensitive skin, hydrating dry skin, or reviving dull skin.
The overnight mask with a color-changing formula
The Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask ($19) is an overnight hydrogel mask that shifts from white to clear as it dries. Dermatologist Y. Claire Chang highlights its blend of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and galactomyces ferment filtrate for deep hydration and skin repair. Cosmetic physician Ethan Wonuk Hwang notes that the collagen in the product helps moisturize.
The mask should be worn for at least three to four hours, though it can be removed earlier. Chang says it leaves her skin feeling plumper and softer for days, making it ideal for dehydrated or rough skin.
A tea tree mask for acne-prone skin
The Mediheal TeaTree Essential Mask ($40, reduced from $44) targets redness and breakouts without causing dryness. Chang recommends it for its tea tree oil, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The mask feels cooling and doesn’t clog pores, allowing it to be used alongside other acne treatments.
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Mediheal is popular in South Korea, where its toner pads are a staple in stores like Olive Young. Chang uses this sheet mask during breakouts, calling it effective for calming active flare-ups.
Hydration for sensitive or dehydrated skin
The CosRx 5 PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Vital Hydrating Hydrogel Mask ($15) is designed for dry or dehydrated skin. The hydrogel contains PDRN and hyaluronic acid to deliver moisture. Each sheet is speckled with blue hyaluronic acid capsules that release hydration gradually.
Dermatologist Ethan Wonuk Hwang notes that the mask includes ceramides to reinforce the skin barrier, panthenol to soothe, and allantoin to calm reactive skin. It is fragrance-free and ideal for sensitive skin.
The Dr. Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Mask ($17) focuses on hydration and temporary firming. It combines PDRN with niacinamide and hydrolyzed collagen to improve moisture and surface elasticity.
Brightening and glow-boosting options
The Anua Peach 70 Niacin Brightening Collagen Mask ($21) uses niacinamide and peach extract to even out skin tone and reduce dullness. The two-piece design ensures a precise fit, while hydrolyzed collagen provides a temporary plumping effect.
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Most of these masks require a few hours to work best, though some, like the Mediheal tea tree mask, show results in under an hour. While the benefits are often temporary, they provide immediate hydration and glow, making them useful for special occasions or travel.
Korean face masks have evolved beyond basic hydration, now addressing specific concerns like acne and aging with ingredients such as PDRN and ferment filtrates. This shift reflects growing consumer demand for visible results, such as reduced redness or a lifted appearance, without harsh side effects.
The focus on gentle yet effective ingredients aligns with the trend of “skin flooding,” which layers hydrating products to repair moisture barriers. Masks like CosRx’s PDRN hydrogel fit well into this routine, offering a concentrated dose of active ingredients. For those who prefer simplicity, overnight masks provide an easy solution, though they require longer wear times.
Many of these masks pair well with summer fashion trends, offering a quick refresh before heading out.
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