If there’s one beauty must-have that’s filling the feeds (and baskets) of everyone here at BEAUTY BAY HQ, it’s the Korean face mask. Known for their hydrating, smoothing, and glassy results, the “benefits of Korean face masks” list is endless. And there are even plenty out there to suit you, your skin type, and skin concerns, all from different viral Korean skincare brands.
We love nothing more than getting stuck into the latest trends and trying and testing them for you. So, we’ve done the skincare god’s work and reviewed 10 Korean clay masks, Korean rice masks, and everything in between. Ready to hop on the hype with us? Read our reviews below.
The 11 Best Korean Face Masks We’ve Tried
1. Best mask for sensitive skin: I’m From Mugwort Mask
2. Best hydrating mask: Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask
3. Best mask for mature skin: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
4. Best brightening mask: Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
5. Best plumping mask: Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask
6. Best mask for acne-prone skin: AXIS-Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask
7. Best mask for the skin barrier: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
8. Best overnight mask: COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask
9. Best mask for dry skin: Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
10. Best mask for pores: innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
11. Best mask for oily skin: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
1. I'm From Mugwort Mask
Rated: Best Korean face mask for sensitive skin
Review in one line: “This is the perfect mask for a Sunday refresh and self care evening. It didn’t feel too thick and heavy.”
Why we love it: The I’m From Mugwort Mask is a gentle wash-off mask, making it perfect for sensitive and irritated skin. It instantly calms skin thanks to being formulated with mugwort, which is harvested from Ganghwa County in Korea. Plus, it’s filled with vitamins and minerals, which helps to detoxify and nourish skin.
Name: Summer-May Henry
Skin type: Oily, Combination
“I haven’t tried a Korean mask before but I use lots of Korean skincare in my day to day routine. I had heard lots about this I’m From Mugwort Mask so I was super excited to try.
This mask claimed to calm and soothe irritated skin. I would definitely say I felt so much smoother and soothed after. With the mask on my face I felt very relaxed and nourished. This is the perfect mask for a Sunday refresh and self care evening. It didn’t feel too thick and heavy on my face and didn’t take too long to wash off.”
2. Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask
Rated: Best hydrating Korean face mask
Review in one line: “I keep getting compliments on my glowy skin”
Why we love it: Texture is a biggie when it comes to know which face masks are the most hydrating, and it was obvious this Belif Aqua-Bomb Sleeping Mask would be thanks to its jelly-pudding texture. It gives skin a cool, cushiony layer of moisture and sinks deep into skin while you sleep, helping to soothe, plump, and replenish dry and dull complexions with the help of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and Belif’s signature herbal blend. Bonus: it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, so there’s no stains left on your pillow.
Name: Lauren Shaw
Skin type: Combination, Sensitive, Acne-prone
“I’ve been using the Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask every night, and it’s amazing! My skin is combo, sensitive, and acne-prone, so I’m always careful with new skincare in case of reactions.
This mask is super light and refreshing and it feels like my skin is getting a big drink of water overnight. I keep getting compliments on my glowy skin. Actually, the receptionist at the dentist even told me how great it looks the other day! No breakouts, no irritation, just smooth glass like skin. It layers nicely with my other products and doesn’t feel heavy or sticky.”
3. Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Rated: Best Korean face mask for mature skin
Review in one line: “You have to believe the hype with this one, as it definitely lives up to it’s reputation!”
Why we love it: Just because a beauty product has had its moment on TikTok doesn’t always mean it’s effective or worth adding into your skincare routine. But we think the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is. It’s enriched with oligo-hyaluronic acid which penetrates deeply to leave your skin with an intense hit of hydration and boost your skin’s moisture retention. These masks are also infused with ultra-low molecular collagen, which help improve the look of enlarged pores, enhance elasticity, and noticeably smooth fine lines and wrinkles for real glass skin treatment.
Name: Sophie Dickson
Skin type: Dry
“As someone who uses face masks regularly, I have wheedled down which brands and products work best for me, making me slightly apprehensive about using new products, however, the Biodance Bio-Collagen Deep Mask leaves my skin so plump and hydrated, it will become a firm favourite in my routine.
The oligo-hyaluronic acid works perfectly to moisturise thirsty skin and the ultra-low molecular collagen noticeably tightens your pores and smooths the skin, leaving you looking more hydrated, younger and brighter. You have to believe the hype with this one, as it definitely lives up to it’s reputation!”
4. Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Rated: Best brightening Korean face mask
Review in one line: “It isn’t too thick or sticky but still has enough texture to help with exfoliation”
Why we love it: Beauty of Joseon are one of the most popular Korean skincare brands thanks to products like their wash-off Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask. It helps to enhance elasticity and brighten skin to leave your complexion looking refreshed. Plus, it soaks up sebum and purifies the pores as well as gently exfoliating to leave skin noticeably nourished and purified without tightness. Combining makgeolli lees (a byproduct of traditional Korean rice wine) with natural rice hull powder and 5% honey, it also works to calm skin – perfect for acne-prone skin.
Name: Aimée Barlow
Skin type: Combination
“Most of my skincare routine is already made up of Korean skincare. In particular I love Beauty of Joseon, so I was really keen to try their Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask!
It claims to be an all-in-one mask that leaves skin noticeably nourished and purified without tightness, promising to enhance elasticity, brighten, soak up sebum, purify the pores, and gently exfoliate.
I definitely felt those benefits even after one use of the mask! It’s different to any other mask I’ve tried, it isn’t too thick or sticky but still has enough texture to help with exfoliation.
My skin is left feeling clean and refreshed, and really helps brighten and hydrate while still tackling oily areas. It’s ideal after a long day when your skin needs a pamper and refresh. I would recommend this mask to anyone and am looking forward to continuing to use it!”
5. Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask
Rated: Best plumping Korean face mask
Review in one line: “After day one, my skin was glowing and noticeably nourished”
Why we love it: If you want dewy, bounce-back skin, reach for the Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask. This delicious formula combines a Peony & Collagen Complex™ with peptides to revitalise the skin and target dryness, dullness, and loss of firmness and elasticity. And with continuous use, it helps noticeably minimise fine lines and wrinkles, as well as boost skin radiance to acheive that coveted glass skin glow. Bonus: it’s got a subtle, soothing scent you’ll love to fall asleep to.
Name: Pooja Haja
Skin type: Combination
“As someone with a dry, eczema-prone chin and eye area but an oily T-Zone, Korean skincare has helped massively with keeping my skin balanced and hydrated.
I’m a die-hard fan of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask so I jumped at the chance to try the Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask. We’ve all probably heard about the wonders of this overnight mask, and I can indeed confirm they’re all true.
I noticed results after day one, my skin was glowing and noticeably nourished as though I’d exfoliated and moisturised. But after using it religiously for a week, my face was giving fresh-from-a-facial every single morning. All areas of my face were plump and soft without any greasiness or dryness. You just smooth it on and hit the hay – no rinsing required. This Korean sleeping mask is what transforms ordinary sleep into beauty sleep.”
6. AXIS-Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask
Rated: Best Korean face mask for acne-prone skin
Review in one line: “I experienced less inflammation and no irritation. My skin was left smooth and glowy.”
Why we love it: Korean skincare is our go-to 90% of the time because of the gentle, soothing formulas it uses – like this AXIS-Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask. Infused with 2% niacinamide and heartleaf, this mask repairs, calms dullness and irritation, boosts radiance, reinforces barrier function and evens the skin tone. It’s lightweight, sports a cooling gel texture, and has a clean, fresh scent that feels spa-worthy.
Name: Melissa McPhillips
Skin type: Blemish-prone, Combination
“Bringing a newbie into my skincare routine is quite a biggie for me as I have blemish-prone skin, but the AXIS-Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask has slotted in beautifully.
I was drawn to it because it’s formulated with niacinamide, which is a dream ingredient for blemish-prone and acne-scarred skin. It’s known for leaving skin looking brighter, and that’s exactly what this mask did. I’ve been leaving it on for around 10 minutes before finishing with my usual serums and moisturiser, and I experienced reduced inflammation and no irritation. My skin was left smooth and glowy, and it even made makeup application seamless afterwards, too.
Bonus points for the delicious, fresh, herbal scent. I’ve found a new staple and would recommend this to anyone looking for a Korean face mask for glowing skin.”
7. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Rated: Best Korean face mask for the skin barrier
Review in one line: “It doesn’t leave your skin with that horrible sticky feeling other face masks tend to”
Why we love it: The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask leaves skin soft, plump, smooth, and protected. Designed to deliver deep hydration while you sleep, it combines hero ingredients like niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and a probiotic‑derived complex. So it draws in moisture and locks it in, all whilst strengthening your skin’s protective barrier. Wake up to glowy, dewy, healthy skin with this one.
Name: Brad Cunningham
Skin type: Dry, Sensitive
“I have been using Korean skincare for a while now and was really excited to integrate the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask into my routine!
I have used this before bed for over a week now and it has really restored the moisture in my skin! I use it alongside my usual skincare, and I find that I wake up with moisturised and plump looking skin. The product itself is a gel-like consistency and looks thick until it is absorbed into the skin. It doesn’t leave your skin with that horrible sticky feeling other face masks tend to.
With having sensitive skin, I was quite sceptical about introducing a new product as I tend to have a period of adjustment with a few breakouts, but I can easily say this has improved how temperamental my skin can be. I would definitely invest in this product again and look forward to using it within my routine!”
8. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask
Rated: Best overnight Korean face mask
Review in one line: “I have been waking up looking and feeling like I have already done my skincare routine”
Why we love it: Even though we’ve rated the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask as the best overnight Korean mask, it’s actually a multi-use product, which is why we love it so much. Pop it on before you go to sleep, or use it a wash-off mask or moisturiser during the day. It’s been infused with 87% propolis extract which is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, as well asnatural beeswax that provides intense hydration and moisture. As it’s a refreshing gel texture, it’s ideal to soothe and calm redness and sunburn too.
Name: Kodi Pollit
Skin type: Blemish-prone, Dry
“I am a big fan of Korean skincare and use it regularly in my routine so I was so excited to try out this COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask!
I have been using this every night for about a week and my skin feels so moisturised and glowy. I have been waking up looking and feeling like I have already done my skincare routine!
This mask is described as a barrier while you sleep, and it definitely lives up to that – my skin feels so protected at night. Some of the main ingredients are propolis extract and glycerin which are known for trapping the moisture in your skin with lots of healing and anti-inflammatory benefits which I found was perfect for my blemish-prone skin type. I noticed such a huge difference in using this compared to just a moisturiser.
I have definitely found my new holy grail product and will be implementing this mask into my weekly routine. Love!”
9. Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
Rated: Best Korean face mask for dry skin
Review in one line: “This is the first time my skin has continued to feel smooth and hydrated throughout the day without making any extra effort”
Why we love it: Designed to care for dry and sensitive skin, the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask deeply nourishes, strengthens and repair the skin barrier overnight. It’s packed with Forest Yeast (a patented cica-derived ingredient) that helps calm inflammation, support skin regeneration, and boost resilience against environmental stressors. Different to lighter hydrators, the formula is rich and creamy which gives long-lasting moisture without feeling greasy.
Name: Rachel Brown
Skin type: Dry, Sensitive
“This mask is the holy grail! I have never tried a Korean sleep mask before, but now I won’t go back after using the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask.
This time of year is always the worst for my dry skin – the combination of the changing weather and indoor heating makes my skin tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. I don’t need to use a lot to feel a massive difference! While I usually douse my skin in moisturiser, this is the first time my skin has continued to feel smooth and hydrated throughout the day without making any extra effort.
When I put the mask on, it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy despite using it on top of my usual hydration routine of serums and moisturisers – if anything, it seems to help the rest of my skincare sink in.”
10. innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Rated: Best Korean face mask for pores
Review in one line: “The main difference I noticed was definitely the texture in my face and my skin no longer looked dull”
Why we love it: No one-trick pony, the innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is an 8-in-1 Korean mask. It’s formulated with Jeju Volcanic Cluster Sphere ™ technology that works to minimise the appearance of pores, exfoliate and cleanse the skin, unclog impurities, and absorb excess sebum. Ideal for combination to oily skin, this purifying mask leaves you with softened skin, tightened pores, and a clear complexion.
Name: Rebecca Fitzroy
Skin type: Blemish-prone, enlarged pores, and textured
“This Korean clay mask is literally a pot of gold!!! I have always incorporated Korean skincare into my routine but I have never used a Korean face mask so I already had high expectations but the innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask was even better than I imagined.
It lived up to its claims, as my skin after using this was the smoothest it’s ever been and was so much brighter. I have always had a lot of texture on my nose, forehead and cheeks but after once use of this the texture had completely gone and the pores on my nose were less visible. I followed up with my usual skincare regime after removing the mask and I woke up the next day with super glowy and smooth skin and my makeup applied like a dream.
The main difference I noticed was definitely the texture in my face and my skin no longer looked dull. I am glad to have finally found a product which has helped all of my skin concerns. I would 100% use this mask again and this will always be a part of my skincare routine from now on because it did not disappoint in the slightest.”
11. Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Rated: Best Korean face mask for oily skin
Review in one line: “It left my pores feeling smaller, tighter and clearer just as it says on the box”
Why we love it: With pore-unclogging and tightening masks, some can dry out your skin, but the Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask is known for simply leaving skin feeling clean thanks to the breathable clay texture. Ideal for oily skin, it’s work on sebum absorption and mild exfoliation thanks to red bean saponins and powder.
Name: Orin Stocks
Skin type: Combination
“I was a bit unsure when it came to the Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask, but I wanted to try something new. I have combination skin so I get quite an oily T-zone and dry patches around my face so I was worried before using the mask that it wouldn’t work well with my skin type.
I’m happy to say I was wrong! My skin felt softer and firmer around my T-zone. I used 1-2 times that week and each time I used it I felt my skin was a bit more refreshed and softer. I left the mask on for 10 minutes and when washing it off I gently massaged it into my face, and it left my pores feeling smaller, tighter and clearer just as it says on the box.
The only thing I’d add is that I would recommend using a face cloth to remove as the mask is harder to remove when just using your hands and water. I would repurchase this product, but I’ll wait ‘til I get through the first one as there’s so much product. You get your money’s worth for sure!”
