Is it okay to use K-beauty face masks everyday?

It depends on the type of mask you use. A K-beauty face mask with hydrating and nourishing ingredients (think aloe, hyaluronic acid, etc.) can be used every day if you feel like indulging yourself or your skin needs some extra TLC. However, if you're using an exfoliating mask (think AHAs, BHAs, etc.), then it's best to only use those moderately to avoid over-exfoliation .

Should you wash your face after using a K-beauty face mask?

In short, no. Most masks are made to use after cleansing, and you can continue with your skincare routine afterward. Plus, you don't want to wash away the benefits the mask provided. However, some masks are made to wash off with warm water (think purifying masks, like clay or charcoal). If you're unsure, check the product directions. These will give you the recommended time to leave on the mask and what to do afterward.

When should you use a K-beauty face mask?

Generally speaking, you can apply a K-beauty face mask after cleansing your skin. This can be either in your morning routine or evening routine. Some opt to apply their masks after they shower since the steam can soften pores and allow your skin to better absorb the product.

The 11 Best Korean Beauty Face Masks of 2023

It’s a well-known fact that Korean skincare is, simply put, on a whole other level than anything else. The entire approach is different from what we’re used to stateside. “Korean skincare is different from American skincare not only in terms of trendy packaging and innovative formulations but also in the approach to thinking about skincare itself. It’s a daily way of life,” explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Y. Claire Chang. “K-beauty emphasizes hydration, nurturing your skin, and preventing damage rather than treating damage that has already occurred,” she adds, noting that that’s why hydrating, soothing ingredients are so popular in these formulas.

And while mimicking the oh-so-famous 10-step Korean skincare routine can feel daunting, reaching for a K-beauty mask is one of the easiest ways to reap these benefits, fast. K-beauty masks are very versatile. They are all formulated with different ingredients to help address a variety of skin concerns, and their classic sheet masks are even made of different materials, allowing your experience to be different each time.

Ahead, the best K-beauty face masks out there.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Missha Sheet Mask at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Brightening:

Mediheal Essential Sheet Mask at Stylevana.com

Jump to Review

Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Mediheal Healing Solution Mask Sheet at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Customizable:

Innisfree Squeeze Mask at Innisfree.com

Jump to Review

Best Overnight:

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Soothing:

Natural Republic Aloe Mask Sheet at Naturerepublicusa.com

Jump to Review

Best Purifying:

Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Skin Strengthening:

Dr. Jart+ Facial Barrier Mask at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Value:

The Face Shop Facial Mask Sheets at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie?

Courtesy of Glow Recipe

View On Amazon

What We Like

Smells great
Unique gel texture
Hydrating ingredients
Absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Reviewed: Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Who else recommends it? Who What Wear, Harper's Bazaar, and Marie Claire all picked the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask.

What do buyers say? 86% of 2,700+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

You’d be hard-pressed to find ANY brand, Korean or not, that consistently launches products that sell out at the rapid rate that Glow Recipe does. Their newbies sell out, quite literally, within hours; this is one of the OGs, well-worth all of the hype. The overnight treatment works while you snooze, loaded with hydrating watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid, as well as an AHA blend for gentle exfoliation. The result? Smoother, plumper, bouncier skin.

Price at time of publish: $44

What Our Testers Say

"This stuff works! Whether overnight or just for 10 minutes, it 100% plumps and brightens the skin." — Emily Algar, Product Tester

View On Walmart View On Stylevana.com

What We Like

Feels light on the skin
Adheres easily
Comes in three varieties

Not as intense as other options

Prefer to shop for skincare at the drugstore? Don’t miss this wallet-friendly pick, made of, wait for it, rice paper. As compared to many other sheet masks, it’s super thin and extremely lightweight, adheres well, and feels virtually undetectable on the skin. It also comes in three variants, so there are choices for whatever your skin needs.

Price at time of publish: $2

View On Stylevana.com

What We Like

Makes skin look radiant
Helps fade dark spots
Adheres easily

What We Don't Like

Packaging could be improved

“I love the Mediheal line of sheet masks, which stay moist for a long time and stick well to the skin’s surface,” says Chang. This one, in particular, is one of her favorites, a cellulose mask that contains vitamin C and salix alba (white willow bark) extract to brighten and nourish the skin, she says.

Price at time of publish: $3

For this or any sheet mask for that matter, Chang recommends applying any remaining liquid in the pack to your neck, chest, and arms.

Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Healing Solution Mask Sheet

Stylevana

View On Amazon View On Sokoglam.com View On Stylevana.com

What We Like

Calms redness
Effective formula
Value pack contains 5 or 10 masks

What We Don't Like

A little watery

Per our point above, Chang also recommends this option from Mediheal. “It’s ideal for red, inflamed, or acne-prone skin,” she says, citing the use of ingredients such as naturally antibacterial tea tree oil and extra-soothing, healing Centella Asiatica. The formula is hydrating as well and touts protective antioxidants also.

Price at time of publish: $10

View On Innisfree.com View On Stylevana.com

What We Like

Feels soothing on skin
Biodegradable
Softens skin

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

No matter what your complexion concern may be, this brand makes a mask for it. “The 100%, naturally-derived cellulose sheet masks come with a variety of ingredients to suit your skin needs,” says Chang, who adds that tea tree (for purifying), aloe (for soothing), and manuka honey (for moisturizing) are some of her top picks.

Price at time of publish: $2

4.5

Courtesy of Laneige

View On Sephora

What We Like

Quick results
Targets multiple concerns
Good value

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask Gave Me (Almost) Overnight Results

It may be the overnight lip mask from this brand that gets the most buzz, but don’t sleep on (pun intended) this face mask. The gel-based mask is like a tall glass of water for your skin, packed with hyaluronic acid and water infused with moisture-maximizing minerals. On top of all of that, it also uses an exclusive technology to trap all of this hydration in your skin for up to eight hours, AKA while you get a good night’s rest.

What Our Testers Say

"By the second usage of the Laneige Water Sleeping mask, my skin felt smooth, hydrated, and refreshed." — Celeste Polanco, Product Tester

Natural Republic Real Nature Aloe Mask Sheet

View On Naturerepublicusa.com

What We Like

Feels soothing on the skin
Hydrating formula
Softens skin

What We Don't Like

A little expensive per ounce

As the name suggests, a hefty dose of aloe is the start of the show in this sheet mask, another one of Chang’s picks. She says the mask not only helps soothe the skin but also provides long-lasting hydration, and points out that the brand also has a ton of different options that offer everything from more lightweight hydration to heavier moisture.

Price at time of publish: $2

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Innisfree.com

What We Like

Exfoliating benefits
Fragrance-free
Non-drying

What We Don't Like

Can leave residue behind

Innisfree’s Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2x Deep-cleaned My Skin

Clogged pores don’t stand a chance against this purifying mask, a favorite of Byrdie Editorial & Strategy Director Kathryn Vandervalk. This mask is great for absorbing excess sebum. Couple volcanic lava and exfoliating lactic acid, and you’ve got yourself a great formula to reach for when you want to give your skin an extra deep clean.

Price at time of publish: $15

innisfree super volcanic clusters pore clearing clay mask — Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

What Our Testers Say

"As I've continued to use it two weeks in a row, I can tell the difference in my skin's oiliness when I'm wearing makeup, which I love." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester

View On Sephora View On Stylevana.com

What We Like

Feels soothing on the skin
Calms redness
Won't irritate sensitive skin

What We Don't Like

Expensive per ounce

We think this sounds more like a piece of military armor than skincare, but it’s aptly named, given the protective benefits it offers. The focus is on boosting your skin barrier, the secret to keeping moisture locked in and irritants locked out. At work are ceramides, which you’ve likely heard of before, as well as ectoin, a soothing and moisturizing ingredient that also helps support the skin barrier, as well as a unique peptide that bolsters a lipid in your skin barrier. The point being, this pick is ideal for those with sensitive, compromised complexions.

Price at time of publish: $9

View On Amazon View On Stylevana.com

What We Like

Targets multiple concerns
Adheres easily
Feels light on the skin

What We Don't Like

A little sticky

Ringing in at just slightly over a dollar apiece, this set of 15 different masks is a great way to get your hands (erm, face) on some great K-beauty goods. Each is centered around a different natural ingredient that offers a unique benefit; think olive for moisturizing, kelp for purifying... you get the picture. They consistently pull in rave reviews with shoppers talking about how well they work (and how affordable they are).

Price at time of publish: $29

4.8

Amazon

View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Easily storable packaging
Multiple patch sizes
Works fast

What We Don't Like

Patches aren't individually packaged

I Reviewed The Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch And Saw Visible Overnight Results

Okay, so it may not technically be a mask, but this stick-on patch from Korean mainstay COSRX is next-level good at significantly reducing the look of big ol’ red pimples—overnight. To Chang’s point of K-beauty products, not irritating skin, it doesn’t contain any harsh actives. Instead, the hydrocolloid bandage covers the skin, protecting the blemish from any additional bacteria and speeding up the time in which the skin can heal itself.

Price at time of publish: $14

cosrx acne pimple master patch — Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

What Our Testers

"I enjoyed using these, and they offered up visible overnight results." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester

Final Verdict

A K-beauty mask is one of the easiest ways to experience all the benefits of Korean skincare. The Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask is our overall top pick, an overnight treatment that hydrates and gently exfoliates. If you want to try a variety of different options, each suited to a particular complexion need, check out the Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask (view at Innisfree), standout sheet masks that offer a little something for everyone.

What to Look for in a K-Beauty Face Mask

Consider Your Skin’s Needs

Chang says the most important thing is to think about what your skin needs and aligning that with a mask that contains an ingredient to help you reach those goals. Many K-beauty masks center around one or two key ingredients that are meant to do particular things, and as such are best for certain skin types. For example, look for vitamin C if you want brighter skin, tea tree if you’re oily or acne-prone, and aloe for soothing.

The Material of the Mask

Many K-beauty masks are sheet masks, but, setting aside ingredients for a second, the material of the mask itself, matters, too, says Chang. “Cotton masks tend to be non-irritating and provide rich moisture. Hydrogel masks have a cooling effect but may rip easily, while cellulose masks adhere well to the skin, allowing its ingredients to absorb better,” she explains.

FAQ

Is it okay to use K-beauty face masks everyday?

It depends on the type of mask you use. A K-beauty face mask with hydrating and nourishing ingredients (think aloe, hyaluronic acid, etc.) can be used every day if you feel like indulging yourself or your skin needs some extra TLC. However, if you're using an exfoliating mask (think AHAs, BHAs, etc.), then it's best to only use those moderately to avoid over-exfoliation.
Should you wash your face after using a K-beauty face mask?

In short, no. Most masks are made to use after cleansing, and you can continue with your skincare routine afterward. Plus, you don't want to wash away the benefits the mask provided. However, some masks are made to wash off with warm water (think purifying masks, like clay or charcoal). If you're unsure, check the product directions. These will give you the recommended time to leave on the mask and what to do afterward.
When should you use a K-beauty face mask?

Generally speaking, you can apply a K-beauty face mask after cleansing your skin. This can be either in your morning routine or evening routine. Some opt to apply their masks after they shower since the steam can soften pores and allow your skin to better absorb the product.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While she admittedly will never be able to commit to a 10-step K-beauty skincare routine, she can definitely get down with working K-beauty masks into her M.O.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Y. Claire Chang is a board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. Dr. Chang is an expert in the skin of color and Asian beauty trends, and she frequently travels back and forth from Asia to bring the latest cosmetic trends to her patients.

The 28 Best Facial Moisturizers of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

This cult-loved mask is like an instant face-lift—celebrities go nuts for it. Who What Wear. https://www.whowhatwear.com/best-korean-face-masks
The 13 best k-beauty face masks. Harper's Bazaar. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g36421956/best-korean-face-masks
The 21 best Korean face masks for dewy, bouncy skin. Marie Claire. https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/g34029753/best-korean-face-masks
Bukhari SNA, Roswandi NL, Waqas M, et al. Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. Int J Biol Macromol. 2018;120(Pt B):1682-1695. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.188
Babilas P, Knie U, Abels C. Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids: AHA in dermatology. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2012;10(7):488-491. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2012.07939.x
Telang P. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593
Mazzarello V, Donadu MG, Ferrari M, et al. Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations. Clin Pharmacol. 2018;10:175-181. doi:10.2147/CPAA.S180474
Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiżeń P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. pdia. 2013;1:46-49. doi:10.5114/pdia.2013.33378
Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.
McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnock M, Fyfe L. Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin. Cent Asian J Glob Health. 2016;5(1):241. doi:10.5195/cajgh.2016.241
Babilas P, Knie U, Abels C. Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids: AHA in dermatology. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2012;10(7):488-491. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2012.07939.x
Spada F, Barnes TM, Greive KA. Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:491-497. doi:10.2147/CCID.S177697
Marini A, Reinelt K, Krutmann J, Bilstein A. Ectoine-containing cream in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis: a randomised, comparator-controlled, intra-individual double-blind, multi-center trial. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(2):57-65. doi:10.1159/000351381
Cooke A, Cork MJ, Victor S, et al. Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil or no Oil for Baby Dry Skin or Massage: A Pilot, Assessor-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial (the Oil in Baby SkincaRE [OBSeRvE] Study). Acta Derm Venereol. 2016;96(3):323-330. doi:10.2340/00015555-2279
Hwang YH, Song HK, Lee A, Ha H, Kim T. Laminaria japonica Suppresses the Atopic Dermatitis-Like Responses in NC/Nga Mice and Inflamed HaCaT Keratinocytes via the Downregulation of STAT1. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3238. doi:10.3390/nu12113238
Kuo CW, Chiu YF, Wu MH, et al. Gelatin/Chitosan Bilayer Patches Loaded with Cortex Phellodendron amurense/Centella asiatica Extracts for Anti-Acne Application. Polymers (Basel). 2021;13(4):579. doi:10.3390/polym13040579
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Best Overall

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Best Drugstore

Missha Airy Fit Sheet Mask

Best Brightening

Mediheal Vita Lightbeam Essential Mask Ex

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Healing Solution Mask Sheet

Best Customizable

Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask

Best Overnight

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Best Soothing

Natural Republic Real Nature Aloe Mask Sheet

Best Purifying

Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X

Best Skin Strengthening

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask

Best Value

The Face Shop Facial Mask Sheets

Best Patch

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Related Stories

The Best Korean Beauty Face Masks for Radiant Glass Skin

Best Overall

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Best Drugstore

Missha Airy Fit Sheet Mask

Best Brightening

Mediheal Vita Lightbeam Essential Mask Ex

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Healing Solution Mask Sheet

Best Customizable

Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask

Best Overnight

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Best Soothing

Natural Republic Real Nature Aloe Mask Sheet

Best Purifying

Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X

Best Skin Strengthening

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask

Best Value

The Face Shop Facial Mask Sheets

Best Patch

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Final Verdict

What to Look for in a K-Beauty Face Mask

Consider Your Skin’s Needs

The Material of the Mask

Why Trust Byrdie?

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