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 10 Best Korean Face Masks We’ve Tried
1. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask
2. Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
3. Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask
4. AXIS-Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask
5. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
6. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask
8. innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
1. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Overnight Mask
Name: Beth Humphreys
Job title: Social Media Assistant
Skin type: Combination
Review in one line: “My skin felt super hydrated after using it overnight and this moisturisation seemed to last throughout the day”
“I’ve used the COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask for a few days and honestly fell in love with it! I have used quite a few overnight masks, but I am particularly impressed with this one. I found that my skin felt super hydrated after using it overnight and this moisturisation seemed to last throughout the day as well.
I also found that my skin appeared brighter and less dull than it usually would using this Korean rice mask, which meant I didn’t feel the need to wear as much makeup! I would definitely use the mask again and would highly recommend it to anyone with a similar skin type to me.”
2. Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Name: Aimée Barlow
Job title: Trade Executive
Skin type: Combination
Review in one line: “It isn’t too thick or sticky but still has enough texture to help with exfoliation”
“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!”
3. Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask
Name: Pooja B Haja
Job title: Copy & Editorial Assistant
Skin type: Combination
Review in one line: “After day one, my skin was glowing and noticeably nourished”
“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.”
4. AXIS-Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask
Name: Melissa McPhillips
Job title: Copy & Editorial Manager
Skin type: Blemish-prone, Combination
Review in one line: “I experienced less inflammation and no irritation. My skin was left smooth and glowy.”
“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.”
5. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Name: Brad Cunningham
Job title: Merchandise Admin Assistant
Skin type: Dry, Sensitive
Review in one line: “It doesn’t leave your skin with that horrible sticky feeling other face masks tend to”
“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!”
6. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask
Name: Kodi Pollit
Job title: Customer Service Agent
Skin type: Blemish-prone, Dry
Review in one line: “I have been waking up looking and feeling like I have already done my skincare routine”
“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!”
7. Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
Name: Rachel Brown
Job title: Assistant Merchandiser
Skin type: Dry, Sensitive
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”
“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.”
8. innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Name: Rebecca Fitzroy
Job title: Customer Service Agent
Skin type: Blemish-prone, enlarged pores, and textured
Review in one line: “The main difference I noticed was definitely the texture in my face and my skin no longer looked dull”
“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.”
9. Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Name: Orin Stocks
Job title: Digital Artworker
Skin type: Combination
Review in one line: “It left my pores feeling smaller, tighter and clearer just as it says on the box”
“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!”
10. I'm From Mugwort Mask
Name: Summer-May Henry
Job title: Senior Designer
Skin type: Oily, Combination
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.”
“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.”
