6 Korean face masks to take your next self care sesh to another level
For fans of innovative beauty products, it's common knowledge you'll find them in Korea.
Korean skin care features ingredients we've never heard of, but can't get enough of once we've tried them. We're looking at you snail mucin.
In stark comparison to the west's inclination for assaulting the skin with actives, K-beauty has managed to figure out a way to transform the skin without irritating it.
It's for this very reason that when we need our skin to look it's absolute best, without the need for down time, we always reach for a Korean face mask.
There's a formulation for every possible skin need and type, plus, the country has managed to produce some of the most travel-friendly skin care products we've ever seen. Because the only thing better than a vacation is attaining the best skin of your life, while you're on the road or in the air.
Looking for the best Korean face masks for your next in-flight facial? Here, are six BEAUTYcrew really rates...
2024's Top 3 Best Korean Face Masks
1. Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask, $9.39, StyleVana
2. Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask, $2.75, Beauty Amora
3. I'm From Honey Mask, $39.35, Beauty Amora
The Best Korean Face Masks 2024
Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask
from $9.39 at StyleVana
The most notable face mask of the year, Biodance's collagen mask has made a name for itself on TikTok. The mask's oligo-hyaluronic acid and collagen formula has gone viral thanks to its uniquely hydrating, plumping and glow-enhancing abilities. Designed to be worn for at least four hours, influencers have been wearing them in-flight or overnight for best results, revealing bouncy, firm and moisturised skin, and barely visible pores when they wake.
Key features:
Infused with collagen that boasts an ultra-low molecular weight to promote absorption and efficacy
Refines the appearance of pores
Improves elasticity and bounce
Hydrogel mask is enriched with three different kinds of probiotics to strengthen the skin’s barrier
Oligo-hyaluronic acid hydrates the surface of the skin and penetrates deep too
Triple Probiotic Complex promotes a balanced and healthy complexion
Available at:
- $9.39 from StyleVana
- $11.05 from Beauty Amora
- $12.50 from Amazon Australia
Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask
from $2.75 at Beauty Amora
Simultaneously replenish moisture levels, control excess sebum and treat enlarged pores with this multi-tasking face mask that's been formulated with Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), sodium hyaluronate and witch hazel water.
Key features:
Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) and hyaluronic acid deeply hydrate, soothe and calm
Witch hazel water controls excess oil and enlarged pores
Enriched with plant extracts
Korean celebrity approved
Available at:
- $2.75 from Beauty Amora
- $2.79 from StyleVana
I'm From Honey Mask
from $39.35 at Beauty Amora
A must-have for any at-home pamper sesh, this honey mask is infused with 38.7per cent pure honey harvested Jirisan (an area in Korea renowned for it's abundance of wild herbs). Antimicrobial and a natural humectant, honey helps to hydrate and purify the skin of dirt, bacteria, and oil. The formula is enhanced with a cocktail of barrier-reinforcing ingredients such as antibacterial propolis, moisturising macadamia nut oil, and skin-plumping bee venom.
Key features:
Enriched with 38.7 per cent antimicrobial and humectant honey from Jirisan
Contains antibacterial propolis and plumping bee venom
Macadamia nut oil helps to moisturise skin
Promotes a healthy skin barrier
Purifies skin of pimple-causing bacteria
Available at:
- $39.35 from Beauty Amora
- $39.90 from StyleVana
- $51.95 from Oz Hair & Beauty
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
from $23.85 at Beauty Amora
This pore-purifying mask combines 30 per cent Haenam red bean extract and detoxifying kaolin clay to absorb excess sebum and oil, and gently exfoliate skin. If you're not a fan of traditional clay masks, which can leave the skin feeling tight, dry or uncomfortable then you'll love the refreshing, cooling feeling of this innovative pick.
Key features:
Enriched with 30 per cent Haenam Red Bean Extract and kaolin clay
Absorbs excess oil and sebum
Purifies pores
Gently exfoliates
Leaves skin feeling moisturised, cool and refreshed
Available at:
- $23.85 from Beauty Amora
- $27.86 from Amazon Australia
- $32.94 from iHerb
COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
from $7.39 at StyleVana
Boasting 35,000 ppm of snail mucin (seven times higher concentration than traditional snail mucin facial masks), this deeply nourishing and moisturising face mask targets dehydration, as well as repairing damaged skin, brightening acne scars and improving skin elasticity.
Key features:
Nourishes and moisturises
Repairs damaged skin
Brightens dark marks
Improves skin elasticity and bounce
Contains 35,000 ppm of snail mucin
Available at:
- $7.39 from StyleVana
- $7.42 from YesStyle
- $8.90 from Adore Beauty
Pyunkang Yul Highly Moisturizing Essence Mask Pack
from $1.95 at Beauty Amora
Pumped full of herbal extracts, five kinds of hyaluronic acid, and moisturising agents to promote a healthy, plump and hydrated complexion, while ceramide NP and panthenol lock in moisture, strengthen the barrier, and promotes soft and supple skin.
Key features:
Infused with herbal extracts, five kinds of hyaluronic acid, moisturising agents, ceramide NP and panthenol
Promotes a healthy, strong barrier
Keeps skin plump and hydrated
Leaves skin feeling soft and supple
Locks in moisture
Available at:
- $1.95 from Beauty Amora
- $2.89 from StyleVana
- $4.85 from YesStyle
What is the viral Korean face mask?
If you live on TikTok (guilty), then you've no doubt seen influencers peeling the translucent remnants of the Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask ($11.05 from Beauty Amora) from their plump and glowing faces. The collagen and hyaluronic acid-infused face mask deeply hydrates, promotes plump and bouncy skin, and enhances radiance too.
What face masks do Korean celebrities use?
Mediheal has received celebrity endorsements from Koreaan pop idols and BTS members J-Hope and Suga, Aespa, and Hyun Bin. Specifically, J-Hope and Suga shared via a livestream in 2017 that the Mediheal Teatree Essential Mask ($3.05 from Beauty Amora) is their go-to for maintaining a flawless complexion.
Main image credit: @roses_are_rosie
Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).
