This is our top pick for skin barrier because of its barrier-friendly ingredients and noticeable calming effects. It’s inspired by the viral Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream, which won a spot on our list of best Korean skin care. You get all the same soothing, hydrating benefits in this mask with a slightly more concentrated delivery. “A healthy skin barrier is essential for beautiful skin at any age,” says Dr. Hwang. “This mask is an excellent choice for calming sensitive or irritated skin while restoring moisture and supporting barrier recovery. I often recommend it after retinoid use, over-exfoliation, or aesthetic treatments when the skin needs extra comfort and repair.”
Frequently asked questions
Which brand’s face mask is most famous in Korea?
While TikTok is a good place to start researching products, some of Korea’s most popular skin care items don’t go viral globally. If you want an idea of what’s currently trending in South Korea, we recommend checking the Olive Young Awards and Hwahae. Right now, the Mediheal TeaTree Essential Mask (and the brand’s Madecassoside Essential Mask) are top sellers in South Korea. Olive Young issues its coveted awards every year, relying on “sales data and customer reviews” to confirm what’s most popular, says Dr. Hwang. Hwahae also announces its awards twice a year, every year, but the app tracks leading products in real time. “It’s a user-driven app that aggregates reviews and ratings, providing insights into current trends and ingredient transparency,” he says. “Together, these platforms reflect evolving trends in K-beauty.”
Are Korean face masks good for anti-aging?
Yes, especially if you look for one that specifically targets sagging, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. “Korean sheet masks are an excellent way to boost hydration, and well-hydrated skin is one of the foundations of healthy, youthful-looking skin,” says Dr. Hwang. “They can temporarily improve skin texture, radiance, and overall skin comfort. A sheet mask won’t erase wrinkles overnight, but it can make your skin look healthier, smoother, and more radiant by delivering a surge of hydration. Think of it as a complement to your skincare routine.”
Even if you’re not looking for an anti-aging mask, dermatologists still recommend adding a targeted mask to your routine. “Face masks can be beneficial for a wide variety of people and skin concerns,” says Dr. Chang. These at-home treatments can do everything from providing “a boost of hydration” to “improving acne-prone skin, inflamed skin, dull skin, or photoaged skin.”
How can you find the right Korean face mask for your skin type?
Prioritize gentle formulas and hydrating ingredients if you’re shopping for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. Look for calming ingredients like Centella asiatica (cica) and heartleaf extracts as well as nourishing, barrier-friendly If you’re prone to pimples and breakouts, search for sebum-targeting ingredients like tea-tree-leaf water and kaolin clay to cleanse clogged pores and target acne-causing bacteria without stripping your skin of essential moisture. We’ve included picks for every skin type and concern in this story, so you can shop the best pick for your routine.
What’s the difference between a sheet mask and an overnight mask?
“Sheet masks and overnight masks dominate the [K-beauty] market right now,” says Dr. Hwang. According to Dr. Hwang, sheet masks are “favored for their convenience,” while overnight masks have become “increasingly popular for their intensive hydration properties.”
Do Korean face masks really work?
Yes, Korean face masks really work—and feature a wide variety of options to treat every skin concern. So whether you’re looking for calming properties, something to hydrate and brighten, or targeting antiaging concerns, there’s something for everyone. Throughout this story, we included real reviews and videos so you can see the results for yourself.
How we tested the best Korean face masks
Glamour editors have tested hundreds of the most popular Korean beauty launches, including snail mucin creams, cleansers, cleansing oils, ampoules, lip tints, and cushion foundations. For this list featuring the best Korean sheet masks, Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu traveled to Seoul for trend research and an on-the-ground look at the most popular Korean face masks of 2026 for every skin concern: dryness, dullness, wrinkles, sensitivity breakouts, and more. During her time there, she spoke with Seoul-based dermatologists, brand founders, and K-beauty experts about the latest breakout launches and well-known best sellers.
When reviewing each face mask, we make note of its ingredients list, texture, and results to determine which skin concerns it’s best for, whether it’s fragrance-free, and its key benefits. We also consult with K-beauty experts and dermatologists specializing in Korean skin care to curate each list and help Glamour readers make the most informed decision.
