Korean peel-off mask products are the latest beauty craze. And no wonder. They work! You brush this mask on and when it dries you can peel it off like a thin film. And dead skin cells, excessive oil, sebum, and dirt that’s clogging your pores go away together with that film.
Korean peel-off masks are great for exfoliating the skin. They have a deep cleansing effect, help eliminate blackheads, and narrow pores. These masks leave your skin healthy-looking and glowing and improve its texture. Here are the best ones and a guide on how to use them properly.
My top 3 picks
Best Korean peel-off mask
I DEW CARE Sugar Kitten Hydarating Glitter Korean Peel-Off Mask
I DEW CARE Sugar Kitten is a lovely-looking Korean peel-off mask.
It contains rose water and Centella Asiatica extract.
Rose water is one of the oldest cosmetic products, known for thousands of years.
Rose water has calming, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, so it helps reduce skin irritation and acne.
Centella Asiatica has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries.
It has strong healing properties and increases the synthesis of collagen in the skin.
So it’s often used to treat wounds, burns, scars, and psoriasis.
Another important ingredient of this mask is Hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture.
In addition to that, I DEW CARE promises that his mask contains real ruby powder added to brighten the skin and to make it glow.
The Sugar Kitten mask is very effective against acne and blemishes.
It takes about 20-30 minutes to dry. After that, you can remove it.
The Sugar Kitten mask is easy to peel off in one piece.
It doesn’t irritate the face thanks to rose water and hyaluronic acid.
So it’s great for people with sensitive skin.
I’d recommend using a moisturizer immediately after you remove the mask for a better effect.
The mask is gorgeous and has a nice and light scent.
It would make an excellent gift for a unicorn lover because it has a lovely unicorn-themed pastel color and a pearly shimmer.
This product is also cruelty-free, as it’s not tested on animals. It’s paraben-free and gluten-free. Which is a plus for people with gluten intolerance.
I DEW CARE Space Kitten Charcoal Korean Peel-off Face Mask
The I DEW CARE Space Kitten mask contains activated charcoal
It’s known as the remedy for poisoning and wounds.
But is also effective for absorbing dirt, toxins, excess oil, and sebum from the skin.
So charcoal is a popular ingredient in the Korean beauty industry today.
It purifies the skin, cleans and narrows pores, removes blackheads, reduces the skin’s oil production, cures breakouts.
That’s why many cleansing masks contain activated charcoal.
In addition to the activated charcoal, this mask contains volcanic ash, which has antibacterial properties.
The mask is black with glitter mixed in and looks cute too.
According to the manufacturer, one of its ingredients is a real sapphire powder that’s supposed to exfoliate the skin.
You don’t need to apply the Space Kitten mask to the entire face.
Use it on your T-zone, in the oily areas of your face, and in the spots where you have blackheads only.
Just like the Sugar Kitten mask, the Space Kitten mask is easy to peel off in one piece.
Since it’s a cleansing mask, always use a moisturizer after you remove it.
It’s also, cruelty-free, gluten, and paraben-free.
I DEW CARE Mini Meow Trio Korean Peel Off-Face Mask Set: Hydrating Mask, Illuminating Mask, Exfoliating Mask
If you would like to try out every Korean peel-off mask by I DEW CARE then you can buy this trio set.
It contains mini versions of all 3 masks.
Including the hydrating Sugar Kitten, the exfoliating Space Kitten, and the illuminating Disco Kitten.
They work great together so you can rotate them when using a peel-off mask twice a week. Depending on the problem that you want to tackle.
This set also makes an excellent gift for anyone who loves good quality skincare products.
Elizavecca Milky Piggy Hell-Pore Clean Up Nose Peel-Off Mask
Elizavecca is known for its international cleansing best-seller, the Milky Piggy carbonated bubble clay mask.
However, if you want to precisely target blackheads and pores, you should use the brand’s Milky Piggy Hell-Pore Clean Up peel-off mask.
It’s another super-popular product from this Korean skincare company.
The mask exfoliates the face, cleans and narrows pores, pops out the blackheads and whiteheads, and absorbs oil and sebum.
The manufacturer recommends using a steam towel before you apply the mask.
This helps you to open the pores and the mask will have a deeper cleansing effect.
The product takes quite a long time to dry, about 30-40 minutes. But the results are worth it.
A big minus of this mask is that it’s quite painful to remove.
However, the cleansing it provides for the oily skin is very deep.
Korean Skin Care ANAi ARUi Unicorn Glitter Brightening Collagen Peel-Off Mask
This is another cute unicorn-themed Korean peel-off mask.
It’s also pastel and contains lots of glitter.
So you won’t look too scary while you’re keeping the mask on your face.
Like any peel-off mask, this product has a cleaning and purifying effect.
It also brightens and skin and helps it look healthy and glowing.
The Anai Arui mask is enriched with collagen that improves the skin’s elasticity.
This product is quite gentle and is suitable for all skin types.
Berry Moon Rose Petal Korean Peel-Off Mask
The Berry Moon Rose Petal Korean peel-off mask has a cleansing and hydrating effect.
It also helps you cure blemishes and tighten pores.
The mask contains botanical extracts, Centella Asiatica extract, and rose petal essence that calms the skin.
That’s why this mask is fine for sensitive skin.
However, it’s best for normal, oily, or combination skin.
It’s also quick-drying, taking only about 20 minutes to set.
This product is vegan and cruelty-free.
Opiqcey Store 2 PCS Silicone Face Mask Brush Set
The best and most hygienic way to apply a peel-off mask is by using a special silicone brush.
In addition to keeping your hands clean, it helps you apply the mask smoothly and in an even layer.
And that helps to remove the mask easily and painlessly in one piece after it has dried.
The Opiqcey set contains two silicone spatula-type brushes.
Unlike traditional brushes, silicone applicators are hairless.
You won’t have bristles stuck in the mask or on your face.
These brushes are also very easy to clean.
What is a Korean peel-off mask?
A peel-off mask is a gel-like product that looks like a regular mask out of the jar but dries into a film some time after you apply it.
Then, when the time is up to remove it you need to peel it off.
And since it sticks to the skin when it dries it strips oils, dirt, and dead cells away from your face when you peel it off.
This kind of mask is great for unclogging pores, preventing breakouts, removing blackheads, dead skin, any residue, excess oil, and sebum.
It makes the skin smooth and improves complexion.
In addition to that, it acts as an exfoliator, purifies, and detoxifies the skin.
You’ll get an instant result and cleaner skin after you remove it.
Peel-off masks often contain activated charcoal that has a cleansing effect, along with oils, vitamins, anti-bacterial components, and plant extracts that soothe, repair, and moisturize the skin.
Who’s it for?
Korean peel-off mask works wonders for oily and combination skin with clogged pores and blackheads. Especially if it contains charcoal.
However, you can also use it for dry and sensitive skin.
Just select a mask with moisturizing, calming, and nourishing components like hyaluronic acid and aloe.
How often should I use a Korean peel-off mask?
This mask has an exfoliating effect.
So you should only use it about once a week if you have oily skin, and once every 2 weeks in you have normal or dry skin.
Don’t overuse it!
If you apply it more often you risk irritating your skin. It will become raw and sensitive.
Of course, using it every day is out of the question.
Korean peel-off mask as part of the 10 step skincare routine
When you use this mask once a week or two times a month it’s best if you incorporate it into the 10 step skincare routine invented in Korea.
The use of a mask is an essential step in Korean skincare.
On days when you can’t use a peel-off mask, you can replace it with a moisturizing sheet mask that you can apply more often.
Here are the essential 10 steps of this routine:
- Oil cleanser
- Foam/cream cleanser
- Exfoliator (or a peel-off mask)
- Toner
- Essence
- Ampoule/Serum
- Sheet mask
- Eye Cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (morning) or night cream (evening)
You need to perform your skincare routine 2 times a day. In the morning and the evening.
Since a peel-off mask has a clarifying and exfoliating effect, you should incorporate it into your evening skincare routine.
Use it after you’ve cleansed your face and removed makeup but before you apply serum and night cream.
How to use a Korean peel-off mask?
Cleanse and open the pores
Cleansing and removing makeup is the indispensable first step in the 10-step (or any) skincare routine.
The mask won’t work if your skin is covered in makeup or excessive oil and dirt.
And bacteria from dirt and spoiled makeup may grow under the mask and cause breakouts.
Use a gentle cleansing product that you like.
Some masks require you to open the pores before use. That way the mask will be able to clean the pores better.
You can do this by applying a hot towel to your face and holding it for about 3-5 minutes.
Alternatively, you can use a facial steamer.
Facial steamer
NanoSteamer Large 3-in-1 Nano Ionic Facial Steamer
Steaming helps to soften the oil and dirt that’s clogging your pores and makes it easier to extract all these unpleasant substances with the help of a mask.
It also helps skincare products, such as moisturizers and serums penetrate deeper and have a stronger effect.
How to apply a Korean peel-off mask?
You will need to apply the peel-off mask all over your face.
Relax the facial muscles when you are applying and leaving the mask on your face.
Avoid the areas around the eyes, mouth, and nose.
And, of course, avoid the eyebrows.
You wouldn’t want to remove the eyebrows off your face when you peel the mask off.
Never use a peel-off mask together with another type of mask, such as a rinse-off one.
For example, if you have combination skin you may think it’s best to use the peel-off mask on the oily areas of your face and a rinse-off mask on the dry areas.
Don’t do it!
Again, use a Korean peel-off mask once a week and apply other types of masks on other days or during other steps of your skincare routine.
Silicone brush
Use a special flat silicone brush applicator to distribute the mask.
This kind of brush is soft, hygienic, and easy to clean.
No need to use your fingers to apply the mask if you have a brush.
So the mask left in the jar stays clean.
And silicone is very easy to wash with soap and water.
How long should I keep the Korean peel-off mask on my face?
Use the mask according to the instructions.
Most peel-off masks require about 20-30 minutes to fully dry and do their job.
If your mask’s instructions say that you should leave it on for 20 minutes then that’s the right time.
Remove it after it has solidified.
Never leave it on for too long or overnight, this can irritate the skin.
Don’t remove the mask too soon either. It won’t be effective enough.
How to remove a Korean-peel off mask?
Once the mask has dried you’ll be able to peel it off.
Do it very gently and slowly. Don’t just rip it off.
Tug the mask off starting from the chin and the sides moving upwards
The best way to remove it is in one piece.
That means you’ve used the correct amount of product and held it long enough for it to solidify and have the necessary effect on your skin.
Wash the remained mask off your face.
Use toner and serum
Apply toner after the peel-off mask.
This product will soothe and moisturize your face after the deep cleansing that the mask provides.
Toner will also prepare your skin for other products and will help them penetrate deeper into your skin.
Apply serum after toner
It’s a concentrated product packed with highly-effective ingredients beneficial for your skin that tackles specific problems.
After that, you can apply the moisturizer.
How to store Korean peel-off masks?
You should always keep your masks away from direct sunlight and heat. In a cool dark place.
The best place for storing a mask is in the fridge.
Most masks can be stored for 1-2 years if unopened.
And when they are opened the times vary from a few days to a couple of months.
The best storage times are usually indicated on the packaging.
Mini-fridge for storing masks
AstroAI Mini-Fridge
You can use a special mini fridge for cosmetics for storing your masks instead of the kitchen fridge.
This mini unit looks cute and would be a nice and convenient addition to your vanity table.
That way your masks and other cosmetic products will always stay fresh and will be kept separate from foods.
A Korean peel-off mask is a great way to care for oily and combination skin, but can also work wonders for normal and sensitive skin.
Recommended reading:
9 Best Korean Clay Mask Packs To Have On Hand For Skin Problems
9 Best Korean Hair Mask Treatments You Should Probably Try ASAP
7 Best Korean Face Scrub Exfoliators To Upgrade Your Skincare Routine
19 Best Korean Sheet Masks And Sheet Mask Brands That’ll Help You Have A Salon Day At Home
10 Best Gold Sheet Mask Products That’ll Feel Like A Treat
13 Best Korean Night Cream Brands That Are Popular For A Reason
8 Best Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask Products — Plus, How To Use Them
14 Best Korean Snail Sheet Mask Packs That May Make Your Skin Glow
13 Best Korean Snail Serum Products That May Seem Too Good To Be True
11 Best Huxley Skincare Products With Prickly Pear Oil You’ll Probably Wish You’d Known About Sooner
8 Best Korean Charcoal Mask Products Your Face Would Probably Thank You For
8 Best Benton Skincare Products You Might Just Fall In Love With
Best Professional Gel Nail Polish Brands Used In Salons
Best Professional Gel Nail Polish Brands Used In Salons
Non-Toxic Gel Nail Polish Brands 101: Choose The Safest Gel Nail Polish
Most Popular Shellac Colors – The Ultimate List Of 15 Best Shellac Colors For Fantastic Manicures
Best Gel Base And Top Coat: The Updated List Of The Best Gel Nail Base And Top Coat Sets