by Mary Lou |
Last Updated: December 2, 2022 When you buy something using the links on our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Mary Lou here, guys. Are you looking for the best Korean face mask for your flare-ups and acne? No need to look any further because I’m shortlisting our favorite picks based on my personal experience.
While I am a big advocate of using local products, I can’t help but give myself a treat now and again with Japanese and Korean beauty products. I first started with Korea’s BB creams a few years back and went on to try their face masks.
They are gorgeous, people! Korean face masks are a treat for both the skin and the eyes. Their packaging is always eye-catching and makes shopping loads of fun.
Applying the face mask is an awesome ritual on its own too as it is a very relaxing experience for me. I light some candles, pick my favorite essential oil, turn on our aromatherapy diffuser, and put on my favorite music for the week.
I nearly always fall asleep. (But please don’t fall asleep for real otherwise you’ll wake up with an extremely dry face!)
What are Korean face masks?
With Korean face masks, you get a small, soft sheet, soaked in the appropriate essence which is placed over the face. The aim of the Korean face mask is that the moisturizing essence on the sheet will soak into the skin, hydrating it, while the active ingredient gets to work on problem areas, including acne.
Korean face masks are intended for regular, but not daily, use, although they can be used daily. In general, once or twice a week is recommended.
When you’re treating acne, the important things are to ensure the skin is hydrated and to minimize irritation. People who are prone to acne often have very sensitive skin meaning it can be a challenge for to find appropriate facial cleansing treatments.
For the following reviews, we’ve focused on how different Korean face masks work for acne, specifically.
Disclaimer: As with all the skin care products we review, just remember that we all have different bodies that react to different things in different ways. The key is to listen to your body to find the best product suited for your skin.
Here’s a quick sneak peek of our picks. Scroll down to see our full reviews.
Last update on 2024-10-06 at 02:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Overall: MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Care
![Mediheal Official [Korea's No 1 Sheet Mask] - Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask - Skin...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41s9xYHj+wL.jpg)
I’ve lately fallen in love with the MEDIHEAL brand. I used to keep away from the brand before because they looked a bit daunting and somewhat expensive, but happily, I received some samples from friends and the rest is history. I also realized they’re priced just about the same as other face masks.
I’ve chosen this as our pick for best overall rather than the Amazon-popular Dermal Korean because I feel this is more acne-specific, works excellently, and MEDIHEAL is a brand that Koreans trust.
These sheet masks have been around forever but they’ve upgraded them so that you can tell if it’s time to remove the sheet mask. All you need to do is to keep an eye on the pressed logo. It will start to become visible when the 15 minutes is up thus acting as an alarm of sorts. This is important because keeping any sheet mask for too long has the completely opposite effect. It will dry you out like a water vampire. (Sorry to scare you but I fell asleep with a mask once and boy was that a mistake.)
Pros of Mediheal Tea Tree Face Mask:
- Soothes red and inflamed skin; healing effect
- Has centella asiatica extract which is used for treating wounds and burns (supposedly pricey but Mediheal has it in their ingredients list)
- Does not cause irritation (My skin got a bit red after use but came out better after a few hours)
- Made my zits smaller (my experience)
- Super hydrating and even brightening
Cons of Mediheal Tea Tree Face Mask
- May be difficult to get depending on your location
![Mediheal Official [Korea's No 1 Sheet Mask] - Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask - Skin...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41s9xYHj+wL._SL160_.jpg)
- Clearly balanced in 15 minutes. This all-in-one calming mask keeps your skin looking on its best behavior.
- Infused with a naturally clarifying elixir of herbal extracts, it starts working right away to minimize signs of trouble.
- Willow bark exfoliates buildup, while purifying rosemary + tea tree oil deep clean your pores.
Last update on 2024-10-05 at 19:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
If you have 20 minutes of your life to spare, you can watch BTS’ Suga and JHope do a live of themselves trying out face masks. JHope uses MEDIHEAL’s tea tree one. You can watch it on the V Live app here. It’s very slice of life and fun.
Best for Calming Breakouts: Benton Snail Bee Essence
Never thought of putting snail essence on your face? No, neither did I till the Korean beauty industry came along. It also has manuka honey which is known for its soothing, anti-bacterial properties.
While it may sound a little gross, there surprisingly isn’t much of a scent so you can focus on relaxing, rather than being distracted by an overpowering smell.
And they do offer prompt relief from acne, possibly because of the anti-bacterial action of the manuka honey. Or maybe it really is all down to the snails.
As well as providing effective anti-bacterial relief for acne, these face masks are refreshing with an easily absorbed essence. This further helps those with acne as there is no product clogging up the pores and potentially triggering further outbreaks.
Pros of Benton Snail Bee Essence:
- Great alternative to try if you have adverse reactions to tea tree oil
- Soothes redness and swelling
- Has the added effect of brightening your skin
- Works for people with sensitive skin
Cons of Benton Snail Bee Essence:
- Tastes horrible if you accidentally lick your lips
- They reformulated and the snail ingredient got pushed lower down the list
- Volume: 20g/ea
- Expiration Date: 24months from manufactured date
- Manufacture date & Lot No.: Shown seperately(YY/MM/DD)
Last update on 2024-10-06 at 02:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Acne Scars: MEDIHEAL I.P.I Lightmax Ampoule Mask
As any acne sufferer knows. the worst thing after red and pus-filled breakouts is the scarring that is left after. It’s not a pretty sight to see discolorations and scars on one’s face. Thankfully, there are now effective products that can help lighten these blemishes. A good complement to other products you use is this particular sheet mask by Mediheal — the I.P.I Lightmax Ampoule Mask. It’s a mouthful but it’s super worth it.
This sheet mask has Vitamin C, white mulberry bark extract and niacinamide to lighten your dark pigmentation. These natural ingredients are much safer than a lot of other harsh ingredients previously used in lightening skin products like hydroquinone and mercury. This is also probably why it works very well for people with sensitive skin.
If you’ve tried all sorts of things like facials, peels, and other derma solutions and they haven’t really worked, give the I.P.I Lightmax a trial period of 1-2 weeks. It was effective for me and others, and it may work just as well on you.
Pros of Mediheal I.P.I Lightmax Ampoule Mask:
- The I.P.I variant is specifically for lightening and clearing of blemishes like dark spots, freckles and scars
- Has had great results on a lot of happy buyers
- Free from coal tar, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, etc
- Comes with a ton of serum that you can use on your neck, elbows, and knees
- Works well on sensitive skin
Cons of Mediheal I.P.I Lightmax Ampoule Mask:
- None I could think of as of writing
- SKIN FRIENDLY COTTON LINTER SHEET: Mediheal presents you with our specially formulated sheet face mask made using high-quality and soft...
- I.P.I LIGHTMAX AMPOULE MASK: Our sheet masks contain ingredients like I.P.I (Intense Perfection Indicator) Vitamin C, Morus alba bark...
- SHEET MASK FOR A SPOTLESS SKIN: This skin clearing face mask for the face fits perfectly and, the ingredients get easily absorbed into your...
Last update on 2024-10-06 at 04:11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Pore Care: LAPCOS Charcoal Sheet Mask
Charcoal beauty products are known for one thing — they are super cleansing. They can absorb dirt and impurities to leave the skin clean. Ever since charcoal became a thing in beauty products, I’ve been a huge fan hence my charcoal-infused facial washes and face masks.
What drew me to try LAPCOS though is that apart from charcoal, it also had salicylic and tea tree oil. Once I saw these ingredients, I knew it had the potential to be a great pick for acne problems. And true enough, after several uses and succeeding recommendations to friends who had similar good experiences, I realized that it’s an awesome brand, it works well on my skin, and it’s value for money. It is popular for a reason.
If the Charcoal variant works well for your breakouts, try the other variants also like Cica (regeneration) and Escargot (damage care). I haven’t had a chance to try the others.
Pros of LAPCOS Charcoal Sheet Mask:
- Has charcoal, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil
- LAPCOS’ line of face sheet masks has great reviews from buyers
- Works well for sensitive skin
- Will leave your skin feeling silky smooth
- Comes with a lot of serum that you can use for dry parts of your body like neck, elbows, and knees
- The mask itself fits my face well
Cons of LAPCOS Charcoal Sheet Mask:
- The most expensive on this list
- DETOXIFY & TIGHTEN SKIN - Our Charcoal face mask, features fine Charcoal powder, similarly works to purify. Like a magnet, the mask draws...
- TEA TREE & SALICYLIC ACID - Clarifying, a beta hydroxy acid, which makes it particularly effective in ridding skin of blemishes. Hydrating &...
- YOUTHFUL CLEAR SKIN - The multitasking ingredient also holds anti-aging properties, tightening and minimizing the appearance of enlarged...
Last update on 2024-10-06 at 04:11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best with Cica: Rael Bamboo Sheet Mask
I first picked up this sheet mask because of the lovely packaging. As you might understand by now, I’m a huge sucker for a pretty box or container.
Happily, Rael did not disappoint on all fronts. Natural and with organic goodies inside? Check. Paraben-free? Check. Cruelty-free? Check. And most important of all, can it banish breakouts? Check, check, check. It helped clear out my small breakouts in a matter of days.
Another friend with bad cystic acne used this product for several months, and the effect on her was quite astounding. She used to have big ugly acne that left dark spots, but her skin was much improved.
One last thing I’ll mention is that it has cica or centella asiatica. Cica is a recent favorite ingredient nowadays in Korean beauty products because it has a huge list of benefits for the skin. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It is healing and soothing. After tea tree oil, the next ingredient I get excited about when it comes to acne is cica.
If you can get ahold of this product, I suggest you buy a handful of these face masks and try them for consecutive days.
Pros of Rael Bamboo Sheet Mask:
- Has tea tree oil and other soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and chamomile
- No synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, parabens, PEGs, phenoxyethanol, mineral oil, silicones, sulfates, and phthalates
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Comes with a lot of serum
- Very good anecdotal feedback from users
Cons of Rael Bamboo Sheet Mask:
- Some women find tea tree oil too strong for their face
- PURIFIES AND BALANCES - A silky soft, skin-hugging mask infused with a healthy dose of tea tree oil and clean ingredients to help keep skin...
- INSTANT MOISTURE BOOST - Infused with almost a full ounce of concentrated serum in each mask. A quick and easy pamper session for your skin...
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS - Free of synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, parabens, PEGs, phenoxyethanol, mineral oil, silicones, sulfates, and...
Last update on 2024-10-05 at 21:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best SOS Face Mask: FACETORY SOS Restoring Sheet Mask with Royal Jelly
FACETORY is one of the best sheet masks in the market today. They’re one of my favorites because they have a reputation for having a safe formulation (none of the usual suspects like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and retinyl palmitate). Also, their products are great for people with sensitive skin.
They have a lot of awesome bundle collections, but for this list, I chose their variant that specifically addresses acne-prone skin. This is the SOS Restoring Mask with Royal Jelly. It has royal jelly to help soothe inflammation, even out skin texture, and repair aggravated skin. The second important ingredient is aloe vera which calms and hydrates skin. Like the royal jelly, it can also bring down inflammation.
I’ve tried out a few of these FACETORY masks myself, and it was nothing but a positive experience. Other teens and adults who have ordered have used these masks to great success so do try them out.
One other thing that stands out about FACETORY is their sense of community. They have a lot of fun and informative videos on their YouTube channel. They even have subscriptions. My personal favorite would be their do’s and don’ts video. I highly recommend this for face mask newbies.
Pros of FACETORY SOS Mask:
- Its primary active ingredients are royal jelly and aloe vera
- No sulfates and parabens
- Great for sensitive skin that’s also prone to acne
- Masks fit well
- Has a ton of instructional videos in their YouTube channel
Cons of FaceStory SOS Mask:
- Essence will be sticky after getting absorbed into your skin
You can buy it online from HERE.
Best 2-Step Mask: FACETORY Soothe Me Tea Tree Mask
I’ve already talked about how this brand doesn’t use unsafe ingredients, and how their sheet masks work well for those with sensitive skin. That aside, let’s talk about this particular version, the Soothe Me Tea Tree Mask.
With most face masks, you tear off the top of the packaging and slide out the essence-laden sheet. FACETORY’S Soothe Me face mask has an extra step though.
Step 1: Open the small packaging that contains the liquid ampoule. Massage it onto your face. (Make sure you cleansed prior and used toner.)
Step 2: Open the package with the sheet mask. Pat the sheet mask into place. Collect the leftover essence and pat it onto your face mask and neck. You can also massage some onto parts of your body that usually get dry like elbows, knees, or even feet.
That’s it. The primary advantage of the FACETORY product over others is that you get extra ampoule product. An ampoule is a supercharged serum of sorts so it’s definitely a plus.
Pros of FACETORY Soothe Me Mask:
- Its primary active ingredients are tea tree oil extract and lotus flower extract
- No sulfates and parabens
- Comes with an extra packet of liquid ampoule
- Has a ton of instructional videos in their YouTube channel
- Appears to be active in building a fun and engaged community so check out their YouTube channel and website
Cons of FACETORY Soothe Me Mask:
- Some women find tea tree oil too strong for their face
You can buy it online from HERE.
Last update on 2024-10-02 at 16:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Cutest: Mediheal Line Friends
In case you go out and look for this cutie face mask, the entire product name is P.D.F. AC-Dressing Ampoule Mask (Line Friends) from Mediheal. It’s not just extremely cute, it did its job excellently when I tried it out.
As promised, it brought the redness down and calmed my inflamed breakouts. (I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets self-conscious when your acne just decides to take front and center. I get comments from friends even when I’m trying to forget I have pus-y zits on my face. Gross, I know.)
You may not believe it but I saw a distinct improvement after just one use. I don’t know how it will react on your face, but I highly recommend you give it a try if you’re suffering from redness and swelling. It’s overall a big help and I tend to think of this as my recovery mask.
Pros of Mediheal Line Friends Sheet Mask:
- Does its job of soothing inflamed and red skin
- Saw immediate improvement (on me, at least)
- Free from coal tar, formaldehyde, pthalates, parabens, sulfates, etc
- High satisfaction and repeat purchases from other people who bought it
- Cute ducky will always make you smile
Cons of Mediheal Line Friends Sheet Mask:
- It’s no longer being sold in big retail stores but you might find it in smaller shops that sell K-beauty products
The Best Ingredients For Acne
If you come across other brands of face masks or beauty products, read the ingredients and look for the good stuff like tea tree oil, green tea, honey, and HA. Check out our complete list below and why each ingredient is good for breakouts.
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If you enjoyed this article, check out my complete guide to the popular (and effective!) 10-Step Korean Beauty Skin Care for your face. It is my go-to regimen for seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups and/or breakouts and I’ve been swearing by it for YEARS.
Author: Mary Lou
In the Before Times, Maru spent vacations traveling and making stops at showrooms to test the latest massage chair models. Nowadays, she’s hunkered down in her small sunlit home dotted with her ever-growing collection of fiddle fig trees, indoor plants, and Himalayan salt lamps. Find her at LinkedIn.