Korean collagen face masks, in particular, have been lauded for the instantly visible results they offer. Although collagen molecules are too large for our skin to absorb, the ingredient is still beloved for its ability to provide and maintain moisture. “As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to a loss of elasticity and the appearance of fine lines,” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. “These masks work to replenish moisture, providing an immediate plumping effect that smoothes and revitalizes the skin, leaving it with a more youthful, radiant glow.” They’re one of those rare skin care products that actually make a difference right away.
If you’re looking to replenish your skin with moisture while temporarily plumping and smoothing your skin, these masks are a quick and easy fix. We spoke to the above experts, tested masks on our own dehydrated faces, and searched the internet for the 10 best Korean collagen masks for firmer, radiant skin in a flash. Keep scrolling to find out more about them.
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1
Best Overall
Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask
Pros
- Feels cool on the skin
- Can be left on overnight
Cons
- May take some time to adhere to face
“The Medicube Salmon PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Mask features PDRN from salmon DNA that helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier function and hydrolyzed collagen to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines,” explains Dr. Engelman. That’s right—salmon DNA, kind of like the collagen-stimulating salmon DNA being injected into celebrities and in-the-know skin care enthusiasts these days. You can wear this mask for just a few minutes, but to get the full glow-giving effect, try leaving it on for a couple of hours or even overnight.
Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, niacinamide, salmon DNA (PDRN)
Sheets: 4
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “While I haven’t gotten the chance to inject salmon sperm DNA into my skin yet, I’m using these sheet masks to tide me over until that day comes. After using one of them, my skin clearly feels plumper, like every single layer of my skin is packed to the brim with moisture. I’ve also noticed that my pores look smaller, and my face is nice and shiny—kind of like dolphin skin.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
2
Best Viral Mask
Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Pros
- Deeply hydrating
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May not fit everyone perfectly
Applying one of these viral sheet masks is like drenching your skin in a bottle of collagen-rich serum. As a result, your face emerges from the mask fully replenished with moisture and as soft and smooth as a baby. The formula is also loaded with niacinamide to brighten the skin and help even texture.
Key ingredients: Galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Sheets: 4
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This collagen face mask is absolutely fantastic! I’ve been using it weekly for the past month, and it’s quickly become a staple in my skincare routine. The mask is easy to apply and fits my face comfortably without slipping, which is a big plus. Once I apply it, I immediately feel a cooling, hydrating sensation that’s so soothing. The mask does an amazing job of hydrating my skin, and I’ve noticed that it leaves my face looking plump and glowy. Fine lines around my eyes and forehead are less noticeable, and my complexion looks more even. The collagen in the mask seems to help with skin elasticity, giving my face a smooth, youthful appearance. I also love that the mask doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and I can easily follow up with my regular moisturizer.”
3
Best Bamboo Sheet Mask
Rael Bamboo Face Sheet Mask
Pros
- Free of synthetic fragrances
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some customers noted package can be difficult to open
This sheet mask is made with bamboo yarn, which feels extra soft on your face. In addition to hydrolyzed collagen, the serum has a “soothing blend of licorice root and wheat amino acids that helps calm irritation, prevent dryness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s my go-to for days when my skin needs a little extra TLC and a hydrating boost,” shares Paik.
Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, licorice root, amino acids
Sheets: 5
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my favorite bargain face mask. It makes my face soft and glowy after just one use. It competes well with the other more expensive face masks on the market. I like to have these on hand whenever I feel like my skin needs some tender loving care.”
4
Best Value
Dermal Collagen Essence Korean Face Masks
Pros
- Affordable
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- May be prone to ripping
At only a dollar apiece (and even less when they’re on sale), these Korean collagen masks are a total steal. If you’ve been wanting to replicate Michelle Yeoh’s skin care routine—she indulges in two sheet masks a day—this set is the perfect way to try it. In addition to collagen and vitamin E, each one of the masks features a different nourishing ingredient, like green tea, hyaluronic acid, and snail mucin.
Key ingredients: Collagen, vitamin E, panthenol,
Sheets: 16
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Before using these, I gently squeeze them in the packet so some of the liquid falls to the bottom, then I gently remove the mask from the package, trying to save some of the liquid in the packet. With the aloe one, I rubbed some of the liquid into my skin the next day before going to bed, and my skin did feel nice the next morning, but not as nice as after using the whole sheet mask. Not only are these sheet masks cheap, but they are very generous with the amount of serum your mask comes with, which is great.”
5
Best Toner Pads
Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pad
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Great value
Cons
- Pads can be a little difficult to separate
Korean women have used toner pads for years, both morning and night, to balance and hydrate the skin. Place one on your forehead and one on each cheek for a plumping boost of moisture, whether you’re prepping your skin for makeup or the rest of your nightly skin care regimen.
Key ingredients: Collagen, ceramides, milk protein
Pads: 100
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “First off, let’s just say—these are amazing! The pads are super saturated with product, and the container is perfect for storing them and preventing them from drying out. I have super sensitive skin, and these are so soothing and moisturizing. I saw and felt an immediate difference in my skin. I am always on the hunt for the perfect skincare products, and every toner I try dries me out or irritates my face. These will be a permanent product for me from now on!”
6
Best Sleeping Mask
Laneige Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
Anyone who regularly uses Laneige’s lip masks is bound to love this overnight face mask from the brand, too. By utilizing collagen, hyaluronic acid, and moisture barrier-boosting ingredients, the product infuses your skin with so much moisture that it feels bouncy to the touch.
Key ingredients: Collagen, hyaluronic acid, green tea probiotic lysate
Size: 2 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is one of the best overnight masks out there. It gives the skin a fresh, plumped, and bouncy feel the following day.”
7
Best with Vegan Collagen
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask
Pros
- Boosts skin barrier
Cons
- May slide around
This sheet mask is designed to give you that instant glass skin look, but its ingredients—such as centella, niacinamide, and collagen—also work behind the scenes to institute some actual long-term changes. You’ll know that the actives have fully absorbed into your skin when the initially opaque mask turns clear.
Key ingredients: Ginseng extract, 9 peptides, and 55k PPM vegan collagen complex
Sheets: 1
Peach & Lily rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Peach & Lily reviewer says: “I’m a big mask user. Sheet masks are my favorite. Can I just say—wow! My skin feels so hydrated and so glowy. I’m in my 70s. I’m ready to collect as many as I can because so few are in stock.”
8
Best for Wrinkles
CKD Guaranteed Pore Elasticity Mask
Pros
- Comes in two pieces for a customized fit
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
The serum in this sheet mask tackles signs of aging on multiple fronts. As the retinal combats wrinkles by promoting skin cell turnover, collagen and panthenol seal in moisture and encourage elasticity.
Key ingredients: Collagen extract, collagen, retinal, panthenol
Sheets: 5
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I used this product one time, and it gave me glass skin. 10/10 recommend. I will be using it once a week and wearing overnight to get the most out of the product!”
9
Best Soothing Mask
Abib Collagen Gel Mask
Pros
- Hydrogel material adheres well to the skin
Cons
- May not fit everyone perfectly
Although it’s suitable for any skin type, this mask from Abib is great for easily irritated skin, thanks to the addition of soothing heartleaf extract. Also, I occasionally experience rosacea flare-ups, and sticking sheet masks like these in the fridge before I use them can help calm my skin down that much faster.
Key ingredients: Collagen, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, heartleaf extract
Sheets: 4
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve tried so many face masks, and this is the only one that leaves my face hydrated and glowing (not oily) for two to three days after I use it. Seriously worth the money! I leave it on for about two to three hours and do it once a week. Buy this.”
10
Best for Firming
Lapcos Collagen Sheet Mask
Pros
- Non-messy application
Cons
- May be prone to ripping
Collagen peptides are the star of the shower in the Lapcos Collagen Mask. Expect smoother, brighter skin in just 10 to 20 minutes.
Key ingredients: Collagen, peptides
Sheets: 5
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Have tried other masks, but this one is really great! Put [it on] 30 minutes in the AM, it left my face very soft and glowing. I ordered more.
Meet the experts
How often should collagen masks be used?
According to Dr. Engelman, most people should use them one to two times a week. However, anyone experiencing dryness or signs of aging should use three times a week, “especially in the colder months,” she says. “However, it’s important not to overuse, as this can overwhelm and congest the skin. Listen to your skin’s needs and combine collagen masks with moisturizers and serums to promote collagen production and create a balanced approach for hydration, elasticity, and a glowing complexion.
What are some sheet mask usage tips?
Dr. Engelman advises starting with clean, dry skin for maximum absorption. “Gently press the mask into your skin, softening the air bubbles, especially around the eyes, nose, and mouth,” she says. “Once removed, gently pat excess product into your skin to ensure full absorption, rather than washing it off.”
Additionally, “one of my personal tips is to use excess serum from a pocket on your neck or on your arm—never waste it,” says Pike. She likes to keep sheet masks in the fridge, which are even cooler on the skin. “It will help rejuvenate and rejuvenate your skin,” she adds.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in a variety of categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts and tracking the products customers love. For this piece, Carol Lee consulted a trusted dermatologist and K-beauty expert to learn about the best collagen masks. He read countless customer reviews and evaluated each product on its various aspects.
Shop more ELLE Beauty Essentials
Carol Lee is an associate e-commerce writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, he was a teacher Food Network Magazine And HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty department Pioneer Woman. Carol earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s SoHo neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces on trendy publications to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a well-rounded expert in the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, which helps guide our coverage. Plus, she’s always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches some of the same comforting sitcoms (Frazier, Cheers, Seinfeld, new girletc.) repeatedly.
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