Korean sheet masks: everything you need to know

Koreans are known as the masters of skin care, and one of the most iconic products that have likely been filling your Instagram feed is the Korean sheet mask. If you’re unfamiliar with sheet masks, they are single-use masks, made from fabric and soaked in nurturing serums and creams. Pop one on and, while you may look temporarily alarming, they give your skin a jam-packed hit of goodness. 

Not sure which sheet mask is right for you? We dug into the details on the top ingredients in each of our sheet masks to help you decide. 

Happy Mouse moisturising face mask

Happy Mouse moisturising sheet mask, was £3.95, now 50p

Rosemary extract: 
Rosemary works to infuse the skin with moisture and improve skin circulation, while also promoting cell renewal. The antioxidants in rosemary are also said to help prevent skin damage and maximize skin tone by neutralizing free radicals (which are basically atoms or molecules that can damage skin cells). 

Lavender extract:
As well as a classic scent to help you relax and unwind, lavender also offers gentle cleansing to refresh and balance the skin. It also help relieve the tightness associated with dehydration.

Mushroom extract: 
Mushrooms are one of the latest ingredients to get everyone buzzing in the skincare world. Packed with nutritional value when eaten, they are also great for improving your skin’s moisture retention. They also promise anti-ageing, detoxifying and hydrating effects.  

Hello Tiger firming face mask

Hello Tiger firming sheet mask, was £3.95, now 50p

Yeast ferment extract: 
It might sound more like something you’d add to beer rather than your skincare routine, but yeast ferment extract has been shown to have moisture-retention properties. Yeast, when used in its fermented form, can help to brighten and lift the skin and even help diminish the signs of skin ageing by improving collagen production.

Centella Asiatica extract: 
Known more colloquially as cica in the beauty community, this is an extract that has everyone excited. A perennial herb, cica has an extremely high natural level of antioxidants and skin-friendly vitamins (including vitamin C, vitamin B1 and B2 and carotene) and amino acids which combine to brighten skin and offer powerful anti-ageing properties.

Portulaca Oleracea extract:  
It’s an annual succulent, also known as purslane. Purslane contains high levels of vitamins E, C, and beta carotene. These ingredients are powerful antioxidants that can help to brighten your complexion and even prevent future signs of ageing by reducing UV damage. 

Cute Panda brightening face mask

Cute Panda brightening sheet mask, was £3.95, now 50p

Rosa Centifolia flower extract: 
Rosa Centifolia is just another way of saying cabbage rose. Commonly used in beauty, it’s rich in vitamin C and tannins, offering toning and antioxidant benefits. Its astringent and antiseptic properties also help tighten pores and reduce redness and inflammation, making this mask ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types.  

Fragaria Ananassa extract: 
In short, strawberries! Fragaria Ananassa is a simple garden strawberry with a wealth of health and beauty benefits. Their high levels of vitamin C and acidic nature are ideal for controlling oily skin, as they help remove excess sebum and lighten blemishes or acne scars. Strawberries contain alpha-hydroxy acid, an important substance that helps cleanse the skin and eliminate dead skin cells.

Actinidia Chinensis extract: 
If you didn’t already know that Actinidia Chinensis means kiwi, you do now. Kiwifruit contains vitamin C, which helps fight the dark spots caused by both sun damage and ageing. Kiwifruit also contains the enzyme actinidin, which helps to clear the dead skin cells and dirt that build up on the skin throughout the day.

So, whether you want to be brightened, firmed, or moisturised, or a bit of each, take some time out to indulge yourself, or treat a friend, with a sheet mask for facial-worthy results in minutes.

Our sheet masks are not tested on animals.