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Collagen face masks have been a hot topic recently, and there’s a simple explanation why: Korean skin care. Considering the popularity of Korean skin care brands, especially Korean face masks, most of the collagen masks that built cult followings online are typically always from overseas.
“Korean face masks have become so popular because they deliver real results while offering a moment of self-care and indulgence,” says Yanghee Paik, the co-founder and CEO of Rael. “In Korea, skin care is deeply rooted in our culture—it’s not just about appearance, but also about caring for yourself holistically. Face masks are an easy, accessible way to experience that.”
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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.
Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask
“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.
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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
Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
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.
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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.”
Bamboo Face Sheet Mask
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.
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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.”
Collagen Essence Korean Face Masks
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.
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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.”
Collagen Ampoule Pad
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.
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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!”
Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask
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.
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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.”
Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask
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
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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.”
Pore Elasticity Mask
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!”
Collagen Gel Mask
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.
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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.”
Collagen Sheet Mask
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] in the AM for 30 minutes, and it left my face very soft and glowy under my makeup. I just ordered more.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Dendy Engelman is board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Yanghee Paik is the co-founder and CEO of Rael.
How often should you use collagen masks?
According to Dr. Engelman, most people should use them about one to two times a week. However, anyone experiencing dryness or signs of aging can up it to three times a week, “especially during colder months,” she says. “However, it’s important not to overuse, as this can overwhelm the skin and lead to congestion. Listen to your skin’s needs, and pair collagen masks with moisturizers and serums that promote collagen production for a balanced approach to a hydrated, resilient, and glowing complexion.”
What are some sheet mask application tips?
Dr. Engelman advises starting with clean, dry skin for maximum absorption. “Gently press the mask onto your skin, smoothing out any air bubbles, especially around the eyes, nose, and mouth,” she says. “Once removed, gently pat any excess product into your skin to ensure full absorption, rather than rinsing it off.”
Additionally, “one of my personal tips is to use any excess serum from the packet on your neck or even your hands—never let it go to waste,” says Paik. She also prefers keeping her sheet masks refrigerated, which makes them feel even cooler on the skin. “This can help depuff and refresh 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 various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Carol Lee consulted a trusted dermatologist and a K-beauty expert to learn about the best Korean collagen masks. She also read through countless customer reviews and evaluated each product on its various features.
Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
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