Face Masks 101: Which one suits your skin type?

Face masks are simply the epitome of self-care. There's hardly anything better than putting on a mask after a long day – and feeling, for a few minutes, like you're in control of your life.

And even though they are often considered a "nice-to-have" here, in Korean skincare, masks are an integral part of the routine. Not as an extra, but as a core component.

And that's exactly why there's a suitable mask for pretty much every skin need – whether it's moisture, soothing, glow or deep cleansing.

In addition, there are various types of masks: classic sheet masks, cooling hydrogel masks, rich sleeping packs, creamy versions, clay masks and many more.

Honestly, the selection is huge – and that's precisely what sometimes makes it complicated. Which mask is actually good for your skin?

To save you hours of searching (been there, done that), we've sorted our favorite K-beauty masks from the Seoul Onni shop by skin type and needs. No unnecessary hype, just genuinely good masks that deliver on their promises.

The One-Mask-a-Day Method

Sheet masks are not just an add-on in the Korean skincare routine , but almost a daily basic.

In Korea, it's totally normal to use one every day – simply because it works. It's not about being super fancy, but about regularly giving your skin what it needs, without layering on five different serums.

Using a mask a day is often the gentler, simpler way: a little more glow here, a little more soothing there – depending on how the skin feels.

And let's be honest: 15 minutes with a mask is also simply a nice moment for yourself. Not a huge self-care ritual, but more like a little "take a breather." Maybe in the morning while scrolling through Instagram, maybe in the evening while watching Netflix.

So if you still have some masks lying around at home that you're saving for "special occasions" – here's a reminder: The moment is now. Your skin will love it. And honestly – so will you.

Dry & dehydrated skin

First, a brief clarification: Dry skin naturally produces less oil, while dehydrated skin simply lacks water – and yes, even oily skin can be dehydrated.

If your skin feels tight, rough, or simply looks dull and lifeless, you're probably dealing with one or both of these issues. The skin barrier is often compromised in these cases, meaning the skin struggles to retain moisture .

This is precisely where masks come into play, especially those labeled "moisturizing". They help with both dry and dehydrated skin.

These are the ingredients you should keep an eye on:

1. Hyaluronic acid – absorbs moisture like a sponge and binds it in the skin.
2. Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.
3. Panthenol (provitamin B5) – soothes and moisturizes at the same time.
4. Collagen & peptides – help to plump up the skin and improve its elasticity.
5. Beta-glucan & squalane – nourishing substances that soothe and protect.
   

Our picks from the shop:

• Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask – a rich overnight mask that deeply nourishes and plumps your skin while you sleep. Perfect for dry, tired skin. Simply apply over your usual evening routine.
  

• Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask – the TikTok sensation among hydrogel masks that becomes transparent after 3-4 hours. Leaves your skin with that famous glass-skin effect.
  

• Mizon Cicaluronic Water Fit Mask – combines soothing cica with eight different types of hyaluronic acid. The perfect blend of care and hydration.

Sensitive skin

If your skin immediately starts burning, quickly turns red, or simply overreacts to everything when you use new products – welcome to the club of sensitive skin. This is often due to a stressed or weakened skin barrier that's completely overwhelmed by everything from changes in the weather to stress. Sounds annoying? It is. But with the right ingredients , you can help your skin calm down again .

These are the ingredients you should keep an eye on:

1. Cica (Centella Asiatica) – soothes immediately and supports healing.
2. Madecassoside – a particularly gentle active ingredient from Cica, perfect for stressed skin.
3. Chamomile and calendula reliably help against redness and irritation.
4. Panthenol, allantoin & beta-glucan – true classics for protection, moisture and a pleasant skin feel.
   

Our picks from the shop:

• BIODANCE Hydro Cera-nol Real Deep Mask – soothes overnight and strengthens the skin barrier with the unique Cera-nol complex.
  

• HYGGEE Relief Chamomile Mask – gentle, nourishing, and with chamomile. Ideal as a wash-off mask in the morning when your skin is acting up.
  

• Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask – light, fragrance-free and perfect for sensitive skin that reacts quickly.
  

• Barulab Clean Vegan Mask (Cica) – uncomplicated, non-irritating and just right if you prefer a minimalist approach.

Oily & blemished skin

If your skin tends to get shiny quickly, clogged pores, blackheads, or breakouts , you know the drill. What many people do then is dry everything out with harsh cleansers or alcohol – which unfortunately usually only makes things worse.

As mentioned before, even oily skin can be dehydrated. And this combination is exactly what you don't want. Therefore, the goal isn't to make everything completely "oil-free," but to bring the skin back into balance – with soothing care that still remains lightweight.

These are the ingredients you should keep an eye on:

1. Green tea – regulates sebum production, has a calming and antioxidant effect.
2. Cica (Centella Asiatica) – reduces redness and helps to alleviate inflammation.
3. Salicylic acid (BHA) – cleanses clogged pores, but more in special treatments than in sheet masks.
4. Niacinamide – good for large pores and dark acne scars.
   

Our picks from the shop:

• Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask – Perfect if your skin is acting up. It cools, soothes, and helps with inflamed breakouts.
  
  
• Barulab Clean Vegan Mask (Green Tea) – Oil-free, yet moisturizing. Ideal for oily and sensitive skin.
  
  
• Barulab Clean Vegan Mask (Cica) – works for almost all skin types. Cools stressed skin and soothes redness.

Tired, dull, or uneven skin

Your skin isn't really dry or oily – but somehow... meh. No glow, no bounce, an uneven complexion, maybe a few blemishes from old pimples. Just that tired look you get when sleep, stress, or skincare have been neglected.

That's exactly where masks come in, brightening, smoothing, and restoring a fresh look to the skin – without overburdening it. Whether it's jet lag, a sleepless night, or simply "I forgot": these masks will get you back into the glow game.

These are the ingredients you should keep an eye on:

1. Rice extract – has a brightening and calming effect and immediately brings more radiance.
2. Niacinamide – evens out skin tone and refines the complexion.
3. White Truffles & Vitamin E – have an antioxidant effect, nourish the skin and make it more resilient.
4. Collagen & peptides – provide more elasticity and smooth fine lines.

Our picks from the shop:

• Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask – with over 68% rice extract. This mask is perfect for nights when your skin desperately needs extra care. It feels light but makes a real difference – your complexion will look more even and refreshed in the morning.
  

• d'Alba Waterfull Vegan Sleeping Pack – enriched with white truffle extract and vitamin E. Just what you need if your skin looks dull and you want to revitalize it overnight. The sachets are super convenient for on the go.
  

• BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask – the viral hydrogel mask that adapts transparently to your skin upon wearing. With collagen, beta-glucan, and adenosine. The result? Glassy skin upon waking.