Korean Whitening Mask Review 2023 | 7 Wash Off And Sheet Masks For Lighter Skin

Skin whitening has always been a fad since ancient times. Unfortunately, even today, there are a lot of cultures that consider white and fair skin to be better than other skin tones. 

Skin whitening products such as the best Korean whitening mask can help in brightening your skin and eliminating uneven skin tones.

Korean skincare has always emphasised the importance of having a white and even skin tone. 

That is why a lot of their products focus on brightening your complexion and make it even-toned. 

Korean Whitening Masks	Best For	Chief Ingredients
COSRX UltImate Nourishing Rice Face Mask	Dull, Dehydrated Skin	Rice Extract 68%, Palm Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask	Mature, Aging Skin	Watermelon, AHA, Pumpkin Extract, Hyaluronic Acid
Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask	Acne-Prone Skin	Carbonated Water, Collagen, Charcoal, Green Tea, Clay
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Mask	Combination Skin	Avocado, Matcha, PHA, Retinol
Rael Bamboo Vitamin C Sheet Mask	Dark Spots, Sun Damage	Niacinamide, Orange Peel, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Beta-Glucan
Mediheal Tea Tree Blemish Control Mask	Inflamed Skin, Eczema	Willow Bark Extracts, Tea Tree Oil, Allantoin, Panthenol
Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask	Sensitive Skin	Snail Secretion Filtrate, Bee Venom, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water

How I Selected The Best Whitening Face Masks?

The following face masks have been curated by carefully segregating them on the basis of various factors such as:

• Ingredients– The ingredients in a skin care product can be the biggest game changer. I have included products that include natural ingredients like snail mucin, tea tree oil, clay, avocado etc that have proven to be highly beneficial to the skin
• Skin complexion after use– These masks have proven to improve your complexion, give you an even skin tone, remove blemishes and improve the overall brightness of your skin.
• Absence of harmful ingredients– Most of these products contain mostly natural ingredients. They are free of harmful ingredients like Parabens, formaldehyde, mineral oil, petrolatum, SLS etc.

Face masks can give you an instant facial and helps in tackling dull skin. 

If you are looking forward to having a whiter and brighter skin tone, keep reading to check out some of my favourite Korean face masks that have helped me get a brighter skin tone.

Korean Whitening Mask Review 2023

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— Online Health and Beauty Tips (@GetOnlineHealt1) November 3, 2019

How to Choose the Best Korean Whitening Mask

When choosing the best Korean whitening mask, it’s essential to consider several factors to find a product that suits your specific needs. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

1. Skin Type: Consider your skin type and any specific concerns you may have. Different whitening masks cater to various skin types, such as dry, oily, or sensitive. Look for masks formulated specifically for your skin type to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.
2. Ingredients: Review the ingredient list of the whitening mask. Look for key ingredients known for their whitening or brightening properties, such as niacinamide, arbutin, vitamin C, licorice extract, or pearl extract. Avoid masks with potentially irritating ingredients or those that may not align with your preferences, such as harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
3. Whitening Claims: Understand the specific whitening claims of the mask. Keep in mind that “whitening” in Korean skincare often refers to brightening or evening out the skin tone rather than altering skin color. Look for masks that target hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or dullness if those are your concerns.
4. Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and ratings from trusted sources or fellow users to get an idea of the mask’s effectiveness and suitability for different skin types. Pay attention to reviews that mention similar skin concerns or goals as yours.
5. Brand Reputation: Consider the reputation and trustworthiness of the brand. Korean skincare brands known for their quality formulations, transparency, and commitment to safety are more likely to offer reliable and effective products. Research the brand’s background, values, and customer feedback to make an informed choice.
6. Patch Test: Before incorporating a new whitening mask into your routine, it’s recommended to conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin. This helps determine if you have any adverse reactions or sensitivities to the product.
7. Price and Accessibility: Take into account your budget and availability of the product. Korean skincare offers a wide range of options at different price points. Consider whether the product is easily accessible for repurchasing if you plan to incorporate it into your long-term skincare routine.

Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for others may not necessarily work for you. It may take some trial and error to find the best whitening mask that suits your skin’s needs. If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice.

Best Skin Whitening Ingredients To Look For In Korean Skincare

When it comes to skin whitening or brightening ingredients in Korean skincare, there are several key ingredients known for their effectiveness. Here are some of the best skin whitening ingredients to look for:

1. Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a versatile and popular ingredient known for its brightening properties. It helps to inhibit the transfer of melanin (pigment) to the skin’s surface, reducing the appearance of dark spots and promoting a more even skin tone.
2. Arbutin: Arbutin is a natural extract derived from bearberry plants or synthesized in labs. It works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production. Arbutin helps fade hyperpigmentation, minimize dark spots, and promote a brighter complexion.
3. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin by inhibiting melanin production and promoting collagen synthesis. Look for stable forms of vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid or its derivatives like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD).
4. Licorice Extract: Licorice extract contains an active component called glabridin, which has skin brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce the production of melanin, fade dark spots, and even out the skin tone.
5. Pearl Extract: Pearl extract is known for its brightening and revitalizing properties. It contains amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants that help improve skin radiance, promote a more even complexion, and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
6. Ginseng Extract: Ginseng extract is often used in Korean skincare for its brightening and revitalizing effects. It helps improve blood circulation, enhance skin elasticity, and promote a more radiant complexion.
7. Mulberry Extract: Mulberry extract is derived from the mulberry plant and contains arbutin, which helps inhibit melanin production. It is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and promoting a brighter skin tone.
8. Glutathione: Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and reduce the production of melanin. It is often used in skincare products to promote a more even complexion and address hyperpigmentation concerns.

Remember that achieving skin whitening or brightening results takes time and consistency. It’s also important to use these ingredients in conjunction with a comprehensive skincare routine that includes sunscreen, gentle cleansing, and proper hydration.

If you have specific skin concerns, it’s recommended to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice.

COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Face Mask 

This mask is suitable for those with rough and uneven skin texture. It gives you a luxurious spa-like experience and you just have to leave it overnight to see highly improved skin. 

This is ideal for dull and dehydrated skin.

This overnight face mask is formulated with niacinamide and 68% rice extract. 

Niacinamide regenerates your skin cells and relieves acne. It also prevents damage from environmental stressors like the harmful UVA and UVB lights if the sun, pollution, wind etc.

Rice water plays a huge role in whitening and brightening your sin because of the vitamins, minerals and amino acids in it. 

This face mask is hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, cruelty-free, sulphate free, paraben-free and phthalates free.

Pros:

• Suitable for all skin types
• Organic
• Dermatologically tested
• Hypoallergenic
• Cruelty-free
• Paraben, sulphate, phthalates free

Cons:

• Might lead to allergic reactions, a patch test is recommended

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping mask

Glow Recipe is known for its fruit-infused skincare products. This is another overnight sleeping mask that claims to assist in whitening and brightening your skin. 

The key ingredients are watermelon extract, pumpkin extracts, alpha hydroxy acid and hyaluronic acid.

If you have mature skin or are looking to start your anti-ageing journey like me, this is a good investment. 

This cult favourite product has watermelon which is rich in antioxidants like Lycopene and vitamin c. They help in reducing the signs of ageing.

Pumpkin extracts also help in slowing down the process of ageing by smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, brightening your skin tone etc. 

The alpha-hydroxy acid hydrates your skin, relieves acne and gently exfoliates. 

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Vegan
• Synthetic free
• Sulphate free
• Cruelty-free
• Phthalate-free

Cons:

• The product feels sticky

• Related: Best Korean Whitening Serum
• Related: Best Korean Whitening Face Creams
• Related: Best Korean Body Whitening Products

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

The main goal of this mask is to remove blackheads and detoxify your clogged pores. 

It is packed with nourishing ingredients like green tea extracts, pomegranate extracts and charcoal.

Charcoal is well known to be an excellent cleanser and detoxifier. 

Tea tree is enriched with anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving and soothing irritated skin.

Pomegranate has been used in many anti ageing skin care products because of the benefits it gives. 

It increases collagen production on your face to make your skin soft and supple. 

At first, I could feel a tingling sensation but the product worked its magic on my skin. This bubble mask is a very economical option and gives you value for money.

Pros:

• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Detoxifies skin
• Increases collagen
• Easy to apply
• Natural

Cons:

• Contains sulfates and parabens
• Might not be suitable for sensitive skin

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Mask

 This is another amazing sleeping mask from the Glow recipe packed with the goodness of avocado.

I have been using avocado in a lot of DIY face masks so I knew that this would work really well on my skin. 

This mask also has other beneficial ingredients like Matcha and retinol. 

Avocado is rich in antioxidants, omega- 9, minerals, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Matcha helps in relieving inflammations and balances the sebum on your face.

This mask also helps in slowing down ageing by accelerating collagen production, reducing wrinkles and reducing the visibility of the fine line. 

It does not contain harmful ingredients like sulfates, mineral oil, parabens and synthetic dye.

Pros:

• Slows ageing
• Improves complexion
• Cruelty-free
• Softens your skin
• Vegan

Cons:

• Might feel greasy on the skin

Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask

Snail mucin is one of the most popular skincare ingredients so if you haven’t used it yet, now is your chance. 

There are a lot of skincare products with this ingredient but this mask is definitely one of the best.

This mask is best recommended for dry, sensitive, itchy, and dull skin that needs an oily-free and light product.

The main ingredients in this sheet mask are snail secretion filtrate, camellia sinensis, bee water, Niacinamide and bee venom. 

There are also mucin, collagen, elastin and allantoin in the sheet mask helps in rebalancing your skin, delaying ageing, moisturising and brightening your skin.

Bee venom has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in soothing various skin irritations and inflammations. 

The Camellia sinensis leaf water has excellent anti aging properties that prevent ageing and improve your skin. 

Niacinamide is well known for its ability to relieve acne, fade marks, give you an even tone and assist in the overall brightening of your skin. 

My skin felt so cool and fresh after using this mask!

Pros:

• Cooling effect
• Vegan
• Contains Niacinamide
• Delays ageing
• Brightens your skin
• All-in-one formula

Cons:

• Not recommended for sensitive skin

Rael Bamboo Vitamin C Sheet Mask

Vitamin C is already present in our skin and plays a huge role in maintaining skin health. 

The Vitamin C serum in this mask will make sure that your skin remains ageless, soft, supple and blemish-free. 

You can lose the brightness and vitality of your skin due to sun damage. This sheet mask helps in eliminating uneven skin tones and dark spots caused by sun damage.

The Vitamin C extracts are derived from natural ingredients such as pomegranate extracts, mulberry extracts and fig extracts. 

They help slow down ageing and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

This sheet mask is suitable for all types of skin. 

It is formulated without any harmful ingredients like silicones, parabens, sulfates, PEG’s, phenoxyethanol, mineral oils etc. To get the best results, you should refrigerate this mask before using it.

Pros:

• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Sulphate, paraben, mineral oil, silicone, PEG, phenoxyethanol free
• Contains Vitamin C
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

• Some people might find it greasy

Mediheal Tea Tree Blemish Control Mask

This mask is ideal for those with irritated and inflamed skin since it is enriched with the goodness of tea tree. 

It also contains other beneficial ingredients like Rosemary, Chamomile extracts and Centella Asiatica.

Tea tree helps in balancing the level of sebum on your skin. If you have skin issues like acne, dermatitis, eczema etc, this mask can really help in soothing them. 

Tea tree is well known for its antibacterial properties.

Chamomile also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and helps in fixing dry, sore and rough skin. It is a non-comedogenic, anti-irritating and hypoallergenic ingredient. 

This sheet mask can also help reduce swelling and puffiness on your face, thanks to the rosemary extracts in it. 

The sheet of this mask is made up of 100% cotton linter that fits perfectly on your face to enure maximum absorption of the serum.

Pros:

• Anti inflammatory
• Contains tea tree and chamomile extracts
• Balances sebum
• Cleanses pores

Cons:

• Might not be suitable for sensitive skin

SOME BY MI Niacin 30Days Miracle Brightening Sleeping Mask

I recently added the Some By Mi Niacin 30Days Miracle Brightening Sleeping Mask to my skincare routine, and I must say, it’s been a transformative addition. As someone who’s always on the lookout for products to enhance my skin’s radiance and clarity, this mask has quickly become a favorite.

One of the standout features of this mask is its overnight treatment concept. You apply it before bed and let it work its magic while you sleep, which is incredibly convenient. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky residue on your pillow.

The main ingredient, niacinamide, is renowned for its brightening properties, and I’ve seen noticeable improvements in my skin’s overall tone and texture since using this mask. My complexion appears more even, and some of my darker spots have lightened considerably.

I also appreciate that this product is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin like mine. I haven’t experienced any irritation or redness.

However, some users might find the fragrance a bit strong. While it’s not overpowering, those sensitive to scents might want to consider this.

In summary, the Some By Mi Niacin 30Days Miracle Brightening Sleeping Mask is a game-changer for anyone seeking a more radiant complexion. Its overnight treatment approach and the brightening effects of niacinamide make it a valuable addition to any skincare routine.

Pros:

• Convenient overnight treatment
• Lightweight texture, non-sticky
• Noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture
• Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons:

• Scent might be strong for some users

These were the best Korean whitening masks for you. I’ve reviewed several masks and listed out their advantages and disadvantages.

You can select the best product for you based on your skin type and sensitivity.

I strongly recommend avoiding all whitening products with bleach though, as it can hurt your skin. 

Why You Should Trust Koreatruly?

All our editors including the author of this article, Song-i do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. Koreatruly has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.

Also Read:

Best Korean wash off mask

Best Korean sheet mask

Which Korean face mask is the best