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A Korean sleeping mask, also called a sleeping pack or overnight mask, is a leave-on mask applied as the last step of your night routine and rinsed off in the morning. Unlike a sheet mask, it stays on for hours; unlike a night cream, it is used a few nights a week rather than daily. LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask is the best-known example.
Sleeping masks are closely tied to Korean beauty. Amorepacific's LANEIGE says it launched its Water Sleeping Mask in 2002, and in a 2014 company release Amorepacific reported annual sales of more than 3.6 million packs as of 2013 (company-reported figures). Asia Business Daily, covering a 2024 LANEIGE launch, describes a sleeping mask as an overnight pack that moisturizes while the user sleeps. Today many Korean skincare brands have one, and LANEIGE's lip version is popular in its own right. For the full range, see our LANEIGE skincare guide.
At Daebak, a Seoul-based Korean culture and product company, this is how we explain the category to people who ask whether they need one. Product descriptions come from the brands.
Sleeping mask vs sheet mask vs night cream
| Sleeping mask | Sheet mask | Night cream | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Gel, jelly or cream in a jar or tube | Single-use fabric sheet soaked in essence | Cream in a jar or tube |
| Time on skin | Overnight | 15 to 20 minutes | Overnight |
| Rinse? | Yes, in the morning | No; pat in the rest | No |
| How often | Usually 2 to 3 nights a week | 1 to 3 times a week | Daily |
| Where in routine | Last step, after or instead of cream | After toner, before cream | Last step |
For sheet masks, see How to Use a Korean Sheet Mask and How Often.
How to use a sleeping mask
- Do your usual night routine: cleanse, toner, serum. Our simplified routine shows the order.
- Apply your cream if your skin is dry, or skip it if the mask is rich enough on its own. Many Korean brands say the mask can replace cream on mask nights.
- Spread a thin, even layer of the sleeping mask over your face. More is not better; a thick layer just ends up on the pillow.
- Wait a few minutes before lying down so it sets.
- In the morning, rinse with lukewarm water and continue with your morning routine.
Most brands suggest two or three nights a week. Some lighter gel masks are marketed for nightly use; follow the directions on the product.
Types of sleeping masks and examples
Water-gel masks
The classic. LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask EX is a lightweight gel sleeping mask designed to replenish moisture overnight. d'Alba Waterfull Vegan Sleeping Pack is another gel-type option.
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask EX. See details.
Soothing masks
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Sleeping Pack is the overnight step of Round Lab's fragrance-free Dokdo line. SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Sleeping Pack pairs hyaluronic acid with centella, the brand's signature ingredient. The LANEIGE Cica Sleeping Mask is a fragrance-free overnight balm cream designed to soothe stressed, sensitive skin. All three are aimed at skin that gets easily irritated.
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Sleeping Pack. See details.
Jelly and "firming" masks
Abib PDRN Collagen Overnight Mask Firming Jelly is a jelly-texture mask that uses PDRN, the ingredient Korea has been talking about all year; we explain it in What Is PDRN?. Manyo Bifida Biome Deep Sleeping Mask is a ferment-based mask with a richer feel.
Abib PDRN Collagen Overnight Mask. See details.
Lip sleeping masks
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask is a thick lip balm in a small jar, applied before bed. It comes in several scents. For everyday lip care, see Lip Tint vs Lip Balm.
Who should use one
- Dry skin: the most natural fit. See Korean Skincare for Dry Skin.
- Oily skin: choose a light gel type and use it instead of cream, not on top. See Korean Skincare for Oily Skin.
- Easily irritated skin: a fragrance-free soothing type, two nights a week at first.
Brand products in our shop are shipped by the brands. If you would rather receive a set of Korean skincare chosen for you each season, the Daebak K-Beauty Box is a separate, curated option.
FAQ
What does a sleeping mask do?
It sits on the skin overnight as a last layer. Brands describe their masks as hydrating, soothing or firming depending on the formula; read the product page for what each one is designed for.
Do I use a sleeping mask instead of moisturizer?
Either way works. Dry skin often uses both, cream first; oily skin usually uses the mask alone on mask nights.
How often should I use a sleeping mask?
Two or three nights a week is the usual suggestion. Follow the product's directions, as some are designed for nightly use.
Do you rinse a sleeping mask off?
Yes, in the morning with lukewarm water. Then continue with your morning routine and sunscreen.
Can I use a sleeping mask with a sheet mask?
Yes, but not on the same night if your skin is easily overloaded. Alternate them.
