Korean face masks have taken the global beauty industry by storm. What used to be trending were wash-off masks, made from clay that were meant to clarify pores and offer a deep cleansing experience. However, with the rise of K-beauty comes one of its hero products—sheet masks. They usually come in the form of a sheet that fits the face shape, leaving holes for the eyes, nose and mouth areas for comfort. They are cheap and extremely convenient to use—just leave it on for 15-20 minutes before discarding the sheet.

But what makes them so popular, and how are they manufactured?

Here’s everything you need to know about creating your own line of Korean face masks.

Image source: Cosmetic insight Korea

1. Non-Woven Fabric Preparation
   The base material used for sheet masks is non-woven fabric, selected for its ability to hold and distribute essence evenly across the skin.

2. Dipping
   The non-woven fabric is dipped into a specially formulated gel solution. This gel contains dispersed skincare ingredients that will later be infused into the fabric.

3. Gel Impregnation
   After dipping, the fabric undergoes gel impregnation at high temperatures. This process allows the gel to thoroughly penetrate the fabric while also causing the non-woven material to shrink slightly, enhancing its ability to adhere to the skin.

4. Drying
   The impregnated fabric is then dried to stabilize the gel and remove excess moisture. This ensures the material is prepared for further processing without losing its infused ingredients.

5. Calendering
   In this step, the surface of the non-woven fabric is pressed with high pressure to smooth out the texture. This process creates a uniform surface, improving the mask’s overall feel and ensuring better contact with the skin during use.

6. Rolling
   Once the fabric has been processed, it is rolled into large sheets for easy handling. These rolls are then ready to be cut into the desired mask shapes during the final production stage.

7. Contraction
   The final step involves additional shrinkage of the fabric using high-temperature water. This contraction ensures the sheet has the perfect density and elasticity to fit snugly on the contours of the face.

Ingredient Selection and Formulation

The process begins with selecting active ingredients that align with the mask's intended benefits, such as hydration, brightening, soothing, nourishing or skin tightening. Ingredients that are popular in Korean face masks are such as tea tree, madecassoside, centella asiatica, vitamin (Hippophae Rhamnoides water), hyaluronic acid, ceramide, collagen, honey, aloe vera, placenta and more.

Material Preparation

The mask material is chosen based on the product's desired functionality. Here are some examples of material for Korean sheet masks:

Cotton: Cotton is one of the most commonly used materials due to its softness, breathability, and ability to hold a generous amount of essence. It's ideal for masks aimed at providing hydration or soothing benefits. For example, organic cotton masks are often marketed as eco-friendly options, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is derived from wood pulp and is known for being lightweight, biodegradable, and exceptionally soft on the skin. Its smooth texture ensures better adherence to facial contours, making it a popular choice for masks targeting sensitive skin. Additionally, its eco-friendly nature resonates with brands emphasizing sustainability.

Bio-Cellulose: Bio-cellulose is a premium material created through the natural fermentation of coconut water or other plant fibers. It has a gel-like texture that adheres closely to the skin, delivering a "second-skin" effect. This material is highly effective in retaining moisture and ensuring even absorption of active ingredients, making it suitable for intensive hydration or anti-aging masks. High-end masks often use bio-cellulose for their luxurious feel and superior performance.

Hydrogel: Though not a traditional sheet material, hydrogel masks are also noteworthy. Made from a gelatinous substance, they offer exceptional adherence and cooling effects. They are often used for targeted treatments, such as under-eye or lip masks, and appeal to customers seeking a spa-like experience.

Charcoal-Infused Sheets: Some masks use materials infused with activated charcoal, which adds detoxifying properties to the mask. These are particularly effective for oily or acne-prone skin, as they help draw out impurities and control excess oil.

Photo source: Cosmorning

Why Manufacture Face Masks in Korea?

South Korea has cemented its position as a global leader in skincare innovation, making it the ideal destination for manufacturing high-quality face masks. Here are the compelling reasons why brands worldwide choose Korea for their production needs:

Access to cutting-edge technology

Korean manufacturers employ state-of-the-art techniques to create face masks with enhanced absorption, superior adhesion, and maximum efficacy. Advanced innovations such as micro-encapsulation, nano-particles, and hydrogel technology ensure that the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, providing noticeable results.

Expertise in skincare trends

Korean manufacturers are at the forefront of the ever-changing beauty industry. They have an innate ability to spot and capitalize on emerging trends, whether it's the rise of eco-friendly sheet masks, multi-functional masks infused with probiotics, or luxurious bio-cellulose masks. By manufacturing in Korea, brands can align themselves with these trends and create products that resonate with global consumers.

Cost-effective production

Despite their premium quality, Korean manufacturers strike an ideal balance between affordability and excellence. Their efficient production processes and access to local raw materials allow brands to achieve competitive pricing without compromising on quality, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.

Trendsetting influence

Korea's influence on global beauty trends is unmatched. From the rise of sheet masks to the popularity of "glass skin" routines, South Korean innovations continue to shape consumer preferences worldwide. Manufacturing in Korea allows brands to leverage this trendsetting reputation and market their products as part of the coveted K-beauty phenomenon.

Tips for Launching Your Own Line of Face Masks

1. Define your niche: Decide what makes your face masks unique—is it the ingredients, the functions, the usage experience, or the type of mask?

2. Work with reputable manufacturers: Partner with experienced Korean manufacturers to ensure top-notch quality and innovation.

3. Invest in packaging design: Eye-catching packaging can set your product apart in a highly competitive market.

4. Conduct efficacy trials: Before launching, test your masks to validate their claims and build customer trust.

5. Emphasize marketing: Highlight the benefits of your masks through social media, influencer partnerships, and content marketing.

Ready to Create Your Own Korean Face Masks?

At MAYK, we specialize in helping brands develop and manufacture their own high-quality Korean face masks. From R&D to production and packaging, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to start your journey toward launching a bestselling face mask line!