Highly Moisturizing Essence Mask Pack
Highly Moisturizing Essence Mask Pack
Product Description
Product overview
A deeply hydrating sheet mask infused with 5 types of hyaluronic acid, ceramide NP, panthenol, and herbal extracts from Pyunkang Korean Medicine Hospital. Developed for dehydrated and sensitive skin, this essence-soaked mask replenishes moisture and strengthens the skin barrier in just 15–20 minutes.
5-Layer Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid work together — from surface hydration to deep moisture penetration for all-day plumpness.
Texture & feel
SENSORY5-Layer Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid work together — from surface hydration to deep moisture penetration for all-day plumpness.
Barrier-Strengthening Ceramide NP
Ceramide NP fills gaps in the skin barrier while panthenol soothes and locks in moisture to prevent transepidermal water loss.
Oriental Herbal Blend
Astragalus root, mugwort leaf, centella asiatica, green tea, and tea tree extracts calm inflammation and deliver antioxidant protection.
Zero-Irritation Certified
Dermatologically tested and verified as a zero-irritation formula. Free from artificial fragrance, colors, and harsh chemicals.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains macadamia seed oil and cetearyl alcohol, which can feed malassezia yeast. Not recommended for those with active fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis).
Most ingredients are non-comedogenic. Macadamia oil rates 2–3 but is present in a low concentration. Unlikely to clog pores for most people.
Dermatologically tested and verified as a zero-irritation product. Free from fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and sulfates. EWG green-grade certified ingredients.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA. Apply this mask on rest days from strong exfoliants for maximum soothing and hydration benefits.
Pyunkang Yul is a cruelty-free brand. Not tested on animals.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTS5× Hyaluronic Acid Complex ~2–3%Proven
Five forms of HA at different molecular weights provide multi-layer hydration — from surface moisture to deep skin plumping. Includes sodium hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate.
- Crosspolymer HA: Binds up to 5× more water than standard HA, forming a smooth film for sustained moisture release
- Hydrolyzed HA: Low molecular weight (100–300 kDa) penetrates deeper into the skin and may help stimulate skin repair
- Standard HA: High molecular weight form sits on the surface to prevent transepidermal water loss
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~2.3–2.8%Proven
A well-studied humectant and skin-conditioning agent that attracts moisture, soothes irritation, and helps repair the skin barrier. Listed 5th in the INCI list, indicating a meaningful concentration.
- Barrier Repair: At concentrations above 1%, panthenol effectively improves skin barrier function and reduces inflammation
- Wound Healing: Clinically shown to accelerate skin recovery and reduce redness in damaged skin
- Comedogenicity: Rated 0/5 — will not clog pores
Ceramide NP ~0.6–0.9%Proven
A lipid naturally found in skin that fills gaps in the skin barrier. Works synergistically with squalane and lecithin to mimic the skin's natural moisture-locking mechanism.
- Barrier Function: Ceramides are essential for maintaining the skin's protective barrier and preventing moisture loss
- Delivery System: Combined with hydrogenated lecithin for enhanced penetration and stability
Centella Asiatica Extract undisclosedProven
A powerhouse botanical with anti-inflammatory, barrier-restoring, and collagen-supporting properties. Contains active centelloids including asiaticoside and madecassoside.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and calms irritated or sensitized skin
- Collagen Support: Stimulates collagen synthesis, supporting skin firmness and wound healing
Astragalus Root & Herbal Extracts undisclosedPromising
Astragalus membranaceus root extract (milkvetch) is a traditional oriental medicine ingredient with potent antioxidant properties. Combined with mugwort leaf, green tea, and tea tree for comprehensive soothing.
- Astragalus Root: Rich in polysaccharides and flavonoids; helps attract moisture and calm stressed skin
- Mugwort (Artemisia): Anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamins; traditionally used in Korean medicine for skin calming
- Green Tea: Contains EGCG and other catechins for antioxidant protection against environmental damage
- Tea Tree: Mild antibacterial properties to help keep skin clean and balanced
Glycerin & Betaine ~4–5% / ~1.8%Proven
Two proven humectants that draw water into the skin. Glycerin is one of the most effective and well-studied moisturizing ingredients, while betaine (derived from sugar beets) provides additional hydration with a silky feel.
- Glycerin: Effective from as low as 3%, with enhanced benefits for dry skin at higher concentrations
- Betaine: Osmolyte that helps skin cells retain water under stress; also has anti-irritant properties
33 ingredients
Water, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Betaine, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Methyl Gluceth-20, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 2–3 times per week after toner for best results. Pairs well with Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner as a prep step. Can replace your serum step on mask days.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply toner to prep the skin. For enhanced absorption, apply the mask while skin is still slightly damp.
Unfold & Apply
Carefully unfold the sheet mask from the packaging. Smooth the mask over your face, adjusting to fit your facial contours. Fold down any excess material at the edges.
Relax for 15–20 Minutes
Leave the mask on for 15–20 minutes. Do not let the mask dry completely on your face, as it can reabsorb moisture from your skin.
Remove & Pat In
Discard the mask and gently pat the remaining essence into your skin until fully absorbed. Follow with your regular serum or moisturizer to seal in the hydration.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your skin feels dehydrated, tight, or flaky
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You want a quick moisture boost 2–3 times per week
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient products
- You need barrier repair after harsh treatments or weather changes
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and want a safe hydrating mask
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis)
- You prefer anti-aging sheet masks with retinol or peptides
- You want a brightening mask with vitamin C or niacinamide
- You dislike the sheet mask format and prefer wash-off or overnight masks
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESFive types of HA, ceramide, and squalane deliver deep hydration. Ideal for relieving tightness and flakiness. Follow with a rich moisturizer to lock everything in.
Zero-irritation verified, fragrance-free, and formulated with soothing centella and mugwort. Built specifically for easily reactive skin types.
Lightweight watery essence hydrates without adding excess oil. May feel slightly rich on the T-zone for very oily combination types.
Hydrating without heavy oils. Contains squalane and macadamia oil in low amounts — skip the moisturizer afterward if you find it too dewy.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and tea tree extract help keep skin calm. However, not suitable for fungal acne due to macadamia oil content.
Results timeline
6–8 WEEKS (CONSISTENT USE)Instant Hydration & Plumpness
Skin feels immediately softer, more supple, and visibly plumper. Dewy, glass-skin glow is noticeable right after removing the mask.
95% noticed immediate hydrationSustained Moisture Retention
Thanks to the crosslinked HA and ceramide NP, moisture levels remain elevated. Skin continues to feel soft and smooth throughout the next day.
80% noticed lasting softnessImproved Barrier & Reduced Sensitivity
With 2–3 masks per week, the skin barrier becomes stronger. Redness and reactivity decrease as ceramide and panthenol work cumulatively.
70% noticed reduced irritationHealthier, More Resilient Complexion
Skin tone appears more even, texture is smoother, and the complexion looks healthier overall. Dehydration lines appear less visible.
65% noticed smoother textureRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Intensely hydrating — skin feels immediately plump and dewy after use
- Fragrance-free and zero-irritation certified, great for sensitive skin
- Five types of hyaluronic acid deliver multi-layer hydration
- Sheet stays moist throughout the full 15–20 minute application
- Affordable price point for the quality of ingredients (under $2.20 per mask)
- Backed by Pyunkang Korean Medicine Hospital expertise
- No sticky or greasy residue after patting in the essence
Criticized
- Sheet mask can run large for smaller faces
- Not fungal acne safe due to macadamia oil and cetearyl alcohol
- Lacks anti-aging actives like retinol or peptides
- No brightening ingredients such as vitamin C or niacinamide
- Very dry skin may still need a heavy moisturizer on top
- Single-use format creates more waste than reusable alternatives
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESUses NMF (natural moisturizing factor) with hyaluronic acid and amino acids. Slightly less complex HA blend (not 5 types) but very similar hydration results at a lower price. Also fragrance-free.
Relies on snail mucin (96%) instead of HA complex for hydration and repair. Hydrogel format provides a different experience. Stronger at wound healing but lacks the ceramide barrier support.
pH-balanced formula with hyaluronic acid for hydration. Award-winning fit and comfort. Lacks the ceramide NP and five-form HA complex but offers comparable instant hydration results.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEMediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Mask
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHSUse immediately after opening each individual packet. Unopened packets have a shelf life of 24 months from manufacture date.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigerating before use provides a soothing cooling effect on application.
Individually sealed foil packets (10 sheets per box). Each sheet is soaked in 25ml of essence.
Yes — individual packets are flat and lightweight. Each is under 100ml, fully TSA/airport security compliant for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This mask does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients commonly flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. All ingredients are considered safe. It contains tea tree leaf extract in a very low concentration, which is generally regarded as safe in topical cosmetics during pregnancy.
No, this mask is not fungal acne safe. It contains Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil (a fatty acid that feeds malassezia yeast) and Cetearyl Alcohol (a fatty alcohol that can also be a trigger). If you have active pityrosporum folliculitis, consider the COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Sheet Mask as a fungal acne-safe alternative.
Yes, this mask is compatible with all common actives. In fact, it makes an excellent recovery treatment on days when you use strong actives like retinol or chemical exfoliants. For best results, use the mask on alternate days from harsh exfoliants to soothe and replenish moisture. You can layer vitamin C serum underneath or on top of the remaining essence.
This mask is ideal for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types. It earns an "Excellent" rating for dry and sensitive skin thanks to its 5-type HA complex, ceramide NP, and zero-irritation formula. It also works well for combination and oily skin as the essence is lightweight and absorbs without greasiness. It rates "Good" for acne-prone skin (low comedogenic risk but not fungal acne safe).
You will feel immediate hydration and plumpness right after removing the mask. With regular use (2–3 times per week), most users report improved skin barrier resilience and reduced sensitivity within 2–4 weeks. After 6–8 weeks of consistent use, expect smoother texture, more even tone, and fewer dehydration lines.
Apply this mask after cleansing and toning (Step 3 in your routine). After removing the mask, pat the remaining essence into your skin, then follow with serum (optional), moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). The mask can replace your serum step on mask days since it delivers concentrated active ingredients directly to the skin.
This mask has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. The majority of ingredients (panthenol, glycerin, HA, centella) have a comedogenic rating of 0. Macadamia seed oil rates 2–3 but is present in a low concentration near the end of the ingredient list. Most users — including those with acne-prone skin — will not experience breakouts.
Each sheet mask is individually sealed and should be used immediately after opening the packet — do not save an opened mask for later use. Unopened, the masks have a shelf life of approximately 24 months from the manufacture date. Check the packaging for the specific expiration date. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Verdict: The Pyunkang Yul Highly Moisturizing Essence Mask Pack is one of the best value-for-money hydrating sheet masks in K-beauty. Its five-form hyaluronic acid complex combined with ceramide NP, panthenol, and a soothing herbal blend delivers serious moisture and barrier support without any fragrance, irritation, or unnecessary fillers. Backed by Pyunkang Korean Medicine Hospital's 40+ years of dermatological expertise, this mask excels for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types. The only drawbacks are that it is not fungal acne safe and lacks anti-aging or brightening actives. At roughly $2 per mask, it offers exceptional hydration that rivals products costing three to four times as much.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glycereth-26
Solvent, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|




