Frequently Asked Questions
How are Korean eye patches different from Western ones?
According to Dr. Chang, Korean eye patches are designed with hydration and daily maintenance in mind rather than as occasional treatments. Many formulas use cooling hydrogel technology that hugs the skin, helping ingredients remain in contact with the undereye area longer—and, perhaps just as importantly, preventing the patches from slowly migrating down your cheeks. They also tend to be larger, extending toward the cheekbones and outer corners of the eyes to treat more than just the undereye area.
What are the most common ingredients in Korean undereye patches?
Hydration is the name of the game. “You’ll normally see nourishing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, collagen, peptides, panthenol, ceramides, and allantoin to make the undereye area appear smoother and brighter,” says Dr. Chang. Korean eye care formulas also often incorporate ingredients rooted in K-beauty tradition, like ginseng and Centella asiatica. Rather than relying on more aggressive treatments, these ingredients tend to focus on “soothing, hydration, and brightening,” reflecting K-beauty’s broader emphasis on prevention and consistent, long-term care, says Dr. Chang.
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor and Medical Director of PureenMD based in Fort Lee, New Jersey
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best Korean eye patches, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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