Yuck! Turns Out Some Sheet Masks Are Really, Really Gross

Like all good skincare trends, the sheet mask, loved by celebrities and beauty enthusiasts alike, hails from Korea, but unlike the BB and CC innovations of the past, the formula-infused sheets are currently being hit with a major sanitation scandal.

See, sheet masks don’t just look a bit scary; the way they’re put together could actually cause major horrors for your skin.

According to Racked.com, who launched an investigation into the growing issue, many brands are being made in people’s homes in Korea, meaning that they aren’t subject to the same hygiene and safety regulations. Add to that, the sheets are also being folded by hand, not machine, on people’s living room floors.

마스크팩 위생상태에 대해 말이 많았지만 메디힐 너마저 그럴 줄은 몰랐다;; 재활용한 종이 쪼가리로 접는 건 너무하지 않나. 시드물이 마스크팩 설명에 백프로 기계공정 어쩌고 강조했던 이유를 이제야 알겠네… pic.twitter.com/KWNjOhGKTe

— 화장품 오따꾸 (@dotorucom) June 9, 2016

Yep, that means another person’s grubby, potentially germ-ridden hands have been all over something you’re about to put on your face for 20 minutes. Nice. Now imagine all the havoc that bacteria could wreak on your pores.

It’s worthing noting though, that not all sheet masks are made in this way and Racked suggests that it’s generally small cosmetic brands that are involved in the illegal practice.

Still, we think we’ll stick to clay masks just to be on the safe side.

• Beauty
• skincare