When your skin is dry or dehydrated, every step of your skincare routine—from cleanser to face cream—becomes all the more important. And, for the sake of your skin barrier, it may also a time to add one of the best hydrating face masks to your regimen.
"Hydrating sheet face masks have become a hallmark of Korean beauty skincare over the years, and are now a global beauty staple," says Syosset, New York-based facial plastic surgeon and founder of AIREM Modern Beauty Rituals Eunice Park. Sheet masks may be some of the most fun to use, but there are other mask options to consider too, from overnight masks to gel masks and more. Ahead, find 15 of the best hydrating face masks, plus more advice on what to look for courtesy of Park.
Related article: The Best Face Masks Of All Time
The Best Hydrating Face Masks
BEST HYDRATING MASK FOR STRESSED SKIN
Avène Soothing Radiance Mask
PROS
- Suitable for sensitive skin
This barrier-restoring mask is the ultimate multi-purpose product; you can use it as an overnight mask, after a sunburn, and whenever you need a quick burst of hydration.
Customer Reviews:
"This is a great product for dry, sensitive skin. It does have fragrance, but my sensitive skin has not reacted to it. A little goes a long way, so I consider it worth the price if you want to add a mask to your regimen as needed." —Lo
BEST BALANCING MASK
Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask
PROS
- Mix of charcoal and Manuka honey balances skin
Generally, masks with activated charcoal could be drying to the skin; not so with this mask, which also has Manuka honey, a humectant that draws in moisture to maintain skin's natural balance.
Customer Reviews:
"Left my skin feeling soft and supple. I have dry sensitive skin and have to be careful with masks, they tend to leave me with dry flaky patches but not this one. I love the smell too, very relaxing and spa like." —Tduke
BEST SHEET MASK
AIREM Essentials Pearlessence Bio Cellulose Sheet Mask
PROS
- Made with hydrolyzed pearl powder to leave skin glowing
This sheet mask comes from Park's own skincare line. "My travels to South Korea inspired the creation of the Gwangcha Radiant Tea Complex, a blend of Korean tea extracts, white lotus, peptides, and botanicals," says the derm.
DRUGSTORE PICK
Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
PROS
- Cooling hydrogel conforms to contours of the face
CONS
- Single-use
If you love the luxury of doing a sheet mask, these hydrogel masks check a lot of boxes: They replenish hydration in just 15 minutes, they're non-comedogenic, and they're travel-friendly.
Customer Reviews:
"If you have extremely dry, flaky skin I definitely recommend these. My face is so dry I get flaky patches on my forehead nose and chin. These help restore some moisture and sooth my dry skin. I always keep these on hand, they really work wonders."
BEST HYDRATING MASK FOR MATURE SKIN
Beekman 1802 Midnight Milk Better Aging Sleep Mask
PROS
- Creamy, non-sticky texture
- Contains peptides and bakuchiol to help plump fine lines
At night, swap this creamy lavender mask in for your moisturiser. Thanks to the bakuchiol (a plant-based alternative for retinol), nutrient-rich goat milk, and peptides, you'll wake up glowing.
Customer Reviews:
"Love this sleep mask! I bought it for the first time as I love Beekman products and this is the first time I'm writing a review as its so creamy, relaxing and just wonderfully hydrating! Scent isn't too overbearing at all very clean scent. Love the purple color." —Susan
BEST LUXURY HYDRATING MASK
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask
PROS
- Helps firm skin as well as moisturise
- Comes with spa-inspired brush
Though this caviar-enriched mask is rich, it also absorbs into skin quickly. Use the enclosed brush to paint it onto skin for an extra-luxurious skin-pampering moment.
Customer Reviews:
"I was worried that the sleeping mask would go all over my pillow, but this product absorbs so quick! The next morning I feel my skin softer and brighter than ever! It's no doubt an expensive sleeping mask, but compare to other products from La Prairie, this price for this size of product and the results, it's worth it!" —Ali1716
BEST COOLING, HYDRATING MASK
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Mask Hydrating Gel
PROS
- Cooling gel texture
- Large size
CONS
- Some reviewers don't like that there is menthol in the formula
Whether it's due to sunburn, over-exfoliating, or the environment, this refreshing gel mask is heaven if your skin has been through it lately. Plus, at a whopping five ounces, one jar will last you for a long time.
Customer Reviews:
"I have used this for the past year and it helps so much to soothe and instant decrease dryness when I overdo ahas/bhas/clay masks." —Shaav
BEST PLUMPING MASK
Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Mask
PROS
- Helps soften the look of fine lines
Multiple forms of hyaluronic acid are the star in this cream mask, but it also helps address loss of firmness, uneven tone and texture, as well as redness.
Customer Reviews:
"Feels great on the skin. Hydrates wonderfully and softens." —April
BEST OVERNIGHT HYDRATING MASK
EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask
PROS
- Helps calm skin and repair the skin barrier
EltaMD is one of our go-tos for sunscreen, but the rest of their skincare range deserves your attention too. Case in point: This overnight mask, which helps encourage skin's natural repair process while you sleep to improve hydration and leave it looking brighter when you wake up.
Customer Reviews:
"This moisturiser is the perfect consistency for an overnight mask. I have acne prone skin and EltaMd is the only brand of moisturisers that doesn’t break me out. This is great to add to your winter night routine." —Alyssa
BEST HYDRATING MASK WITH SQUALANE
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask with Squalane
PROS
- Lightweight enough to use daily
CONS
- Some reviewers said it feels tacky
This lightweight gel-cream formula puts the focus on one of skin's favourite moisturising ingredients, squalane. You can use it when skin needs extra TLC, or as you would a nighttime moisturiser.
Customer Reviews:
"I really like how moisturising and soft it makes my face feel the next morning. It leaves my face dewy and plump. The texture is like a very thick moisturiser, but it blends into skin very well." —rocketr5
BEST CELEBRITY-APPROVED WHITE T-SHIRT
Sunday Best Cropped Crew-Neck T-Shirt
PROS
- Works well with retinoids
This calming mask has been a cult-favorite for years, and was reformulated in 2021 to be fragrance-free. Many fans also love using it with prescription retinoids, as it helps calm irritation.
Customer Reviews:
"I live this mask. After I got to the hotel I used it for the first time. Left my face feeling soft and clean. Felt refreshed! Definitely will add to my routine."
BEST HYDRATING MASK WITH VITAMIN C
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Mask
PROS
- Can be used daily
CONS
- May not work for acne-prone skin
Sunny yellow and pleasantly thick, this overnight mask is really just an ultra rich night cream that tackles the one-two punch of dryness and dullness.
Customer Reviews:
"After using this product for over a month, I am in love with it. It leaves my skin more softer and hydrated. It's vegan friendly so it's a plus for me!"
BEST HYDRATING CHEEK MASKS
Superegg Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask
PROS
- Unique shape
Unlike regular under-eye patches, these hydrogel masks cover the entire cheek for extra skincare love. Even better, they're packed with premella mushroom, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and more ingredients parched skin loves.
Customer Reviews:
"Love how soft and soothing these are. Great size and a perfect way to pamper myself when I need something a little extra for my skin."—Monica L
BEST BALANCING MASK
KORRES Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask
PROS
- Helps soothe skin in just 10 minutes
CONS
- Some may be turned off by the yogurt-y scent
Made with actual Greek yogurt, aloe leaf juice, and rice extract, this is the spruced-up version of a nourishing DIY yogurt mask (that actually works).
Customer Reviews:
"I find this is a go-to mask that I like to keep on hand when my skin is just not optimal. It’s easy to apply and rinse off; has a slight smell that I would just say is kinda interesting- not good, not bad." —lisalis
BEST MINERAL MASK
Blue Lagoon Iceland Mineral Mask
PROS
- Lightweight and can be used daily
This mask is made with real geothermal bioactive seawater from the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, which is rich in over 20 electrolytes. The result is a gel mask that can be used daily, weekly, or overnight to deeply hydrate skin.
Customer Reviews:
"This is my favorite product from my visit to the Blue Lagoon! It is so hydrating and feels like silk on your skin! Absolutely love it!"
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.