While face masks can often be looked at as frivolous or unnecessary—they can make a big difference in the quality of skin, particularly for hydration. "If you do want to mask, I recommend them only if you want them for hydration purposes," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin to Well+Good. Regardless of your skin type, hydration is a key element of any skincare routine. Below we uncover the best hydrating face masks, how to use them, and ingredients to look out for in your next masking session.
Face Mask 101
According to the Cleveland Clinic, face masks work by driving ingredients closer and deeper into the skin, infusing your pores to help unclog them, and allowing the skin to soak up more of the mask’s key ingredients.
When considering ingredients, the Clinic suggests tried-and-true hyaluronic acid to combat dehydration, whether your skin is dry or just dehydrated. They also note that those with sensitive skin should be on the lookout for harsh ingredients that could cause irritation—consider products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and free of dyes and parabens. In fact, the best face mask should help to calm sensitive skin, rather than cause irritation. The best face mask should also never cause pain or hurt your skin.
How to Use a Hydrating Face Mask
Before using a face mask, be sure to thoroughly wash your face with a cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, and residue. (Better yet, double cleanse to ensure you’re starting with a clean slate.) Also, importantly, follow the product package instructions closely. Allowing a mask to sit on the skin for an extended period of time is not more effective, but rather can lead to irritation and discomfort, and even damage the skin barrier.
The Best Hydrating Face Masks
Whether you’re looking for a touch of radiance or to address blackheads or minimize pores, the following face masks not only support the health of your skin, but also work overtime addressing additional concerns. Let’s find the right hydrating face mask for your skin concern.
The Best Hydrating Face Mask for Dry Skin
Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
According to the Cleveland Clinic, sheet masks tend to be more hydrating as they allow the moisturizer to be distributed and absorbed directly into the area it touches. Our unique, coconut-derived, biocellulose sheet mask boosts skin’s moisture content by up to 200 percent in just 15 minutes. The mask contains a proprietary serum composed of Okinawa Red Algae and natural hyaluronic acid that delivers instant hydration. The result is a hydrated, firmed, and lifted appearance in mere minutes—making it one of the best face masks for dry skin. Dr. Levine told Well+Good that she’s a fan of sheet masks made of hydrogel or biocellulose (which describes this hydrating option) because it allows active ingredients to penetrate better.
The Best Face Mask For Oily Skin
Clarifying Clay Mask
Many clay masks can address excessive sebum production—but they also tend to absorb much-needed moisture in the skin, too. But the Clarifying Clay Mask both minimizes excess oil and sebum and improves skin’s hydration, making it the best hydrating face mask for oily skin, blackheads, and clogged pores. The formula uses a clever mix of Okinawa kucha clay, Japanese konjac, and volcanic ash for a pore-changing transformation in minutes. In clinical studies, skin showed an improvement in texture, clarity, appearance of pores, and hydration in just one single use.* Smoother, clearer, and more hydrated skin in just three minutes? Yes, please!
*Based on an expert grader study conducted on 40 panelists after 3 applications over 1 week.
The Best Face Mask for Sensitive Skin
Indigo Overnight Repair
While this bestselling serum-in-moisturizer treatment responds best to consistency and is designed for daily use, users can elevate the application to feel more like a spa experience with a massage technique. The Japanese indigo, ceramides, and mondo grass formula visibly calms irritation, strengthens skin’s barrier, and balances the microbiome overnight, but is also helpful when massaged into the skin for a quick treatment. Gently massage in upwards strokes and allow the skin to soak up the potent serum-in-cream for as long as possible before delicately washing it off and admiring your plump, calm, and radiant skin.
The Best Face Mask to Achieve Glowing Skin
Violet-C Radiance Mask
Looking for an instant soft, dewy glow? This bestselling brightening mask is gentle enough for sensitive skin but also hydrates, improves skin’s texture and tone, and resurfaces dullness. The creamy treatment features two types of vitamin C (for maximum benefits), 10 percent AHAs (to resurface uneven, dry skin), and our proprietary Hadasei-3 complex (to hydrate and glow). In just 15 to 20 minutes, skin is left brighter, more translucent, and with a radiant glow.
The Best Skincare to Amplify Your Face Mask
The Essence and The Dewy Serum
Regular use of a hydrating mask will boost hydration, but hydration is more of a daily maintenance issue than something you should turn to a mask for consistently. If dehydration is a daily occurrence, consider amping up your moisturizing products in your regular skincare routine. Try utilizing the deeply hydrating duo of The Essence and The Dewy Serum. This leave-on daily treatment packs a deeply hydrating punch, helping to lock in moisture long-term and look smoother, plumper, and dewier. First pat on The Essence, then immediately follow up with The Dewy Serum—ideally applying while skin is still slightly damp from The Essence for better absorption.
