What to Buy Skincare Products The 13 Best Hydrating Face Masks of 2023 Our top picks from PCA SKIN, Tata Harper, Elta MD, and more. By Lacey Muinos Lacey Muinos Lacey is a professional writer living in Southern California. She specializes in fitness, nutrition and various health topics. She not only has a passion for healthy living, but she also practices what she preaches with her longtime vegan diet. Her work has been featured in Health, Simply Recipes, VeryWell Fit, and more. Lacey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is also host of Guide to Vegan, a blog focused on a plant-based lifestyle. health's editorial guidelines and Rebecca Carhart Rebecca Carhart Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. health's editorial guidelines Updated on February 16, 2023 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Courtesy of Merchants / Photo Illustration by David Hattan for Health Keeping your skin hydrated is the key to avoiding dry, irritated, flakey patches, which is why many skincare products have hydrating properties. But if you feel your moisturizers and serums aren't quenching your skin as much as they should be, and your face still feels tight, sensitive, or burning throughout the day, you may want to consider adding a hydrating face mask to your skincare routine. According to board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., hydrating face masks "are designed to deliver high concentrations of a particular active ingredient to the skin." New York City-based dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D., also recommends adding one to your regimen, telling Health, "Hydrating the skin is crucial whether it is by drinking the recommended amount of water a day and just as important is making sure our skin is hydrated by using things such as hydrating masks. They are great for penetration of ingredients." When it comes to selecting the right hydrating face mask, Dr. Jaliman says it's important to look for products that include ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, fatty acids, peptides, vitamins (such as E), and ceramides, as they "help replenish lost moisture and retain the moisture that you have." Dr. Zeichner suggests choosing masks "that also contain emollients like natural oils and skin-repairing ingredients like oat extract or ceramides" and "humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid to pull in water to the outer skin layer to plump." Unlike other skincare products recommended for daily use, these treatments can be used on an as-needed basis. In most cases, you'll only need to use it once or twice weekly. But Dr. Zeichner says, "If you have dry skin, or if the weather is cold with low humidity, you may use them daily. They are generally non-irritating and can be used as much as you need." Since there are hundreds of hydrating face masks to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which option is best for your skin's needs. So with these dermatologist guidelines in mind, we narrowed the list to 13 options to keep your skin moisturized and flake-free. We also had a board-certified dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy. From a mask that works overnight to an anti-aging option, these are the hydrating face masks we recommend above all others. Our Top Picks Best Overall: PCA SKIN Hydrating Face Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Garnier Hydrating Sheet Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overnight: Drunk Elephant Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask at Sephora Jump to Review Best Sheet: Tatcha Deep Hydration Lifting Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best Gel: Exuviance Anti-Pollution Renewal Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Pai Skincare Hydrating Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best Soothing: Eau Thermale Avene Soothing Radiance Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Paula's Choice Night Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask at Sephora Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: COSRX Snail Mucin Sheet Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall PCA SKIN Hydrating Face Mask Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It With the help of panthenol and hyaluronic acid, this face mask may soften and hydrate dry skin due to transepidermal water loss. It’s Worth Noting It may be a little stubborn to remove and leave behind a bit of sheen. The PCA Skin Hydrating Face Mask is hydration in a tube. “It’s deeply hydrating with panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to restore the skin barrier and plump skin as well as oat milk extract and arnica to soothe irritated skin,” says Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in New York City. She adds that this product gets bonus points for its fragrance-free formula. Its use of panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B5, is especially noteworthy. Studies have shown that the ingredient can significantly reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which can cause dry and dehydrated skin. It’s also an indicator of skin barrier dysfunction, so using face masks with effective hydration and ingredients that support skin barrier function, such as hyaluronic acid, may help you to see improvements with consistent use. Though the instructions recommend weekly use, Dr. Wolinsky says you can safely use this multiple times a week for a spa-like boost of hydration at home. Price at time of publication: $67 Product Details: Amount: 2.1 ozKey Ingredients: Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), hyaluronic acid, oat kernel extract, honeyType: CreamFragrance-Free: Yes Best Budget Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Super Hydrating Sheet Mask Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Like It Drenched in a hydrating serum, this sheet mask leaves dry skin feeling noticeably softer. It’s Worth Noting It contains fragrance and parabens, which can aggravate sensitive skin. Liquid face masks last longer, but there’s something so soothing about a hydrating sheet mask. This one by Garnier is recommended by Thomas Griffin, Jr, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting. “It’s packed with a ton of hydrating serum made with hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract to help plump and hydrate quickly,” he says. Though it’s a single-use, it’s an affordable entry into face masks. It contains the coveted hyaluronic acid for its mega moisturizing and antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract, which leaves skin glowing. It’s important to note that this sheet isn’t the best option for avoiding irritants like parabens and fragrances. But, if you’re not sensitive to these ingredients, this mask will have your skin softer and visibility hydrated in just 15 minutes. Price at time of publication: $7 Product Details: Amount: 1 sheetKey Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extractType: SheetFragrance-Free: No Best Overnight Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask 3.8 Sephora View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Drunkelephant.com Why We Like It It has a sophisticated list of ingredients to help maintain healthy moisture levels in the skin. It’s Worth Noting It’s not the richest overnight mask. Drunk Elephant masks are cult favorites, and this one lives up to the hype for its serious hydrating potential. Its impressive ingredient list contains humectants like hyaluronic acid to draw in water, electrolytes to maintain moisture, and ceramides to support a healthy lipid barrier. The lipid barrier helps hold in moisture to prevent dehydration so those with dry skin can get some extra TLC with this mask. “Packed with electrolytes, humectants, and antioxidants, this overnight mask hydrates and firms the skin while improving tone and texture,” says Dr. Griffin. And indeed, it does. Ferulic acid helps brighten skin tone, while ceramides give skin a plumper, smoother feel. For a hydrating mask, the texture is surprisingly light. It's lightweight enough to be layered as part of your regular skincare routine, like a face cream, but those looking for a thick mask may prefer something richer. Price at time of publication: $52 Product Details: Amount: 1.69 ozKey Ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide, ceramidesType: OvernightFragrance-Free: Yes Best Sheet Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask Sephora View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Tatcha.com Why We Like It The active ingredients are naturally derived and make a visible difference, especially in mature skin. It’s Worth Noting This single-use sheet mask costs a pretty penny. The Tatcha sheet mask doesn’t come cheap, but it’s not just the price that makes it a luxury pick. If you look at the ingredients, you’ll find hyaluronic acid, which is expected in a hydrating face mask. “Hyaluronic acid works to pull water into the skin and hold it there, resulting in increased hydration and plumping,” says Dr. Griffin of the ingredient’s anti-aging benefits. The ingredients also feature silk extract, an ingredient you don’t see every day, but this sheet mask will make you wish otherwise. You'll like this face mask if you’re a fan of silk pillowcases to protect your hair and skin. Tatcha is one of the few skincare brands to utilize the ingredient since it’s pricey, but the benefits may be worth the splurge. Rich in amino acids, protein, and silk supports skin structure, increasing skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. So, it’s not just a hydrating face mask. It’s also a firming one. Price at time of publication: $25 Product Details: Amount: 1 SheetKey Ingredients: Red algae, silk, green tea, ginseng, hyaluronic acidType: Sheet Fragrance-Free: No Best Gel Exuviance Anti-Pollution Renewal Mask Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It The gel consistency suits oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. It’s Worth Noting Those with ingredient sensitivities should note that it contains fragrance and artificial dyes. Pollutants are everywhere—smog, car exhausts, chemicals, etc. This can be bad news for your skin, especially when it’s already faced with elements like the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. So, regardless of your skin type, dermatologists typically recommend incorporating plenty of antioxidants into your skin care regimen. If you’re looking into hydrating face masks, they might as well fend off free radicals from pollution and sun exposure. Fortunately, this one is designed to do just that. And Dr. Wolinsky approves of it. “This is a great anti-aging and hydrating mask made with non-comedogenic moisturizers, so it would also be a good option for acne-prone skin,” Dr. Wolinsky says. “It contains polyhydroxy acids, PHA for short, for gentle exfoliation and glycerin and primrose oil for hydration.” Older studies on PHA show that its antioxidant properties make it an effective ingredient against photoaging, which occurs when sunlight causes the visible signs of aging. Where skin hydration is concerned, living in a city with high pollution can reduce skin moisture, according to another study. Price at time of publication: $65 Product Details: Amount: 1.7 ozKey Ingredients: Evening primrose oil, cucumber, polyhydroxy acidsType: Water-gelFragrance-Free: No Best for Sensitive Skin Pai Skincare Resurrection Girl Hydrating Mask Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It It has a short but powerful ingredient list, so it may be suitable for people with sensitive skin. It’s Worth Noting It has hyaluronic acid, but it appears near the end of the ingredient list. Many skin care products claim to be suitable for sensitive skin, but those with sensitivities have to check ingredient lists with a fine tooth comb. The Pai Skincare Resurrection Girl Hydrating Mask is made with 98 percent organic and 100 percent natural ingredients, with no scary irritants hiding behind impossible-to-pronounce names. Dry skin tends to be dull, but this face mask will bring your vibrancy back with the help of antioxidants, emollients, and plant oils. It contains vitamin E to brighten and protect, but the antioxidant is also a powerful moisturizer. Some research suggests vitamin E may soothe inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Similarly, blue tansy oil, which goes by the scientific name Tanacetum vulgare, may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, per a 2017 study. If your skin is dull, it could use antioxidants' brightening and rejuvenating powers. Fortunately, this face mask is full of them. Price at time of publication: $45 Product Details: Amount: 2.5 ozKey Ingredients: Shea butter, blue tansy oil, vitamin EType: GelFragrance-Free: Yes Best Soothing Eau Thermale Avene Soothing Radiance Mask Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It It has a rich and creamy consistency those looking for deep hydration will enjoy. It’s Worth Noting The second ingredient is mineral oil, which some people with acne-prone skin should avoid. If you have sensitive skin, you know the struggle of identifying triggers and avoiding irritants. Soothing skin, however, requires more than just avoiding certain ingredients—it involves seeking out others. Dr. Griffin says to seek out this mask for its soothing ingredients if your dryness is accompanied by sensitivity and redness. “This mask is very gentle and ideal for people with dry, sensitive skin,” he says. “Avène’s thermal spring water reduces and calms inflammation, and the lipids in this mask hydrate and restore the skin barrier.” When you have a healthy skin barrier, your skin retains moisture more effectively, reducing dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity, so this checks out. Plus, the benefits of thermal spring water, especially for redness and sensitivity, are supported by research. As a water sommelier would say—water isn’t just water. Thermal spring water is packed with minerals that help soothe skin. It may even be beneficial for inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema and rosacea, according to a 2019 study. One downside, however, is the presence of mineral oil early in the ingredient list. Though it’s not classified as comedogenic, mineral oil isn’t exactly an acne-friendly ingredient. Price at time of publication: $26 Product Details: Amount: 1.6 ozKey Ingredients: Thermal spring water, safflower oil, fatty acidsType: CreamFragrance-Free: No Best for Oily Skin Paula's Choice Radiance Renewal Night Mask Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It Niacinamide and willow bark control excessive oiliness without dulling your skin’s glow. It’s Worth Noting While pore-minimizing, niacinamide has been known to cause irritation in some people. Paula’s Choice is a respected name in the realm of skincare, and this hydrating but sebum-reducing mask is one of many reasons why. It’s thoughtfully formulated with active ingredients that balance oily skin without stripping it, such as niacinamide, alpha arbutin, and willow bark extract. Niacinamide is an antioxidant that’s also known as vitamin B3. It can minimize the appearance of pores and regulate oil production, resulting in fewer breakouts. Willow bark extract is often used in acne products for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces redness and alleviates acne like salicylic acid, though it’s more gentle, so it won’t irritate when used overnight in this face mask. Finally, alpha arbutin brightens dull skin. It’s a go-to ingredient for those with acne scarring or dark spots, but it’s also effective at giving dry skin a more plump appearance. While these active ingredients do their job, humectants like hyaluronic acid attract moisture, while olive oil, an occlusive and emollient, traps water and softens skin. Oily skin is usually a sign that your skin lacks water, so don’t be afraid of the moisturizing agents in this overnight mask. If you have an oily T-zone but dry patches on the cheeks, this face mask could be a good choice. Just be careful with niacinamide if you’ve never used it before—some people experience irritation. Price at time of publication: $39 Product Details: Amount: 1.7 ozKey Ingredients: Niacinamide, alpha arbutin, willow bark extractType: OvernightFragrance-Free: Yes Best for Dry Skin Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask Sephora View On Sephora View On Nordstrom View On Bergdorfgoodman.com Why We Like It The unique formulation of this mask could help it to penetrate deeper, making it more hydrating. It’s Worth Noting With a smaller quantity and higher price tag than our other picks, this mask is the most expensive by far. By now, a hydrating face mask with hyaluronic acid isn’t shocking. Still, this Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask doesn’t use just any form of hyaluronic acid—it’s home to 1,000 different micro sizes of the ingredient to deeply hydrate dry skin. Some molecule sizes of the popular active ingredient are simply too large to penetrate the top layers of the skin. So, formulating with multiple sizes gives hyaluronic acid the best fighting chance at getting to where it’s needed most—the deeper layers of the epidermis. Tata Harper’s small molecule of hyaluronic acid may even reach the dermis, a feat not many hydrating skincare products can claim. “This is a luxe, super rich mask that can be gently rinsed off or left on,” Dr. Wolinsky says of one of her top picks for quenching dryness. “For more mature, dry skin, the mix of sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid creates the ultimate hydrating mask.” While hyaluronic acid brings the water, you need thick oils to seal it in so it can’t escape. The thing about having dry skin is that it’s very good at letting water evaporate. So, you need to trap it in with occlusives. That’s where sunflower seed and jojoba oil come in. In fact, sunflower seed oil is the first ingredient, which explains the rich, creamy consistency. Price at time of publication: $95 Product Details: Amount: 1 ozKey Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acidType: GelFragrance-Free: No Best for Acne-Prone Skin COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and tea tree form an anti-acne trinity that keeps breakouts at bay without stripping skin’s moisture. It’s Worth Noting If you’re wondering if snail masks are slimy, they are. If you played with snails as a child, you probably never imagined using their mucin as an anti-aging, anti-acne powerhouse one day. But here we are. Snail mucin is the fourth ingredient in this face mask by popular Korean beauty brand COSRX, making it quite the potent dose. The slimy secretion is a surprising but effective source of hydration for dry skin, and it’s a great way to deliver much-needed moisture to acne-prone skin without the fear of breakouts. What can snail mucin do for your skin? A lot, it turns out. According to research, snail mucus has been used to treat skin disorders since ancient times. It possesses antimicrobial activity to protect against bacteria and viruses and can function as a skin moisturizer, emollient, and protective agent. It may also protect against pollution-induced skin damage, per a recent 2020 study, which is good news for people in urban cities. These sheet masks also contain hyaluronic acid for even more hydration and tea tree for its antibacterial and anti-acne benefits. Price at time of publication: $25 Product Details: Amount: 10 sheetsKey Ingredients: Snail mucin, tea treeType: SheetFragrance-Free: Yes Best Natural Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Moisturizing Mask Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It It’s specifically formulated to hydrate dehydrated skin with natural ingredients like grape water and Centella asiatica. It’s Worth Noting It’s not a fragrance-free mask, and it doesn’t contain hyaluronic acid. Redness, flakiness, and irritation are common woes of dry skin. This Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Moisturizing Mask contains natural hydration that could help improve skin texture by giving it the water content it needs. While plain water is usually the main ingredient in skin care products, this one also features grape water, a source of hydration, minerals, and prebiotics to support the skin microbiota. But the real star here may be a lesser-known ingredient called Centella Asiatica. It’s a plant extract that increases skin hydration, decreases transepidermal water loss, and soothes inflammation, according to research. If you’re looking for a hydrating face mask with natural ingredients, this is a solid one. However, it does lack hyaluronic acid, a must for many with dry skin. Still, Centella Asiatica is worth a try, given its track record for skin hydration. Price at time of publication: $42 Product Details: Amount: 2.5 ozKey Ingredients: Centella Asiatica, grape waterType: CreamFragrance-Free: No Best for Damaged Skin EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask Amazon View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Beautifiedyou.com Why We Like It It’s powered by amino acids, which support the skin barrier’s function to maintain water. It’s Worth Noting Its consistency may be more in line with a night cream than a face mask. You may know EltaMD for their sunscreens, but the dermatologist-recommended brand also makes effective skincare products. The Skin Recovery Night Mask is a hydrating face mask that boosts skin hydration and strengthens skin barrier function overnight. In doing so, it also brightens dull skin and fends off free radical damage with the help of antioxidants. What sets this mask apart from the rest is its emphasis on skin barrier health. The idea is to strengthen the skin barrier to maintain moisture more effectively. It’s not as mega moisturizing as other picks, but with long-term use, you won’t rely on thick face masks to soften and hydrate your skin. In the interim, this face mask uses amino acids like arginine, glycine, and taurine to support sun-damaged skin. Amino acids are important nutrients for healing skin wounds, repairing skin damage, and retaining water in the skin barrier, per research. The texture is just right—not too thick and not too thin. However, it may be on the thinner side for a night mask. Supporting skin barrier health does a lot for skin hydration in the long term, so don’t skip this one if the thickness isn’t to your liking. Price at time of publication: $51 Product Details: Amount: 1.7 ozKey Ingredients: Amino acids, hyaluronic acid, ginger, turmericType: OvernightFragrance-Free: Yes Best Fragrance-Free Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask 4.2 Sephora View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Spacenk.com Why We Like It It can be used as a daytime moisturizer or hydrating face mask. It’s Worth Noting The niacinamide can irritate some. The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask has gotten plenty of attention on social media, and the truth is—it’s as good as people say. It’s a clean, fragrance-free pick with a solid lineup of hydration and skin-soothing ingredients like panthenol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and chamomile. It’s also formulated with niacinamide for the pore-minimizing and antioxidant benefits, though you might want to watch out for this if you’re sensitive. This mask doubles as a daytime moisturizer, so it’s ideal for those looking for intense hydration on the go. The name evokes images of quenching dry skin after a long day of travel, which is probably a good idea since airplanes are very dehydrating. The tube is small, so you can pack it in your carry-on, though it contains more product than other options at 2.25 ounces. Or, simply smear on a thick layer before bed and wake up to dewy skin. Price at time of publication: $49 Product Details: Amount: 2.25 ozKey Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, chamomileType: CreamFragrance-Free: Yes How We Selected Ingredients to Look for Serums typically provide the most concentrated active ingredients, but face masks can also be rather potent, per Dr. Zeichner. For maximum hydration, look for a mix of humectant, emollient, and occlusive ingredients. Humectants attract water into the skin. Ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, honey, and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5). Emollients and occlusives are similar in that they seal moisture, form a protective barrier around the skin, and soften dry, flaky skin. Dr. Wolinsky likes these moisturizers since they “lower transepidermal water loss and restore the integrity of the skin barrier, leading to more hydrated skin.” Look for shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, squalane, and ceramides. Dr. Griffin says to also go for “a bunch of soothing antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, and B vitamins.” Vitamin E is an antioxidant that doubles as a moisturizing agent. Per our dermatologists’ recommendations, others to look for include fatty acids, oils, and aloe vera. Ingredients to Avoid You’ll want to avoid any ingredients that trigger allergies, sensitivity, or irritation with any skincare product. This can vary per person, but Dr. Wolinsky says to avoid fragrances to minimize the likelihood of a reaction. To see if you can tolerate a product, she recommends performing a patch test on a small skin area. Dry skin can co-exist with acne, and those with acne-prone skin have different ingredients to be aware of—pore-clogging (aka comedogenic) ones. Coconut oil, for example, could clog your pores, and it’s a common skincare ingredient in hydrating products. Dr. Wolinsky recommends jojoba or rosehip oils as safe moisturizing oils for acne-prone skin. They are non-comedogenic. More generally, Dr. Griffin says overusing exfoliating ingredients could pose some irritation. Acids like glycolic and salicylic acid could serve a different function in your skin care regimen, but they’re not the best options for hydration, specifically. If you use a hydrating face mask often, ensure it doesn’t contain ingredients that can be used regularly and without interacting with other active ingredients, such as retinol, AHAs, and BHAs. How to Use Hydrating Face Masks Hydrating face masks can be used in various ways, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Some, such as sheet masks, are placed on clean skin for 10-15 minutes before removing and letting the serum remain on the skin. Others are applied to the skin with your fingers and sit on the skin for 10-15 minutes before gently washing away with warm water. Finally, the variety can remain on the skin for hours, such as overnight masks—these can even be layered with other skincare and makeup products during the daytime. To get the most out of your face mask, Dr. Wolinsky says to start with clean skin. Wash your face before application. When it’s time to remove it, whether a few minutes later or the next morning, she recommends doing so gently. “Scrubbing a hydrating mask off with hot water or a harsh soap could counteract the benefit of the mask,” she says, adding to opt for lukewarm water when rinsing is necessary. In some cases, applying a hydrating mask to damp skin may boost its effectiveness. To relieve dry skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends slathering your lotions and moisturizers on damp skin immediately after showering or bathing to trap water. The same concept can apply here. “It's best to apply a hydrating mask to moist skin to get the best absorption,” Dr. Wolinsky says. “The ingredients remain on the skin and can nourish and moisturize the skin, restoring the skin barrier.” How Much You Can Expect to Pay for Hydrating Face Masks The hydrating face masks on this list range from $7 to $95, with an average price of $44. A sheet mask may be more budget-friendly, but remember, you only get one use out of each sheet. Cream and gel face masks can last a long time, so they may be more cost-effective over time, depending on how many uses you can squeeze out of them. Your Questions, Answered Are hydrating face masks effective? Our dermatologists say that hydrating face masks can effectively increase the moisture in your skin. “Active ingredients in face masks are absorbed by the skin and can help restore the skin barrier, so skin is healthier and visibly plumper,” Dr. Wolinsky says. For best results, she recommends applying a hydrating face mask to damp skin and using it consistently to improve but not cure dry skin. Can I use hydrating sheet masks every day? Face mask manufacturers typically recommend using a face mask 1-3 times per week. Depending on your skin type, you may be able to use a hydrating face mask daily. For dry skin, Dr. Wolinsky says daily use is totally fine. How often can you use a hydrating face mask? This depends on your skin type and whether any ingredients that could cause irritation when used frequently are present. “Hydrating face masks are usually soothing and non-irritating, so they’re likely safe for more frequent use than exfoliating and unclogging face masks,” Dr. Griffin says. “That being said, for those with more acne-prone or oily skin, too much hydration can sometimes cause breakouts.” He considers face masks most useful when used 2-3 times per week, but daily use is acceptable for dry skin. Who We Are Lacey Muinos is a health and beauty writer with an affinity for skin care. After years of interviewing dermatologists and perusing journals, she’s learned a thing or two about skin health. Her skin leans on the oily side, which usually indicates a lack of water. To keep her skin hydrated, she uses hydrating face masks regularly. She’s personally tried and enjoyed the EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 11 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Camargo FB, Gaspar LR, Maia Campos PMBG. Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations. J Cosmet Sci. 2011;62(4):361-370. Grimes PE, Green BA, Wildnauer RH, Edison BL. The use of polyhydroxy acids (Phas) in photoaged skin. 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