The All-Time Best Sheet Masks for Better Skin in a Flash

As much as we love a trip to the spa, treatments can be both pricey and time-consuming. Luckily, there's another at-home option available for when you can't pencil in a facial appointment with a professional: sheet masks. The best sheet masks are easy to use, affordable, and chock-full of skin-quenching ingredients. Plus, they feel amazing — especially on parched skin types.

Whether your skin is suffering from breakouts or dullness — or you just want an enhanced glow before a big event — there's a sheet mask out there for just about every skin concern. If you're not sure where to start (given that there are literally thousands of types available), we have you covered with this fail-safe list of 15 of our most-loved sheet masks of all time.

The Best Sheet Masks

• Best Overall: Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Masks
• Contains Collagen: Eve Hansen Collagen Sheet Mask (5-Pack)
• Best Variety: Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask Face Sheet Masks (12-Pack)
• Intensely Hydrating: Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
• Skin Calming: Avène A-oxitive Sos Antioxidant Sheet Mask
• Red Carpet Glow: Joanna Vargas Eden Instant Lift Mask
• Pricey, But Worth It: SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask (6-Pack)
• Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Biocellulose Restorative Mask (6-Pack)
• Best for the Under-Eye Area: Doctor Babor HYDRO RX 3D Hydro Gel Eye Pads
• Best Bang for Your Buck: Tonymoly I'm Real Sheet Masks
• Plumps Fine Lines: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask
• Most Fun to Use: Glamglow Bubblesheet Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Mask
• Best for Turning Back the Clock: LA MER The Hydrating Facial Mask (6-Pack)
• K-Beauty Favorite: Too Cool for School Egg Cream Sheet Mask
• Lasts Up to Three Times: Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask

What to Consider

Do Sheet Masks Really Work?

Yes, sheet masks are an extremely effective way for your skin to soak up a high concentration of active ingredients, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, M.D. “The sheet mask maximizes the absorption of these important skincare ingredients by prolonging the amount of time that they are interacting with the skin,” she says. However, the effects of sheet masks are temporary, notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes, M.D., FAAD, who says she likes to meditate while rocking a sheet mask.

They're also safe to use after a professional micro-needling, just as long as they don't contain harsher ingredients like vitamin C or alpha hydroxy acids, which can potentially irritate your sensitive skin post-treatment, explains the New York-based doctor.

Can Anyone Use a Sheet mask?

“Anyone can use sheet masks, even if they have no skin concerns,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Damstetter, M.D., of Reserve Dermatology & Aesthetics. “Masks can provide you with a meaningful sense of self-care, alongside breathing techniques and meditation.”

Can I Use a Sheet Mask Every Day?

The skincare experts we consulted say it's not necessary to use a sheet mask every day.

Celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross of SkinLab suggests using sheet masks twice a week during the winter, and once a week throughout the rest of the year. If you're unsure where to start, start slow with once a week, and adjust based on how your skin reacts to the sheet mask.

Also, if you feel really compelled to use sheet masks daily, be sure to avoid options made with exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Otherwise, you risk irritating your skin, cautions Green.

The Best Ingredients for Sheet Masks:

You can shop smartly by checking out the ingredient label of your favorite sheet masks to ensure you won't have irritation or an allergic reaction. Here, Madfes reveals her favorite sheet mask ingredients, based on common skin concerns:

• Dry skin: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin will help rehydrate dry skin.
• Extremely dry: Snail mucin — which is found in products from the popular line Cosrx — and peptides are handy for surging your dehydrated skin with moisture.
• Wrinkles: Peptides and hyaluronic acid will temporarily plump up your skin.
• Acne-prone skin: Salicylic acid and mandelic acid will fight breakouts and blackheads.
• Brightening: Niacinamide, kojic acid, vitamin C, and willow bark extract will help fade the appearance of dark spots. Notably, niacinamide is incredibly gentle, and plays nicely with other ingredients.
• Sensitive skin: Centella asiatica leaf water, which is also called tiger grass, is commonly found in Korean beauty (K-beauty) products.
• Calming: Aloe vera, cucumber extract, and antioxidants are your skin-soothing superheroes.

How to Use a Sheet Mask

While we can appreciate intensive 15-step skincare routines, sometimes, you just need something simple and effective. We tapped Green to walk us through how to correctly apply a sheet mask.

1. Wash your face with your favorite cleanser, so your pores are able to soak up the skincare ingredients found in your new sheet mask.
2. Pour toner onto a small cotton pad and swipe it across your face. Toning is great for rebalancing the pH level of your skin.
3. Apply a sheet mask directly to your face, making sure it's taut, and that you smooth out any ripples.
4. Let the mask sit for up to 30 minutes, remove the mask, and massage any leftover serum into your skin with a face massager or your fingers.
5. Gently pat a moisturizer on your face for additional hydration.

The Takeaway

Sheet masks are safe for all skin types — ranging from acne-prone to extremely dry — and they can be used multiple times per week. And like is the case with all skincare products, be sure to read the product label closely to ensure your new sheet mask purchase is aligned with your beauty needs. Now that you have a better understanding of how to shop for and use sheet masks, consider adding a few of these top-rated options we think your skin will genuinely enjoy.