These Hydrating Face Masks Will Give You The Glowiest Skin Of Your Life

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If you’re battling dull, dry, and dehydrated skin, I feel your pain. Luckily, there’s a superhero solution that dermatologists swear by to moisturize, plump, and brighten your complexion: hydrating face masks!

“Although not an absolute essential in a skincare routine, hydrating face masks can be a helpful addition for those with dry skin or to help hydrate the skin in colder, drier climates with low humidity,” says Reshmi Kapoor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Essentially, a good hydrating face mask might be the one extra step you need in your skincare routine to get you closer to the hydrated, dewy complexion of your dreams.

Ready to quench your skin’s thirst? Ahead, the 16 best hydrating face masks for all skin types, according to dermatologists and rave reviews.

Water Sleeping Mask

Dr. Kapoor recommends this sleeping mask if you're looking for an overnight mask that hydrates, plumps, and brightens your skin. “This overnight sleep mask with a gel-like consistency is formulated with squalane, which mimics a naturally occurring lipid that helps form the skin barrier,” she explains.

The mask also contains Probiotic-Derived Complex which strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier while visibility boosting clarity and elasticity. And no need to worry about a thick heavy residue, because squalane is extra lightweight.

Rave review: "I started using this because I was going through a strange bout of dryness and irritation. Since then my skin has recovered, but this remains part of my routine because I wake up the next morning with glowing, bouncy skin!"

Moisture Surge™ Overnight Face Mask

Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this overnight mask delivers the proper hydration your thirsty skin needs. Just apply before bed and the creamy formula works wonders to replenish lost moisture. It's also oil-free, so it won’t clog your pores.

Rave review: “My go-to night cream now—no breakouts, no oily residue, no irritation. Big thumbs up!”

Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask

“The star ingredient of this sheet mask is hyaluronic acid, which attracts water molecules and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, boosting skin hydration,” says Dr. Kapoor. The mask also contains vitamin B3—also known as niacin—which helps brighten and boost skin radiance and smooth the skin's texture for a glowy, radiant complexion.

Rave review: "I use this all the time and I love it so much! I live in a state where it's constantly dry so this moisturizer is absolutely perfect for me."

The Face Cream Mask

It’s pricey, but if you have it in your budget, it's definitely worth it! The mask thoroughly moisturizes the skin to address visible signs of aging and boost radiance. “It provides instant intense hydration and radiates the skin while preventing water loss,” says board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD, PhD. “It’s a rich creamy formula and can also be applied as an overnight mask for more intense treatment,” she explains. Another perk? It’s formulated without irritants.

Rave review: "After using this product I noticed my under eye area looking much more hydrated than it normally would with other creams. It helped lessen my dark circles, to create a more even skin colour. I will definitely keep this in my skin care rotation."

Snail Rescue Intensive Wash-Off Mask

If your face is dry and acne prone, don’t panic: this intensive mask will come in clutch. With antimicrobial enzymes produced by snails, this jelly mask helps heal acne and target dark spots. It also conquers dullness and uneven texture to leave you with a smooth, glowy surface.

Rave review: "I use this mask 3 times or more a week and can't get enough. It made my dull skin look dewy and moisturized almost immediately. I follow it up with some rose water spray, and it feels great."

F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial

This overnight mask is formulated with reparative ingredients such as ceramides, squalene, and niacinamide, which act synergistically to repair the skin barrier, says Dr. Kapoor. It also visibly plumps and restores the skin barrier with electrolytes to quench dryness and calm redness.

Rave review: "Love this! I use it every night and my skin is soft and glowing, plumped and healthier. Use it on top of your regular routine and it keeps absorbing all night!"

Daily Green Facial Sheet Mask

Sometimes you need a full spa treatment—or, at the very least, something that comes close. These sheet masks have hydrating, anti-aging, and brightening benefits. With natto-collagen extract from soybeans, they promotes elasticity to the skin while simultaneously boosting brightness and vibrancy.

Rave review: "I have very sensitive skin and this mask works great! It softens and moisturizes the face and, more importantly, doesn’t leave a sticky feeling after. Highly recommend!"

Imprinting Hydrogel Mask

It’s time to replenish your skin with this hyaluronic acid mask because this high-quality hydrogel facial provides deep hydration for a softer, smoother, plumper look, says Dr. Reszko.

“This mask is made from bio-based, environmentally-friendly materials, is fully biodegradable and water soluble, and is oil-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic,” she explains. “It’s truly pure, green, and clean!”

Rave review: "Obsessed. I don’t think my skin has ever been this moisturized."

Skin EssentiA Hydrating Clay Masque

This is a multi-tasking product that can be used two to three times a week as a hydrating mask or gentle exfoliator, says Dr. Reszko. The formula contains vitamin E to rehydrate the skin’s surface and decrease congestion (bye, clogged pores!), and the creamy clay absorbs excess oil and gently polishes skin to give you a smoother and more radiant complexion.

Rave review: "Love this product! It's great as a mask or to spot on for breakouts."

Deep Hydration Organic Facial Sheet Mask

With a combination of coconut water, fig fruit extract, and snow mushroom extract, this ultra-hydrating facial mask is like a gateway to dewy, supple skin. You can also expect major results because the organic ingredients penetrate the surface for deep hydration while reducing signs of aging and promoting a healthy glow.

Rave review: "This mask is, so far, the best thing I've found to hydrate my face and make lines a lot less visible while having a beautiful glow. I use it often. People notice the difference. It's really helped me big time."

Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Face Mask

A fragrance-free hydrating face mask with squalene to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier? Say less. This vegan mask intensively hydrates to replenish dehydrated skin and prevent excess overnight moisture loss. It also contains glacial glycoprotein to maintain moisture balance and reduce flaky skin.

Rave review: "My face has never been softer. I wear this as a cold cream every night and wake up with baby soft skin. Will buy again."

Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Hydrating Face Mask

This ultra-moisturizing sleeping face mask is infused with glacier water, hyaluronic acid, and avocado butter to instantly deliver 72-hour non-stop hydration. It’s suitable for all skin types, and as an added bonus, you can also use it on dry, thirsty hands as a moisturizing hand mask or cream!

Rave review: “This overnight mask makes my skin feel so hydrated. I have pretty dry skin, and if you do too, I would 100 percent recommend this to you. It feels so nice on the skin as well, it's super cooling and relaxing, especially after a hot shower.”

Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Mask Hydrating Gel

This mask checks all the boxes. It's a refreshing gel that contains aloe and vitamin E to cool and refresh the skin, and the added caffeine help plump up your complexion. The mask also works wonders to reduce redness and calm irritated skin.

Rave review: "Love this hydrating gel! Masks use to be so much more to apply and remove. PTR hydrating gel is so easy...I apply and rinse off everyday, and then PTR Hydrating Cloud Cream moisturizer. My face is so happy."

Matcha Mask

Ready to exfoliate, renew, and moisturize? This matcha mask is here to save the day with premium shade-grown matcha, papaya, and pumpkin that exfoliate and deliver maximum moisture and antioxidants to the skin.

Rave review: "The product is everything it says—beautiful moisture and exfoliation with amazing scents to relax you and your face."

Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Mask

This hybrid night cream and mask is formulated with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to lock in vital hydration and soften, brighten, and revitalize the skin. It also contains squalene which is key for locking in moisture as well as rich berry extracts to combat dullness and free radicals.

Rave review: “After using this product for over a month, I am in love with it. It leaves my skin softer and hydrated. It's vegan friendly so it's a plus for me!”

Super Hydrate Overnight Mask

Prepare to wake up with plump, moisturized skin, because this deeply hydrating mask packs a punch. With antioxidant-rich shea butter, glycerin, reishi mushrooms, and cloudberry, this cream-gel mask replenishes stressed skin and calms redness.

Rave review: "This product is the truth. I use this overnight as a moisturizer when my skin has been stressed throughout the day/week. And the next morning I wake up to supple and soft skin. The compliments are unreal and the glow is amazing!"

How we chose the best hydrating face masks

For weeks, Women’s Health editors, including contributor Andi Breitowich, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated hydrating face masks. Our team consulted three dermatologists and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best hydrating face masks for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Meet the experts

• Reshmi Kapoor, MD, board-certified dermatologist and owner and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

• Anetta Reszko, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College

• Kseniya Kobets, MD, dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in New York

Why are hydrating face masks necessary?

Again, these come in handy for people with chronically dry and dull skin, as well as those who live in dry areas and climates.

“Masks offer prolonged contact with active ingredients to help increase their penetration, and using a mask before an event can help hydrate the top layer of the skin and offer a dewy glow,” says Dr. Kapoor.

On top of that, face masks blanket the skin to deliver higher concentrations of active ingredients to plump, hydrate, and balance the skin, says Dr. Reszko.

What ingredients are necessary in hydrating face masks?

When it comes to ingredients, hydrating masks are typically rich and creamy, says Kseniya Kobets, MD, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in New York. For hydration and plumping, look for ingredients like glycerin, phospholipids, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, she explains. For extra antioxidants and anti-aging properties, prioritize vitamins A, C, and E, she adds. And if you’re looking for gentle exfoliation, opt for hydroxy acids and enzymes.

How often should I use hydrating face masks?

Unlike most other skincare products, hydrating face masks can be used on an as-needed basis, but once or twice a week is a good starting point, says Dr. Kapoor. Alternatively, when your skin is really dull, dry, or flaky, Dr. Reszko adds that hydrating face masks can be used three times a week.

Just be mindful a mask should be flush on the skin for at least 10 minutes to maximize nutrient absorption, she explains.

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