20 Best Sheet Masks for Healthy, Glowing Skin - Hydrating Facial Mask Reviews

2023-01-05 18:03:45 By : Ms. Ada chen

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Whether you have sensitive skin or acne, a sheet mask can work wonders for any skin type.

Face masks are the ultimate treat for your skin, and sheet masks are having a moment right now, too. “Sheet masks are essentially thin sheets made of paper, cloth, or gel saturated in serum, which usually contains moisturizers and extracts, explains Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Director of the Beauty Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. They’re an easy way to get a quick hydration boost in a short amount of time.

Our experts at the Beauty Lab carefully rounded up sheet masks for testers to weigh in on performance, ease of use, and satisfaction. Once we had consumer feedback, we measured skin's moisture levels before and six hours after application, evaluated package instructions, and rated messiness of the serum (as that’s a common complaint for sheet masks). Our favorite masks are top-performers from Lab tests, editor's picks, and trusted best-sellers.

According to dermatologist Peterson Pierre, M.D., if you have oily skin, opt for gel masks because these masks are infused with collagen and antioxidants — ingredients great for skin repair and recovery. “Cream masks tend to be better for dry, mature skin in need of a hydration boost,” he adds. Our Lab agree that certain sheet masks will perform better for specific skin types, in the end, they found very little variation in the serums of all the formulas — which means you really can’t go wrong.

To get the most out of your sheet mask, Dr. Pierre says to take the following steps for the ultimate skincare regimen:

Here are the best sheet masks of 2020, from Lab tested picks, best-sellers on Amazon, and ever-popular Korean face masks you can buy right online.

Place this paper Skin Laundry mask — infused with meadowfoam seed oil, glycerin, and fruit extracts — over a clean face for serious skin nourishment. Testers seemed to agree that the mask did not irritate the skin and left their face feeling smooth. Though some found it a bit "slimy," it's for good reason: Our Lab says it boosted moisturization by a whopping 25%. It even received the highest score for not leaving unpleasant residue on the skin.

This inexpensive sheet mask set contains four masks (that's about $2 per mask) and got solid marks from testers, who said it was hydrating and made their skin glow. Just keep in mind that despite this reaction, our experts determined that it only boosted skin hydration by 5.3%. Overall, testers appreciated that the mask fit comfortably on the face and came unscented.

This Dr. Jart+ mask stood out as a great complexion calmer and hydrator. Our Lab testers actually gave it the highest score for moisturizing efficacy among the top ten masks. The mask also received high marks for being soothing and not irritating, and our testing showed that it increased hydration by 23%. Some testers complained about the nose and mouth openings not fitting properly, but overall they found their skin feeling supple after use.

This peel-off mask is a personal favorite of Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. She says that it's been a great alternative for her daughter when she isn't able to get her monthly facials. Aral notes that this mask is effective at de-clogging pores and lifts all the dirt off the top layer of skin, sans stinging or burning.

If you're skin is on the dry side, Dr. Pierre recommends this super hydrating sheet mask. It contains hyaluronic acid, an ingredient known for its moisturizing benefits. Reviewers say this mask feels unlike other sheet masks because of its jelly-like consistency. The brand thanks the unique hydrogel material for helping seal in maximum absorption into the skin.

This Karuna mask won't irritate skin or cause redness and is easy to wear. Testers were impressed with the "temporary plumping" and said it "tightened skin in a good way." Our Lab analysis, however, found it didn't significantly moisturize skin, so it might not be ideal for users looking for extra hydration.

This Korean sheet mask set has a cult-following on Amazon, with over 6,000 reviews and 4.4 star rating. Male and female reviewers swear by these masks for smoother skin, faded acne scars, and pleasant scents. Included are 16 face masks that target different skincare issues, like dryness, elasticity, and brightening. They contain vitamin E and collagen to pep dull and tired skin.

This mask earned a GH Seal for its incredible results. Treat your skin to an at-home “facial” with this Korean beauty-inspired sheet mask. Of all the women who tested the product, 87% said their skin looked and felt firm after they used it twice weekly for two weeks.

Farmacy's gel mask calms skin and has a soothing cucumber scent, described by testers as "lovely" and "soft." It earned the highest scores from testers for calming factors and scent (one said it made her fine lines vanish!). While our Lab experts found that it only increased skin moisture levels by 7%, they noticed this feeling lingered even six hours after application.

Fango Essenziali's easy-to-use mask is refreshing and relaxing. Some testers thought this sheet mask wasn't as form-fitting, but most maintained that it was easy to use and had enough product to absorb into the skin. Our Lab testing didn't show any moisturization benefits after six hours, but it didn't cause any irritation or redness.

The I Mask is one of GH beauty director April Franzino's personal favorites. She says it served as the perfect last step after a peel and microdermabrasion treatment at the doctor's office because it "instantly cooled [her] skin" and "quelled any inflammation." Designed for dry skin and redness, this mask has hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to help smooth and soothe.

While we haven't tested this pick in the Beauty Lab, this mask from SK-II is Sephora's bestseller. With more than 200 five star reviews, people are saying the cult-favorite mask is "worth the splurge." As one reviewer wrote, it "leaves your skin brighter and refreshed. It's perfect to use before you go out with friends. Everyone will be asking you what have you been using."

Thermal spring water is the key ingredient in this mask to help calm and soothe the skin. Several online reviewers claim that the mask helps reduce redness, calling it "gentle yet effective," and not bothersome for users with sensitive skin. The brand claims the mask is alcohol and fragrance free, and reviewers agree with the claims that it "cools down" irritated skin.

The Good Housekeeping Institute hasn't put them to the test yet, but Ulta shoppers can't stop raving about these. Each box comes with 14 sheet masks, and reviewers say they love the variety — and claim the masks are moisturizing, soothing, and softened their skin.

Believe it or not, hundreds of Amazon reviewers swear by this chin patch, calling it a "double chin reducer." This set comes with five strips that are said to tighten the skin under the chin area while keeping it moisturized. For best results, reviewers recommend to apply the mask consistently twice a week for 45 minutes.

For dull or dry skin, products and review editor Jessica Teich recommends this sheet mask from Tatcha. "I like that it has vitamin E for an instant glow," she says. The silky soft mask is inspired by Japanese beauty treatments and uses anti-aging superfoods like rice, green tea, and algae for ultra moisture and a luminous finish.

One old-school remedy for treating sunburn ASAP is aloe vera. This face mask from Sephora infuses the benefits of aloe vera into a sheet mask so you can quickly soothe irritated skin. The brand claims that it'll replenish and visibly plump your skin for more elasticity. Shopping tip: When you buy and three Sephora face masks, you get one free.

FaceTory is a sheet mask brand whose mission is to make Korean beauty and skincare more accessible and affordable through monthly subscriptions. However, you can purchase individual sheet masks off their site too, like this black, detox sheet mask that's formulated to remove impurities and control sebum production. It even contains soybean ferment extract to further protect the skin from environmental stressors.

This $3 aromatherapy lip gel mask is infused with violet, lavender petal tea and coconut extract to soothe dry and cracked lips. Online reviewers say they're pleased with the delicious scent and find best results with continued use. The mask is shaped to fit your lips, but note that some reviewers find it too big for their pout.

In Beauty Lab tests, we saw this luxury pick diminish the look of wrinkles by 23% in just 10 minutes, the best of all under eye masks we tested. Formualted with elastin and hexapeptide, these effective eye gels also firm and depuff the under eye area for an immediately refreshed look.