These moisture masks instantly quench dehydrated skin.
Whether it’s a sheet masks or overnight pick, a soothing face mask can work wonders on thirsty skin — and it’s a great excuse for taking some time for self-care to relax and reset. The Institute Beauty Lab has a history of testing innovative face masks including sheet masks and overnight masks.
In our tests, face masks are evaluated both by scientists in the Lab using technical instruments like the Corneometer, which measures skin moisture levels, and on consumer testers around the country. Testers evaluate the masks on their ease of use (such as application, scent, and texture) and effects on the complexion, including look and feel of skin after use. In the Lab’s overnight face masks test, scientists recorded 696 hydration measurements with the Corneometer device and we found that some were even more hydrating than past night cream winners.
Get fast relief for a parched complexion with the best hydrating face masks for dry skin, according to GH Beauty Lab testing and experts, including finds for firming mature skin, calming sensitive skin, and smoothing out acne- and blackhead-prone skin. Thanks to testing paired with expert and beauty editor input, we found the best masks for dry skin on the market:
1
Best Overall Face Mask for Dry Skin
Amorepacific Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque
Amorepacific’s overnight mask won the GH Beauty Lab’s test, upping skin moisture levels by a whopping 49%. The no-rinse mask is like a super-strength night cream. Swap it for your go-to product before bed whenever you need an extra hydration boost.
2
Best Drugstore Value Face Mask for Dry Skin
Bliss In the Honey Mega Moisturizing Honey & Lavender Mask
GH’s beauty director recommends this bargain pick from spa brand Bliss, which is packed with moisturizing honey. Also formulated with calming lavender oil, this is a great before-bed mask. Use it up to three times per week!
3
Best Sheet Mask for Dry Skin
Skin Laundry Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask
A great fast fix for moisturizing and plumping skin in minutes, Skin Laundry’s mask boosted hydration 25% — the best in our Lab’s sheet mask tests! We also like that it has just the right amount of serum in the package so it’s not too messy.
4
Best Value Sheet Mask for Dry Skin
Dr. Jart Vital Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Sheet Mask
For a bargain sheet face mask, look no further than this Dr. Jart packet, infused with hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. In the GH Beauty Lab’s sheet face mask test, it increased skin moisture levels by 23% over six hours after use, per measurements with the Lab’s Corneometer machine.
5
Best Hydrating Face Mask for Dry Skin
Fresh Crème Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask
Yes, it’s pricey, but this Fresh pick is one of the best face masks GH’s beauty director has ever tried. It’s super-rich and indulgent, made of real honey and shea butter, and full of botanical oils (meadowfoam, jojoba, sunflower seed). “I have super dry, flaky skin all year long,” she says. “This feels soothing and pampering, like a mini spa treatment, and never irritates my skin.”
6
Best Face Mask for Extremely Dry Skin
Julep Night Shift Sleeping Mask
A richer version of night cream, this no-rinse night mask from Julep was a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s overnight face mask test for effectively moisturizing even extremely dry skin. Formulated with a mix of shea butter and natural oils, it raised skin’s hydration levels by a near-record 43% in Lab testing. Our experts liked it so much they gave it a 2018 GH Beauty Award!
7
Best Firming Face Mask for Dry Mature Skin
Chantecaille Bio Lifting Mask
Active ingredients like peptides in this luxurious Chantecaille mask help firm skin, while botanical oils like rose and apricot nourish. “I use this in the shower, and my face feels softened and plumped immediately after rinsing it off,” GH’s beauty director notes.
8
Best Face Mask for Dry Skin and Acne
Paula’s Choice Radiance Renewal Night Mask
A light, gel formula made with breakout-fighting willow bark and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this Paula’s Choice mask is great for skin that’s both dry and acne-prone. It goes on silky-smooth and leaves skin soft after use. “My skin was smoother, brighter, and almost poreless,” an Amazon reviewer raved.
9
Best Dermatologist-Recommended Face Mask for Dry Skin
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque
Created by dermatologist gold standard brand SkinCeuticals, this face mask is loaded with super skin-quenching ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “My dehydrated face soaks up the cooling formula,” GH’s beauty editor says. “It really works.”
10
Best Face Mask for Dry Skin and Blackheads
Bioré Blue Agave & Baking Soda Whipped Nourishing Detox Mask
Bioré’s face mask is the rare formula that contains salicylic acid to clear pores and high levels of glycerin to combat dry patches. “This mask helps lift away dirt and oil and purify clogged pores,” an Amazon reviewer reported. “My skin feels instantly clean, refreshed, and oh-so-nourished.”
11
Best Anti-Aging Face Mask for Dry Skin
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask
Soaked in the same amount of the active anti-aging ingredient in an entire bottle of Lancôme’s iconic Génifique serum, this mask instantly smooths and revives skin. “It’s the closest to a facial in a ‘bottle’ I’ve ever experienced— my skin was so dewy afterward,” GH’s beauty director says. And Nordstrom reviewers agree: “I was so amazed how my skin looked: It was plumper and looked younger,” one noted.
12
Best Face Mask For Dry, Sensitive Skin
Korres Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask
Soothe a reactive complexion with Korres’s creamy face mask, based on yogurt, a classic remedy for calming redness and softening. “It makes irritated skin feel comforted and quenched at the same time,” GH’s beauty director says.
13
Best Natural Face Mask for Dry Skin
Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight Mask
A top performer in the GH Beauty Lab’s overnight masks test, this rich Origins formula is packed with naturally-derived plant oils like avocado, orange, castor, and apricot. And it proved to be a powerful skin moisturizer, increasing hydration levels by 35% in Lab measurements.
14
Best Leave-On Face Mask for Dry Skin
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
This cult favorite Summer Fridays mask is a beauty editor go-to. No need to rinse it off: “It doubles as a primer in case your skin is really dry, so whenever I feel like I need an extra hydration boost, I just apply a thin layer before putting on my makeup,” she says.
15
Best Double-Duty Face Mask for Dry Skin
Clark’s Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask
Another GH beauty editor favorite is this rich glycerin and green tea cream formula from Clark’s Botanicals that can be rinsed off or left on skin overnight. “On days when my skin feels extra dry, I let it soak in as I sleep, and my skin is super-soft by morning,” she reports.
16
Best Face Mask for Dry Winter Skin
Dr. Hauschka Hydrating Cream Mask
For an extra intense dose of hydration, turn to this creamy Dr. Hauschka mask, loaded with botanical oils like sunflower, olive, avocado, and almond. “I love the citrusy scent and how rich it is— it’s my favorite for the winter season,” GH Beauty Lab senior chemist Sabina Wizemann says. “It takes a bit longer to absorb, but I rarely wipe off the excess after because it feels so good on my skin.”
17
Best Lightweight Face Mask for Dry Skin
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
True to its name, this mineral water and hyaluronic acid gel overnight mask from Laneige moisturizes yet feels featherweight on skin. “For light hydration that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, this mask is perfect,” says GH beauty assistant Katie Berohn. “It soaks into your skin almost immediately!”
18
Best Glow-Boosting Face Mask for Dry Skin
Dr. Brandt Skincare Hydro Biotic Recovery Sleeping Mask
This overnight sleeping mask from Dr. Brandt nourishes skin with yogurt, green tea, and manuka honey. “It’s a soothing gel formula that literally melts into skin,” says beauty editor Dori Price. “I actually use it as a night cream on nights my skin feels extra dry—it’s super hydrating and softening and I wake up to plump, glowy skin.”
19
Best Face Mask for Dry, Red Skin
Eau Thermale Avène Soothing Radiance Mask
Packed with fatty acids, this Eau Thermale Avène face mask fortifies a reactive, compromised complexion. “It’s rich and creamy to the touch, but feels light on, and calms my skin quickly, especially redness,” Wizemann notes. “I usually leave it overnight, but I use it during the day, too, when my face feels extra dry and sensitive — it leaves my skin feeling nourished and protected.”
20
Best Brightening Face Mask for Dry Skin
Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask
Think of this Youth to the People overnight mask with acai, goji berry, and prickly pear extracts as a replenishing superfood smoothie for your skin. “This is one of my all-time favorite sleeping masks,” Berohn says. “It feels like an extra-rich night cream, and every time I wake up after I use it, my skin is noticeably brighter, glowier, and more hydrated.”