I'm a Face Mask-Obsessed Beauty Editor—These Are the Hydrating Picks I Keep on Rotation
Prepare for a major boost of moisture.
As a beauty editor, one of the most exciting parts of my job is that I get to try a wide range of beauty products on a regular basis. I test everything from haircare, skincare, nailcare, and bodycare…the list goes on. Still, if you gave me $1,000, I'm the type of shopper who will happily splurge on skincare before I even go near the makeup aisle. And while I'm all for a good cleanser, moisturizer, and toner, there is nothing I love more than a good face mask.
You can throw them on for a few minutes while getting ready at home, during flights, or while sleeping when there aren't enough hours in the day. I just love how easy it is to work them into my busy schedule. I also have combination skin, which means I've had to go through my fair share of them to figure out which ones work for me. Even so, the trial and error of it all has given me a pretty good idea of which masks also work well for people with dry skin and oily skin.
So if you're on the hunt for a moisturizing face mask, look no further. Below, I've put together a list of the top 12 masks that are guaranteed to leave your skin feeling super hydrated. Thank me later!
The Best Hydrating Face Masks, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
- Best Budget: Sephora Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Masks
- Best Splurge: Augustinus Bader Augustinus Bader the Hydrogel Face Mask
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Personal Day Everybody Stay Calm Recovery Mask
- Best for Brightening: SK-II Brightening Serum Facial Treatment Sheet Masks
The Best Hydrating Face Masks of 2026
1. Best Overall: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
This mask from Sulwhasoo takes our top spot for a few reasons. For starters, the cream-based formula is deeply hydrating and treats redness, dryness, and uneven texture. The blend of jujube and pomegranate extracts work overtime to support the skin barrier. Plus, it sits in the middle range in terms of price point, and users say it definitely worth the investment.
Pros: Hydrating, treats uneven texture
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Nutritive RED Elixir™
Size: 4.05 oz
Customer review: "I’ve been using this both morning and evening as someone with a slightly dry to normal skin type, and I love it! It makes my face feel fresh and the smell is great too! It’s a little pricey but for the amount you get it’s worth it."
2. Best for Uneven Texture: Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Cream + Mask With Vitamin C
I've been using this face mask for years, but I definitely prefer to use it during the winter because of its rich formula. It contains a blend of hydrating ingredients that treat my uneven texture and leave my skin with a noticeable glow the next day. The smell is subtle and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.
Pros: Works overnight, promotes even texture
Cons: Some users don't like the smell, may be too thick for oily skin
Key ingredients: Proprietary Superberry Complex, squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
Size: 2 oz
Customer review: "This hydrating glow mask has my skin feeling super soft! The thickness is not heavy and instantly gives a glowy look! I am obsessed, and it's literally my third time buying."
3. Best for Combination Skin: Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Sleeping Mask With Panthenol
This is one of those masks that I recommend to just about everyone I know. This jelly mask from Belif creates that glass skin look when you first put it on and slowly absorbs into the skin overnight. The result? Soft, supple skin in the morning that's less red and irritated.
Pros: Treats redness, soothing
Cons: Can feel sticky at first
Key ingredients: Lady's mantle, Scottish heather
Size: 2.5 oz
Customer review: "I use this at least once a week at night and it is extremely hydrating for my dry skin. It has a cooling effect and a little goes a long way, so the jar lasts me a while! I wake up with glowy skin. Love this product!"
4. Best for Brightening: SK-II Brightening Serum Facial Treatment Sheet Masks
This pick was a winner for our 2025 Beauty Awards, and for good reason. Although it's expensive, we love the way these sheet masks brighten and even skin tone. It works on all skin types (including sensitive), and promotes a healthy skin barrier.
Pros: Brightens and evens skin tone
Cons: Some say the price isn't worth six sheets
Key ingredients: PITERA™
Size: Standard
Customer review: "I bought this pack after trying one and seeing a huge improvement in the brightness and glow of my skin. They feel luxurious and are expensive but the difference it’s made in my skin is worth it."
5. Best for Dark Spots: Loops Hyper Smooth Dark Spot Treatment Hydrogel Face Mask
I've tried this face mask from Loops on several occasions, and it never disappoints. As someone with sensitive skin, I love that it doesn't have a strong fragrance. Plus, it has a noticeable cooling effect that's soothing for all skin types.
Pros: Cooling, treats dark spots, affordable
Cons: Only comes with one mask
Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, Brightening Complex
Size: Standard
Customer review: "Never had I used a mask where I visibly saw a difference in my skin after using it. My face was so dewy and glowy after. 10/10 get this right now!"
6. Best K-Beauty: Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber™ Moisturizing Face Mask With Hyaluronic Acid
On the note of cooling face masks, this pick from Dr. Jart is a standout for its ability to soothe skin. It's also a thicker mask that some of the other options on this list, which is a win if you're someone that struggles with thinner sheet masks sliding off. For less than $20, it's a total steal.
Pros: Sticks to skin well, cooling
Cons: Some say it has a strong smell
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides
Size: 1 oz
Customer review: "My skin is glowing, and I feel so happy with the results. It’s soft, plump, and really refreshed after just one use. Highly recommend "
7. Best Budget: Sephora Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Masks
Some people don't like the idea of a thicker mask on their face, and if that sounds like you, you'll appreciate this option from Sephora. I love these for when I'm on the go and need something affordable that can give me a boost of moisture. These budget-friendly masks also make for great gifts.
Pros: Affordable, smells good, food for gifting
Cons: Only comes with one sheet
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Size: Standard
Customer review: "My favorite mask of all! Smells great and leaves my skin looking so fresh and nice! Would recommend!"
8. Best Splurge: Augustinus Bader Augustinus Bader the Hydrogel Face Mask
So you want to splurge a little? Look no further than these sheet masks from Augustinus Bader. This options is especially great for anyone looking to treat dull skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. If anti-aging products are your go-to, trust that this is worth every penny.
Pros: Treats fine lines and wrinkles
Cons: Expensive, only comes with six
Key ingredients: TFC8® complex, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, niacinamide
Size: 1 oz
Customer review: "Absolutely love this mask. I use it once a week. Leaves my face feeling tight, but soft and dewy too."
9. Best Oil-Free Mask: Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Formulated with soothing aloe vera, this mask for Clinique is a great option for an overnight mask. It works for acne-prone skin thanks to its oil-free formula. It's also fragrance-free, making it another win for sensitive skin.
Pros: Oil-free, fragrance-free
Cons: Not ideal for combination skin
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Size: 3.4 oz
Customer review: "Would definitely recommend this product! I put on at night, and it really moisturizes. I have a very hard time finding products that I can put all over my face that don't break me out but this one does the trick."
10. Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Personal Day Everybody Stay Calm Recovery Mask
Stubborn acne and redness can be stressful to treat, but this hydrating mask from Personal Day makes things easier. The mevalonic acid promotes natural collagen production and rebuilds the skin barrier. Just leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse.
Pros: Treats acne, reduces redness
Cons: Not ideal for eczema
Key ingredients: Mevalonic acid
Size: 1.4 oz
Customer review: "I feel like it's given me the glass skin that I've always wanted, and it also feels so good on my skin."
11. Best for Redness: Caudalie Vinohydra Moisturizing Mask
Redness can be tricky to tame, but this mask from Caudalie is truly soothing. The formula hydrates while adding a mix of antioxidants and prebiotics to protect against free radicals. It's also sustainably made.
Pros: Soothes redness
Cons: Not ideal for dry skin
Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, grape water, grapeseed polyphenols
Size: 2.5 oz
Customer review: "I use this after I exfoliate or when my skin is particularly dry in the winter and it is amazing. Incredibly hydrating and a must have in my cabinet."
12. Best for Pores: Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask
I'm a big fan of this brand for many reasons and this mask is one of them. the 10% niacinamide refines pores and improves skin texture overnight in just a few uses. I like using it after washing my face with the brand's Green Clean Gentle Creamy Cleanser, and it's the perfect pairing.
Pros: Shrinks appearance of pores
Cons: Not ideal for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Panthenol, blueberry seed oil, niacinamide
Size: 1.7 oz
Customer review: "It glides on super smooth and feels so hydrating. I have dry, sensitive skin especially on my face and neck but this did not cause any irritation."
What to Look for in a Hydrating Face Mask
If you're looking to buy a hydrating face mask but you're not sure what exactly you need to keep in mind, here are a few pointers before you make a purchase:
Skin type: More often than not, you'll be able to tell whether or not a product is right for your skin by simply reading the label or looking into the product details online. Most brands will indicate whether their product is ideal for dry, oily, or combination skin, but if you want to be extremely thorough, you can also look into the reviews.
Formula type: Some face masks are sheet masks that can be placed over your face, worn for about 10 to 20 minutes (depending on the brand), and then discarded. Others come as creams or gels, some of which can be worn overnight. That said, it's a good idea to get a sense of what convenience looks like to you and if that's something that matters when you're using a face mask. If you're someone that doesn't want to rinse a product off your face, then maybe a sheet mask or an overnight mask that doesn't need to be washed off in the morning might be best. If you're someone that has a very busy lifestyle, maybe an overnight mask or sheet mask that only needs to be worn for a short period of time is the better option. It all comes down to a personal preference.
Key ingredients: Similar to the thought process around your skin type, you might also want to look for a face mask that has ingredients that cater to your needs. Most hydrating face masks will contain hyaluronic acid in it, which is an extremely hydrating ingredient that works to plump the skin. You might also notice popular ingredients like niacinamide and peptides as well. All of these are good indicators of a hydrating formula.
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best hydrating masks, we leaned heavily on first-hand testing and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients and size. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Why Trust Who What Wear
Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.
