Skin care routines can feel just that: routine. After a long day, washing your face and slapping on moisturizer doesn’t always feel like self care. They don’t feel special. Face masks, on the other hand, are an every-once-in-a-while treat for your skin. Sheet masks, which are a type of face mask, are popular for good reason — the masks come soaked with skin care ingredients, so all you have to do is lay one on your face.
There are many types of sheet masks on the market, promising to do things like hydrate, brighten and clarify the skin. But just because they offer a variety of benefits, does not mean they should replace other key skin care products. “Sheet masks cannot replace the important steps of a regular skin care routine, such as cleansing, moisturizing and using sunscreen,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. What can they do, then? Camp says they’re particularly good for hydration. “The occlusive properties of a mask traps moisture in the skin, which can help skin stay hydrated and improve the appearance of fine lines,” he says.
To help you determine the sheet masks that are worth your time and money, I spoke with dermatologists about what to keep in mind when shopping and rounded up expert-recommended and NBC Select staff-favorite options.
How I picked highly rated sheet masks
To help me find which sheet masks are worth investing in, I spoke to two board-certified dermatologists about what to look for. When shopping, they recommend considering the following factors:
- Ingredients: Sheet masks help hydrate skin, says Camp. So, look for options infused with moisturizing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid (helps attract and retain moisture), niacinamide (a vitamin B complex that soothes and reduces redness) and peptides (encourage firmness and elasticity).
- Skin concern: While sheet masks are best for hydrating, you can find masks that address other skin concerns, too. “Along with boosting moisture, there are a number of sheet masks on the market that brighten or soothe,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell.
Related
Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
Best sheet masks in 2025
Below, I rounded up the best sheet masks based on experts’ guidance. I included masks recommended specifically by our experts, along with some that are NBC Select staff favorites.
Best overall
Hyaluronic acid, which is Garshick’s go-to hydrator, is the main active ingredient in this sheet mask. Along with hyaluronic acid, this mask’s serum has five different amino acids to add moisture to the skin, according to the brand. While this mask focuses on hydration, the brand also makes sheet masks that target brightening, toning, illuminating and more.
Best non-slip
Loops sheet masks have a mild aloe vera scent and are great for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Plus, the textured mask grips your face, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping off while you wait the recommended 15 minutes. “After wearing [the masks] for 10 minutes or so, I notice my skin has a nice subtle glow to it and feels a lot more moisturized and plump,” says former NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez. “I’ll alternate when I use it but I love doing it in the morning because it’s the perfect way to prep my skin if I’m wearing makeup.”
Best for sensitive skin
This sheet mask combines aloe vera to soothe and snow mushroom extract to hydrate the skin, says Garshick. “It’s great for those experiencing sensitivity or itchiness,” she says. The sheet masks are made from completely biodegradable material and each pack comes with three masks.
Most versatile
This set from popular Korean beauty brand TonyMoly includes 10 sheet masks, all of which address a different concern. There’s a rice water mask to clarify, a tea tree oil mask to soothe, a coconut mask to hydrate and more. “TonyMoly masks are so refreshing and soothing and they just do the trick after a long day,” says Kelsey Fredricks, a former production coordinator at NBC Select. “I’ve tried aloe, lavender, rice and hemp and love them all — there’s a mask for every skin concern you could have.” You can apply them to a clean face and leave on for 20 minutes.
Best multi-step
Each Facetory mask has a two-step process: First, you use the serum packet to hydrate the skin and then you apply the sheet masks for 15 to 20 minutes to help the formula sink in, according to the brand. The main ingredients in the serum are niacinamide, which can soothe irritation, and lotus flower extract, which hydrates the skin, says Camp.
Best brightening
If brightening is your goal, Camp recommends this option from Dr. Dennis Gross. “It’s packed with vitamin C to brighten and the actual mask is made with biodegradable, gel-like coconut fibers,” he says. The mask also has lactic acid and L-ascorbic acid to plump and hydrate your skin, according to the brand. The brand recommends using this once a week.
Best fast-acting
If you’re looking for a mask that is easy to use and works quickly, Patchology has a hydrating option that you’ll only need to keep on for five minutes, according to the brand. They also have hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 in them, which has anti-inflammatory effects to de-puff your skin. “No matter the formula, the left behind serum is always just enough to blend into my skin without it feeling too slimy,” says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown. “I especially love the options that come in two pieces because they make application way less messy and easier to take off.”
Best budget pick
These Neutrogena masks are soaked in a serum with hyaluronic acid. “Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar molecule in our body that attracts up to a thousand times its weight in water,” says Garshick. “Because it helps to draw moisture in, it not only helps with skin hydration but can also improve fine lines and wrinkles and leave the skin looking and feeling dewier.” To use this mask, apply it after you wash your face and leave it on for up to 30 minutes.
Best deep hydration
These masks contain oligo-hyaluronic acid, a smaller compound than typical hyaluronic acid, so your skin absorbs it easier and deeper. “I just love how it goes from opaque to completely translucent overnight,” says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez. “When I rip it off in the morning, my skin feels rejuvenated and stays feeling hydrated the entire day.” NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio is also a Biodance fan, and says the brand’s Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Overnight Hydrogel Mask feels cool on her skin and “does wonders” for soothing the redness caused by her rosacea.
Best for people with facial hair
These sheet masks are specifically made for men (though men can use any of the masks on this list). “These contain niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and peptides and are sized up to fit larger faces and made in two pieces so that people with beards can use half,” says Camp. The combination of ingredients targets dull skin, fine lines and redness, according to the brand.
Best for dry skin
“This sheet mask works great for those with dry skin as it contains ceramide NP, which works to support the skin’s barrier,” says Garshick. “After you use it, it leaves the skin feeling moisturized for 24 hours.” Along with the ceramide NP, it has argan oil and shea butter to infuse extra moisture, according to the brand. Like others on our list, you should apply this mask after cleansing and leave it on for 20 minutes. If you have very dry skin, you should apply moisturizer after taking off the mask, according to Dr. Jart+.
Best for fine lines and wrinkles
Collagen peptides, which Camp says help to keep your skin firm and plump, are the main active ingredient in this sheet mask. Each mask also has hyaluronic acid to hydrate and aloe vera to soothe, according to Ebanel. To get extra soothing benefits, you can chill the sheet mask in the fridge for 15 minutes before opening the package and putting it on.
Best for daily use
These sheet masks come soaked in a serum that combines centella asiatica extract to combat redness and hyaluronic acid for hydration, according to the brand. You get 30 masks in one pack and the idea is to use one per day for a month. “My skin feels super hydrated after using it,” says former NBC Select page Hannah Fuechtman. “I also notice my complexion has a glow for a few days after using one.”
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a contributing editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed two board-certified dermatologists to gather their guidance on what to look for when shopping for sheet masks.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
