Sheet masks are the newest craze, and it seems everyone you know is using them. With how widespread and affordable they are, it’s no wonder that they’re becoming popular. They’re efficient, effective, and the best way to bolster your skincare routine without needing you to shell out hundreds of dollars.
- How to Choose the Right Sheet Mask
- Top 10 Best Sheet Masks 2024
- 1. Best Overall Sheet Mask: TONYMOLY I’m Real Mask Set
- 2. Best Premium Sheet Mask: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
- 3. Best Budget Sheet Mask: DERMAL Collagen Essence Sheet Masks
- 4. Best Sheet Mask for Oily Skin: LAPCOS Charcoal Sheet Mask
- 5. Best Sheet Masks for Combination Skin: The Face Shop Facial Masks
- 6. Best Sheet Mask for Hydration: SKEDERM Snail Jelly Mask
- 7. Best Sheet Mask for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Jart Deep Hydration Dermask
- 8. Best Sheet Masks for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sheet Mask
- 9. Best Sheet Mask for Normal Skin: OBS Lab Ultra Hydrating Sheet Masks
- 10. Best Sheet Mask for Anti-Aging: Elixir 24K Gold Korean Mask
- Guide to Picking the Perfect Sheet Mask
- Final Thoughts
How to Choose the Right Sheet Mask
The right sheet mask is a great way to perfect your spa day or top off your skincare routine. You’ll get the experience of being at a high-end spa without needing to spend nearly as much money. But you’ll want to make sure you choose right when it comes to masks; after all, a wrong choice can easily contribute to a breakout.
Sheet masks, like many other skincare products, are applied directly to your face. That means you need to be extra careful when picking them out. We’ll cover the main things to look for in sheet masks, though we’ll go more in-depth here.
Types of Sheet Masks
The distinguishing factor between sheet masks is the materials that make up the mask, which we’ll go into below.
Cotton/Fabric Sheet Masks
Cotton and fabric sheet masks are soaked with essence and sit on the skin. They’re soft and absorbent but don’t cling to the face as tightly as some other masks. This means there may be air pockets here and there. However, these are often a cheaper type of sheet mask. Our favorite cotton mask is the TONYMOLY masks.
Hydrogel/Bio-Cellulose Sheet Masks
These sheet masks are a little more transparent and cling to your skin tighter than the traditional cotton masks do. This allows for more of your face to feel the cooling effects and absorb all of the beneficial nutrients that a sheet mask provides. Our favorite hydrogel choice is the SKEDERM snail jelly mask.
Foil Sheet Masks
Foil sheet masks are some of the more expensive masks and have a foil sheet on one side with a cotton layer on the other. The foil itself keeps the nutrients from leaving the mask, making sure your skin has time to absorb all of the active ingredients. Our top choice for a foil sheet mask is the Elixir sheet mask.
Charcoal Sheet Masks
Charcoal sheet masks come in a black color and are infused with charcoal to help with detoxing the skin. Some of these masks may also bubble, and the powder within the mask can combat any extra oils that your face produces. Our top pick for a charcoal mask is the LAPCOS sheet mask.
Features to Consider When Buying a Sheet Mask
Before you get started with investing in some sheet masks, you’ll want to make sure you know the main features to look for aside from type and material. Below are some other important factors to take into consideration.
Ingredients
When it comes to sheet masks and any other skincare product, the ingredients are the main thing to watch out for. Search for gentle ingredients that boost your skin, rather than harsh ingredients that may damage skin. This also means looking to see if it contains alcohol, or if there’s any fragrance involved.
Price
Sheet masks aren’t reusable, so you’ll want to make sure that they fit within your budget. Some masks can be as cheap as 50 cents to a dollar, while others can be around the $30 mark. Alternatively, you can use cheaper sheet masks for your normal skincare routine and more expensive masks on at-home spa nights.
Brand
This ties in with price, since some brands may be more expensive than others. However, when it comes to masks, you may want to purchase from reputable brands so that you know the mask is made of quality ingredients.
Size
Some sheet masks are made in different sizes than others, so you want to make sure the mask you choose isn’t too small. Getting a mask that’s too large usually isn’t a problem, since you can use it anyways and cut off the excess parts if they bother you.
Time Needed
Different sheet masks may need different application times. Some are meant to be used for 30 minutes, which may be too long for people with busier schedules. Others only need 15 minutes, a much shorter time commitment.
Now that we covered all the basics of sheet masks, let’s get into our top choices with our favorite mask options. We’ve included a wide variety on the list for every occasion and skin type there is.
Top 10 Best Sheet Masks 2024
1. Best Overall Sheet Mask: TONYMOLY I’m Real Mask Set
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Cotton sheet mask
- Number of Masks: 10
- Fragrance: Assortment
- Ingredients: Water glycerin, flower extract, varies depending on the mask
The TONYMOLY “I’m Real” mask set comes with 10 different masks, each infused with a special element that targets a particular skin area. The mask itself is made from a 3-layer pulp sheet and is thicker than the typical cotton mask. You’ll only need to apply each mask for 20 minutes to get the full effects, and the variety means that each masking session is unique and different.
In particular, the cactus mask can help with hydration, while the rose mask helps with acne-prone skin and redness. However, keep in mind that each mask is also lightly scented to fit the theme of the mask, so your rose mask will smell lightly of roses.
Aside from fragrance, this mask set is suited for all skin types besides sensitive skin due to the variety that it offers and different ingredients in every mask. You can read the online descriptions for each individual mask as well to get a better idea of the skin problems that the mask can target.
Pros
- Set of 10 masks offer variety in dealing with skin problems
- Created from 3-layer pulp sheet
- The cactus mask helps with hydration
- The rose mask alleviates redness and helps with acne
Cons
- Masks are scented and not suitable for sensitive skin
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Cotton sheet mask
- Number of Masks: 10
- Fragrance: Unscented
- Ingredients: PITERA, amino acids, vitamins
While the SK-II is the most expensive sheet mask on the list, their high-quality products make the price worth it. SK-II patented their special PITERA essence, a clear liquid that has over 50 micronutrients that’s good for the skin. It drew inspiration from Japanese sake, and today, SK-II uses it in most of their skincare products.
The exclusivity of the essence is what sets this mask apart from others. Since PITERA is trademarked, you won’t be able to get another sheet mask that contains this concentration. It’s known for helping with brighter skin and a more radiant complexion after being used, and SK-II often calls it their “miracle ingredient”.
The mask itself contains enough excess serum for you to get two uses out of it if you have your own disposable cotton masks and can be beneficial for your neck, arms, and legs as well.
It’s considered a luxury sheet mask, so while you won’t be able to use it daily, even using it once in a while can help improve how your skin looks. If you do want a mask that can be used daily, consider the DERMAL sheet masks.
Pros
- Contains PITERA
- Help brighten skin and improve radiant complexion
- Contains enough serum for two uses
- High-quality, thick cotton mask
Cons
- Expensive
3. Best Budget Sheet Mask: DERMAL Collagen Essence Sheet Masks
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Cotton sheet mask
- Number of Masks: 24
- Fragrance: Assortment
- Ingredients: Water, glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and others
If you want to mask daily but don’t want to spend a fortune, these budget sheet masks are perfect for you. They come in a set of 24, each with their own scent and ingredient targeting. However, while they are supposed to target an assortment of skin issues, the masks themselves don’t differ as much as the TONYMOLY mask set.
However, all of the masks do help with soothing and evening skin complexion, and offer a healthy amount of hydration for those with drier skin types. The masks themselves are also always soaked with essence, so you may be able to get a second use out of them by using your own dry cotton masks.
They need about 15 to 20 minutes to fully work, so make sure you set a timer on your phone for the mask. In addition, while they do help with hydration, you’ll be able to use them even if you have oily or combination skin as long as you don’t overdo it. The only people that should avoid this mask are those with sensitive skin, since the masks do contain a small amount of fragrance.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes in a set of 24 for daily masking
- Hydrates and soothes skin
- Soaked in enough essence for more than one use
Cons
- Masks are scented and not suitable for sensitive skin
- Masks don’t differ from each other aside from scents
4. Best Sheet Mask for Oily Skin: LAPCOS Charcoal Sheet Mask
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Charcoal sheet mask
- Number of Masks: 5
- Fragrance: Charcoal
- Ingredients: Tea tree, salicylic acid, charcoal powder
The LAPCOS charcoal sheet mask can help detox and tighten skin without being too harsh. The charcoal powder combined with the salicylic acid can also cut back on oil production, in addition, to minimizing pores and reducing blackheads. If you have oily skin and don’t want to worry about overhydration with a sheet mask, LAPCOS has you covered.
Unfortunately, with the way that the mask is cut out, it doesn’t cover the sides of the nose well so you may have to use a different blackhead strip for that. In addition, the mask also leaves behind a sticky residue that you may want to wash off after application.
They can also be a bit drying due to the charcoal powder, unlike more hydrating masks such as the SKEDERM snail jelly mask.
The tea tree oil included in the formulation also helps clarify and brighten skin and can reduce the appearance of blemishes over time. You just need to apply the mask for 10 to 20 minutes once a week or more. In addition, while it is marketed towards oily and normal skin types, it’s suitable for all skin types (even sensitive skin) due to all the benefits that charcoal holds.
Pros
- Charcoal powder helps with excess oil production
- Salicylic acid helps with acne and blackheads
- Clarifies and brightens skin after use
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Mask cutout doesn’t cover the sides of the nose
- The serum feels sticky on the skin after application
5. Best Sheet Masks for Combination Skin: The Face Shop Facial Masks
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Cotton masks
- Number of Masks: 15
- Fragrance: Assortment
- Ingredients: Honey, shea butter, ginseng, lemon
If you’re not sure which skincare issue you want to tackle, the Face Shop sheet masks are a perfect choice. With fifteen different sheets, each highlights a different main ingredient to deal with different skin concerns. This includes aloe for soothing, lemon for brightening, shea butter for softening, and more.
While each mask does contain pure juice from multiple natural elements, the construction of the mask is also solid. The pulp sheet has air pockets within to help the essence transfer to your skin faster, and it also speeds up the absorption process. Most fresh ingredients are ground to get all the valuable nutrients out.
Unfortunately, since the masks do contain a lot of natural juices and serums, they can leave the skin feeling sticky after use. This may be uncomfortable, and if you don’t want the sticky residue afterward, you should consider the SK-II facial mask which isn’t as sticky. In addition, some of these masks are scented very, very lightly, and the small amount makes it safe for sensitive skin as well.
Pros
- Contains naturally ground products in the sheet masks
- 15 different types that target various skin issues
- Pulp sheet has built-in air pockets
- Light scent won’t irritate sensitive skin
Cons
- Leaves the skin feeling sticky after use
6. Best Sheet Mask for Hydration: SKEDERM Snail Jelly Mask
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Hydrogel sheet mask
- Number of Masks: 10
- Fragrance: Unscented
- Ingredients: Water, glycerin, snail extract, root extract
If your skin runs on the drier side, the SKEDERM snail jelly mask can fix that for you. Snail jelly has been used for decades in skincare products and provides a deeper moisturizing effect as it penetrates through the skin. In addition, they provide the added anti-aging benefits and skin repair benefits.
The hydrogel mask clings tighter to your face when compared to a traditional cotton sheet mask, which can also help your skin absorb more moisture. It also contains seven other natural ingredients and hydrolyzed collagen to soothe skin more, and the snail secretion filtrate helps your protective skin barrier while locking moisture in.
However, if you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, you may want to avoid this mask since it can be too hydrating. The excess moisture and serum could lead to breakouts for those with acne-prone skin, though they work wonders for drier skin types.
In addition, unlike the Face Shop facial masks, all ten sheets are the same and don’t offer a variety of essence mixtures.
Pros
- Snail jelly helps with deep moisturizing effects
- Masks also have anti-aging benefits
- Hydrogel mask clings tighter to face to lock moisture in
- Contains hydrolyzed collagen and seven natural ingredients
Cons
- Not suitable for acne-prone skin or oily skin
- Ten sheet masks do not have any variety
7. Best Sheet Mask for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Jart Deep Hydration Dermask
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Cotton mask
- Number of Masks: 5
- Fragrance: Unscented
- Ingredients: Aloe vera, leaf extract, other natural ingredients
Dr. Jart’s hydration sheet mask comes unscented and fragrance-free, making it suitable for anyone with sensitive skin. From their curated ingredient list, you’ll be sure to get the full benefits of sheet masks without irritating your face from repeated uses. The mask itself is stiffer than some of the other masks but holds to your face well.
Because of the gentle nature of this mask, it’s suited for all skin types as well, not just for sensitive skin. It helps with uneven skin tone and can reduce redness as well due to the aloe vera in the product. In addition, the mask itself has a smooth and soothing texture when applied to the skin, which also helps decrease the chance of irritation.
However, due to the stiffness of the mask, it can be hard to keep the mask on if you have a smaller facial structure. You may have to lay back and relax or hold the mask on your face if it fits irregularly.
The ingredients of the mask may also prove to be too hydrating. Thus, if your skin doesn’t need extra hydration, you may want to consider the LAPCOS sheet masks.
Pros
- Comes unscented and fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Reduces redness and helps with uneven skin tone
- Mask has a smooth and soothing texture
Cons
- Stiffer than some other cotton masks
- May be too hydrating
8. Best Sheet Masks for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sheet Mask
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Hydrogel mask
- Number of Masks: 12
- Fragrance: Light fresh scent
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, natural ingredient extracts, castor oil
The Neutrogena hydro boost sheet mask is made of hydrogel, which can hold up to 50% more essence when compared to traditional masks. Paired with the hyaluronic acid in the mask, it ends up providing more hydration for the skin when compared to many other options, which makes this choice perfect for those with dry skin.
However, this sheet mask does contain a small amount of fragrance. If you want the hydrating properties without the scent, you may want to consider the Dr. Jart deep hydration dermask instead. This mask is also part of a larger skincare line by Neutrogena, and while you can use it on its own, you’ll get the full effects by investing in the full line of products.
The mask needs to be left on your skin for 15 to 30 minutes and can brighten your complexion in addition to the extra hydration that it provides. In addition, the hydrogel can also leave your skin feeling soft and supple after using and can be used for all skin types save for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Hydrogel mask holds 50% more essence
- Hyaluronic acid helps with hydration
- Brightens complexion
- Hydrogel mask leaves skin feeling soft and supple
Cons
- Contains a small amount of fragrance
- Part of a larger line of skincare products you may want to invest in
9. Best Sheet Mask for Normal Skin: OBS Lab Ultra Hydrating Sheet Masks
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Cotton sheet mask
- Number of Masks: 100
- Fragrance: Assortment
- Ingredients: Aloe, cucumber, water, glycerin, other natural products
If you never want to worry about purchasing sheet masks again, the OBS Lab hydration masks steal the spotlight. They come in a set of 100, with 10 different varieties of masks for you to pick from. Because of the different ingredients, scents, and skin issues that each set of masks target, these are best suited for those with normal skin who want to experiment.
The masks themselves are affordable and cost the least per mask out of all the ones on the list. However, if you want affordable masks without investing in 100 of them at once, you may want to consider the DERMAL sheet masks which only come in a pack of 24 at a low price.
However, because the masks do contain fragrance and other harsher ingredients, they’re not as suited for sensitive skin. In addition, they may also be too hydrating for oily skin. The masks also come with enough essence in each bag for two uses, though you definitely won’t be running out of masks soon after this purchase.
Pros
- An affordable set of 100 masks
- 10 different types of masks and ingredients
- Good for those who want to experiment
- Never worry about buying sheet masks again
Cons
- Ingredients may be too harsh for sensitive skin
- 100 masks may be too many to purchase all at once
10. Best Sheet Mask for Anti-Aging: Elixir 24K Gold Korean Mask
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Foil sheet mask
- Number of Masks: 1
- Fragrance: Light fresh scent
- Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, raspberry ketone, seed extract
The Elixir 24K gold mask has three layers, all of which have anti-aging properties. The top layer is a gold foil that evens and brightens skin tone. In the middle is the hydration layer with moisturizes and deals with fine lines. Finally, the cleansing layer at the bottom has light exfoliating properties, and can help remove dead skin cells.
Put together, the three layers have special anti-aging and moisturizing results that can revitalize your appearance. After just 20 minutes, it can rejuvenate your appearance, though removal of the mask can be a little messy. However, this mask is on the pricier side, since you’ll be paying for just a single mask rather than a pack of masks.
The mask is also heavier than some of the other masks and may not stick to your face as well as the Neutrogena Hydro Boost sheet mask and other hydrogel masks. This means you’ll have to take extra care when laying down to mask so that it doesn’t end up sliding off.
Pros
- A three-layered mask that targets anti-aging
- Moisturizing and cleansing
- Removes dead skin cells
- Evens and brightens skin tone
Cons
- Purchase only comes with 1 mask
- Mask is on the heavier side
- Mask doesn’t stick as well to your face
Guide to Picking the Perfect Sheet Mask
If you’re curious about all the ins and outs when it comes to sheet masks, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover the basics you need to know to get started, before showing you some tips and tricks to incorporate sheet masks into your current skincare routine. You can also get a summary of sheet masks here.
Introduction to Sheet Masks
Sheet masks originated from South Korea, and normally consist of a large piece of fabric or other material infused with essence. They’re flexible, stretchy, and mean to be applied over a certain amount of time.
The mask itself comes with holes cut out for your eyes, nose, and mouth. Depending on the essence used, masks can have different benefits for your skin.
How to Use a Sheet Mask
When you’re first opening a sheet mask package, you’ll notice that it’s dripping with essence. You’ll want to tilt the package first to get the excess essence onto your fingers, before applying it to your face ahead of time. After that, you can remove and unfold the mask.
When placing it on your face, start by aligning the holes with your eyes, mouth, and nose. Once you have the holes in the right place, begin smoothing out the rest of the air bubbles and materials in the mask to increase its effectiveness.
After you have the mask on, you can just lay back on your bed and relax for as long as the mask needs. Set a timer so that you don’t accidentally fall asleep, since leaving a mask on your face for too long can end up drying it out.
If there’s still more essence left in the packaging afterward, you can apply this to your neck, arms, and other body parts to get the most use out of a single mask.
Most importantly, once you finish with the sheet mask, gently tap the rest of the essence into your face. Don’t rinse it off, since it’s all healthy for your skin. Instead, apply a moisturizer or oil afterward to help seal in all the good nutrients present in the essence.
Sheet Mask Benefits
When it comes to masking, the benefits are innumerable. Below, we’ll have a short list of some of the common benefits that sheet masks provide.
- Skin hydration
- Evening out skin tone
- Anti-aging properties
- Soothing properties
Not sure about all the benefits that they hold? You can read more about skin health and sheet masks here.
Sheet Masks and Skincare Routines
If you plan on using sheet masks regularly as part of your skincare routine, you may be confused as to when you use it. Typically, you can fit a sheet mask into any step after you’ve cleansed and exfoliated, but before you moisturize.
Since the mask helps your skin absorb the nutrients already on there, you may want to apply them after you apply any toners, essences, treatments, and more. As long as you fit in the mask before you moisturize, you’re set.
The main thing to remember about sheet masks is their flexibility. While you’ll get the most use out of it after the cleansing and exfoliation step in your skincare routine, that’s not to say you can’t use them at other times. If you’re exhausted and can’t find the time for a proper cleansing routine, try applying your sheet mask anyways. They’re meant to help you relax, and they certainly would never hurt your skin.
They can be added to your morning or nightly routine, although you should avoid masking two times a day. Instead, you can mask anywhere from once a week to daily depending on your skin type, which we’ll get into below.
Sheet Masks and Skin Types
Depending on your skin type, the amount you should use a sheet mask and the type of sheet mask you use may vary. We’ll give a rudimentary outline below.
Oily Skin
Those with oily skin should make sure not to overdo it with sheet masks, since you won’t need the extra hydration. Instead, once or twice a week should be enough.
In addition, you may want to consider trying charcoal sheet masks rather than traditional sheet masks, since the powder in charcoal masks can help combat the oil. Our recommendation for sheet masks for those with oily skin types is the LAPCOS sheet mask.
Combination or Normal Skin
Those with combination skin or normal skin want a mask that’s balanced all around. You’ll probably find a traditional cotton mask that’s suited for you, as long as you read the ingredient list carefully. You should be careful about masking too much, although three or four times a week shouldn’t be an issue for you.
For normal skin, we recommend the OBS Lab masks. For combination skin, we would recommend that you check out the Face Shop facial masks.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you may want to mask daily since it provides extra hydration. Look for hydrogel masks or bio-cellulose masks that cling to your face tightly, since they can also help your skin absorb extra moisture. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Our favorite mask for dry skin is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost sheet mask.
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to stay away from masks that have fragrances or other harsh ingredients. Opt for masks that are gentler on the skin. We would recommend the Dr. Jart deep hydration dermask if it’s your first time.
In addition, when you’re first starting out, don’t mask daily in case your skin has an adverse reaction to it. Instead, mask a few times a week at first and slowly work your way up.
Making Your Own Sheet Masks
Sheet masks can get expensive quickly, but if you have extra essence or serum at home, you can create your own budget-friendly sheet mask. All you’ll need is fabric for a cotton sheet, and some skincare products to create the “essence” for your mask. We recommend these pre-cut sheet masks.
DIY sheet masks are also more tailored to your skin since you know exactly what your face needs. You can mix any number of serums, essences, and treatments in a small bowl, or add in a small bit of moisturizer to thicken the concoction if you’d like. Then, simply place the cotton masks in the bowl to soak up the essence, and apply it to your face.
If you keep leftover essence from some of the store-bought sheet masks, you can also use your plain cotton masks to soak them up. This way, you’ll be able to get two uses out of one purchase, which can be cost-effective for the pricier masks.
Sheet Mask FAQ
If you still have questions about sheet masks, don’t worry; we’ve answered the most common ones below.
How Often Should I Mask?
This depends on your skin type, which we get into here. However, as a general rule of thumb, aim for two to three times a week, though you could mask daily if you have drier skin.
How Can I Make the Mask More Effective?
Make sure you follow the instructions that come with the mask and keep it on your face for as long as you need it. Some extra advice would be to keep sheet masks in the fridge beforehand since cooler sheet masks can help tighten pores as you mask.
What Do I Do With the Leftover Essence?
You can either apply the extra essence to your arms, neck, legs, and more, or keep it to make your own sheet masks. Definitely make sure that you don’t toss it away since the essence is beneficial to your skin and you’ve already purchased it.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to sheet masks, you’ll have no shortage of options out there for you to pick from. The right sheet mask can upgrade your skincare routine to the next level, or completely revamp your at-home spa day.
You can say hello to relaxation once you apply your favorite mask, and lay back in your bubble bath to enjoy the moment.