There are so many factors working against healthy, vibrant skin on a daily basis; it's hard to know where to start. The fact is, if you aren't proactive in your skincare efforts, you're going to find yourself playing perpetual catch-up. 

And by then, it might be too late to reverse the damage. One of the smartest things you can do to ensure smooth, supple skin is to get in the habit of using a hydrating face mask. Below, we’ll tell you why and provide a list of the best hydrating face masks on the market.

What’s a hydrating face mask and its benefits? 

A hydrating face mask is either a paste, gel, or actual cloth or silicone patch that is applied to the face for the express purpose of enhancing moisture content. This type of mask has been around in one form or another for thousands of years. Why? Because it works. 

Of course, some hydrating masks work better than others. And some are intended to address different issues than others. But they all have one common goal: to help the skin on your face retain its youthful glow.

Do Hydrating Face Masks Work? 

Hydrating face masks work well to rehydrate skin and restore elasticity and tone. Some, however, definitely work better than others.

When Should You Use a Hydrating Face Mask? 

If you’ve noticed that the skin on your face has become dry or irritated from environmental, health or other factors, you should use a hydrating face mask to return it to form. But why wait until there’s a problem to use one?

Experts recommend solving dry, irritated skin by getting in the habit of using a hydrating face mask before any small issues become big ones. An ounce of prevention is still the most effective, after all.  

“I have sensitive, dry skin. So I have to be careful what I put on my face.” - Eva Green, actress

Do Hydrating Face Masks Work for Dry Skin? 

Hydrating face masks definitely work on dry skin. They’re one of the best methods ever devised for locking in essential moisture and nutrients, promoting collagen production as well as enhancing the look and feel of your facial skin. If you have naturally dry skin, you owe it to yourself to try a hydrating face mask.

Do Hydrating Face Masks Work for Irritated Skin? 

Hydrating face masks soothe and repair irritated skin. One of the best, if not the best, facial masks for repairing and rejuvenating dry or irritated skin is the Dermaclara Clarafuse mask, which we’ll discuss along with other popular products now.

Best 10 Hydrating Face Masks to Try

Dermaclara Beauty clarafuse Silicone Patches for Face: $39 

Clarafuse hygienic silicone beauty patches form the basis of the clarafuse system. They’re fashioned from medical grade silicone and designed to be left on anywhere from 1 hour to overnight. 

They adhere comfortably and effortlessly to the skin to create a nurturing microclimate beneath them that promotes natural hydration and collagen production. The results are routinely excellent, and each patch can be reused up to 30 times.  

Pros 

• Non-invasive and not chemically abrasive
• Extremely effective
• Affordable

Cons 

• Might take some getting used to

OZ Naturals Vitamin C & Sea Hydration Mask: $20 

The OZ Vitamin C & Sea Hydration Mask uses a combination of hyaluronic acid and essential vitamins to rejuvenate and restore the skin surface. The mask is hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free and a good choice if you have naturally sensitive skin. 

Those who live in cold climates often wind up lamenting the effect that cold arctic wind along with blowing snow and sleet can have on their face. If you’re one of them, a good hydrating face mask can work wonders. 

Pros 

• Affordable
• Cruelty-free
• Reasonably effective.

Cons 

• Might take several applications to see results

Andalou Naturals Fruit Enzyme Mask: $11 

This fruit enzyme mask from Andalou Naturals is a great alternative for those who may be sensitive to things like hyaluronic acid. The fruit enzymes go about their exfoliating mission in an extremely gentle fashion that doesn’t leave your skin an irritated mess afterward. 

You get to kill two birds with one stone (metaphorically, of course) in that the mask removes the bulk of dead skin cells, dirt, and debris from your face while simultaneously providing moisture and promoting collagen growth. 

Pros 

• Great for sensitive skin
• Very affordable

Cons 

• Not quite as effective as acid-based masks

Shiseido Ibuki Beauty Sleeping Mask: $40 

Sometimes, you just don’t have the time or inclination to take an hour out of your day for a complete face mask routine. If that's the case, there are myriad overnight masks that will do the trick and this one from Ibuki Beauty is definitely top 10 material. 

It features phytoplankton extract to enhance collagen growth and plump up the skin. Vitamins C and E to provide necessary nutrition and what they call “PhytoTarget Complex” to promote moisturization. 

Pros 

• Non-chemical effectiveness
• Not greasy

Cons 

• Takes a while to see results

LuLuLun Blue Rich Moisture Face Masks: $31 

Another product from Japan, LuLuLun Blue Rich masks are sheet masks you apply to your face. With hyaluronic acid, papaya enzymes, and other ingredients, they promote the removal of old skin cells and their replacement by new, healthier cells. 

They also draw moisture to the outer layer of skin to facilitate the proper growth of those new cells and give them a comfortable bed of collagen on which to sleep. You get 32 sheets in a pack which works out to less than a dollar a sheet. 

Pros 

• High-quality exfoliation
• Enhances moisture content
• Good deal

Cons 

• Not for everyday use

Collagen Impact Essential Mask: $13 

Much of the healthy skin equation is dependent on collagen. So it’s important that, at the very least, your hydrating face mask promotes the development of collagen. This hydrating sheet mask from Korea gets right to the point by being infused with hydrolyzed collagen and elastin. 

The masks go on easy and conform to most facial structures without issue. They're reasonably comfortable and even if they're not, you only leave them on for 10 or 15 minutes anyway. In general, they do a decent job making your skin feel smoother and more supple. 

Pros 

• Easy to use
• Affordable 

Cons 

• May not perfectly fit your face

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask: $23 

Paula’s Choice Hydrating Treatment Mask goes the antioxidant route and it’s about time someone did. Antioxidants are the only real method we have for fighting cell-destroying free radicals which are to blame for a lot of the bad skin you see in the mirror. 

You have the option of leaving this on overnight or washing it off after half an hour—whichever you choose though, don’t expect instant miracles. Antioxidants take time to work their cell saving heroics. 

Pros 

• Goes right at the source of much cell death
• Provides different treatment options

Cons 

• It’s going to take time to work

nügg Deep Hydration Face Mask: $17 

This rejuvenating gel is specially formulated to deliver that your dry, irritated skin needs to recover. That includes spirulina extract, camellia seed oil, aloe vera, and more. It goes on nice and easy and after about 15 minutes, you wash it off with warm water. 

Good for alleviating dry, flaky skin—the gel is packed in individually sealed pods for protection and so that you don’t use more or less than needed. All in all, this is an affordable treatment for dry, sensitive skin that works pretty well with repeated use. 

Pros 

• Feels great on the face
• Washes off easily

Cons 

• Slow to show results

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask: $32 

This overnight face mask from Korea comes in a gel form that’s loaded with hyaluronic acid, cranberry, olive, and an array of essential oils. It’s designed to provide intense moisturizing effects while you sleep. 

There are no artificial colors, fragrances, preservatives or harsh chemicals in this mask. It's also alcohol-free and reasonably affordable. If you have particularly dry, sensitive skin, you might want to consider using Dr. Jart’s Sleeping Mask. 

Pros 

• No harsh ingredients
• Loaded with moisturizing properties

Cons 

• Doesn’t do much to plump up skin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask: $24 

The last of our hydrating face masks is this one from First Aid Beauty. Their Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is formulated to address irritated skin and does a good job elevating moisture levels and making your skin feel supple. 

It’s easy to use. Just leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash off with warm water. It contains a lot of  antioxidants we could all use more of. Is it going to save your skin? Maybe not. But it might help to jump-start the recovery process. 

Pros 

• Loaded with antioxidants
• Doesn’t waste your whole afternoon

Cons 

• Minimally effective

Where Can You Buy a Hydrating Face Mask? 

You can pick up most of the products we profiled above at Amazon or through any number of secondary resellers. As always we suggest, you use care when purchasing beauty products through Amazon and make sure to buy only from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller. 

To get the best deal on the outstanding Clarafuse product we led off with, head over to the official Dermaclara Beauty website. 

“Good skin is the best foundation for your makeup.” - Hollen Roden, actress

Why You Should add a Hydrating Face Mask to Your Current Skincare Routine 

Time and the elements are hard on your skin. It doesn’t take long for the enervating effects of weather, temperature, age , and environmental pollutants to rain ruin down upon a normally beautiful complexion. 

Your best strategy is to stay ahead of the curve by getting in the habit of using a hydrating face mask as early as possible to prevent any untoward effects which may be harder to treat later down the line.