20 Best Hydrating Face Masks In 2023

Out with the old and in with the new: it’s time to revamp your skincare routine. 2023 is the year of beautiful, glowy skin, and we have just the thing to get you there. Face masks are one of our all-time favorite products for quenching thirsty skin; they’re hydrating, nourishing, soothing, and can even unclog blocked pores. Those with dry skin know how infuriating it can be to retain moisture, especially in the winter months. To combat dull, flaky skin, face masks are your best antidote.

Before choosing a face mask, you should understand the different types and how they work. Clay and mud masks are fantastic for cleansing — these lift excess oil from the skin, which can actually occur as a result of dryness. They can dissolve dead skin cells to prevent plugs forming in pores, making them ideal for acne-prone skin. Moisturizing masks are formulated with a thicker, creamier consistency with plenty of moisturizing agents to replenish the skin. These can either be left on overnight, or rinsed off after 10-20 minutes. You should be on the lookout for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, squalene and avocado, which are clinically proven to restore the skin to an optimal hydration level. There’s also the humble sheet mask, ideal for those only wanting a little skin pick-me-up every once in a while as they are restricted to single-use.

Face masks are generally used once or twice a week. This infrequent usage is important — they’re intended to supplement your existing skincare routine, rather than replace your current favorite moisturizer. Whenever you feel like your skin needs a boost — whether that’s after a workout or spending too long in the sun — you can slap on a face mask, sit down in front of your favorite television program and let the product do all the work for you. 

If your new year’s resolution is to transform your skin, keep reading. Here’s our list of the 20 best hydrating face masks in 2023.

1. Blu Atlas Purifying Face Mask

2023 is the year of the glow-up, bringing you radiant, brighter complexions with no flaking, dullness or texture. Sounds like a difficult task — but Blu Atlas’ Purifying Face Mask promises to get you there. Formulated with kaolin clay, goji berry extract and algae extract, this superstar product packs nourishing vitamins, minerals and other nutrients into the deep layers of the skin for long-lasting hydration. Kaolin clay is also an effective pore cleanser, working to absorb contaminants from the skin for a refreshed, clean appearance. Antioxidants from micro-algae protect the skin from harmful free radicals that accumulate throughout the day.

To use the Purifying Face Mask, gently spread an even layer onto a clean, dry face, and leave to soak for 10-20 minutes. When the clay is hard and dry, you know to rinse. Use warm water to ensure all pores are opened — this will allow your subsequent products to absorb into the skin better. Blu Atlas is tough to beat!

2. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque

Your weekly skincare ritual just got an upgrade. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque is the perfect amalgamation of over 100 years of experience in skincare, hydrating, high-quality ingredients and a passion for beautiful skin. It’s packed with glacial glycoproteins, which support water retention within the skin, and desert plant extract, which seals in moisture so you maintain supple, soft skin even in the driest conditions. Squalene is one of our favorite dry skin saviors — it replenishes the natural skin barrier, healing current inflammation and preventing damage in the future.

You only need to use the Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque once a week to see visible results. After cleansing, sweep a generous layer of the mask across your skin. It should absorb rapidly over 10 minutes; wipe off any excess. Kiehl’s recommends avoiding rinsing off the product totally, as this allows it to sink in overnight. Lay back, relax and let Kiehl’s handle it.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Multi Miracle Glow

Charlotte Tilbury are masters at combining beauty and skincare. Their Multi Miracle Glow face mask is the midas touch for radiant, glossy skin like you’ve never seen it before. It’s infused with an artillery of natural skin-enhancing ingredients, such as arctic cloudberry oil, vitamins C, E and A, rosehip and camellia oil, as well as coconut alkanes. These all work together to brighten, moisturize, and revitalize tired skin. In a consumer study, 100% of users agreed that their skin felt significantly more moisturized and smoother after only 7 days of use. 

The Multi Miracle Glow is intended to be used as an overnight face mask. Massage a thin layer over the face and wash off any excess in the morning. You can also use it as a beauty balm — this is fantastic for rough areas that simply won’t budge. Buff into the skin until all is absorbed, and enjoy your runway ready look!

4. Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

Youth To The People is a vegan skincare brand wielding premium superfood extracts and the knowledge on how to use them. Their Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask is a night-time face mask designed to plump, brighten and hydrate the skin with a powerful concoction of superberries and a stable form of vitamin C. Maqui, other than being supremely rare, is the most antioxidant-rich fruit in the world — and Youth To The People have it on hand. This is supported by squalene for natural hydration and prickly pear, which soothes any signs of redness.

Because this is an overnight cream, you should apply an even layer of the product onto freshly cleansed skin after your night-time skincare routine. Do not rinse in the morning; simply follow up with your regular cleansing routine. It’s a rich, creamy formula gentle enough to be used nightly. Even better? The fruity scent is sure to brighten up your senses along with your skin.

5. Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

Dermalogica has a cult following for a reason. Their Skin Hydrating Masque has saved the complexions of many. Recommended for normal and dry skin, this face mask is derived from hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of aging. Fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed out by a moisture-delivering complex, while the skin’s protective barrier is reinforced by tomato seed lipids. We love the time-released system of this hydrating mask — even after rinsing, the hyaluronic acid continues to provide intense hydration to the skin for long-lasting softness. Forget makeup — your skin will glow from within.

The Skin Hydrating Masque only requires 7 to 10 minutes to absorb into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water. Dermalogica recommends using the product only once or twice a week. For an easy solution to dry, dull skin, you really can’t find a better substitute.

6. Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask

Reveal skin as luminous as the moon with Glossier’s Moisturizing Moon Mask. This dreamy formula is concocted with an indulgent blend of sweet almond oil, plant-based squalene and hyaluronic acid, all working to boost skin moisture and fade fine lines and wrinkles. The brightening, smoothing action of the mask is down to licorice root and lemon fruit extract, which are full of skin-benefiting enzymes. Honey and aloe are just the cherry on top. These calm the skin, so you don’t have to worry about redness, stinging or peeling after rinsing. 

Glossier probably owns the rights to glowy, soft skin. Think of the Moisturizing Moon Mask as conditioner, but for your skin — apply onto fresh, clean skin and rinse after 10 minutes at minimum. You can even leave it on during the night for extra nourishment.

7. Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydrating Lifting Mask

Tatcha defines luxury skincare. The Japanese skincare and beauty brand has amassed a loyal following for their life-changing skin and makeup products. Their Luminous range is a particular fan favorite, infusing skincare routines with natural yet effective ingredients for supple, plump and radiant skin. The Deep Hydrating Lifting Mask was always a shoo-in for our list of the 20 best hydrating face masks in 2023. It uses okinawa mozuku algae and hyaluronic acid to simultaneously deliver efficient hydration to the skin and seal in the skin’s natural moisture. Uji green tea detoxifies, while vitamin-dense akita rice packs the skin with essential proteins to soften and brighten. 

Only 15 minutes of Tatcha’s Luminous Deep Hydrating Lifting Mask is all you need to transform your skin. Studies have shown this highly effective mask can boost the moisture content of the skin by 200%! Simply place the mask gel-side down on the skin, ensuring none of the paper obscures the eyes. After 15 minutes you can remove the mask and massage residue serum into the skin. No rinsing needed!

8. Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

Clinique is one of those reliable skincare brands we come back to time and time again. Their Moisture Surge Overnight Mask is sure to remedy any dry, flaking skin with only a single use. It’s totally oil-free, leaving you with a non-greasy feel after washing. It’sdesigned for use overnight, so apply before you go to bed — the Moisture Surge Overnight Mask continues to deeply moisturize as you sleep. The creamy formula includes hydrating panthenol to reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier, ensuring your skin does not lose moisture while you sleep. The results? Dewy, glowy skin in the morning.

Clinique recommends this face mask for all skin types, from oily to very dry. It’s incredibly lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about piling after applying your other skincare products in the morning. You’re in the best hands possible with Clinique!

9. Paula’s Choice Super Hydrate Overnight Mask

Your skin will drink this right up. The Super Hydrate Overnight Mask by Paula’s Choice is a deeply nourishing overnight mask created to give depleted skin that little extra spark. Rich in antioxidants, the formula is crafted with replenishing shea butter and glycerin to boost the skin’s hydration. Glycerin is effective in restoring the skin’s natural moisture levels as it pulls water from the surrounding air, ensuring your skin stays soft and supple throughout the day. Reishi mushroom and cloudberry allow for relaxed and calm skin. You won’t notice any redness or irritation with the Super Hydrate Overnight Mask, even if you have very sensitive skin.

Paula’s Choice has (yet again!) designed an effective product that improves the skin’s strength and resilience. Just apply a generous layer onto the skin, leave for at least twenty minutes, then rinse off. Leave on overnight for maximum results.

10. Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Moisturizing Mask

We can see healthy skin on your horizons for 2023, and it’s all down to Caudalie’s Vinosource-Hydra Moisturizing Mask. This ultra-hydrating mask is formulated with organic grape water, polyphenols and organic centella asiatic to aid the recovery of intensely dry and sensitive skin. Polyphenols can even help prevent cancer — they rebuild the skin from within, reinforcing its strength and structure for a visibly youthful-looking complexion. 100% of users agreed that the Vinosource-Hydra Moisturizing Mask restored hydration in their skin after a 28-day clinical study. 

To unlock the magic of Caudalie’s mask, use twice a week, 10 minutes at a time. You can even apply onto the eye contour and eyelids for an express treatment, boosting moisture to the areas vulnerable to fine lines and wrinkles. Happy masking!

11. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

For a product that glides like water onto the skin, look no further than Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask. Designed for all skin types, this gel formulation soaks into the skin overnight for the ultimate skin-repairing session — as you sleep! Powered by a carefully curated probiotic complex, the Water Sleeping Mask strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier to improve clarity and texture, while plant-derived squalane delivers out-of-this-world hydration to the skin. We found it to be a gentle and mild formula, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. 

Apply an even layer across the face and leave the treatment to work overnight. Make sure to rinse off any residue in the morning. No hard work required — let Laneige do it all for you.

12. Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask

If anyone knows skincare, it’s Sisley. Their Black Rose Cream Mask is one of the best anti-aging formulas on the market, perfect for those looking for a hydrating refresh of the skin. Antioxidant-rich ingredients such as black rose, padina pavonica and alkekengi calyx extracts work in an intoxicating blend to vanish signs of fatigue. Sisley uses three main actions to restore skin back to its youthful glory: firstly, the Black Rose Cream Mask plumps and smoothes, then it revitalizes, before softening and hydrating down to the deepest layers of the skin. 

This 10/10 mask has won more awards than we can count, including the Allure Best of Beauty Award, Instyle’s Best Mask, and Harper Bazaar’s Best Anti-Aging Mask. If we haven’t already convinced you, then allow the results to speak for themselves.

13. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask

Say hello to your new skin bestie. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask is a deeply quenching sleeping mask for thirsty, fatigued skin. The key ingredients include mineral-rich swiss glacier water, which provides continuous hydration to the skin for up to 72 hours. Hyaluronic acid — one of our favorite hydrating ingredients — reinforces the skin’s natural moisture barrier to lock in hydration. Avocado butter nourishes the skin for a plumped, softened appearance. The Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask is made without parabens, paraffins, formaldehydes, phthalates and other harsh toxins, giving sensitive skin a chance to recover.

Origins recommends using this product twice a week on clean skin. By morning, you may not even recognise yourself!

14.  Ren Evercalm UItra Comforting Rescue Mask

When Ren steps into the ring, you know you have a knockout on your hands. Their Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask rescues hypersensitive skin from stress, using a careful dose of white mushroom extract to quell itchiness and discomfort, as well as replenish hydration within the skin. You’ll notice soft, supple skin with a youthful bounce. We love Ren’s endeavor to make a product suitable for rosacea, eczema and acne: they’ve unlocked a world of soothing skincare for those who need it most.

You can apply the Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask up to three times a week for a consistent skin lift. We also recommend adding an extra mask session whenever your skin needs it — after a flight, laying in the sun, or when you simply need to relax.

15. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey and Yogurt Glow Getter Honey Mask

With SheaMoisture, every day is a good skin day. Their Manuka Honey and Yogurt Glow Getter Honey Mask is an affordable option for those wanting a rich, moisturizing boost for their skin. With a creamy blend of manuka honey and yogurt, this is the best product for unlocking your skin’s natural glow. The natural ingredients infuse hydration into the deep layers of the skin, with the honey-like texture clinging to dying cells for rapid resuscitation. It also includes a subtle sparkle to leave your skin looking like a million bucks.

Only ten minutes is required for the Manuka Honey and Yogurt Glow Getter Honey Mask to take effect. Use a thin layer — a little goes a long way. We suggest using it two to three times a week.

16. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask

Affordable, effective and ideal for all skin types? Sign us up. You’ve probably seen Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask before — it has a reputation for being highly moisturizing, soothing and purifying, without needing a bank loan to acquire. The secret is hyaluronic acid, which delves deep into the skin for the ultimate hydration. Its unique 100% hydrogel material ensures all product is deposited onto your skin, delivering clinically proven results. Your face will feel moisturized and nourished without a heavy, weighed-down after effect.

To use, apply the sheet onto a clean face and leave on for 15-30 minutes. Ensure the hydrogel component is in contact with the skin. After removal, massage the remaining product in. 

17. La Mer The Hydrating Facial Mask

If you’re looking to splurge, then consider The Hydrating Facial Mask by La Mer. This upmarket sheet mask is the perfect treat-yourself product, ideal for self-care days. The magic behind La Mer’s effective mask is their miracle broth: an elixir of sea kelp, minerals, vitamins and nutrients that is fermented for 3 to 4 months before added to the formulation. This process unlocks a unique cell-renewing process for potent anti-aging, clearing effects. Your skin will appear visibly softer, smoother and more radiant, as well as healed from deep within.

This sheet mask only requires 8 minutes of contact with the skin to unleash its powers. Apply both halves of the mask to the upper and lower parts of the face, following the natural contours. Massage all remaining serums into the skin.

18. L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Mask

You need L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Mask in your skincare arsenal. Not only is it incredibly affordable, but the AHA-based gel formula is perfect for textured, bumpy skin that simply won’t quit. The blend of imperial peony and AHA requires only five minutes to smooth out the skin, eradicating the appearance of pores and blemishes for a natural rosy radiance. 

If your main skin concern is texture, give L’Oreal’s smoothening face mask a try. Apply to clean skin and massage in with light circular movements (this will engage the exfoliating processes of the gel). Rinse off with water, and dull skin will be a thing of the past!

19. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Mask

SkinCeuticals is more than deserving of a spot in our collection of the best hydrating face masks in 2023 — and let us tell you why. Their Hydrating B5 Mask is a weekly gel concoction designed to restore moisture to dehydrated skin, relying only on scientifically-backed ingredients to support skin health. Using the skin’s natural moisturizing factor as a model, unique complexes with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 are used to re-establish the skin’s natural water balance, creating the optimal conditions for kickstarting the skin’s metabolic functions. Apply a thin layer to the face after cleansing and leave for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. 

20. Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask

Last but not least: Bliss’ Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask. This airy, fluffy mask is good enough to eat. Using the brightening properties of marshmallow root extract, moisture is delivered instantly to the skin for delicious luminosity. All skin types can benefit from Bliss’ formula as it’s hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. Hear that, sensitive skin? You’re no match for the Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask.

Lackluster skin is abolished with Bliss. Discoloration and dullness is swiftly smoothed over with a powerful blend of vitamin C, olive leaf extract, zinc PCA and citrus, pine and eucalyptus oils. You’re encouraged to be heavy-handed with this product: 2-3 times a week, coat your skin with a thick layer and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Your skin deserves it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use a face mask?

Unlike other skincare products, face masks are designed for less frequent use. This is due to their intensive nature. They’re packed with hard-hitting ingredients  — whether these are exfoliating, moisturizing or purifying — that most skin types can only handle every so often. In particular, dry skin types can experience uncomfortable effects if relying on a face mask too often — they should not replace your regular moisturizer. As a general rule of thumb, face masks can be used once or twice a week, however some products may suggest otherwise. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and keep on the lookout for any signs of irritation after using. Redness, tightness or stinging can indicate you need to decrease the frequency in which you use your face mask. Gentle hydrating masks can usually be used more often than clay or enzymatic masks, particularly if you have severely dry skin. Ultimately, you should think of face masks as an assistant to your skincare routine and not part of your skincare routine itself. Reach for them when you feel your skin is looking dull and dry for an immediate refresh. Try to ensure there’s at least one mask-free day between each mask session.

What causes dry skin?

Dry skin occurs when the skin’s sebaceous glands are underactive, meaning they do not produce enough sebum to hydrate the skin. Sebum is an oily substance responsible for headlining the skin’s natural lubricating system — it’s also found in the hair, and protects these surfaces from friction. If you’ve noticed dry patches of skin, including flaking, scaling or piling, or even cracking around the nose and mouth, it’s likely you have a dry skin type. A good way to test for dry skin is to use a blotting sheet — if it comes back with minimal residue after a day of not cleansing, it’s likely you have dry skin. Alternatively, check how shiny your skin appears 30 minutes after cleansing. Oily skin, for example, shows shine all across every region of the face, while dry skin will remain matte. 

There are numerous factors contributing to the appearance of dry skin. Skin type is commonly attributed to genetics, but also external factors like weather, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, harsh soaps, medications and health issues. If you have a family history of dry skin, you’re more likely to experience it yourself. Similarly, living in windy, cold or hot climates can suck moisture from the skin, leaving dry patches. Extremely dry skin can denote eczema or psoriasis. These require attention from a medical professional.