I use sheet masks (almost) every day – These 10 are worth the time spent

At its most basic, a sheet mask is a fabric or gel mask soaked in serum and shaped to fit the face. Its job is simple: hold moisture and active ingredients against the skin with an occlusive layer long enough to make a visible difference. The format itself isn’t clever, but when done well, it’s an efficient way to hydrate, calm or plump skin without committing to a full routine overhaul.

Yes, temporarily. And that’s not a criticism. Sheet masks excel at surface-level hydration, calming irritation and giving skin a rested, more even look for hours or even days after use. They won’t replace long-term treatments or undo months of neglect, but they’re very good at making skin behave when it matters. The key is choosing the right type and, occasionally, letting it sit longer than the standard 15 minutes.

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What it is: A radiance-boosting sheet mask designed to revive dull, tired skin while improving elasticity, hydration and overall skin resilience. Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) and acetyl hexapeptide work together to plump skin and soften the look of fine lines, while sodium hyaluronate delivers deep, lasting moisture.

Why we love it: This is the sheet mask I reach for when I want every box ticked. It hydrates thoroughly, yes, but it also leaves skin visibly firmer, smoother and brighter, all without typical slip-and-slide sheet mask mishaps. The plumping effect is immediate, while the antioxidant-rich formula gives skin a healthier, more even look that holds up throughout the day. The adjustable fit makes a real difference too: nothing bunches and it clings to every curve.

What it is: A two-step Korean rubber mask treatment that pairs a hydrating serum ampoule with a cooling rubber overlay to seal in moisture and reduce water loss.

Why we love it: This rubber mask cools skin on contact and keeps the serum exactly where it should be, so when you peel it off, skin looks calmer, fuller and noticeably more plump. I reach for this one on evenings when my most ambitious plan is the sofa and a TV series (it should stay on for 20 minutes). It is low effort, high payoff, and it provides a hydration punch that actually holds until the next day.

What it is: A hydrogel sheet mask from Korean cult brand Anua. It combines two per cent niacinamide with low-molecular-weight collagen to hydrate, smooth and subtly firm skin, while the ultra-thin, two-part hydrogel mask hugs the face closely and allows for longer wear if needed. Gentle and suitable for all skin types.

Why we love it: This is one of those if-you-know-you-know Korean face masks. Quiet, unfussy, and very good at what it does. The niacinamide does the heavy lifting here, evening things out and giving skin that clean, glassy look rather than hyper-reflective shine, while the thin hydrogel sits comfortably and doesn’t distract you from whatever you’re doing (I have cooked, done laundry and even hung a shelf when wearing one of these bad boys).

What it is: A long-wear gel sheet mask from Korean derma brand Medicube, formulated with low-molecular-weight collagen, niacinamide and the much-discussed ingredient PDRN.

Why we love it: Yes, this face mask contains salmon sperm (PDRN). No, it’s not as strange as it sounds. What matters is that this is one of those masks that rewards patience. One of those in-it-for-the-long-run masks that are perfect for a red-eye flight or wearing to bed (considering it needs to stay on for up to 4 hours before you can reveal the full effect). A slow-burn, colour-changing beauty boost to boast about.

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What it is: A long-wear hydrogel sheet mask from COSRX formulated with 25 per cent snail secretion and collagen to deeply hydrate, smooth texture and boost radiance.

Why we love it: This is the glow mask people are talking about, and it’s easy to see why. Leave it on overnight or for a few solid hours and you wake up with that unmistakable glass-skin finish: smoother, calmer, intensely hydrated skin. It sticks down beautifully and doesn’t budge, which makes the long wear actually doable. The payoff also lasts longer than you’d expect from a single mask. It is one of those products that turns casual users into bulk buyers.

What it is: A lightweight, soothing sheet mask designed to calm stressed, reactive skin. Centella asiatica takes the lead here, supported by three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and reinforce the moisture barrier. Clinically proven to be non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin.

Why we love it: I used these every day in the lead-up to my wedding, which is not the time to experiment if your skin has a tendency to flare: rosacea, a hint of psoriasis, stress levels high with expectations even higher. This mask kept everything calm and collected. It cools skin on contact, hydrates and, crucially, never triggers redness or sting and the sheet itself is light and comfortable, staying put without that suffocating, overly occlusive feel.

What it is: A nourishing Japanese sheet mask infused with royal jelly and cherry blossom extract, designed to hydrate, soften and comfort the skin. Royal jelly delivers moisture and essential nutrients, while cherry blossom brings antioxidant support.

Why we love it: I am privileged enough to receive press samples of face masks to keep up with my sheet masking habit. If I didn't, I'd be buying Mitomo's budget friendly stock in bulk. The mask is generously soaked, takes its time to dry down, and leaves skin noticeably softer well into the next day. It’s particularly good on dry, thin or slightly reactive skin, delivering comfort without irritation. The scent is gently floral with an unexpected, almost nostalgic aftershave note, which sounds risky but somehow works, even if you’re usually fragrance-cautious.

What it is: A hydrogel sheet mask powered by Augustinus Bader’s proprietary TFC8 complex, alongside copper peptide and acetylated hyaluronic acid, designed to hydrate, firm and even out skin tone in minutes. The hydrogel format delivers a concentrated dose of actives while keeping the mask comfortably in place.

Why we love it: This really sets the gold standard for sheet masks (yes, that was intentional). Everything about it is considered: the weight of the hydrogel, the way it soothes on contact, and the immediate, polished glow it leaves behind. Skin looks firmer, smoother and noticeably more even-toned straight after, with results that still register the next day. It’s undeniably a splurge, but also one of those rare masks where the payoff justifies the price.

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What it is: A long-wear, two-part hydrogel sheet mask designed for extended use, including overnight. It combines oligo-hyaluronic acid for deep, lasting hydration with ultra-low molecular collagen to improve elasticity and smooth the look of fine lines, alongside probiotics to support the skin barrier.

Why we love it: It’s gone viral on TikTok, people peel it off in the morning looking implausibly plump... and it is not a hoax. I repeat: it is not a hoax. Leave it on overnight, let it turn fully transparent, and you wake up to skin that looks noticeably smoother and better rested. The two-part design fits better than most overnight masks and, crucially, stays put rather than sliding halfway down your face. Application is a little fiddly and you do need to be gentle (it’s slippery and delicate), but once it’s on, it stays on. That is until you peel it off.

What it is: A bio-cellulose sheet mask designed to restore dry, irritated or post-treatment skin. It delivers a mineral-rich, deeply hydrating serum via a natural fibre matrix that moulds closely to the skin, helping lock in moisture and support the skin’s natural repair process.

Why we love it: Let’s be honest: the downside of sheet masks is consumption. Single use, a lot of material, and not much room for compromise if you care about results. This is one of the few that makes that trade-off feel justified. The bio-cellulose material is biodegradable and behaves like a second skin, holding an almost excessive amount of serum in place and delivering visible calm and hydration in one go. It’s not an everyday mask, nor should it be, but when skin genuinely needs intervention (after treatments, flare-ups or periods of stress) this is the one I’m happy to reach for.

They do. Sheet masks are essentially single-use, serum-soaked products, which means they’re only as good as what’s inside the pouch. Always check the expiration date and skip anything that smells off, looks cloudy, or has been sitting open longer than intended. When in doubt, throw it out. Skin irritation is never a good trade-off for saving a few pennies.

Once or twice a week is plenty for most people, more if your skin is stressed, dehydrated or recovering from treatments. Some people swear by daily masking when they’re dry or stressed, others keep it as a pre-event ritual.

As for timing, follow the instructions unless it’s a long-wear or overnight mask designed to stay on for hours. Leaving a standard sheet mask on until it dries out won’t give you extra benefits, it just risks pulling moisture back out of the skin. More time only works when the formula and material are built for it.

Collagen sheet masks get talked about a lot online, but here’s the honest bit: topical collagen itself doesn’t magically rebuild dermal collagen, so the benefit of smoother texture is the result of surface hydration, often supported by hyaluronic acid and peptides. Apply after cleansing and light skincare, then let them sit until they turn transparent or fully absorb. For long-wear versions, that can mean several hours or overnight. In other words, patience required, but fabulous results delivered.