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The best sheet masks — do they exist?

It’s clear that we all love a self-care moment, and even clearer that the idea of “doing a face mask” at night is something we look forward to.

Whether it’s a hydrating sheet mask or a viral Korean sheet mask, the restorative ritual of ripping off the packaging, removing the dew-soaked sheet and letting it sit for about 20 minutes is nothing short of evening-time magic.

However, not all sheet masks are created equal, nor are all worth the impulse-buy at the checkout counter. Throughout the years, I’ve tested $5 masks and $130 ones, collagen sheet masks and overnight sheet masks. In this review, I share which ones are truly worth it.

I’ve had a wicker bin filled with — no joke — 60+ sheet masks. What a joy to look forward to in the evenings! I had my VIP pick each night: Dr. Jart+, Biodance, medicube, Augustinus Bader, the works.

Are they a skincare staple? Transparently, no. All you need for a dermatologist-approved skincare routine (aside from any prescribed treatments or medications you may be using) is a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and SPF. However, sheet masks are a feel-good step to deliver certain ingredients your skin may be craving.

“The difference is that sheets are a physical occlusive placed on the skin, which makes any active ingredient on the skin much more potent,” Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, shared with Post Wanted. “The product will penetrate at a higher concentration than if applied without occlusion.”

TLDR: sheet masks are a personal preference, and it’s all about how they fit, feel and treat your skin.

Do sheet masks work? Are hyaluronic acid sheet masks the move for dry skin? Find out in my complete review below.

When Kris Jenner, aka the queen herself, shared that she was a Rejuran brand fan on TikTok, I thought, “Say less.” Pretty much, she can tell me to go to the end of the world, and I’d likely do so as a longtime fan of “The Kardashians.”

When she began hyping up PDRN and skincare, I felt like our worlds collided (albeit mine doesn’t have a handful of rambunctious family members whose names begin with the letter K)

Without a doubt, the Rejuran c-PDRN Turnover Mask had the most refreshing feel among all sheet masks tested. I didn’t have super high expectations for this mask as I was rotating through some of the grossly buzzy brands (think: COSRX, medicube), but this one? A clear-cut winner.

Its oversize design didn’t feel flimsy on my skin. Instead, it felt like someone was draping a hydration-packed towel across my face. It was exceptionally cooling and hydrating, all while rejuvenating my skin.

Sheet masks don’t have to be used all too frequently (it’s a personal choice!), so investing a bit more than you normally would is what I suggest. With glycerin for hydration, PDRN for anti-aging, ceramides for plumpness and niacinamide for balance, it’s a key ingredient Cirque Du Soleil show that I didn’t want to leave.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, PDRN, Ceramides, Niacinamide | Time to leave mask on: 20 minutes

When I was in South Korea — and between my multiple OLIVE YOUNG runs and trips to 7/11 for its viral banana milk latte –I was seeing the Abib Collagen Gel Mask pretty much everywhere I looked.

Not only is the mask about $4 per use when you grab the handy bundle from Amazon, but it shocked me by how impressively hydrating it was.

It’s ideal for my sensitive skin and, while plump with all the juicy goodness, didn’t slide or budge. In fact, it was one of the best masks that stood taut in place — the mask being the most affordable aside!

What I truly appreciate about Abib’s wallet-friendly mask is its texture. While other sheet masks I’ve tested are either a true gel consistency or simply *wet,* this one had a bit of a grip, though the bottom part did slip some.

As a whole, it was the best for staying in place and ranked high on top for hydration. With the brand’s PDRN Collagen Lip Mask, you’ll be in your personal spa glory.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Collagen, Peptides | Time to leave mask on: 20 minutes

If you’re deep in the skincare craze, you’ve likely seen the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, quite literally, everywhere.

Naturally, this sheet mask wins the award for “best Korean sheet mask.” If you know me, you know that selecting the best Korean sheet mask is akin to a parent selecting their favorite child. But, it’s deserving.

After reviewing the lion’s share of Biodance, its acclaimed Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is an overnight sheet mask that I’ve seen to help minimize pores and boost skin elasticity. It offers that sought after “glass skin” finish and absorbs well into the skin.

A stark contrast to the average sheet mask that’s wet and infused with actives, this one has a matte finish that feels refreshing without the dew. Once it turns transparent after a few hours, you can remove it, or opt to take it off the next morning. It’s “one of those products you have to try at least once,” but it gave my skin a lovely finish. It also layered with my other serums beautifully.

Key ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid | Time to leave mask on: 3 to 4 hours, or overnight

Lesser-known but radically spectacular, the Dr. Althea Aqua Blue Hydration Mask is budget-friendly, comfortable to wear and refreshing. No notes.

You can notice the dew on my face after using this mask. It made my skin feel amazing (specifically, what I typed into my Notes app: “Feels like my skin is drinking!“) and was straightforward to use.

Additionally, this biodegradable sheet is naturally tinted with Azulene, a powerful soothing ingredient “known for providing comfort to sensitive skin while helping to balance and calm the complexion,” per the brand’s description. This is par for the course, as it was equally as hydrating as it was skin-balancing.

For a mask to be this replenishing while remaining safe to use on my sensitive skin is a miraculous feat. For this reason — and its overall efficacy — makes it one you should surely try.

Key ingredients: Amino Acids, Blue Agave | Time to leave mask on: 20 minutes

Just me again, trying another sheet mask. Oh, and trying more PDRN.

“PDRN is a clinically validated healing agent with a strong scientific rationale for anti-aging benefits; however, more research needs to be done,”  Jane Yoo, MD, dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in NYC, shared. “Efficacy in topical skincare products depends on formulation and delivery to penetrate the skin barrier. As such, the most proven results for PDRN come from injection-based or high-penetration medical treatments, not standard topical creams.”

Because sheet masks directly penetrate into the skin and soak for minutes, they have more of an impact than, say, an eye cream might.

The Rael Collagen + PDRN Hydrogel Mask felt like it truly woke my skin up from the dead. After my 4:30 a.m. alarm went off, this evening mask was the cherry on top of the sundae for me, the closest to an overnight mask — but only 30 minutes is required.

It wasn’t the best for staying in place, but my skin felt like it just came back from the med-spa, which mattered way more to me. As an ingredient nerd, I appreciate how it contains both collagen and PDRN, helping to plump my skin and help with anti-aging simultaneously. I completely recommend.

Key ingredients: PDRN, Collagen, Niacinamide | Time to leave mask on: 30 minutes

Although I put more than 60 sheet masks to the test, there’s a reason only five made the cut: because we don’t need our shopping decisions to be more difficult than they already are.

Below, find some others I enjoyed using (and would use again!):

With each sheet mask tested and applied, here’s the specific criteria I followed for each kind:

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.