More than providing #treatyourself and #SelfCare content to social media accounts, sheet masks are one of the most raved skincare products because they provide a quick moisturizing effect and an immediate glow. They give the skin next-level pampering and they also give you a moment to unwind and relax.
With the plethora of sheet masks available on online shopping websites, how do you know which one is the best and most suited for you? We created a buying guide and curated a list of the most-loved face masks for smoother, plumper, and brighter skin. You can also read the comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Mabelle Colayco to help you make your choice!
Board-certified dermatologist, book author, researcher, speaker. Dr. Colayco graduated from the University of the Phillippines-College of Medicine and completed her residency in Dermatology at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center. She is a member of the Philippine Dermatological Society and the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation, Inc. She has been in private practive for over 10 years at her clinic in Makati and is also a consultant at the Medical Center Taguig Hospital.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Basically put, a sheet mask is a piece of fabric soaked in a highly concentrated formula. Think of a sheet mask as your facial on the go. It offers a quick boost of hydration, vitamins, and other nutrients to your skin.
Compared to other types of masks, a sheet mask doesn't provide deep cleansing or exfoliation. It doesn't dry out the skin, too. After using a sheet mask, you do not have to wash off the product off of your face.
A sheet mask is a type of face mask formulation designed to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. Aside from sheet masks, other face mask formulations include rinse-off masks and peel-out masks. Sheet masks, although an old type of face mask formulation, remain a popular choice today because of their convenience and ease of use.
Generally, a sheet mask is a face-shaped fabric sheet soaked in an active solution. This prevents quick evaporation of the water phase of the formulation to allow the active ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin. Nowadays, it is available as an individually packaged product and is recommended to be used once.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Not all sheet masks are created the same. The best sheet mask is the one that addresses your skin troubles. Below we listed some of the best ingredients that cater to different skin types and needs, so continue reading.
If you suffer from dry, rough, and patchy skin, choose a sheet mask that will boost hydration and retain your skin's moisture. Most hydrating sheet masks use hyaluronic acid as their main ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is known as one of the best humectants because of its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.
But apart from hyaluronic acid, there are other hydrating ingredients you can look for if you want a sheet mask that will address your dry skin. These ingredients include aloe vera, snail essence, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, cucumber, and honey.
Here are some ingredients to look for if you want more hydration for your skin:
Those with oily skin need a sheet mask that will control the skin's oil production and care for the pores because, ultimately, clogged pores result in acne. Some of the ingredients that can combat oil, prevent, and deal with future breakouts are salicylic acid and tea tree oil.
These ingredients target pores to suck out excess oil and restore balance. They also have anti-bacterial properties. Some label buzzwords to look for are "mattifying," "purifying," "pore care," and "clarifying." You can also look for other beneficial ingredients like witch hazel, willow bark, charcoal, aloe vera, and green tea.
To help your acne, here are some ingredients you might want to look for:
If your skin is looking dull and tired, refresh, revitalize, and restore your skin’s radiance and glow with sheet masks that will detoxify and nourish your skin. To do so, look for ingredients like vitamin C, E, glutathione, and niacinamide. These ingredients help combat dullness and hyperpigmentation as well. They are also good to use if you have any upcoming occasion for an enhanced glow!
For brighter skin that glows from within, these ingredients may help you achieve that:
Aging is inevitable, but you can keep a youthful, radiant, and plump-looking skin free from wrinkles and fine lines with ingredients that will help improve the skin’s elasticity. For those who have mature skin, choose sheet masks with retinol, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other vitamins, such as A, C, and E. They help stimulate the production of new cells and keep skin moisturized and looking plump.
Like with any other skincare product, it is essential to check the list of ingredients to know whether or not it contains ones that are possibly harmful to the skin. Steer clear from masks that use synthetic fragrances, alcohol, and parabens. These ingredients do not necessarily provide any nourishment, and they are common chemicals that can pose irritation to the skin.
Looking at the ingredients mentioned above, you might think that the list is so long, but actually, there are so much more! Nowadays, it's not uncommon to have several ingredients in one product.
To be honest, as a dermatologist, I cannot tell you which products will cause an allergic reaction to your skin. You, as a consumer, have to be vigilant in the products you are buying and applying to your skin.
Read the label! The only tip I can give you, for now, is to avoid products with fragrances, dyes, and parabens because these are the common chemicals that can irritate the skin.
Aside from the formula that the mask is infused and drenched with, the material that makes up the actual mask also plays an important role. And although they may all look the same, they tend to have different qualities. Learn more below.
If you want something quick and will not break the bank, you can opt for cotton sheet masks. This type is affordable - even sold in bulk - and they dry up fairly quickly. This type of sheet mask is best for those who don’t like to wait for a long time.
Cotton sheet masks are the oldest type and most affordable face sheet masks available. The sheet masks are thick and can hold a lot of serum. It is a very good and reliable option. Depending on the type of cotton used (i.e. microfiber or Tencel), the sheet mask may differ in their moisture retention capacity.
This type combines the serum with gelatin to create the mask itself. The mask is a thin gel layer that requires cautious handling because it is prone to tearing. It usually comes in two piecesーa top and a bottom layer, and it adheres to the skin very well.
If you have some money to spare, a hydrogel mask is one of the best options you have because it offers a high level of nourishment and deep penetration of the product into your skin.
Hydrogel sheet masks can absorb moisture many times its gel weight and can retain it for longer periods than other sheet masks. It is recommended for persons with sensitive facial skin. Many articles claim that hydrogel sheet masks leave the skin with cooling and soothing effects. Care must be exercised when using a hydrogel sheet mask because it can tear more easily compared to other materials.
As it's 100% natural, bio-cellulose masks are considered the gold standard for sheet masks. This type does not dry out, and it fits the face like a second skin, allowing it to deliver the formula directly to the skin. This type is very hydrating and nourishing, but it comes at a high price.
For those who prefer their sheet mask that has good adherence while multi-tasking, the bio-cellulose sheet mask is a good option. Biocellulose sheet masks are obtained naturally as a product of several species of bacteria.
According to Perugini, et. al., face masks made of bacterial cellulose has an ultra-fine network structure making it an effective delivery system of active compounds. In another study by Amnuakit, et. al. (2011), testing showed that cellulose masks immediately increased moisture levels in the skin significantly more than moist towels in a single application.
However, effects on oiliness, elasticity, texture, dullness, and skin cell turnover can only be seen after the sheet masks were applied for 20 minutes at a time, three times a week for 2 months. To note, this type of sheet mask is also more expensive than cotton sheet masks.
Splurge and treat yourself with this luxurious facial treatment mask from SK-II. This sheet mask promises to improve the skin's condition by providing intense hydration and retaining skin moisture. It will also make your skin smoother, plump, and brighter.
SK-II boasts its miracle ingredient, PITERA™, derived from yeast's fermentation and contains more than 50 micro-nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and many more. It has the ability to give you noticeably radiant and soft skin.
Although this sheet mask is leaning on the pricier side, you wouldn't mind spending because you'll get your money's worth. Many reviewers raved that it improved their skin immediately. Use this mask when you have a big special day or just want to spoil yourself!
Revitalize your skin and replenish its moisture levels with this mask made with fine cellulose fiber that promises to deliver hydration. This mask is formulated with aquaxyl, a plant-derived ingredient that targets dehydrated skin and improves water circulation, and xylitol which hydrates and strengthens the skin's barrier.
In addition, it has oligo-hyaluronic acid that supports long-lasting moisturization, and algae extract that aids natural collagen synthesis. The mask is on the thinner side, but it is soaked with a good amount of serum that you can also apply on other parts of your body, like your neck and arms.
Reviewers also say that this mask provides "hydration to the max," and they see immediate results even after just one use. According to them, it leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and not sticky. Most of them also loved the long-lasting moisture the mask provides.
If your skin is sensitive and prone to irritation, this sheet mask from Dear Klairs will help you soothe it down while also caring for your pores. It features a lineup of cooling ingredients, like erythritol, that lowers the skin's temperature and cools down inflamed and irritated skin. It is also infused with cica, which helps soothe flare-ups and calm redness.
It has a mild BHA from willow bark extract that rebalances your skin's oil level. Moreover, it uses a soft rayon bamboo charcoal sheet that targets detoxifying the pores to keep them clean and blackheads-free. Many reviewers of this product expressed that they like the mask's cooling effect and claimed it is very soothing.
Wonder why Koreans have youthful, dewy, and glowy skin? That is because they always keep their skin moisturized. This face mask from Mediheal, endorsed by Hyun Bin oppa, who crashed and landed on everyone's hearts, will make your skin moisturized and keep it soft and supple.
It features NMF or natural moisturizing factor, a natural ingredient that combines powerful water-soluble humectants that act as a magnet, attracting moisture and bringing it up the skin. It also includes sodium hyaluronate, known for its skin-replenishing properties, and witch hazel water that will tone and soothe dry and rough skin.
Bid breakouts goodbye and say hello to clear and bright skin with this ultra-fine microfiber sheet mask that combines the power of glutathione, niacinamide, and a clearing solution complex. Glutathione is full of antioxidants that help brighten skin visibly, while niacinamide brightens the complexion.
On the other hand, the clearing solution complex, which includes salicylic acid and tea tree oil, fights pesky pimples and absorbs excess oil. Although this mask contains powerful active ingredients, it is gentle enough to soothe sensitive skin. One review even stated that this mask instantly made her skin less inflamed from hormonal breakouts.
Snail mucin is known to be effective in terms of moisturizing and repairing dry and damaged skin. Hence, with this sheet mask dipped in 35,000 ppm of snail mucin, you can be assured that you get an intense amount of moisture and nourishment that is enough to bring you instant results.
It is an excellent pick if you love sheet masks that leave your skin hydrated, moisturized, and refreshed, as this sheet alone can deliver rich hydration. It also uses a naturally-derived cellulose sheet with a face-hugging fit, so it allows the essence to be quickly absorbed into your skin.
If you don't like masks soaked in heavy serums that tend to leave your skin feeling a little sticky, this one from Innisfree is for you. It features a water-type formula that will make your skin refreshed and supple without any stickiness.
This series of face masks are made to treat specific skin troubles such as acne, oily skin, dry skin, irritated skin, and many more. It is filled with rich ingredients derived via the cold brew squeeze process to ensure that you get the full benefits and boost of nourishment. In addition, Innisfree uses a 100% cellulose sheet that is tear-resistant.
This specific variant uses tea tree oil, one of nature's most powerful ingredients known for its anti-bacterial properties that help treat oily and acne-prone skin. Reviewers say that this mask is very soothing and allows them to clear up some pimples. They also mentioned that the tea tree's scent helps them feel more relaxed.
This sheet mask was created by Dr. Dennis Gross, a board-certified dermatologist for 25 years who was inspired by many of his patients' skincare concerns. It is supercharged with vitamin C and collagen to create an elixir that offers to brighten up the skin's complexion and diminish fine lines.
On top of that, it contains hydrating ingredients, including niacinamide and glycerin. This mask uses a bio-cellulose sheet, so you will get a snug fit that delivers all the nourishing ingredients directly to the skin. Although it is a little expensive, reviewers say it is worth the treat because it leaves the skin revitalized.
Who would miss out on the LuLuLun face mask with its eye-catching pink packaging? This mask has been a constant bestseller in Japan and other countries because it provides ultra nourishment to the skin and maintains its moistureーbut the main catch is that it does all that while remaining attractively priced.
It contains ADS-Cure Berry, a skin-conditioning agent, and antioxidant that detects and addresses various skin problems, like dryness. It also has cranberry fruit extract that helps smooth out the skin's texture and soy lecithin that maintains its moisture.
Aside from that, it is also enriched with lactic acid bacteria fermentation extract that helps your skin to become firm and bouncy. This pack comes with seven sheets, meant to be used daily. Overall, these sheets are a must-have to balance your skin's fluctuating conditions!
This sheet mask by Papa Recipe is an excellent addition to your pamper session stash. It is a nourishing mask that features the brand's unique gold complex and special honey blend to give you hydrated and glowing skin. Your skin will surely thank you for it!
This sheet mask draws moisture into the skin and helps retain it with its natural humectant honey infusion. Since it also contains allantoin, it has the ability to soothe your stressed and troubled complexion—meanwhile, its gold complex and propolis extract work to moisturize and repair skin, respectively.
Below, Dr. Mabelle answered some of the most asked questions online. Read on to find out more!
Once you’re ready to use your face sheet mask, cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser and water. With clean hands, apply the sheet mask on the face, adjusting it to fit the eyes, nose, and mouth. Leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes. Once done, discard the mask.
When contemplating buying new skin products, research the ingredients to see if they suit your needs. Don’t forget to read the label (the list of ingredients usually found at the back of the package)! If it’s your first time you use a product, you can do a small patch test at the back of your ear. An allergic reaction does not usually appear until the second or third time you use the product.
Planning to level up your skincare regimen? Invest in the right skincare products that will give you an ever-youthful skin that's plump and radiant! Check out these articles below featuring more skincare product recommendations.
Author: I. Honda
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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