Do sheet masks really work when it comes to brightening, tightening, moisturizing and even lifting more mature skin?
My friend and colleague Gail, who was one of the first guests on the More Beautiful Podcast, planted the seed for this story when we were recording our episode, “Am I Too Old To Wear a Mini Skirt?” We were in the studio discussing alternatives to cosmetic procedures and Gail said something like, “Oh, just throw on a sheet mask” instead of going under the knife. I laughed, but that off-handed comment stuck with me for more than a year. I’d only used one type of sheet mask in my life (you’ll find out soon which one), but now I wondered whether I should be using this type of product more frequently.
Could a sheet mask actually combat the typical cosmetic side effects associated with maturing skin? Can it improve elasticity, restore moisture, or erase fine lines and wrinkles? In the name of research, I decided to find out.
Over the past few months I tested 10 of the most popular sheet masks on the market. I made sure I wore each mask at least twice, allowed a week or more in between my use of each brand, and examined the results from the perspective of a midlife woman. Most important, I paid close attention not only to how my skin felt directly after peeling off the mask, but during the process of wearing it and up to 48 hours afterward.
So here you go. This is how 10 of the most popular sheet masks fared on a mature face. At least this 54-year-old journalist’s face.
(Please note that these masks were not gifted, and I have not ranked them; they are numbered only for the purpose of identification.)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mask (photo 1)
In my opinion this is one of the best sheet masks I’ve tried in the budget category. Packed with a naturally occurring form of hyaluronic acid (which gives the product a “clean” label), this mask fit great and felt soothing and deeply hydrating the moment I put it on. When I removed it, there was no sticky texture left behind and although there were no highly visible effects, my face was incredibly soft and my serums and makeup went on especially smoothly that day. 24 hours later, my skin was just as soft. $27 for 10 at Amazon.
SKII Facial Treatment Hydrating Sheet Mask (photo 2)
OK, this is the award-winning mask that I’ve been using for years. A cult favorite and a splurge, it’s drenched in the brand’s famed Pitera serum. I think this is one of the best masks to use just before a major event because it truly improves dullness, uneven texture, skin tone and elasticity. After using it, my skin feels moisturized, glowing and even slightly firmer. And there’s so much serum left over from the packet that I have my body moisturizer for the day. $88 for 10 masks at Amazon.
Loops Weekly Reset Rejuvenating Hydrogel Face Mask (photo 3)
This award-winning plant-based mask claims to refine pores, stimulate collagen, tighten skin and treat other “signs of aging.” While I saw no noticeable tightening effects, this mask did leave my skin smoother and more moisturized, probably due to the amino acids in the honey and rice extracts. Overall, it left my skin softer and more makeup ready, but that’s about it. And I found the thick two-piece mask did not stay on my face if I moved around, so you need to sit still if you try this one. Five masks for $30 at Loops Beauty.
Dennis Gross Vitamin C + Lactic Biocellulose Brightening Treatment Mask (photo 4)
This is one of the few masks that I felt actually brightened my slightly sallow skin. Saturated with vitamin C and combined with lactic acid, it felt slightly tingly when I put it on (even though the fit was sloppy), but it wasn’t uncomfortable in any way. When I removed it, I noticed that my skin looked brighter and more radiant, and the fine lines around my eyes had softened—and the effects remained for a day or two. I also like the fact that this mask is biodegradable, and designed to be used with LED light for synergistic results. I liked this mask so much that I’ve decided it’s my alternative go-to mask to use before big events. $12 each at Sephora.
JLo Beauty “That Limitless Glow” Sheet Mask (photo 5)
Add this pricey-but-worth-it sheet mask to the list of amazing stuff Jennifer Lopez has accomplished. This mask had by far the best fit because of the lightweight material, customized two-piece structure, and some nifty little ear loops. I have to admit, I was dubious of the JLo brand, but this mask exceeded my expectations. Infused with That JLo Glow Serum with olive complex, it felt so good on my skin and left me glowing for a day or two—you could say I was red-carpet ready. I like the ingredient list, which includes peptides to soften wrinkles and niacinamide for clarity, and respect that the mask is free of parabens, mineral oil and sulfates and is cruelty free. Three masks for $48 at Amazon.
Holler and Glow Vamped Up Glitter Hydrogel Vampire Facial Mask (photo 6)
You’ve heard of those trendy vampire facials, where they take draw some blood from your arm and inject it into your face? Well, you better believe I triple-checked the ingredient list before trying this mask, which made me look like a strawberry Fruit Roll-Up (remember those?). This product, whose ingredient list includes peptides and vegan collagen, did a decent job of moisturizing, but there were no visible tightening or brightening effects. Also, I could have done without the red glitter that lingered on my skin. Verdict: Between the creepy name and the red sparkles, save this one for your kid’s (or grandkid’s) slumber party. $4 for one mask at Target.
Facetory Moon Velvet Moisturizing Cream Mask (photo 7)
An Amazon bestseller, this budget-friendly Korean sheet mask contains shea butter to soothe dry skin, jojoba seed oil to balance and calm, and a milky serum that’s meant to hydrate and plump. It’s also cruelty free. I used this mask twice and found the experience of wearing it strange: The mask itself is very thin, but the serum underneath is incredibly thick, so you feel like you’re wearing cottage cheese under cheese cloth. However, the mask did leave my skin super-soft and hydrated. Alas, there was no lasting glow or major lifting effect. This is a nice pampering mask, but not one I would use before a big night or for more targeted results. Five masks for $10 at Amazon.
Dr. Jart+ Water Jet Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution Dermask (photo 8)
Infused with a complex of aloe vera leaf extract and hyaluronic acid, I found this cult favorite to be incredibly hydrating and soothing. It stayed put on my face, left no sticky residue behind, and kept my skin feeling moisturized for a couple days. So much so that I almost forgot to moisturize before heading to bed. Unless you’re looking for visible tightening or brightening, this is a superb mask to use during or after a long flight, after a day spent outdoors, or for an indulgent spa day at home. $15 per mask at Amazon.
Sephora’s Moisturizing & Glowing Hydrating Mask (photo 9)
This is a great choice if you’re looking for quick results at a bargain price. This mask is made with 95 percent natural ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid and lychee extract, and the instructions on the package state that it only needs to be worn for five minutes. After trying this mask twice, I concluded that it does a good job hydrating, but lifting and tightening effects were minimal. Also keep in mind that after I removed the mask, I noticed that all the serum hadn’t been fully absorbed, so I needed to rub it into my face. $6 each at Sephora.
Vitamasques’ Hyaluronic Cactus Hydrate Mask (photo 10)
I liked the fact that this sheet mask is made with more than 90 percent natural ingredients, including six types of hyaluronic acid, squalene, agave, prickly pear and cactus. It’s vegan friendly, cruelty-free and fragrance free, and the entire sheet is biodegradable. Best of all, the mask fit well on my face and left my skin as soft and supple as some of the more expensive products did. I’d definitely buy this again for an at-home spa day or as a party favor. $6 per mask at Vitamasques.
