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We all aspire to wake up with glowing, hydrated skin, especially if you’re riddled with dryness or dullness by the morning. While there are plenty of skin care trends promising soft, supple skin overnight, sometimes it’s worth going back to the basics: face masks. A simple face mask can make all the difference when you’re looking to give your skin a moisture boost. However, overnight face masks go the extra mile by providing a more intense nourishing treatment and lasting hydration. “Overnight masks contain higher concentrations of skincare ingredients that are absorbed at night during the skin’s time of renewal,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sara Hogan.
If you’ve ever found yourself on skincare TikTok, you’ve likely seen beauty enthusiasts sharing their nighttime skincare routines and subsequent “morning shed” videos where people remove layers of overnight masks. The trend is becoming increasingly popular with several formulas boasting smooth glass skin-inducing ingredients and impressive results. But in all honesty, not all masks are made equally. Depending on your specific skin concerns, there are a slew of targeted treatments to consider. “Overnight masks can contain ingredients that target specific concerns, like dryness, aging, or discoloration,” says Dr. Hogan. “Moisturizing overnight masks are most helpful during cold, dry weather.”
Our picks for the best overnight masks of 2024
No two masks are alike, so to help you find the best one, we pored through customer reviews and even shuffled through our beauty cabinets to bring you the eight best overnight masks to add to your routine. See our selects below.
1
Best Overall
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask
Pros
Calms and soothes skin irritation
Cons
- Very thick consistency
If you don’t want to fall asleep with the feeling of a heavier mask on your face, this balm-to-oil formula is a lighter option. This mask melts into the skin as its hero ingredient, squalane, draws and locks in moisture.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I love how this face mask leaves my skin so soft and hydrated. I was using some products for the acne and my skin was very dry and dull, only after a week of using it my skin felt much better and softer.”
Size: 3.4 oz
Skin Type: Dry skin, uneven skin
Pros
- Gives a cooling effect
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Cryotherapy is a popular treatment due to its cooling and tightening effects on the skin. This mask uses the same icy technology and a blend of botanical extracts to minimize the appearance of pores and give the skin a firm and lifted look.
Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I love the Cryo-Flash Face Mask and have repurchased it twice now! This mask really wakes up my skin. It was a lifesaver for my puffy face. I ended up repurchasing once I finished the first one and now use it tear-free to give my skin a beautiful glow! It’s also the best for reviving my face the morning after a night out.”
Size: 2.5 oz.
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin
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Pros
- Can be used as a daily moisturizer
Cons
- Some don't like the packaging
Frequent travelers understand the feeling of jet lag. You feel sluggish, tired, and disconcerted. Well, our skin tends to feel the same way when it’s been neglected. To remedy that, Summer Fridays packed their Jet Lag Mask with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin to bring dull, dry skin back to life.
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My best friend introduced me to this mask, telling me it would become a favorite of mine, and, as per usual, she was right. I love that I can use it as a cream when I need a quick boost, but when I use it overnight, I notice how soft and vibrant my skin looks.” Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
Size: 2.25 oz.
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin
4
Best Hydrating Mask
youth to the people Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Mask
Pros
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Might not be suitable for very oily skin
Fruit has always been linked to beauty rituals—think about the strawberry girl and cherry trends circulating on TikTok. This mask uses a super berry complex, a blend of antioxidant-rich berries like goji, acai, and maqui berries, to give you a visible glow. Vitamin C also works in this mask to brighten and firm the skin.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I've been loving the entire Youth to the People superfood line so I knew I had to try this mask. It leaves my skin feeling so soft every time I use it. Having very dry skin, I'm constantly on the hunt for product that give my skin lasting hydration and whenever I use this mask I can feel a huge difference in my skin.” Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
Size: 2 oz
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination
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5
Best Splurge
Augustinus Bader The Face Cream Mask
Pros
- Plumps the skin
Cons
- Expensive
This mask's rich and creamy texture nourishes the skin and fades fine lines and wrinkles using the brand's patented TFC8 technology, which combines amino acids, peptides, and vitamins. Vitamin C and Chinese root extract also power this mask to replenish the skin and combat hyperpigmentation.
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This is absolutely the best cream I have ever used on my face! It does it all without causing any allergic reaction. My skin looks and feels amazing. My son even told me I'm aging in reverse. I am in love! I have very sensitive skin and can't stand the oily residue with most face products, and this doesn't do that.”
Size: 1.7 oz
Skin Type: Normal, dry skin
Pros
- Deeply hydrating
Cons
- Small amount of product
If you want skin as soft as velvet, Sisley Paris has you covered. Because the skin naturally repairs itself at night, this mask works kind of like an extra support system, infusing your skin with moisturizing ingredients like honey and shea butter.
Sisley Paris rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Sisley Paris reviewer says: “This mask is soothing and hydrating with a pleasant, relaxing smell. My skin feels supple & radiant in the morning. I use as my nightly moisturizer.”
Size: 2 oz.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry skin
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Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some don't like the scent
This hypoallergenic mask is made with squalane and a probiotic complex to hydrate and strengthen the skin while helping to even your skin tone. The gel-like formula quickly absorbs to eliminate the tacky feeling of a more concentrated texture.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I can’t begin to describe how amazing this product feels on your skin! When applying it, it felt so silky smooth and light! Not heavy like your typical mask. I was hesitant at first to believe when I woke up I’d notice much of a difference but boy did I! My skin was noticeably smoother and moisturized after just one use!”
Size: 2.3 oz
Skin Type: Normal, dry skin
Pros
- Doubles as a daytime moisturizer
Cons
- Thinner texture
Jujube and pomegranate extracts blend with a mix of traditional Korean herbs to create this ultra-moisturizing mask. The lightweight, comfortable texture glides smoothly onto the skin to nourish and balance while you sleep.
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Great product! It has a soft and buttery cream texture when applied. It makes my face look hydrated and soft in the morning when I wake up. It’s a little pricy but you get a lot of product. You only need three to four pea-sized dots to cover the entire face. Overall, amazing quality.”
Size: 4 oz.
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin
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How often should I do an overnight mask?
Overnight masks aren’t exactly the same as sheet masks or standard face masks. The more concentrated ingredients allow for a more intense treatment, meaning you don’t have to use them as often to see results. Dr. Hogan recommends using an overnight mask no more than twice a week.
9
What are the key ingredients to look for when shopping for an overnight mask?
Because we all have different skin types and concerns, understanding what ingredients work for you is paramount. “Formulation is key with overnight face masks. This is why using a regular face mask overnight is not a good idea. Doing so can lead to skin irritation and stripping the skin of its moisture,” says Dr. Hogan. “Look for overnight masks that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and lactic acid. In the right overnight mask formulation, ceramide and squalane are moisturizing, but not occlusive. Vitamin C, green tea extract, and niacinamide can help address discoloration.”
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10
Should certain skin types avoid overnight masks or are they good for all skin types?
If you have any particular skin conditions or allergies, it’s best to consult with your dermatologist before adding a sleeping mask to your regimen. Once you’ve been given the all-clear, try the best formula for your skin type. Remember, there’s a possibility of adverse reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin. “Individuals with eczema, rosacea, and sensitive skin should exercise caution with overnight masks as there is potential for irritation or flaring of existing skin conditions,” says Dr. Hogan.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editor, Tasha Nicole Smith spoke with skincare experts about the absolute best overnight masks to give you hydrated skin while you sleep. The authors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
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