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For many of us, winter isn’t just about cosy coats and festive manis—it’s when skin can suddenly feel tight, dry and in desperate need of moisture. Cold winds, indoor heating, and low humidity strip the skin’s barrier of hydration, leading to flaky patches, sensitivity and a lacklustre complexion. And while richer moisturisers and gentle cleansers play an important role, sometimes you need a concentrated surge of moisture that only a face mask can deliver. Whether you’re bracing for a harsh cold snap or just want to maintain bouncy, glowing skin, a well‑formulated hydrating mask can be a true game‑changer.
But it’s not just a winter problem. Throughout the year, skin regularly loses water through both external and internal stressors—and even oily or breakout‑prone skin can be dehydrated. Hydrated skin not only looks smoother and feels softer, it performs better: serums penetrate more effectively, makeup applies more seamlessly and the barrier is stronger against irritation. That’s why it’s my firm opinion that hydrating masks deserve a place in everyone’s skincare routine, regardless of season or skin type.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best hydrating masks across categories—from overnight treatments to sheet masks and sensitive‑skin saviours. These are the masks that truly replenish moisture, soothe dryness and help restore resilience when your skin needs it most.
What Are the Benefits to Using a Hydrating Mask?
Hydrating masks give skin a concentrated dose of moisture that daily moisturisers might struggle to match. By enveloping the skin in high‑performing humectants, emollients, and occlusives, they help draw water into the skin and lock it in, resulting in a smoother, plumper surface. This boost not only improves immediate texture and radiance but also supports the skin’s barrier function, helping it retain hydration over time. Regular use can soften fine lines caused by dehydration and make makeup and subsequently applied skincare more effective and comfortable on the skin.
What Should Should You Look for in a Hydrating Mask?
When shopping for a hydrating mask, prioritise ingredients that actively deliver and retain hydration, not just occlusive richness. Choose the format that suits your lifestyle: overnight masks are perfect for deeper, longer‑lasting moisture, while sheet masks are great quick fixes. Consider your skin type—a richer mask may overwhelm oily skin, while sensitive skin benefits from simple, soothing formulas. Avoid alcohol-heavy formulas or anything with strong fragrances that can undermine hydration by irritating the barrier.
What Ingredients Should You Look for in a Hydrating Mask?
Look for ingredients that both draw moisture into the skin and lock it in. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract water to the outer layers of the skin, instantly plumping and smoothing fine lines while improving overall comfort. Squalane, a lightweight emollient, helps seal in this hydration and mimic the skin’s natural oils without feeling greasy. Equally important are ceramides, which reinforce the skin’s barrier, preventing water loss and protecting against environmental stressors, which is crucial for dry, sensitive, or ageing skin.
Masks that combine these key ingredients often also include soothing additions like aloe, honey or cica to calm irritation, leaving the skin soft, resilient, and visibly calmed after use. Together, these ingredients ensure hydration is both immediate and long-lasting, supporting barrier health, texture and overall radiance.
The Best Hydrating Masks
- Best Overall: Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
- Best Hydrating Mask for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Baume
- Best Hydrating Mask for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Sam’s Flawless Revival Mask
- Best Hydrating Sheet Mask: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Sheet Mask
- Best Hydrating Mask for Dehydrated Skin: Medik8 H.E.O. Mask
1. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
Origins
Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask
Key Ingredients: Avocado, Swiss glacier water, grapeseed oil, hyaluronic acid
This cult‑favourite overnight mask delivers an intense surge of hydration while you sleep, helping to replenish moisture lost throughout the day. It was a post-hangover staple for me when I was a student, and it is still one of my most reached-for masks, especially during party season. It has a creamy texture that melts into the skin without feeling heavy or greasy, and thanks to avocado and grapeseed oil, it nourishes deeply and leaves skin plump and soft by morning. The mask also helps improve skin texture and tone when used regularly, making it ideal for dull, moisture‑depleted complexions.
Pros
- Intense overnight hydration
- Rich yet non‑greasy
- Ideal for dry or dull skin.
Cons
- Scented, which may not suit sensitive skin
2. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, glycerin, cica, shea butter, thermal spring water.
Pros
- Barrier‑supporting
- Great for sensitive dryness
Cons
- Leaves residue that doesn’t absorb into skin
Another on-shelf staple of mine, this La Roche-Posay nourishing, barrier‑supporting mask deeply hydrates dry, tight skin. Formulated with ceramides and cica, it helps rebuild and protect the skin’s natural barrier while reducing redness and soothing sensitivity. Regular use leaves the skin feeling softer, more resilient, and better protected against environmental stressors. It’s a weekly go‑to for me when I’m seeking long‑lasting comfort during harsh winter months.
3. Dr Sam’s Flawless Revival Mask
Dr Sam’s
Flawless Revival Mask
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Soothing for acne‑prone skin
- Reduces irritation
Cons
- Less intense hydration than richer masks
Designed with acne‑prone skin in mind, this mask hydrates without clogging pores or causing breakouts. It’s lightweight and soothing, so calms irritation while replenishing moisture lost from drying treatments and active ingredients. Ideal for use after exfoliation or clarifying treatments, it ensures hydration without exacerbating acne.
4. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask
Dr. Jart+
Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol, glycerin.
This sheet mask is infused with ceramides and humectants, delivering a quick, intensive boost of hydration. Compared to other sheet masks, I find it adheres well to the skin, allowing the ingredients to penetrate efficiently, and it’s soaked in a creamy (rather than watery) solution, which feels truly nourishing. Perfect for an on-the-go refresh or a quick pre‑event treatment, it strengthens the skin barrier and helps prevent moisture loss.
Pros
- Excellent hydration
- Barrier support
5. Medik8 H.E.O. Mask
Key Ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, lactic acid, glycerin, aloe vera.
This two-step mask is designed to ensure deep and lasting hydration with the application of a gel layer first, followed by a cream layer. The idea is that the gel infuses skin with lightweight and deep-reaching hydration, while the cream seals that moisture in, preventing it from escaping while also softening the top layer of the skin. Regular use leaves skin visibly plump, soft, and comfortable.
Pros
- Very deep hydration
- Includes humectants, emollients, and occlusives
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Requires two applications
6. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
Summer Fridays
Jet Lag Mask
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin, vitamin E.
Pros
- Radiance‑boosting
- Great for travel
Cons
- Expensive price point
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
A cult-favourite, this creamy gel mask revives tired, dull skin with a simultaneously hydrating and brightening blend of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s ideal for tired or dull complexions, helping to smooth texture and boost radiance. It can be used morning and night, rinsed off after 20 minutes or left on while you sleep, and also works a treat on puffy under-eyes (keep it in the fridge for extra chill).
7. Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Avène
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water, glycerin, zinc.
This gentle cream can actually be used as a daily moisturiser, but I love using it as a mask when my skin is feeling extra sensitive. Enriched with Avène thermal spring water and skin-soothing agents, it reduces redness and promotes barrier recovery, and its rich, creamy texture absorbs easily, providing long-lasting comfort without irritation.
Cons
- Small tube means it runs out quickly
8. Aesop Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque
Aesop
Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, bisabolol, witch hazel, castor oil.
Finding a hydrating mask that doesn’t overwhelm oily skin can be tricky, but I find that this lightweight formula hydrates and balances skin without adding excess oil. Formulated with blue chamomile and niacinamide, it soothes redness and replenishes moisture lost through cleansing or exfoliation. The gel-like texture absorbs quickly and leaves a comfortable, matte-soft finish, so it can be used as a short treatment or left on longer for an intensive boost.
Pros
- Light gel texture
- Niacinamide helps to balance oil production
Cons
- Not as deeply hydrating as other formulas on this list
9. Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
Laneige
Cica Sleeping Mask
Key Ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, shea butter, centella asiatic, tea tree oil.
This calming mask combines hydration with cica (centella asiatica) to soothe redness and strengthen the skin barrier. Ideal for sensitive or reactive skin, it reduces discomfort and tightness while delivering a deep moisture boost. After use, I find that my skin feels calmer, hydrated, and more resilient.
Pros
- Soothes redness
- Large jar is very long lasting
10. Beauty Pie Micro-Caviar Overnight Moisture Mask
Beauty Pie
Micro-Caviar Overnight Moisture Mask
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, omegas.
Pros
- Combines hydrating and anti-ageing benefits
Cons
- Lower price point is only available to Beauty Pie members
A peptide-infused, nourishing mask from Beauty Pie that hydrates while promoting elasticity and firmness is ideal for mature skin. With regular use ,I’ve noticed that this formula has helped to smooth fine lines on my forehead caused by dehydration and gives me a much-needed immediate glow boost. A luxurious yet effective treatment for age-conscious skincare routines.
11. Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Face Mask
Antipodes
Aura Manuka Honey Face Mask
Key Ingredients: Avocado, manuka honey, vitamin E, grapeseed oil.
Infused with manuka honey and antioxidant-rich extracts, this mask delivers hydration while brightening and calming stressed skin. Its silky, cream texture provides immediate comfort that soothes angry breakouts and areas of heightened sensitivity. I’ve used this for years—it performs well as both a short treatment or overnight—always leaving my skin feeling calmer and looking more radiant.
Pros
- Soothing and brightening as well as hydrating
Cons
- Slightly sticky texture
- Hard to get everything out of the tube
12. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask
Fresh
Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, roseate glycerin, cucumber extract.
This indulgent mask combines the hydrating powers of rosewater and hyaluronic acid to deeply quench dry, thirsty skin. The lightweight gel formula absorbs easily, leaving parched skin feeling immediately replenished, while the second, cream layer feels rich and nourishing. Application requires more time than most, so I like to save this one for a weekend treat.
Pros
- Luxurious feel
- Very deep moisture boost
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Requires two applications
13. Bubble Overnight Hydrating Mask
Bubble
Overnight Hydrating Mask
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalane, niacinamide, lactic acid, mandelic acid.
A budget-friendly option that still provides overnight moisture to restore comfort to parched skin—this mask has a lightweight texture which sinks in easily and helps reduce tightness and flakiness by morning. Ideal for quick hydration boosts without breaking the bank, regular use keeps skin soft and supple, proving that high-quality hydration doesn’t always require a premium price tag.
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
How We Tested
We tested these hydrating masks across a variety of dryness triggers—cold weather, long flights, indoor heating, and post‑stress fatigue—to reflect how skin actually feels when it needs moisture most. Each mask was assessed for its ability to deliver noticeable hydration, how long the effect lasted, and how well it integrated with different routines and skin types. Textures, absorption and how masks interact with subsequent skincare were all noted, ensuring recommendations work both as quick boosts and as longer-term treatments.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
