All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
It's officially winter and, chances are, you or someone you know is dealing with winter skin. What's that mean, exactly? It's that dry, dehydrated, chapped skin that just cannot seem to hydrate no matter what you do. For Allure editors, we love a good hydrating face mask for this time of year because it instantly gives our skin that plumping hydration it's craving. In fact, Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut says that hydrating face masks is a step everyone should add to their skin-care routines.
"Just like we double cleanse with face wash, double hydrating should be considered," she says. Dr. Gohara adds that doing this will add more moisture to our skin, particularly in cold months, or even in the warmer months — as sun damage can take a toll. She mentions that when shopping for a hydrating face mask, always look for ingredients on labels like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalene, or your favorite moisturizing nut-derived oil (we personally love almond). Dr. Gohara recommends layering masks with your favorite hydrating serum and leaving it on for however long the brand suggests — some can even be used as overnight masks.
There are hundreds if not thousands of masks that contain those ingredients in them, and we know the search can feel intense as you try to find the one. Thankfully, we're here to help. Below we (with the help of some of our favorite dermatologists) rounded up 13 of the best face masks and sleeping masks to quench dry skin.
According to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, the Eau Thermale Avéne Soothing Radiance Mask is great for those with dry, sensitive skin. "This ultra-gentle mask softens the skin with safflower seed oil along with lipid-rich naturals that help repair the skin barrier," he says. Dr. Zeichner adds that the thermal spring water in the formula is rich in vitamins that have soothing and calming effects, too.
Cosmedix Rescue Intense Hydrating Balm & Mask Cosmedix Rescue mask is a favorite of board-certified New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King, MD. "Glycerin, shea butter, and panthenol all help to hydrate, support the skin barrier, and lock in moisture," she says. Dr. King adds that there are also calming ingredients like cica, willowherb, and calendula that soothe the skin.
Dr. King also loves Charlotte Tilbury's Multi-Miracle Glow because of its creamy texture and skin-nourishing ingredients. "This mask contains the perfect combination of humectants to hydrate, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in moisture," Dr. King says. She adds that it contains rosehip oil, an essential fatty acid rich in linoleic acid that our bodies need but can't produce themselves. Linoleic acid supports and repairs the skin barrier, increasing skin moisture, elasticity, and softness.
Peter Thomas Roth's Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Mask Hydrating Gel is basically a tall glass of water for your skin. This gel mask is made with a 20 percent hyaluronic acid complex and energizes vitamin E, this mask plumps skin to new limits. Plus, aloe vera will soothe any redness and dryness in no time.
Dr. Gohara loves the Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask for its biosimilar ingredients like hydrating squalene. "I recommend layering this facial mask on top of your go-to hyaluronic acid serum and watching your favorite show, letting it all sink in and hydrate the skin," she adds.
Tatcha's Violet-C Radiance Mask is a past Best of Beauty winner because we love its hefty list of skin-loving ingredients. Inside the jar, you'll find Japanese beautyberry, two types of brightening vitamin C, and exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids that reveal glowy, clear skin with consistent use.
Apply a generous amount of Pai Skincare's Resurrection Girl to clean skin and, as its name implies, you'll feel brand-new. This calming blue-hued gel-cream mask bolsters anti-inflammatory blue tansy oil, resurrection plant (a desert plant that can withstand brutally dry, rock conditions), sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, as well as hydrating glycerin — making this mask a dream for dry skin.
Philosophy's Nature In a Jar Skin Rehab Balm is a 2021 Best of Beauty winner because of a stacked ingredient list that sounds good enough to eat. For example, wheatgrass and broccoli detoxify and hydrate the skin overnight.
Paula's Choice Hydrating Treatment Mask quenches dry skin in a flash. Apply this plant-oil-rich formula (hello, apricot and macadamia) to your skin to reveal a dewier, firmer complexion. We love using this one before makeup because the glow really comes through.
First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is the perfect pick-me-up when your skin is irritated and just needs some extra TLC. Made with soothing colloidal oatmeal and moisturizing shea butter, your skin will thank you for the reset.
Not only does the Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask smells like a straight-up flower shop, but it benefits the skin in so many ways. Made with hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening vitamin C, this mask is great for dehydrated and uneven skin.
The Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask lives up to its name because it applies just like butter and melts onto the skin with zero greasiness. The formula has squalane and shea butter, which moisturize and hydrate skin, as well as ceramides to lock in all of the moisture.
"SheaMoisture's Manuka Honey and Yogurt Glow Getter Honey Mask is a fun product because it can be used as a cleanser, mask, or balm," says Dr. King. This is a luxurious yet very affordable mask with a list of moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, rosehip oil, arctic cloudberry oil, camellia oil, and coconut alkanes, making it great for dry skin. But, because it's not heavy and rinses away without any residue, it's great for all skin types. Dr. King also mentions that the honey in the jar is rich in antioxidants, which means that it helps fight free radicals from the sun, pollution, and stress.
For more of our favorite skin-care reads:
- The Best Affordable Skin Care Your Money Can Buy
- Best of Beauty 2022: Skin Care
- 15 Best Ceramide-Spiked Skin-Care Products to Nourish Dry, Irritated Skin
Done reading? Now, watch this TikToker's 10-Minute beauty routine:
You can follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
