10 Best Face Masks for Dry Skin in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Colder temperatures can easily dry up your skin and lead to uncomfortable skin conditions such as cracking or flaking. Moisturizing your skin is necessary to reduce dryness and to give your skin a radiant look. For many people, one of the most effective ways to supply the skin with moisture is to apply face masks.
Understanding the difficulty of choosing the right face mask, we compiled some of the best ones on the market. Our favorite is Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask, which is formulated specifically for dry skin. Keep reading to see our other picks for dry skin, and check out our buying guide to learn what to look out for in the perfect face mask!
Quick List - Top Face Masks For Dry Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why Should I Take Extra Care of Dry Skin?
- How to Choose A Face Mask for Dry Skin - Buying Guide
- Make Sure it Has Emollients, Humectants and Occlusives for Proper Moisturizing1
- Be Wary of Possible Skin Irritants if You Have Sensitive-Dry Skin2
- Consider Different Types of Face Masks for Different Concerns3
- Look for Other Potential Skincare Benefits4
- Some More Pampering for Your Dry Skin
Why Should I Take Extra Care of Dry Skin?
Intense winds, low humidity, or freezing weather conditions often results in moisture on your skin evaporating at a much faster pace, thus leading to dryness. Naturally, low oil production from the oil glands is another cause of dryness.
At a normal level, dryness might only cause you minor irritation. However, if you don't moisturize your skin and just leave it be for a long time, dryness might lead to peeling, cracking, and even severe pain.
Additionally, compared to other types of skin, dry skin is most prone to oxidation. This means it begins to lack a sufficient amount of the sebum essential to ensure elasticity and moisturize the skin surface.
Furthermore, as we age, the amount of collagen and hyaluronic acid within our skin also decreases, causing wrinkles in the already dry, cracked skin. That's why we recommend nourishing your dry skin with face masks to supply it with needed nutrition.
Having dry skin can accelerate the aging process of the skin since hydration is important to keep the dermis plump and healthy. Skin that is dry and dehydrated appears wrinkled and thin. Additionally, dry skin can cause symptoms such as stinging, burning, or itch and is more prone to develop eczema. Keeping your skin barrier intact can help prevent dry skin.
How to Choose A Face Mask for Dry Skin - Buying Guide
A suitable face mask for dry skin needs to contain many moisturizers that can deeply hydrate within your skin layers. When choosing a face mask, you should pay attention to the ingredients carefully.
Make Sure it Has Emollients, Humectants and Occlusives for Proper Moisturizing
A hydrating face mask is crucial to provide your skin with the necessary moisture while preventing radicals from damaging your skin. To choose a face mask with effective moisturizing properties, you should pay attention to some key ingredients, including emollients, humectants, and occlusives.
Emollients Prevent Moisture Loss and Soften the Skin
Emollients are hydrating agents that help lock in the moisture within your skin layers to minimize moisture loss. At the same time, emollients can soften your skin effectively. Some frequently found emollients include plant oil- or butter-based ingredients (shea butter, for example) and some other fatty acids.
Emollients are great for dry skin, but use caution if you're acne-prone as they can be very occlusive. Avoid coconut oil or olive oil-based products if you have acne but also have dry skin. Emollients are great to use in the cold winter months to prevent dry skin and keep the skin barrier intact.
Humectants Increase the Level of Moisture
Humectants help raise the level of moisture within your skin layers by attracting water to the skin. Therefore, using products with humectants will give your skin a plump, healthy look.
Some of the best humectants are glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which can preserve more than 1,000 times their weight in water. Another great humectant is aloe vera, which is also effective in increasing the elasticity of your dry skin.
Be cautious if you use a humectant daily or if a humectant like hyaluronic acid is in all of your skincare products. Since humectants bring water to the top layer of skin over time, this can paradoxically dry out your skin. Using a humectant-based mask followed by an emollient moisturizer can help prevent this from happening.
Occlusive Ingredients Form a Protective Barrier
Unlike the hydrating properties of humectants and emollients, occlusives stay on top of the skin layer and help form a protective barrier to prevent moisture from evaporating.
Occlusives also play a role in protecting your skin from environmental factors such as harsh wind or cold weather. Some common occlusives for dry skin include waxy and oil-based ingredients such as olive oil, beeswax and cocoa butter.
Be Wary of Possible Skin Irritants if You Have Sensitive-Dry Skin
Since dry skin is prone to flaking and cracking, it is important to choose a product containing ingredients that won't worsen your skin condition. Known ingredients that can dry out skin include alcohols and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). If you have particularly sensitive skin, you might want to consider avoiding sodium laureth sulfate, too.
Note that an effective occlusive, petrolatum can induce itchiness and irritation in some people too, so you'll want to make sure to watch out for allergies or adverse reactions before fully committing to a new skincare product.
Consider Different Types of Face Masks for Different Concerns
Each type of face mask has different effects on your skin, so before making a purchase, you might want to consider which type is suitable.
Cream and Gel Masks Are the Best for Gently Moisturizing Your Skin
Cream or gel masks have a light, creamy consistency that is easy to apply to your skin. Additionally, many of these masks contain soothing ingredients. Therefore, they are suitable for sensitive skin or some dry skin issues such as flaking or cracking.
The gentle ingredients of cream and gel masks also effectively balance pH and moisture levels within the skin layer.
A mask that is cream-based is the best choice if you have dry or chapped skin. Cream-based masks provide moisture and are usually quite gentle. They can be used more frequently (one to three times a week) for those with dry skin. You should still follow a cream-based mask with a moisturizer to give extra hydration to dry skin.
Sheet Masks are Convenient and Absorb Quickly
Packed with serums and moisturizing ingredients, sheet masks can deeply moisturize your skin. These masks are also designed to adhere nicely to the lines of your face, allowing all of the nutrients to evenly penetrate your skin.
Sheet masks are also a non-messy, convenient option since you just need to apply the mask to your face, wait, and then dispose of the mask afterward.
Chemical Exfoliant Masks Can Improve Collagen Production
Chemical exfoliating masks contain ingredients such as glycolic acid, mandalic acid, or enzymes. Additionally, chemical exfoliating masks come in various textures, including gels, powders and clays.
The components of the masks help increase the generation of new skin cells and promote collagen production. Even though chemical exfoliating masks are generally safe for all skin types, they might be harsh on sensitive skin.
To make sure that the masks are suitable for your skin, you should do a patch test first. Generally, you should pick a gentle and moisturizing acid for dry skin, such as lactic acid or glycolic acid.
Clay and Mud Masks Exfoliate Dead Cells
Clay masks are effective in exfoliating dead skin cells and removing all of the stubborn impurities. However, some clay masks might pull out moisture from your skin, and their exfoliating properties might be too harsh on the skin as well. Consider clay masks with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or chamomile to provide extra moisture and nutrition to your skin.
Clay masks can be very useful for those with acne but are often too drying for those with dry skin at baseline. If you have dry skin, only do a clay mask infrequently and follow it up with a creamy hydrating moisturizer. This will still allow you to get the benefits of the clay mask without making your dry skin worse.
Look for Other Potential Skincare Benefits
Dryness can easily lead to flaking, peeling, or other severe health conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. To minimize the damage on your skin, you might want to consider face masks with restorative and soothing ingredients such as olive oil, chamomile, or aloe vera.
Dry skin can also increase the frequency and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To combat these concerns, you should look for face masks infused with antioxidants such as vitamin E or collagen. Those ingredients help slow down the oxidation process and increase the elasticity of your skin.
Many antiaging products have the side effect of drying out the skin. This is true for retinols, some antioxidants, and prescription retinoids. Using a hydrating and soothing face mask can help make these products more tolerable. Additionally, they can provide anti-aging benefits by providing hydration to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
10 Best Face Masks for Dry Skin
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask | | Best Mask to Treat Very Dry Skin | |
2 | Neutrogena 12-pack | | Best at Giving Instant Hydration for Dry and Damaged Skin | |
3 | Youth To The People | | Best for Restoring Dull and Tired Skin Overnight | |
4 | Ebanel Laboratories Hyaluronic Collagen Sheet Mask | | Best at Soothing and Rejuvenating Dry Skin | |
5 | Aveeno | | Best at Hydrating and Nourishing Irritated Skin | |
6 | Laneige | | Best at Hydrating and Evening Out Skin Texture | |
7 | Glow Recipe | | Best for Exfoliating Dry Skin | |
8 | fresh | | Best at Cooling Down Mature Skin | |
9 | Era Organics Revive+ Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub and Mask | | Best for Physical Exfoliation of Dry Skin | |
10 | SNP Shining Nature Purity 10-pack | | Best for Relieving a Stressed and Tight Face |
Best Mask to Treat Very Dry Skin
Pros:
- Full range of ingredients to provide deep hydration
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Vitamin-based (A, C, and E) antioxidants
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons:
- May not work for oily combination skin
Paula's Choice's treatment mask is infused with seed oils, hyaluronic acid, and other essential lipids to deeply hydrate and smooth your skin's dry, rough texture. Additionally, antioxidants help protect your skin from environmental factors.
While the mask can be too greasy for some, it's a great option for those with very dry skin. It can restore flaky, sensitive, and allergy-prone skin.
Best at Giving Instant Hydration for Dry and Damaged Skin
Pros:
- Hyaluronic acid for ultimate hydration
- Quick relief for dry skin
- Gentle and non-comedogenic
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
The ingredients in these sheet masks will provide you with instant relief from dry skin. Hyaluronic acid provides moisture, while vitamin E (tocopherol) and other antioxidants improve skin elasticity. The formula is gentle and quickly absorbed by the skin.
The masks are so popular because they work. They fix up dry and flaky skin, leaving it smooth and soothed. This is the overall top choice for dry and damaged skin and will make your face plump and healed.
Best for Restoring Dull and Tired Skin Overnight
Pros:
- Contains vitamin C to brighten and restore dull skin
- Squalane and hyaluronic acid provide hydration
- Doesn't clog your pores
- Superberry blend to fight free radicals
Cons:
- Not recommended for oily skin
This overnight mask is rich in antioxidants from superberries such as acai and goji. They can help with a myriad of skin concerns like dullness, uneven texture, dark circles, and fine lines. The mask also boosts your skin's natural hydration and doesn't clog your pores.
Loved for its moisturizing abilities, this mask is best suited for dry and sensitive skin. It's a miracle mask for many, and it can improve skin texture and combat flakiness.
Ebanel LaboratoriesHyaluronic Collagen Sheet Mask
Best at Soothing and Rejuvenating Dry Skin
Pros:
- Instant relief to dry skin
- Soothing aloe vera for irritated skin
- Vitamin E to improve elasticity
Cons:
- Strong fragrance
In this mask, hyaluronic acid provides you with hydration, while aloe vera soothes dry and irritated skin. Ingredients like vitamin E, ascorbic acid, collagen, and peptides brighten, improve elasticity, and rejuvenate dullness.
While reports say these masks have a strong fragrance, many highlight that they did not experience any irritation. Instead, the hypoallergenic formula is highly appreciated. The masks are praised for providing deep hydration to the skin.
Best at Hydrating and Nourishing Irritated Skin
Pros:
- Non-comedogenic to avoid clogged pores
- Soothing ingredients like oats and pumpkin seed extract
- Gentle and free of potential irritants
- Anti-inflammatory property thanks to feverfew extract
Cons:
- Strong fragrance
This rinse-off oat mask from Aveeno is gentle on the skin. Thanks to its prebiotic oat, pumpkin seed, and feverfew extracts, it provides plenty of nourishment. It's also free of parabens and phthalates. Use it to rebalance your skin and leave it hydrated.
Most complaints about the mask stem from its small portion size, but customers assure that a little goes a long way. It's highly recommended for its cooling and anti-inflammatory effect on irritated skin.
Best at Hydrating and Evening Out Skin Texture
Pros:
- Hydrates your skin as you sleep
- Contains primrose to restore dull skin
- Paraben- and phthalate-free
- Works against fine lines and wrinkles
Cons:
- Contains a few potential irritants
Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask packs a lot of moisture to help restore dry and dull skin. It locks in moisture with apricot fruit extract and hydrates your skin overnight with ingredients like glycerin. Antioxidants from primrose and apricot calm and protect your skin from external stressors.
Reports praise this mask for its cooling and calming effect. It's especially popular for dry and oily combination skin. It may be greasy for some, but only because of its heavily moisturizing formula. It leaves a glow on the skin that can last for days.
Best for Exfoliating Dry Skin
Pros:
- AHA blend to exfoliate
- Reduces visibility of pores
- Watermelon extract to soothe your skin
Cons:
- May be too lightweight for very dry skin
The AHA blend of glycolic and lactic acid in this mask works to remove dead skin cells, while the hyaluronic acid makes sure to hold in the moisture. Watermelon extract and peony root deliver vitamins with anti-inflammatory properties to leave your skin healthy and soothed.
Since this mask is lightweight, it's not recommended for very dry skin. However, it's said to be hydrating and barrier-strengthening by many. Furthermore, it works to brighten dull skin complexion.
Best at Cooling Down Mature Skin
Pros:
- Good for fine lines and wrinkles due to vitamin E
- Rosewater hydrates and plumps up the skin
- Contains aloe and cucumber for a soothing and calming effect
Cons:
- Strong smell
This rose face mask is great if you want to even out your fine lines, thanks to the addition of vitamin E. Additionally, it soothes your skin and leaves it plump and soft with aloe, cucumber, and more. And it smells like fresh roses!
The mask has caused breakouts for a few, but the overall consensus is that it calms and cools irritated skin. It hydrates and reduces redness, and is a favorite among repeat buyers.
Era OrganicsRevive+ Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub and Mask
Best for Physical Exfoliation of Dry Skin
Pros:
- Gentle walnut shell powder exfoliates dead skin cells
- Protects the skin from free radicals
- Vitamins A, B, C, and E provide various benefits
- Can be harsh on sensitive skin
In this mask, manuka honey delivers hydration to your skin. It uses walnut shell powder to scrub away dead skin cells. Unlike common physical scrubs containing sugar or salt, it doesn't dry out or damage your skin. Aloe vera, containing vitamins A, B, C, and E, soothes the skin and leaves it plump.
The mask could be harsh on sensitive skin, but many highlight how the mask helps their skin stay soft and supple. Best of all, it doesn't dry out the skin but works well even on acne-prone faces.
Best for Relieving a Stressed and Tight Face
Pros:
- Nutrient-rich tea tree extract to nourish the skin
- Centella asiatica to support skin restoration
- Amino acids relieve skin from external aggressors
Cons:
- Contains fragrance, but is generally safe for sensitive skin
Give your skin a break with these face masks, made from nutrient-rich ingredients from Jeju Island. This includes green tea extract, which contains amino acids with calming effects for tight and stressed skin.
There's agreement on these masks: they leave the skin soft, hydrated, and calm. They also brighten the complexion, working on blemishes and scars. Furthermore, they're safe for sensitive skin.
Some More Pampering for Your Dry Skin
Take some extra care of yourself and get tips for caring for sensitive and dry skin with these other great articles!
Top 5 Face Masks For Dry Skin
No. 1: Paula's Choice｜Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask
No. 2: Neutrogena｜12-pack
No. 3: Youth To The People｜
No. 4: Ebanel Laboratories｜Hyaluronic Collagen Sheet Mask
No. 5: Aveeno｜
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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