Here’s Why Hydrogel Face Masks Are Better Than Your Favorite Formulas
Once you try one, you’ll never look back.
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Unlike some other forms of skin care, sheet masks haven’t been around for that long. They’ve exploded in popularity in the past decade as Korean skin care infiltrated our routines, becoming more than just an aesthetically pleasing prop in an Instagram selfie. To me and many others, sheet masks are a beacon of self-care; treating yourself to one feels almost as special as experiencing a facial. Over the years, as Korean face masks have evolved, so have those of Western brands. However, the latest innovation that has completely revolutionized my masking game is the hydrogel face mask.
“A hydrogel face mask is a type of sheet mask made from a gel-like material that holds hydration better than traditional cotton or fiber masks,” explains Kristyn Smith, an aesthetician and the founder of Practise NYC. “The texture allows it to mold closely to the skin, ensuring that active ingredients absorb more effectively.” Hydrogel masks are inherently cooling, which helps calm inflamed skin. Plus, cotton masks can feel a little rough, almost like they’re sucking moisture out of the skin as they dry, but hydrogel ones are smooth and occlusive, kind of like rubber. “If your skin feels dry, tired, or dull, a hydrogel mask is one of the fastest ways to plump, soothe, and refresh it,” adds Dr. Asmi Berry, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist.
Our top picks for the best hydrogel face masks for 2025
This might be a hot take, but I’d say that hydrogel masks are the best kinds of sheet masks out there—full stop. Sure, there are certain cotton or non-hydrogel options soaked in formulas I love, but nothing makes my skin feel as charged with moisture and plump as a hydrogel one. I gathered a few of my favorites, asked other ELLE editors for their picks, and consulted the above skin experts to compile a list of the six best hydrogel face masks. With these formulas, firmer, glowier, younger-looking skin can arrive overnight. You and your skin are in for a treat.
Pros
- Pore minimizing
- Plumps skin
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for some
In case you haven’t heard about this mega-viral pick, let us introduce you to the mask that began many of our obsessions with hydrogel formulas. “This mask is packed with bio-collagen and peptides to help smooth fine lines,” says Dr. Berry. “As a result, you’ll wake up with firmer, healthier-looking skin.” Over the course of a few hours or overnight, the mask turns from opaque to clear as the nourishing ingredients soak into your skin. Read my full review of the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask here.
Key ingredients: Collagen, galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide
Count: 4
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I absolutely love these face masks! They left my skin looking incredibly hydrated and gave me that glass-like glow. The hydrogel feels super refreshing and adheres well to the skin without slipping. After using it overnight, I woke up with plumper, more elastic skin, and my pores looked noticeably minimized. It’s perfect for a deep hydration boost, especially if your skin is feeling dry or dull. Highly recommend for anyone looking to achieve a dewy, radiant complexion!”
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Only contains one mask
One of Augustinus Bader’s latest launches is this hydrogel mask, and it’s become a fast favorite. “Unlike traditional sheet masks that slide around your face, this one stays put,” says Alexis Bennett Parker, ELLE.com commerce lead. “Because it isn’t overly saturated, I was able to move around and continue getting ready without worrying about it slipping off. I hate having to lie down and stay still in order for masks to work.” The formula features the brand’s signature and celebrity-loved ingredient, TFC8—a smoothie of vitamins, peptides, and lipids that helps with everything from fine lines and wrinkles to redness and hyperpigmentation.
Key ingredient: TFC8
Count: 1
An ELLE editor says: “I followed the instructions and removed the mask after 20 minutes. To my surprise, some of the fine lines around my eyes had softened like magic. But the real standout? My entire face felt incredibly plump and moisturized, and that juicy hydration lasted all day—something I haven’t experienced with other masks. At the end of the day, my husband even asked me if I was wearing makeup, and I wasn’t.” —Alexis Bennett Parker
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
Bioeffect created the mask with sensitive skin in mind, which is free of common irritants like fragrance, alcohol, oil, and even gluten. “I like this because it’s biodegradable and water-soluble, so it’s gentle on both your skin and the environment,” Smith adds. “It provides deep moisture, helps replenish the skin, and supports long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.”
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Count: 5
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I tried this product first in Iceland where it is made. It is worth every penny! It fulfills the promise of smooth plump skin. After using this mask, it plumped up the skin and filled out deep creases. My skin is amazing after using. I try to use it every week. And personally, the results last a full week.”
Pros
- Comes with a lot of serum
Cons
- Application might get a little messy
ELLE’s beauty team is a huge fan of Medik8 (read our dedicated review of the brand here) and its cult-favorite products that actually deliver results. You can use the brand’s bio-cellulose (a natural fiber that feels similar to hydrogel) mask anytime, but you’ll probably find it especially useful for soothing skin after procedures like microdermabrasion or microneedling. “It helps plump and smooth the look of fine lines and crepiness, giving the skin a more youthful appearance,” explains Smith. “The zinc-infused formula also supports skin balance and resilience, which is especially great for recovery after any deep skincare treatment.”
Key ingredients: Zinc, hyaluronic acid, rockweed algae extract
Count: 6
Medik8 rating: 5/5 stars
A Medik8 reviewer says: “I absolutely love these masks. I use one per week, and yes, I know the price can be a bit steep. However, I feel I get the same amazing effects from these masks as I do from a hydrating facial at a spa.”
Pros
- Soften skin
- Soothes irritation
Cons
- Mask can rip easily
This Japanese beauty-inspired mask is another one of Smith’s favorites, thanks to its ability to gently balance and hydrate the skin while you use it. “It’s highly moisturizing, helps brighten the skin, and works well in any season,” she says.
Key ingredients: Dassai sake lee essence, hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin C derivatives
Count: 5
Shiko Beauty rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Shiko Beauty reviewer says: “These masks are great. Definitely improved moisture barrier and clarity after one use. Save the packet after using the mask. There will still be enough liquid product to use a couple times on the face/back of hands. Delightful bonus!”
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
Pros
- Sticks easily and stays in place
- Brightening
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
Dr. Berry reports that the “Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are not a full-face mask, but these under-eye patches are helpful for tired, puffy eyes,” she says. “When you have a big event or an early morning, these can help you look refreshed.” I find that they stick on well, do exactly what they claim to do, and look great in a selfie.
Key ingredients: 24K gold, hydrolyzed gold, caffeine
Count: 60
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “They stay in place and do a great job with reducing puffiness and hydration. I use Subscribe/Save to reduce cost a bit. I’ve tried many cheaper versions that don’t work as well or only have a 15-day supply versus 30 so may seem less expensive but aren’t. I highly recommend, and I’ve bought many brands and always come back to these.”
Meet the Experts
Kristyn Smith is an aesthetician and the founder of Practise NYC.
Dr. Asmi Berry is a Los Angeles-based dermatologist.
How often can you use hydrogel face masks?
While some use sheet masks daily, Smith prefers a more moderate approach. “Using a hydrogel mask a maximum of a few times a week and a minimum of once a week allows the skin to benefit from hydration without overloading it,” Smith says. She recommends staying alert and paying attention to how your skin feels and reacts to the products. “If it starts feeling overly plump, reactive, or congested, it might be a sign to scale back.”
When is the best time to use a hydrogel face mask?
You can use them at pretty much any point in the day, although certain times may be more optimal than others. “I recommend using a hydrogel mask at night to wind down or before makeup application as it creates a smooth, hydrated base,” says Dr. Berry. “They’re also great for skin as a post-travel recovery treatment, stress relief, or after too much sun exposure.”
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, beauty writer Carol Lee consulted skin care experts to learn more about hydrogel face masks. She tested options and combed through reviews for top-rated products, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations.
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