The 9 Best Overnight Face Masks for Smoothing Fine Lines and Brightening Skin

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Bianca Kratky

People / Bianca Kratky

If you’re not boosting your beauty sleep with an overnight face mask, you’re missing out. The best overnight face masks support and repair your skin while you snooze, helping you wake up hydrated, refreshed, and glowing. Better yet, you don’t have to set a timer to rinse or peel them off. Like our favoritenight creams, these pillow-proof formulations go to work as you rest, so all you have to do is rinse them off once you’re up.The More You Know“Skin regeneration is at its height between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., and cell turnover increases when the body is in a deep, restful sleep,“Dr. Dendy Engelmantells PEOPLE.From smoothing bumps to quenching dryness, there’s a mask for every need. To figure out which ones are worth introducing into your nighttime routine, PEOPLE Tested changed into ourfavorite pajamasto trial 23 popular versions, evaluating them thoroughly for application, feel, and effectiveness.Read on for the best overnight face masks PEOPLE Tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Runner Up:Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Mask at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Value:Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask at Amazon$23Jump to ReviewBest Hydrating:Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest Exfoliating:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Soothing:Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask at Nordstrom$28Jump to ReviewBest Brightening:Typology Firming Night Mask at Typology.comJump to ReviewBest for Acne:SALESisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask at Amazon$170$114Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Sulwhasoo Sleeping Mask at Nordstrom$450Jump to Review

If you’re not boosting your beauty sleep with an overnight face mask, you’re missing out. The best overnight face masks support and repair your skin while you snooze, helping you wake up hydrated, refreshed, and glowing. Better yet, you don’t have to set a timer to rinse or peel them off. Like our favoritenight creams, these pillow-proof formulations go to work as you rest, so all you have to do is rinse them off once you’re up.

The More You Know“Skin regeneration is at its height between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., and cell turnover increases when the body is in a deep, restful sleep,“Dr. Dendy Engelmantells PEOPLE.

The More You Know

“Skin regeneration is at its height between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., and cell turnover increases when the body is in a deep, restful sleep,“Dr. Dendy Engelmantells PEOPLE.

From smoothing bumps to quenching dryness, there’s a mask for every need. To figure out which ones are worth introducing into your nighttime routine, PEOPLE Tested changed into ourfavorite pajamasto trial 23 popular versions, evaluating them thoroughly for application, feel, and effectiveness.

Read on for the best overnight face masks PEOPLE Tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Runner Up:Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Mask at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Value:Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask at Amazon$23Jump to ReviewBest Hydrating:Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest Exfoliating:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Soothing:Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask at Nordstrom$28Jump to ReviewBest Brightening:Typology Firming Night Mask at Typology.comJump to ReviewBest for Acne:SALESisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask at Amazon$170$114Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Sulwhasoo Sleeping Mask at Nordstrom$450Jump to Review

Best Overall:Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Runner Up:Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Mask at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Value:Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask at Amazon$23Jump to ReviewBest Hydrating:Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest Exfoliating:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Soothing:Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask at Nordstrom$28Jump to ReviewBest Brightening:Typology Firming Night Mask at Typology.comJump to ReviewBest for Acne:SALESisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask at Amazon$170$114Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Sulwhasoo Sleeping Mask at Nordstrom$450Jump to Review

Best Overall:Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask at Amazon$27Jump to Review

Best Overall:Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask at Amazon$27

Best Overall:

Best Overall, Runner Up:Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Mask at Amazon$18Jump to Review

Best Overall, Runner Up:Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Mask at Amazon$18

Best Overall, Runner Up:

Best Value:Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask at Amazon$23Jump to Review

Best Value:Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask at Amazon$23

Best Value:

Best Hydrating:Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask at Amazon$49Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask at Amazon$49

Best Hydrating:

Best Exfoliating:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best Exfoliating:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment at Amazon$40

Best Exfoliating:

Best Soothing:Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask at Nordstrom$28Jump to Review

Best Soothing:Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask at Nordstrom$28

Best Soothing:

Best Brightening:Typology Firming Night Mask at Typology.comJump to Review

Best Brightening:Typology Firming Night Mask at Typology.com

Best Brightening:

Best for Acne:SALESisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask at Amazon$170$114Jump to Review

Best for Acne:SALESisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask at Amazon$170$114

Best for Acne:

SALE

Best Investment:Sulwhasoo Sleeping Mask at Nordstrom$450Jump to Review

Best Investment:Sulwhasoo Sleeping Mask at Nordstrom$450

Best Investment:

Best OverallSaturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep MaskPHOTO: Nordstrom$27 at Amazon$29 at Nordstrom$29 at Sokoglam.comStar QualitiesLeaves skin brighter, softer, and hydratedJelly texture feels soothing and refreshing on skinResults are noticeable and immediateRed FlagsApplicator is a little finicky and hard to holdOur winning formula is this irresistible Saturday Skin jelly mask, which features a bouncy, lightweight texture. The formula contains yuzu extract, which has three times more vitamin C than any other citrus fruit. It’s paired with niacinamide and retinol for additional brightening, smoothing, and refining effects.The mask feels a little goopy going on, so scoop it out with the included applicator. In testing, we did note that the mini applicator was slightly difficult to maneuver with the product texture, so it would be nice to use this with a larger applicator. That said, we had no complaints whatsoever about the formula. The brand recommends using it from three to five times a week, but we found that two to three was enough to leave skin in excellent shape. Not only did it make skin feel softer and brighter after a single use, but it also made fine lines much less visible and provided lasting hydration. It was so effective that the results were on par with what you would expect from an esthetician’s facial.Size:1.69 oz. |Skin Type:Normal, oily, combination, dry |Star Ingredients:Yuzu extract, niacinamide, retinol (vitamin A) |Fragrance:NoPHOTO: People / Samantha AronsonPHOTO: People / Samantha AronsonPHOTO: People / Samantha Aronson

Best OverallSaturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep MaskPHOTO: Nordstrom$27 at Amazon$29 at Nordstrom$29 at Sokoglam.com

Best OverallSaturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask

Best Overall

Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$27 at Amazon$29 at Nordstrom$29 at Sokoglam.com

Star QualitiesLeaves skin brighter, softer, and hydratedJelly texture feels soothing and refreshing on skinResults are noticeable and immediateRed FlagsApplicator is a little finicky and hard to hold

Star QualitiesLeaves skin brighter, softer, and hydratedJelly texture feels soothing and refreshing on skinResults are noticeable and immediate

Leaves skin brighter, softer, and hydrated

Jelly texture feels soothing and refreshing on skin

Results are noticeable and immediate

Red FlagsApplicator is a little finicky and hard to hold

Applicator is a little finicky and hard to hold

Our winning formula is this irresistible Saturday Skin jelly mask, which features a bouncy, lightweight texture. The formula contains yuzu extract, which has three times more vitamin C than any other citrus fruit. It’s paired with niacinamide and retinol for additional brightening, smoothing, and refining effects.

The mask feels a little goopy going on, so scoop it out with the included applicator. In testing, we did note that the mini applicator was slightly difficult to maneuver with the product texture, so it would be nice to use this with a larger applicator. That said, we had no complaints whatsoever about the formula. The brand recommends using it from three to five times a week, but we found that two to three was enough to leave skin in excellent shape. Not only did it make skin feel softer and brighter after a single use, but it also made fine lines much less visible and provided lasting hydration. It was so effective that the results were on par with what you would expect from an esthetician’s facial.

Size:1.69 oz. |Skin Type:Normal, oily, combination, dry |Star Ingredients:Yuzu extract, niacinamide, retinol (vitamin A) |Fragrance:No

PHOTO: People / Samantha AronsonPHOTO: People / Samantha AronsonPHOTO: People / Samantha Aronson

Best Overall, Runner UpYouth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow MaskPHOTO: Youth To The People$18 at Amazon$52 at Nordstrom$52$18 at SephoraStar QualitiesPlush, thick moisturizerIn testing, it improved hyperpigmentationMakes skin look dewy, not oilyAbsorbs quickly without leaving residueRed FlagsWe couldn’t find anyA close second to our overall winner, this decadent face mask is so creamy, it almost feels like a body butter or an especially thick moisturizer. It’s a great option if you tend to find overnight face masks watery. Despite its plush texture, we found that it absorbed almost immediately upon application and didn’t leave behind any greasy residue. It’s formulated with a blend of antioxidant-rich superberries and stabilized vitamin C to target dullness and uneven skin tone.In testing, it earned a callout for fading hyperpigmentation from breakouts and melasma, as well as deeply hydrating dry, flaky patches. We were especially impressed with the results after two weeks. Applied nightly (as the brand recommends), it improved hydration and gave our skin a dewy — not oily — glow.Size:2 oz. |Skin Type:Normal, dry, combination, dull |Star Ingredients:Vitamin C; superberry blend of maqui, acai, prickly pear, goji berry; sunflower, moringa, squalane |Fragrance:Yes (natural fragrance)PHOTO: People / Abigail MoorePHOTO: People / Abigail MoorePHOTO: People / Abigail Moore

Best Overall, Runner UpYouth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow MaskPHOTO: Youth To The People$18 at Amazon$52 at Nordstrom$52$18 at Sephora

Best Overall, Runner UpYouth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Mask

Best Overall, Runner Up

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Mask

PHOTO: Youth To The People

$18 at Amazon$52 at Nordstrom$52$18 at Sephora

Star QualitiesPlush, thick moisturizerIn testing, it improved hyperpigmentationMakes skin look dewy, not oilyAbsorbs quickly without leaving residueRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any

Star QualitiesPlush, thick moisturizerIn testing, it improved hyperpigmentationMakes skin look dewy, not oilyAbsorbs quickly without leaving residue

Plush, thick moisturizer

In testing, it improved hyperpigmentation

Makes skin look dewy, not oily

Absorbs quickly without leaving residue

Red FlagsWe couldn’t find any

We couldn’t find any

A close second to our overall winner, this decadent face mask is so creamy, it almost feels like a body butter or an especially thick moisturizer. It’s a great option if you tend to find overnight face masks watery. Despite its plush texture, we found that it absorbed almost immediately upon application and didn’t leave behind any greasy residue. It’s formulated with a blend of antioxidant-rich superberries and stabilized vitamin C to target dullness and uneven skin tone.

In testing, it earned a callout for fading hyperpigmentation from breakouts and melasma, as well as deeply hydrating dry, flaky patches. We were especially impressed with the results after two weeks. Applied nightly (as the brand recommends), it improved hydration and gave our skin a dewy — not oily — glow.

Size:2 oz. |Skin Type:Normal, dry, combination, dull |Star Ingredients:Vitamin C; superberry blend of maqui, acai, prickly pear, goji berry; sunflower, moringa, squalane |Fragrance:Yes (natural fragrance)

PHOTO: People / Abigail MoorePHOTO: People / Abigail MoorePHOTO: People / Abigail Moore

Best ValueBurt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face MaskPHOTO: Burt’s Bees$23 at Amazon$35 at WalmartView on Burtsbees.comStar QualitiesMakes skin feel calmer and more balancedLightweight texture sinks in and hydrates all nightNo greasy residueRed FlagsWe couldn’t find anyConsider this proof that drugstore options are just as effective as any luxury sleep mask. This one gives you an affordable way to treat your skin while you sleep. Made for nightly use, it’s formulated with avocado oil for a dose of nourishing fatty acids. It also contains prebiotics to help moisturize and balance your microbiome.The squeeze tube makes it easy to dispense and the creamy, lightweight texture absorbs quickly. The mask completely absorbs after a few minutes but still manages to intensely hydrate all night. In testing, we found it had a calming effect on the skin, keeping breakouts at bay while it soothed dryness. Our skin felt smoother and softer and received a bonus radiance boost — everything we could ask for from a hydrating mask.Size:2.5 oz. |Skin Type:All |Star Ingredients:Avocado oil, prebiotics |Fragrance:Yes (natural fragrance)People / Michael Navarro

Best ValueBurt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face MaskPHOTO: Burt’s Bees$23 at Amazon$35 at WalmartView on Burtsbees.com

Best ValueBurt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask

Best Value

Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask

PHOTO: Burt’s Bees

$23 at Amazon$35 at WalmartView on Burtsbees.com

Star QualitiesMakes skin feel calmer and more balancedLightweight texture sinks in and hydrates all nightNo greasy residueRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any

Star QualitiesMakes skin feel calmer and more balancedLightweight texture sinks in and hydrates all nightNo greasy residue

Makes skin feel calmer and more balanced

Lightweight texture sinks in and hydrates all night

No greasy residue

Consider this proof that drugstore options are just as effective as any luxury sleep mask. This one gives you an affordable way to treat your skin while you sleep. Made for nightly use, it’s formulated with avocado oil for a dose of nourishing fatty acids. It also contains prebiotics to help moisturize and balance your microbiome.

The squeeze tube makes it easy to dispense and the creamy, lightweight texture absorbs quickly. The mask completely absorbs after a few minutes but still manages to intensely hydrate all night. In testing, we found it had a calming effect on the skin, keeping breakouts at bay while it soothed dryness. Our skin felt smoother and softer and received a bonus radiance boost — everything we could ask for from a hydrating mask.

Size:2.5 oz. |Skin Type:All |Star Ingredients:Avocado oil, prebiotics |Fragrance:Yes (natural fragrance)

People / Michael Navarro

Best HydratingSummer Fridays Jet Lag MaskPHOTO: Sephora$49 at Amazon$49$26 at SephoraView on Summerfridays.comStar QualitiesVery hydratingLightweight and fast-absorbingFragrance-free and great for sensitive skinRed FlagsWe didn’t see much improvement in texture and glowDry skin will drink up this fragrance-free formula, which helps nourish, hydrate, and calm with a blend of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants. The lightweight cream feels just like your favorite moisturizer, absorbing quickly and leaving skin feeling hydrated without getting overly wet or greasy. It’s gentle enough to use whenever you need it — we tested it nightly and it left our skin incredibly moisturized with no signs of dryness.According to the brand, this mask was designed to leave skin looking renewed and radiant. We didn’t notice much improvement in terms of texture or glow. That said, the hydration this delivers is so powerful, and we’ll reach for it whenever we start feeling dry.Size:2.25 oz. |Skin Type:All, especially stressed and dry skin |Star Ingredients:Niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid |Fragrance:NoPHOTO: People

Best HydratingSummer Fridays Jet Lag MaskPHOTO: Sephora$49 at Amazon$49$26 at SephoraView on Summerfridays.com

Best HydratingSummer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Best Hydrating

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

PHOTO: Sephora

$49 at Amazon$49$26 at SephoraView on Summerfridays.com

Star QualitiesVery hydratingLightweight and fast-absorbingFragrance-free and great for sensitive skinRed FlagsWe didn’t see much improvement in texture and glow

Star QualitiesVery hydratingLightweight and fast-absorbingFragrance-free and great for sensitive skin

Very hydrating

Lightweight and fast-absorbing

Fragrance-free and great for sensitive skin

Red FlagsWe didn’t see much improvement in texture and glow

We didn’t see much improvement in texture and glow

Dry skin will drink up this fragrance-free formula, which helps nourish, hydrate, and calm with a blend of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants. The lightweight cream feels just like your favorite moisturizer, absorbing quickly and leaving skin feeling hydrated without getting overly wet or greasy. It’s gentle enough to use whenever you need it — we tested it nightly and it left our skin incredibly moisturized with no signs of dryness.

According to the brand, this mask was designed to leave skin looking renewed and radiant. We didn’t notice much improvement in terms of texture or glow. That said, the hydration this delivers is so powerful, and we’ll reach for it whenever we start feeling dry.

Size:2.25 oz. |Skin Type:All, especially stressed and dry skin |Star Ingredients:Niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid |Fragrance:No

PHOTO: People

Best ExfoliatingGlow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night TreatmentPHOTO: Sephora$40 at Amazon$40$21 at SephoraView on Glowrecipe.comStar QualitiesAHA blend smoothes and resurfaces skin without irritationLeaves skin looking plumped and dewyRefreshingly watery textureRed FlagsWe wish the reusable spatula was included with the maskDitch your face scrub for this exfoliating overnight mask, which was made to give your skin a complete reset overnight. Like some otherchemical exfoliators, it’s formulated with a pH-balanced AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) blend that smoothes your skin without irritating it. It also contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, quinoa peptide, and watermelon enzymes to add a hydrating, firming boost to the exfoliating action. We purposely tested it on sensitive skin and were amazed at the results. Applied two to three times a week, it immediately left our skin feeling smooth and fresh. A single use helped reduce bumps and texture on the chin area and left a plumped, hydrated finish that could only be described as transformative.One of the reasons why this mask is so popular is that it’s also a sensorial treat. Not only does it smell like the juiciest fresh watermelon, but it also has a refreshingly watery texture. While loved the way it sank into the skin, the slippery gel was slightly difficult to handle with our fingers. While the brand does sell a reusable spatula separately, it would be great if it was included with the mask for easier application.Size:2.02 oz. |Skin Type:Normal, dry, combination, oily |Star Ingredients:AHA/glycolic complex, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, quinoa peptide, watermelon enzymes |Fragrance:YesPeople / Sarah Felbin

Best ExfoliatingGlow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night TreatmentPHOTO: Sephora$40 at Amazon$40$21 at SephoraView on Glowrecipe.com

Best ExfoliatingGlow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment

Best Exfoliating

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment

$40 at Amazon$40$21 at SephoraView on Glowrecipe.com

Star QualitiesAHA blend smoothes and resurfaces skin without irritationLeaves skin looking plumped and dewyRefreshingly watery textureRed FlagsWe wish the reusable spatula was included with the mask

Star QualitiesAHA blend smoothes and resurfaces skin without irritationLeaves skin looking plumped and dewyRefreshingly watery texture

AHA blend smoothes and resurfaces skin without irritation

Leaves skin looking plumped and dewy

Refreshingly watery texture

Red FlagsWe wish the reusable spatula was included with the mask

We wish the reusable spatula was included with the mask

Ditch your face scrub for this exfoliating overnight mask, which was made to give your skin a complete reset overnight. Like some otherchemical exfoliators, it’s formulated with a pH-balanced AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) blend that smoothes your skin without irritating it. It also contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, quinoa peptide, and watermelon enzymes to add a hydrating, firming boost to the exfoliating action. We purposely tested it on sensitive skin and were amazed at the results. Applied two to three times a week, it immediately left our skin feeling smooth and fresh. A single use helped reduce bumps and texture on the chin area and left a plumped, hydrated finish that could only be described as transformative.

One of the reasons why this mask is so popular is that it’s also a sensorial treat. Not only does it smell like the juiciest fresh watermelon, but it also has a refreshingly watery texture. While loved the way it sank into the skin, the slippery gel was slightly difficult to handle with our fingers. While the brand does sell a reusable spatula separately, it would be great if it was included with the mask for easier application.

Size:2.02 oz. |Skin Type:Normal, dry, combination, oily |Star Ingredients:AHA/glycolic complex, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, quinoa peptide, watermelon enzymes |Fragrance:Yes

People / Sarah Felbin

Best SoothingFresh Floral Recovery Calming MaskPHOTO: Sephora$28 at Nordstrom$72$28 at Sephora$28 at UltaStar QualitiesCalming floral extracts soothe redness and sensitivitySilky, plush textureHelps skin look more even and healthier overallRed FlagsTook about 10 minutes to fully absorbDesigned for flare-ups and signs of sensitivity, this calming mask is formulated with floral extracts like passionflower, cornflower, and cherry blossom to counteract redness overnight. It also contains vitamin C and squalane for overall brightening and smoothing. The texture feels like an especially rich moisturizer, enveloping your face in a silky, moisturizing cocoon.We did notice that because the mask was so thick and nourishing, it took about 10 minutes to truly sink in and left oily zones feeling slightly greasy until washed off. Used three times a week, it made our skin feel incredibly hydrated and left it looking more even. We weren’t able to test it on any emergency flare-ups, but we definitely noticed an overall soothing effect that left skin looking and feeling healthier.Size:3.3 oz. |Skin Type:Normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive |Star Ingredients:Floral extracts (passionflower, cornflower, cherry blossom, and peony), vitamin C, squalane |Fragrance:YesPeople / Jada Allison

Best SoothingFresh Floral Recovery Calming MaskPHOTO: Sephora$28 at Nordstrom$72$28 at Sephora$28 at Ulta

Best SoothingFresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask

Best Soothing

Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask

$28 at Nordstrom$72$28 at Sephora$28 at Ulta

Star QualitiesCalming floral extracts soothe redness and sensitivitySilky, plush textureHelps skin look more even and healthier overallRed FlagsTook about 10 minutes to fully absorb

Star QualitiesCalming floral extracts soothe redness and sensitivitySilky, plush textureHelps skin look more even and healthier overall

Calming floral extracts soothe redness and sensitivity

Silky, plush texture

Helps skin look more even and healthier overall

Red FlagsTook about 10 minutes to fully absorb

Took about 10 minutes to fully absorb

Designed for flare-ups and signs of sensitivity, this calming mask is formulated with floral extracts like passionflower, cornflower, and cherry blossom to counteract redness overnight. It also contains vitamin C and squalane for overall brightening and smoothing. The texture feels like an especially rich moisturizer, enveloping your face in a silky, moisturizing cocoon.

We did notice that because the mask was so thick and nourishing, it took about 10 minutes to truly sink in and left oily zones feeling slightly greasy until washed off. Used three times a week, it made our skin feel incredibly hydrated and left it looking more even. We weren’t able to test it on any emergency flare-ups, but we definitely noticed an overall soothing effect that left skin looking and feeling healthier.

Size:3.3 oz. |Skin Type:Normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive |Star Ingredients:Floral extracts (passionflower, cornflower, cherry blossom, and peony), vitamin C, squalane |Fragrance:Yes

People / Jada Allison

Best BrighteningTypology Firming Night MaskPHOTO: TypologyView on Typology.com

Best BrighteningTypology Firming Night Mask

Best Brightening

Typology Firming Night Mask

PHOTO: Typology

View on Typology.com

Star QualitiesRejuvenated skin and made it feel softerWorks especially well on areas with large poresSinks in quickly and doesn’t feel greasyRed FlagsThe cap was sometimes hard to screw completely shut

Star QualitiesRejuvenated skin and made it feel softerWorks especially well on areas with large poresSinks in quickly and doesn’t feel greasy

Rejuvenated skin and made it feel softer

Works especially well on areas with large pores

Sinks in quickly and doesn’t feel greasy

Red FlagsThe cap was sometimes hard to screw completely shut

The cap was sometimes hard to screw completely shut

Formulated to firm and nourish, this mask also gives skin an intensely brightening boost. The thicker, frosting-like texture absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy or leave behind residue. The blend of prickly pear oil, shea butter, and immortelle essential oil is designed to regenerate skin, plumping and firming with each use. To put it to the test, we used it on skin with collagen deficiencies to see how it would stack up.

Size:1.69 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types, especially dry or mature skin |Star Ingredients:Prickly pear oil, shea butter, immortelle essential oil |Fragrance:No

PHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot

Best for AcneSisley Paris Velvet Sleeping MaskPHOTO: Nordstrom$170$114 at Amazon$170 at NordstromView on Sisley-paris.comStar QualitiesLeft skin feeling incredibly smooth, soft, and hydratedSqueeze tube makes it easy to applyEffective for calming and clearing up breakoutsRed FlagsWe absolutely love this product, but it is expensiveThis was the most surprising overnight mask we tested. While it’s formulated to deeply hydrate dry skin, we found it was equally powerful at calming and clearing up breakouts. It’s packaged in a squeeze tube, making it easy to pack for travel. You only need a little bit to coat your face, and the lightweight texture sinks in so fast that it’s barely noticeable. What you will notice: a ton of instant hydration from saffron flowers and other restorative ingredients.It’s recommended that you use it once or twice a week, but we loved the results so much that we used it every other night without any irritation issues. Instead, it left skin feeling firm, smooth, and incredibly soft — clearing away any traces of dryness while also eliminating stray chin breakouts. It’s expensive, but if you can swing it, it’s worth the high price tag.Size:2 oz. |Skin Type:Dry, combination, sensitive, acne-prone |Star Ingredients:Thyme honey, shea butter, macadamia oil, cottonseed oil, kokum butter, Japanese lilyturf and padina pavonica extracts |Fragrance:YesPHOTO: People / Meredith ButcherPHOTO: People / Meredith ButcherPHOTO: People / Meredith Butcher

Best for AcneSisley Paris Velvet Sleeping MaskPHOTO: Nordstrom$170$114 at Amazon$170 at NordstromView on Sisley-paris.com

Best for AcneSisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask

Best for Acne

Sisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask

$170$114 at Amazon$170 at NordstromView on Sisley-paris.com

Star QualitiesLeft skin feeling incredibly smooth, soft, and hydratedSqueeze tube makes it easy to applyEffective for calming and clearing up breakoutsRed FlagsWe absolutely love this product, but it is expensive

Star QualitiesLeft skin feeling incredibly smooth, soft, and hydratedSqueeze tube makes it easy to applyEffective for calming and clearing up breakouts

Left skin feeling incredibly smooth, soft, and hydrated

Squeeze tube makes it easy to apply

Effective for calming and clearing up breakouts

Red FlagsWe absolutely love this product, but it is expensive

We absolutely love this product, but it is expensive

This was the most surprising overnight mask we tested. While it’s formulated to deeply hydrate dry skin, we found it was equally powerful at calming and clearing up breakouts. It’s packaged in a squeeze tube, making it easy to pack for travel. You only need a little bit to coat your face, and the lightweight texture sinks in so fast that it’s barely noticeable. What you will notice: a ton of instant hydration from saffron flowers and other restorative ingredients.

It’s recommended that you use it once or twice a week, but we loved the results so much that we used it every other night without any irritation issues. Instead, it left skin feeling firm, smooth, and incredibly soft — clearing away any traces of dryness while also eliminating stray chin breakouts. It’s expensive, but if you can swing it, it’s worth the high price tag.

Size:2 oz. |Skin Type:Dry, combination, sensitive, acne-prone |Star Ingredients:Thyme honey, shea butter, macadamia oil, cottonseed oil, kokum butter, Japanese lilyturf and padina pavonica extracts |Fragrance:Yes

PHOTO: People / Meredith ButcherPHOTO: People / Meredith ButcherPHOTO: People / Meredith Butcher

Best InvestmentSulwhasoo Sleeping MaskPHOTO: Sulwhasoo$450 at NordstromStar QualitiesGave skin a glowy lookMakes skin feel calmer and less prone to breakoutsSupersoft brush applicatorRed FlagsWhile we think it’s worth it, the price is a definite splurgeIf you’re looking for an overnight face mask that makes you feel like royalty, Sulwhasoo’s sleeping mask is a magical experience. It comes with a super soft brush that gently glides the mask over your skin. The consistency of the mask itself is creamy, light, and soothing. The blend of Korean red pine extract and red ginseng sinks in right away, working to replenish dry skin, smooth fine lines, and boost glow.The brand recommends using it a few times a week, but we couldn’t resist nightly applications during testing — the results were just that good. It minimized dryness, faded fine lines, and left skin feeling smooth and soft with each application. We also noticed a refreshing, calming effect; skin seemed less prone to breakouts and was noticeably glowier.Size:2.7 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types, especially dry or mature skin |Star Ingredients:Korean red pine, red ginseng |Fragrance:YesPHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy

Best InvestmentSulwhasoo Sleeping MaskPHOTO: Sulwhasoo$450 at Nordstrom

Best InvestmentSulwhasoo Sleeping Mask

Best Investment

Sulwhasoo Sleeping Mask

PHOTO: Sulwhasoo

$450 at Nordstrom

Star QualitiesGave skin a glowy lookMakes skin feel calmer and less prone to breakoutsSupersoft brush applicatorRed FlagsWhile we think it’s worth it, the price is a definite splurge

Star QualitiesGave skin a glowy lookMakes skin feel calmer and less prone to breakoutsSupersoft brush applicator

Gave skin a glowy look

Makes skin feel calmer and less prone to breakouts

Supersoft brush applicator

Red FlagsWhile we think it’s worth it, the price is a definite splurge

While we think it’s worth it, the price is a definite splurge

If you’re looking for an overnight face mask that makes you feel like royalty, Sulwhasoo’s sleeping mask is a magical experience. It comes with a super soft brush that gently glides the mask over your skin. The consistency of the mask itself is creamy, light, and soothing. The blend of Korean red pine extract and red ginseng sinks in right away, working to replenish dry skin, smooth fine lines, and boost glow.

The brand recommends using it a few times a week, but we couldn’t resist nightly applications during testing — the results were just that good. It minimized dryness, faded fine lines, and left skin feeling smooth and soft with each application. We also noticed a refreshing, calming effect; skin seemed less prone to breakouts and was noticeably glowier.

Size:2.7 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types, especially dry or mature skin |Star Ingredients:Korean red pine, red ginseng |Fragrance:Yes

PHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy

What to Know About Overnight Face Masks

Price

Most overnight face masks are meant to be used as a supplement to your skin-care routine a few nights a week, so keep in mind that a single tube or tub will last a long time. Most of the winning formulas we found do skew toward the pricier side, but the results were on par with what we would expect from a professional facial — all from the comfort of our homes. We also found some great affordable options, likeBurt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Maskand our overall winner,Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask.

Consistency and Packaging

The right consistency and packaging is truly dependent on your personal preference. Some of our testers delighted in thicker formulas that reminded them of rich moisturizers, while others liked the refreshing sensation of a watery gel. Packaging recommendations also depend on how you personally like to dispense and apply products. For some, tubes likeSummer Fridays’ Jet Lag Maskare the perfect option for on-the-go application. Others love the sensory experience of a tub and applicator likeSulwhasoo’s Timetreasure Invigorating Sleeping Mask. Go for the consistency and packaging that fits best with your skin-care routine.

Skin Type and Ingredients

Dry Skin

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, you’ll want to look for masks designed for hydration and barrier repair. “The most important ingredients to look for in overnight masks for dry skin are peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Engelman. “These ingredients promote cell renewal, which helps to restore what was lost during the day, and work to make the skin hydrated, firm and plump.” One of her personal favorites for dry skin is also a PEOPLE Tested pick: theSisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask, which our testing team found also worked great for calming acne and redness. Dr. Engelman says the ingredients are excellent “for soothing and hydrating dry skin.”

Combination Skin

Combination skin types benefit from a combination of ingredients. Dr. Engelman recommends masks with peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to repair and strengthen your skin’s barrier function. At the same time, you can also look for gentle AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid. “These are great for combination skin because they provide hydration for drier areas of the face while balancing the skin and removing dead skin cells without irritation,” she says.Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment, our pick for the best exfoliating mask, fits the bill.

Oily Skin

According to Dr. Engelman, oily skin types should avoid fragrance, alcohol, and other irritants that can lead to breakouts. If you know your skin is sensitive to fragrance, we’ve clarified which of our winners are fragrance-free. (Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Maskis a great option.) That said, not all oily skin types will react negatively to fragrance, so if you’re unsure, do a patch test first. You’ll also want to look for pore-unclogging ingredients like salicylic acid or overall “balanced formulas” with clarifying ingredients.

Sensitive Skin

Gel masks are your best bet for sensitive skin. “They’re soothing and provide lots of moisture,” says Dr. Engelman. Look for ingredients like ceramides and peptides, which help strengthen and repair your barrier function. We also love the calming ingredients found inFresh’s Floral Recovery Redness Reducing Overnight Mask.

Acneic Skin

Drying out acne-prone skin can actually lead to more breakouts. Instead, Dr. Engelman recommends using hydrating ingredients. In testing, we also found that the deeply moisturizingSisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Maskeffectively soothed chin breakouts. “Hyaluronic acid helps wounds heal faster and reduces scarring, while helping to keep the skin barrier healthy through hydration,” she says. Balance it with clarifying formulations that sweep away pore-clogging skin cells.

Frequently Asked QuestionsOvernight face masks are leave-on formulas that support your skin with key ingredients while you sleep and your skin goes into repair mode. “Skin is vulnerable to losing water during this time, so using overnight face masks can create a permeable seal on top of the skin that helps prevent excess moisture loss,” says Dr. Engelman. Additionally, they’re often formulated with ingredients that boost your skin’s natural repair functions.Formulations have come a long way, and today’s overnight face masks are typically designed to be totally pillow-proof. In testing, our pillows all survived the night. That said, make sure to wait for your mask to fully absorb before you go to bed. Dr. Engelman recommends applying 30 minutes before you sleep, which helps ensure total absorption and prevent staining.Frequency depends on the type of formulation you use. Always read the instructions and pay attention to your skin’s needs. Dr. Engelman says most masks don’t need to be used more than once a week. “It’s a great way to give your skin an extra boost,” she says. Some masks are designed to be used nightly, but using a weekly mask too often can also be too much of a good thing. “This can be too intense and result in other skin problems,” she says. “It’s important to let your skin breathe through the night sometimes.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Overnight face masks are leave-on formulas that support your skin with key ingredients while you sleep and your skin goes into repair mode. “Skin is vulnerable to losing water during this time, so using overnight face masks can create a permeable seal on top of the skin that helps prevent excess moisture loss,” says Dr. Engelman. Additionally, they’re often formulated with ingredients that boost your skin’s natural repair functions.

Formulations have come a long way, and today’s overnight face masks are typically designed to be totally pillow-proof. In testing, our pillows all survived the night. That said, make sure to wait for your mask to fully absorb before you go to bed. Dr. Engelman recommends applying 30 minutes before you sleep, which helps ensure total absorption and prevent staining.

Frequency depends on the type of formulation you use. Always read the instructions and pay attention to your skin’s needs. Dr. Engelman says most masks don’t need to be used more than once a week. “It’s a great way to give your skin an extra boost,” she says. Some masks are designed to be used nightly, but using a weekly mask too often can also be too much of a good thing. “This can be too intense and result in other skin problems,” she says. “It’s important to let your skin breathe through the night sometimes.”

Our Expert PanelDendy Engelman, M.D., FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at New York’s Shafer Clinic.

Our Expert Panel

Dendy Engelman, M.D., FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at New York’s Shafer Clinic.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com