Do Sheet Masks Actually Work?

Dermatologists weigh in on the popular skin care category.

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Sheet masks are an unwavering staple in the beauty zeitgeist. They're dutifully touted by skin care content creators, slathered mid-flight to combat dry cabin air, and applied before big events with hopes of revealing a glowing, selfie-ready complexion. But do sheet masks actually do anything, or is the rigamarole for nought? For candid answers on the topic, we tapped board-certified dermatologists and asked them to give it to us straight.

Sheet masks are thin, fabric-like facial treatments that are soaked in a serum. They’re usually made from a thin cotton or paper material, though you can find them in bio-cellulose, hydrogel, and collagen varieties.

Often, sheet masks are formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, but some feature ingredients like niacinamide to brighten, activated charcoal to purify, and beyond, explains Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery.

Intended for single use, sheet masks are typically applied to clean skin, conforming to the contours of your face, and left on for 15 to 30 minutes so your skin has time to “soak up” the ingredients. Some people like to add other treatments to enhance the experience, like a facial roller, gua sha tool, or cooling ice globes. Afterward, you remove them and complete the rest of your skin care routine.

Yes, sheet masks are effective, permitting the product is high quality and used as intended, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Sheet masks can provide hydration, improve skin texture, brighten one’s complexion, calm and soothe, and even treat inflammatory conditions like acne, among others.”

Ava Shamban, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills agrees. “They offer an extended period of time for the ingredients to both sit on the skin and penetrate the skin versus the application of a serum with fingers from a bottle or pump,” Dr. Shamban says. “They also eliminate the possible contamination of fingers or hands that are not clean.”

Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, also agrees they’re effective. He tells us sheet masks are a good addition to a basic skin care routine, but notes that they shouldn’t be considered a replacement for moisturizer and other necessities.

While sheet masks do work, keep in mind that not all sheet masks are created equal. From mass retailers to drugstores to influencers and beyond, everyone’s jumped aboard the sheet mask train. That said, it’s important to take a good look at the ingredients to make sure you’re nourishing your skin, and to stick to high-quality masks that put a lot of care and intention into the product.

“There can be skin issues with sheet masks when not purchased through a medical office or a reputable skin care brand that at best do not harm, but also have no benefit,” Dr. Shamban says.

For example, she says that some sheet masks have a blend of ingredients that may cause irritation or inflammation, some use super low-quality ingredients and/or minimal actives, artificial fragrances, chemicals, dyes, and other fillers. Sticking to well-made products—which often cost a little more than the $1-a-pop variety—will ensure you’re getting a good treatment.

“As far as material, look for a biocellulose, which is hypoallergenic and compatible with the skin. It usually adheres best to skin contours, creating a tight seal for best serum delivery with minimal dripping,” Dr. Shamban says. “Tencel derived from wood pulp is also good for sensitive skin. Cotton is a good natural fiber, but may not adhere very well to the skin or may be bleached which can be irritating.”

She adds that collagen masks do give a glowing or hydrated appearance after usage, but to temper your expectations since they don’t actually support an increase in collagen production, nor do they deliver collagen to the skin.

Along with buying the good stuff, here are some ways you can really maximize the value of your sheet mask.