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Sleeping your way to better skin is actually possible, thanks to the best overnight face masks. They’re super-charged, highly concentrated versions of your favorite night cream that’ll leave your skin feeling bouncier than ever before the sun rises. “An overnight mask can help supercharge skin hydration by offering a concentrated dose of moisture, antioxidants, vitamins, and active ingredients to nourish the skin,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego. If the thought of slathering on a dense mask before laying your head on your precious silk pillowcase makes you shudder, fret not, because these fast-drying formulations stay on your skin throughout the night so your pores can enjoy every drop. No gatekeeping here: Below, our editors share their all-time favorite overnight masks for bright, bouncy skin by morning.
Our Top Overnight Face Masks
- Best Overall: EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask, $56
- Best for Hyperpigmentation: Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask, $29
- Best for Fine Lines: Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Mask, $19
- Best for Barrier Support: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask, $54
- Best Exfoliating: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment, $40
- Best Hydrating: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask, $45
- Best for Mature Skin: Augustinus Bader The Face Cream Mask, $210
- Best for Redness: Neuraé Harmonie The Sleeping Mask, $140
Best Overall: EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask
EltaMD
Skin Recovery Night Mask
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Suitable for all skin types (including sensitive!), the EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask is our favorite shortcut to smoother, softer skin by the a.m. As this rich, custardy cream features a cocktail of ingredients to address a multitude of skin concerns on our beauty checklist, including tone-brightening ginger root extract and soothing bisabolol to calm redness. As its fast-absorbing formula seeps into your skin, you’ll also be treated to EltaMD’s proprietary AA Complex, a blend of amino acids that support damaged areas of the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss and calm skin. Its soothing formula feels cooling and calming the moment it touches your skin, and its moisturizing properties are great for minimizing dryness—although we found in our testing that it doesn’t leave behind a greasy feel on oilier skin types.
Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai applying EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Whenever my skin is sending up an SOS situation—a hormonal breakout needs calming, or I got more sun than usual—I swap my usual moisturizer for this mask. It dries in about 30 seconds with zero residue, which is a major plus, and I find that my skin is less red and more radiant by morning.” —Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ginger root extract, AA Complex (amino acids), bisabolol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask
Saturday Skin
Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: Post-breakout dark spots and hyperpigmentation have absolutely nothing on the Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask. As its name suggests, this gel-cream mask’s main ingredient is yuzu extract, rich in vitamin C, a gold standard for boosting skin radiance and evening tone. Its brightening properties are enhanced with niacinamide, another radiance-boosting antioxidant that helps minimize redness and oil, and retinol, a crown jewel for minimizing textural concerns like acne and fine lines. This jelly-textured mask is so lightweight that you can apply it over your densest moisturizer as a brightening final step to your nighttime skin-care routine—don’t worry, it’ll all dry down quicker than you can say “beautifully bouncy skin.” Its jelly texture can get a little messy, but its accompanying spatula makes application way easier and cleaner.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask
Sarah Han
Han after applying Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I like loading up with retinol at night, and this overnight mask is also packed with vitamin C-rich yuzu extract, so my skin is left immediately radiant but also smoother the next morning. And, despite me piling hydrating essences and serums beforehand, this doesn't leave my skin feeling overly glowing and sticky. Head's up: The citrusy scent is quite potent, so some people might not be into that, but I love it!” —Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: yuzu extract, niacinamide, retinol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Fine Lines: Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Mask
Medicube
Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Peel-off masks are having a moment (they’re just so fun!), and we’re currently loving the viral Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Mask for its plumping, fine line-reducing abilities. As it dries from a wet gel to a shiny veil of what looks like cling wrap, its combination of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, and collagen extract all work hand-in-hand to firm and hydrate for an ultra-dewy appearance. Since it dries into a peel-off formula, it won’t leave a trace of stickiness on your pillowcase (so long as you wait 15 minutes to allow its formula to fully dry).
Allure features director Dianna Mazzone Singh peeling off Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Dianna Mazzone Singh
Mazzone Singh after applying the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Dianna Mazzone Singh
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
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"The way my skin looks with a layer of Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is exactly how I want my skin to look without it: glassy, glowy, and clear. And with each overnight—yes, overnight—application of its niacinamide- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula, I get a little bit closer to that goal. I've been using it once or twice a week and never cease to be delighted by the satisfaction of peeling it away in the morning." —Singh, features director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, collagen
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Barrier Support: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Sulwhasoo
Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: The fresh, herbal scent tips you off the second you open the tube, but in case you didn’t know, Sulwhasoo’s Overnight Vitalizing Mask is powered by the brand’s signature blend of Korean botanicals that nourish and restore skin. “It adds hydration to the skin and works to strengthen the barrier overnight with a formula that is lightweight, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth, not sticky,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama. Thanks to antioxidant-rich extracts like jujube, ginseng, lotus, licorice, and pomegranate, you’ll wake up to a complexion that looks calmer, smoother, and more refreshed—whether or not you follow a full 10-step K-beauty routine.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“The texture feels incredibly indulgent and luxe as it goes on—it felt like such a treat for my skin. It absorbs beautifully, leaving just a hint of dewiness, but never in that uncomfortable, hair-sticking-to-your-face way. By morning, there wasn’t a trace of residue—I even forgot to wash it off—and my skin was unbelievably soft, supple, and deeply hydrated. Cold weather doesn’t stand a chance against this mask.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: jujube extract, pomegranate extract, squalane, shea butter, ginseng
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Exfoliating: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment
Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment
Amazon
Sephora
Why it's worth it: If you were a fan of Glow Recipe’s OG Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, this amped-up formula takes things up a notch with gentle exfoliation and skin resurfacing while still delivering that glass skin-level hydration. Glycolic and lactic acids smooth and brighten overnight, while niacinamide (a new addition to the formula) helps even tone, and hyaluronic acid locks in moisture. The bouncy texture melts in like a serum, absorbing fully so it won’t rub off on your pillow—but our tester did note the slightest tackiness come morning, which is why it’s designed to be rinsed off. And because it contains AHAs, don’t forget to follow up with sunscreen during the day to protect your freshly resurfaced skin.”
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“Better skin in my sleep? Sign me up. The AHAs in this mask exfoliate and smooth texture, so I wake up with softer skin that looks more even. And the texture is perfect—thin, so it sinks in in seconds, and lightweight, so it's easy to wash off the next day.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, quinoa peptides, watermelon enzymes
- Fragrance-free: yes
More overnight face masks we love:
Best Hydrating: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask
Kiehl's
Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask
Nordstrom
Amazon
Why it's worth it: Dry skin types, meet the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Mask, your new savior here to rescue you from flaky patches and rough texture. This Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning overnight treatment is powered by squalane, an emollient that not only conditions skin but also supports the barrier to prevent moisture loss as you sleep. This rich, moisturizer-like mask (which bills itself as a balm-to-oil formulation) also contains glacial glycoproteins that hydrate the skin for a smoother, plumper feel in the morning.
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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“I consider this mask my little secret to waking up with radiant, glowing skin. It's packed with hydrating squalane, antioxidant-rich ginger leaf, and firming botanicals that all work together on my dry, acne-prone skin while I sleep. The smallest amount melts in with ease, locking in my nighttime skin-care routine. I put mine in the fridge so I don't wake up puffy." —Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, glacial glycoprotein
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Augustinus Bader The Face Cream Mask
Augustinus Bader
The Face Cream Mask
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: From the scientist who somehow got everyone at Allure HQ to believe in a $300 face cream comes the same fan-favorite formula in an overnight mask. Augustinus Bader’s The Face Cream Mask uses the brand’s TFC8 technology (a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides) to help skin recharge while you sleep. “It’s a great pick for tackling fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness, while also helping to offset the visible effects of sun damage,” says Dr. Hartman. And while it’s a splurge, a little truly goes a long way, making it feel that much more worth the price. “By morning, skin feels softer, smoother, and tighter,” he says.
Editor’s tip
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The included zamac tool—an alloy of zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper—is naturally cool to the touch, which helps depuff and soothe skin as you smooth on the mask.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: TFC8 (Swiss grape and polysaccharide complex, ginseng extract, vitamin C), glycerin, sodium hyaluronate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Redness: Neuraé Harmonie The Sleeping Mask
Neuraé
Harmonie The Sleeping Mask
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: If redness is one of your biggest concerns, Neuraé Harmonie The Sleeping Mask is here to bring on the calm. Gardenia jasminoides helps support your skin’s natural repair cycle, while calming ingredients like alpine skullcap, red indigo, and centella asiatica work to ease stress signals and calm irritation. Eperua, a calming extract from an Amazonian tree, works together with alpha-bisabolol (a soothing ingredient found in chamomile) to give skin an extra dose of comfort. By morning, redness looks reduced and your complexion feels more even and refreshed.
Tester feedback from features director Singh
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“A single application of this mask leaves my pillowcase free of telltale transfer and my skin velvety soft. Its palo santo scent makes me feel calm and grounded—exactly what you'd want from a product meant to be applied before bed.” —Singh
More to know
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- Key ingredients: centella asiatica, glycerin, gardenia jasminoides, apline skullcap, eperua, red indigo
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use an overnight mask?
Overnight masks are especially beneficial for those who want a plumper, bouncier complexion (so, basically everyone). “As a dermatologist, I often recommend overnight masks to patients looking to enhance skin hydration and support repair while they sleep,” says Dr. Palm. That’s because overnight masks tend to be richer than traditional moisturizers and usually include occlusive ingredients to help seal in moisture and active ingredients applied beforehand, according to Dr. Palm. “Since our skin enters a regenerative phase at night, this is the ideal time to use products that restore the skin barrier and improve overall texture,” she says.
When should I use an overnight mask?
Each face mask has its own suggested instructions for use, so always check the label to make sure you’re applying it properly. With that being said. It’s best to apply up to three times per week, depending on your skin concerns and type. “Overuse can sometimes clog pores or overwhelm the skin barrier, especially if the formula is rich or active-heavy,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. “Think of it as a treatment step—like a mini-facial for your skin—rather than a nightly staple.”
Meet the experts
- Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, based in Birmingham, Alabama
- Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best overnight face masks, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
