Face masks have become a little confusing lately, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It reflects progress in the skincare space. However, as products become more innovative, the need for better consumer education also grows. Without it, people may continue using new products the “old way”, which can lead to misuse.

We’re seeing some really exciting new launches in face masks, particularly from the K-beauty and J-beauty markets. For instance, overnight sheet masks that turn clear while you sleep, and hydrating overnight masks, have been gaining popularity.

I’ve received quite a few DMs from people who have mistakenly tissued or wiped off their overnight masks, or like my recent blunder, leaving a wash off mask on overnight.

So, let’s break it down: what are the different types of face masks, and what do they actually do?

Types of Masks and What They Do

The truth is, some of this comes down to marketing- and not in a bad way! Marketing is an important tool to communicate effectively to consumers (us), although it can be a double edged sword for overpromises, the instructions for facemasks are typically fairly sound product to product.

The below examples can also fall into more than one of these categories, too.

Overnight Masks or Hydrating Masks

An overnight mask or hydrating mask that doesn’t need to be washed off and is essentially a rich moisturiser.

The term ‘sleeping mask’ implies that it creates a protective layer over your skin overnight, preventing dryness and moisture loss.

These masks typically contain hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and calming agents like cica. You don’t remove them—they’re designed to stay on all night.

If you’re using a hydrating mask as a flash hydration mask, you can apply a thicker layer of the mask, leave it for 15-20minuets, then rub in the excess down your neck.

A couple of great examples are the Night Duty Sleeping Mask from Mecca Max and the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask. Both are wonderful for delivering hydration without needing to be washed off.

Another fantastic example is the Embryolisse moisturiser, which doubles as a hydrating mask. You’d apply it more generously than a regular moisturiser to encourage that protective layer effect.

We love:

• MECCA MAX Night Duty Hydrating Overnight Jelly Mask, $25

• LANEIGE Cica Sleeping Mask, $48

Clay Masks or “dry down” Masks

Next, we have the clay masks. These tend to have a visible dry down and can be supercharged with various active or calming ingredients.

Remember those teenage days when a dry clay mask would crumble all over the bathroom? Clay masks have come a long way—they’re (usually) no longer the flaky mess they once were.

Typically, clay masks are targeted at acne-prone or oily skin due to clay’s natural oil-absorbing properties. As the mask dries down, you can often see the oil and sebum it draws out.

However, clay isn’t always the hero ingredient.

In The Ordinary’s 2% Salicylic Acid Mask, the real star is the salicylic acid.

Similarly, in the Mecca Max Sulfur Face Mask, the standout ingredient is sulfur, a great antibacterial agent. There are also clay masks focused more on calming the skin, often blended with gentle acids or soothing ingredients.

We love:

• THE ORDINARY Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, $22

• Turmeric & Neem Face Mask with 5% AHA Fruit Acids, $80

Hybrid Masks

Then, we have what I’ll call hybrid face masks. These don’t dry down completely, nor are they designed to sleep in. A great example is the Jelly Mask from Boring Without You, which offers a gentle mix of acids and hydration, but it isn’t designed for long term wear.

You’ll also find these hybrids in the form of peels, such as the L’Oreal Bright Reveal Peel. Be careful with these—some peels are heavy-duty and shouldn’t be used too often.

Although face masks are often seen as a fun, pampering treat, masks with high concentrations of acids can be quite potent. Always follow the directions on the packaging!

This is where the confusion tends to happen. I’ve been caught out myself, thinking a peel was an overnight mask.

While I didn’t wake up with irritation, my skin definitely felt drier than usual. It’s a good reminder: always check the directions before use. Peels can also come in packaging similar to serums or other products which can potentially heighten confusion.

We love:

• Boring Without You For Face Sake Mask, $54

• L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel, $50.99

Sheet Masks

Lastly, there are sheet masks.

These are typically serum-infused sheets made from cloth, bamboo, or cellulose that deliver a concentrated dose of hydration. They’ve become super popular recently, and for good reason—they’re easy to use and give a quick skin boost.

Some sheet masks are designed for long term wear, recently going viral on TikTok.

We love:

• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask, $14.95

• Hydr8 Collagen Infused Bio Cellulose Sheet Mask, $20

What kind of facemasks do you enjoy? Have you been caught out using a product incorrectly before?

Face masks have come a long way, with new innovations from K-beauty and J-beauty driving excitement—and some confusion. Whether you need moisture, exfoliation, or oil control, there’s a mask for you—just make sure you're using it the right way to get the best results!

Read: 8 Face Masks & At-Home Peels for Acne Prone Skin (All Price Points $-$$$$)