What is the best eye mask for dry eyes? Well, that depends on which kind of hydrating eye mask you want.
Are you looking for a dry eye therapy mask? Like a heated eye mask for blepharitis?
Or are you searching for a moisturizing eye mask to treat crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles?
We’ve included both types of eye masks for dryness in our reviews today.
The best treatment for dry eyes
We spent a lot of time staring at screens, don’t we? If you occasionally have dry eyes, it’s handy to have eye drops to treat them (1).
But if your eyelids are inflamed with blepharitis, you probably need something beyond that. You might have medication or ointment for them. Many times, a warm, damp washcloth can help. The warmth and moisture relieve the symptoms and unclogs the ducts.
Therefore, we researched the best dry eye relief masks – the ones with benefits beyond a simple warm compress. For one, they hold the heat longer. We’ll begin the reviews by describing them.
Then, we’ll move on to beauty masks that relieve dryness around the eyes.
The best treatment for dry skin around the eyes
The second part of the reviews covers hydrating eye masks that can make your face look younger. They contain essential ingredients for keeping the skin hydrated (2).
Along with wearing a sleeping mask, there are other simple things you can do to treat dry skin around the eyes. For example, switch to a mild cleanser, preferably one that’s free of alcohol, sulfates, fragrances, and soap. Micellar gel wash comes to mind, but there are other options you may prefer.
Next, when you wash your face, use only lukewarm water. Hot water strips the natural oil from the skin. Use gentle circular motions with your fingertips to avoid stressing the skin around the eyes.
If you live in a dry environment, set your humidifier to 60% RH to keep the skin comfortable.
During the day, use sunscreen to prevent UV rays from damaging the skin’s structure. Then, at night, apply a rich moisturizer. An eye mask to treat dryness is the perfect boost for your routine.
Best Eye Mask for Dry Eyes in 2024
Optase Moist Heat Eye Mask with HydroBead Technology
Let’s begin with a moist heat mask for dry eye relief. Unlike a washcloth compress, it retains heat much longer for up to ten minutes.
Also, you don’t have to dampen it with water. It’s made with Hydrobead Technology that absorbs water from the air. It’s just moist enough to be comfortable, never messy. Plus, the unwoven cotton is soft on the skin and allergy-free.
The mask is straightforward to use as long as you have a microwave.
Warm it in the microwave for twenty-five seconds, check to make sure it’s not too hot to touch, then relax with it on your closed eyes for as long as you wish. It has a Velcro strap to hold it in place if you choose to sit instead of lay down.
The warm heat can relieve symptoms of dry eyes, blepharitis, and gland dysfunction.
We prefer this mask to most of the competition because it’s washable fabric, not plastic or silicone. It feels nicer, and it’s unlikely to melt in the microwave.
Take note that your vision will probably be blurry for a few minutes after using the mask. That’s normal because the warmth releases oils from the glands around the eye. It’s exactly the effect people with dry eyes need to improve their vision and feel more comfortable.
Reviewers report that the mask is pleasant to use and it relieves dry eye symptoms. Those who have been dealing with blepharitis found that it helps them awaken with less gumminess around the eyes.
Kimkoo Moist Heat Eye Compress
If you prefer to go all-natural, this dry eye mask contains flaxseed instead of synthetic beads. Flaxseed is excellent for retaining heat, plus it smells pleasant when heated.
It only takes 30 to 50 seconds in the microwave to warm this eye compress. After that, it slowly cools down to room temperature over the course of about ten minutes.
There’s no need to dampen it because flaxseed absorbs moisture from the air.
On the downside, if you use the eye mask daily, you may want to replace it after six months to a year. It’s not washable, although you can wipe the surface clean. (However, one user had a bright idea. She places a tissue between her skin and the mask to keep it clean).
The elastic strap adjusts to any head size. Reviewers say it’s comforting to use, and the surface is very soft.
DHC Revitalizing Moisture Strips: Eyes
Let’s move on to eye masks to revive the appearance of dry eyes. These rejuvenating wonders will make a visible improvement in only twenty minutes.
They don’t just refresh dry skin, but they also relieve dark circles and undereye bags. Here’s how they work:
First, peel off the backing and press the strip into place. Next, go about your business as the soft polymer gel masks won’t fall off or slip. Some users prefer to wear them overnight.
When it’s time to remove them, use one hand to press down the skin while you gently peel off the mask.
The formula features glycerin and other humectants to draw in moisture. There’s also Japanese chlorella that’s packed with protein to firm the skin. Finally, mulberry root and alpha-arbutin fade discoloration to brighten skin tone.
Reviewers are thrilled with the results. They say it’s impressive how something so simple can make such a dramatic difference.
We’re happy to report that the masks are free of artificial fragrances and dyes. They’re designed for all skin types.
MIZON Under Eye Collagen Patches Eye Masks with Hyaluronic Acid
Here are hydrogel eye masks enriched with hyaluronic acid. This single ingredient holds a thousand times its weight in water, making it an excellent moisturizer. Moreover, the masks are made with three types of hyaluronic acid for better penetration.
Also, there’s collagen to help the skin become more supple and resilient. Both collagen and hyaluronic acid are normal parts of healthy skin, but they diminish as we age. An extra dose from the eye masks refreshes the skin.
Although the masks contain both an artificial fragrance and color, they are far down the list of ingredients. Fortunately, there are many other helpful components like soothing allantoin and niacinamide, plus herbal extracts.
Reviewers say the eye masks are drenched in essence. They feel that their skin looks plumped and moisturized after using them.
You should be aware that it’s easier to enjoy these while lying down as they don’t adhere tightly to the skin and may slide out of place.
MIZON Under Eye Collagen Patches Eye Masks with 24K Gold and Snail Mucin
If you follow K-beauty, you probably already know that snail mucin is a great moisturizer. Therefore, it’s not surprising to find eye masks with snail slime. But why the 24 karat gold?
Gold is a potent antioxidant that calms inflammation and combats signs of aging. It makes perfect sense to include gold in a beauty mask as it can help with bags under the eyes.
But that’s not all these eye masks feature. The hydrogel patches also contain peptides to help the skin regain elasticity and reduce crow’s feet.
The jar comes with a little spatula to help you separate and lift each mask. Press the masks in the place and wait fifteen minutes. They are slippery, so take a moment to relax and enjoy them while lying down.
Once you remove them, gently massage the remaining essence into the skin. Feel free to use them to treat other parts of the face and neck if desired.
Reviewers say that they are pleased with the soft citrus fragrance and the fact that their skin looks hydrated and less fatigued after use.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrogel Under Eye Mask
Skincare products can take a big bite out of the budget. But this brand offers affordable solutions. What’s more, they use vegan ingredients and they never include parabens, phthalates, and other nasty chemicals. Not only is it good for your pocketbook, but it’s also good for you.
The hydrogel masks here are designed to smooth and plump the skin around the eyes. They have the added benefit of brightening the skin and reducing dark circles. The magic comes from pure water, seaweed, and licorice.
Under Eye Patches – WANDER BEAUTY BAGGAGE CLAIM
Yes, they have a funny name, but they are an Allure Best of Beauty award winner. “Baggage Claim” got high marks in a consumer study. One hundred percent of the users said the patches left the skin around the eyes soothed and hydrated. More than 90% of those surveyed noticed dark circles were less obvious. The gold-infused masks are cooling to the skin, so they shrink puffiness, too.
It only takes fifteen minutes for them to make a difference. Once you peel them off, pat the remaining serum into the skin. Using them two or three times per week maintains positive results.
They’re made without gluten, BPA, and parabens. They feature amino acids, peptides, calming calendula, and Camu Camu with lots of vitamin C.
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Under Eye Hydrogel Mask
If you’re familiar with the brand, you already know that Acure leaves out the parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde. They are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Reviewers say using these hydrogel eye masks is like having a spa experience at home. They make sunken eyes look bright and refreshed.
We peeked behind the scenes to find out why they work so well. We discovered that they are packed to the gills with nourishing natural ingredients. Some of the highlights include safflower seed and coconut oil, cocoa seed butter, evening primrose, calendula, aloe, and chamomile.
Grace & Stella Under Eye Patches
What if you could look like you slept eight hours? Can an eye mask really get rid of puffiness and dark circles? Users say that these masks can. Moreover, even celebrities like Jessica Alba have benefited from them. Even if you’re not certain, they come with a thirty-day satisfaction guarantee.
The formula is a blend of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and vitamin C with other safe ingredients. Did you know that vitamin C doesn’t just correct skin tone, but it also helps the skin retain moisture?
What’s more, reviewers say that the soft and flexible eye masks are extra refreshing because they are saturated with moisture. After placing them on the eyes, some reviewers choose to reuse them on other parts of the face after the fifteen-minute treatment is complete.
SWISSÖKOLAB 24k Rose Gold Eye Mask
These anti-aging eye masks utilize restorative ingredients like nano-active gold, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and collagen. All of these help the skin rehydrate and recover.
Meanwhile, oat peptides and rose essence calm inflammation while licorice improves coloration.
For extra soothing power, store them in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will further reduce puffiness around the eyes.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask
For maximum control over placement, try a cream eye mask like this one. It has a gel-like texture that’s infused with anti-aging serum. Wear it overnight or as eye primer before putting on makeup.
Using it only three times per week ensures that the skin around the eyes stays hydrated. It prevents puffiness and minimizes dark circles.
The formula relies on a next-generation ingredient called Flash Filler Hyaluronic Acid. It also has a unique component called watermelon snow algae. It helps the skin stay hydrated in harsh conditions while it smooths wrinkles.
Conclusion
If you’re suffering from dry eyes, consult with a medical professional. It could be a sign of a serious condition, or you may need treatment beyond what an eye mask can provide. Still, the moist heat eye masks reviewed here may provide the relief you seek.
On the other hand, a beauty mask for dry eyes might be just the ticket if you’re tired of crow’s feet and undereye bags. The extra dose of moisture can plump the skin, smoothing wrinkles and minimizing discoloration.
We hope we helped you find the best eye mask for your needs today. If so, don’t be shy about leaving us a comment below.
Source:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371869 accessed April 6, 2021
2. https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Face-Hydrated by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO, et al., updated February 11, 2021, accessed April 6, 2021