Kiehl's Overnight Mask Review: A Deeply Hydrating Game-Changer for Your Skin

I can’t recommend Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask with 10.5% Squalane enough. If your skin’s been begging for a hydration boost or you’re battling dryness, flakiness, or that post-party dullness, this mask is your new best friend.

It’s like giving your face a tall glass of water while you sleep, leaving you with a plump, radiant glow by morning. Trust me, after trying it, I’m hooked, and I’m confident you’ll love it too. Here’s why this luxurious mask deserves a spot in your nighttime routine.

My Experience With Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask

The first time I used Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask, I was coming off a rough week.

Late nights, too much coffee, and a transatlantic flight had left my skin looking like it belonged in a desert.

My cheeks were tight, my nose was flaky, and I swear my forehead was screaming for help.

I’d heard the buzz about this mask—how it’s a hydration powerhouse with 10.5% squalane and glacial glycoproteins—so I decided to give it a shot.

Spoiler alert: it was a game-changer.

I started with my usual evening routine: a gentle cleanser to wipe away the day’s grime, followed by a swipe of toner. Then, I scooped out a generous dollop of the mask.

The texture surprised me—it’s a thick, whipped balm that feels indulgent but not heavy. As I massaged it into my skin, it transformed into a silky oil, melting in effortlessly. There was a slight sheen, but nothing greasy, and it didn’t feel like I was slathering on a layer of frosting, which I appreciated.

The fragrance-free formula was a relief for my sensitive skin, which can throw a tantrum at the slightest hint of perfume.

I left it on for about 10 minutes before gently wiping off the excess with a tissue, as the instructions suggest, leaving a thin layer to work its magic overnight. I’ll be honest—part of me worried it’d smear all over my pillowcase, but it stayed put.

When I woke up, I couldn’t believe the mirror. My skin was plump, soft, and glowing like I’d just had a facial. The flakiness on my nose? Gone. The tightness? Nonexistent. Even my husband commented, “You look… refreshed,” which, coming from him, is basically a standing ovation.

I’ve been using it once or twice a week for a few months now, and it’s become my go-to for those SOS moments—like after a night out or when winter air leaves my skin parched. It’s not just a one-hit wonder; it’s consistently delivered that dewy, hydrated look. I even tried it as a cleansing balm once, as some reviews suggested, and it worked like a charm to melt away makeup without stripping my skin.

The only hiccup? The first time, I applied too much and felt a bit oily in the morning, but I quickly learned less is more. This mask has earned its spot on my bathroom shelf, and I’m already dreading the day I run out.

Pros Of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask

Intense hydration that lasts: This mask delivers a serious moisture boost, leaving my skin soft and plump for days. The 10.5% squalane and glacial glycoproteins strengthen the skin barrier, locking in hydration even in harsh winter weather. After one use, my dry patches vanished, and my skin felt balanced for nearly three days, which is impressive for someone prone to dehydration.
Versatile application options: I love that you can use it as an overnight mask, a 15-minute treatment, or even a cleansing balm. On heavy makeup days, I’ve used it to dissolve foundation and sunscreen, and it leaves my skin clean without that stripped feeling. It’s like having three products in one, which makes it worth the price.
Fragrance-free for sensitive skin: My skin can be a drama queen, but this mask’s fragrance-free formula keeps it calm. There’s no irritation or redness, just a soothing, creamy scent from the natural ingredients. It’s a godsend for anyone whose skin freaks out at scented products.

Non-greasy finish: Despite its balm-to-oil texture, it doesn’t feel heavy or clog pores. Once it sinks in, it leaves a comfortable, non-sticky layer that works while I sleep. My combination skin stays happy without breakouts, even when I use it regularly.
Eco-conscious packaging: The jar is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, which makes me feel a bit better about my skincare obsession. It’s a small step, but I appreciate Kiehl’s effort to be more sustainable.

The hydration is the star here, but the versatility and gentle formula make it a standout. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for your face—whether you need a quick fix or a deep treatment, it delivers without overwhelming your skin. I’ve used plenty of masks that promise the moon but leave me sticky or unimpressed, but this one actually lives up to the hype. It’s become my secret weapon for looking like I’ve got my life together, even when I don’t.

Cons Of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask

Pricey for the size: At around $45 for a 3.4oz jar, it’s not cheap. While a little goes a long way, I can’t help but wince at the cost, especially when I’m tempted to slather it on like there’s no tomorrow. For budget-conscious folks, this might feel like a splurge compared to drugstore alternatives.
Slightly oily residue if overapplied: My first attempt was a bit overzealous, and I woke up with a slick face that took extra cleansing to remove. You need to find the right amount—too much, and it doesn’t fully absorb, which can be annoying.
Puffy appearance in some cases: A few times, my skin looked a tad bloated in the morning, especially around my cheeks. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can make pores appear larger for a few hours, which isn’t ideal if you’re rushing out the door.

Not ideal for very oily skin: While it didn’t break me out, I can see how the rich texture might be too much for super oily skin types. If you’re prone to shine, you might want to test it sparingly or stick to lighter masks.
No applicator included: The jar is luxe, but digging in with my fingers feels less hygienic than I’d like. A small spatula would make application cleaner and more precise, especially since the texture is so thick.

While these drawbacks don’t outweigh the benefits for me, they’re worth considering. The price stings, and the learning curve for application takes a couple of tries to nail. Still, once you get the hang of it, the cons feel minor compared to the glow you’ll be rocking.

Tips For Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask

Cleanse thoroughly before applying: Your skin needs to be squeaky clean for the mask to work its magic. I double-cleanse with an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming one to remove makeup and sunscreen. This ensures the mask can penetrate without any barriers, maximizing hydration. A clean canvas makes all the difference.
Apply a thin layer for best results: Less is more with this mask. I use about a pea-sized amount, warming it between my fingers before massaging it in. It spreads like butter, so you don’t need much to cover your face. This prevents that oily morning residue and saves product.
Use a tissue to remove excess: After 10 minutes, I gently blot away extra mask with a tissue, leaving a thin layer to soak in overnight. This keeps my pillowcase clean and ensures my skin doesn’t feel greasy when I wake up. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Protect your pillowcase: Even with blotting, a little residue can transfer. I toss an old towel over my pillow to avoid any mess. It’s not glamorous, but it saves me from washing pillowcases constantly, and my skin still reaps the benefits.
Store in a cool, dry place: The jar’s sturdy, but I keep mine in a cool bathroom cabinet to preserve the formula’s potency. Heat and humidity can degrade skincare products, so avoid leaving it on a steamy bathroom counter. This keeps the mask effective for longer.
Use 1-3 times weekly: Kiehl’s suggests up to three times a week, but I stick to once or twice unless my skin’s extra parched. Overusing it can make my face feel overly rich, so I space it out to maintain balance. Listen to your skin’s needs.

Follow with a gentle morning routine: In the morning, I rinse with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser to remove any leftover mask. Then, I follow with a light moisturizer and sunscreen. This locks in the hydration without overwhelming my skin.

These tips have helped me get the most out of the mask. It’s all about prepping your skin, using the right amount, and protecting your bedding. With a little care, this mask becomes a seamless part of your routine, delivering that plump, dewy look every time.

Comparison With Other Brands

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask: I’ve tried Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask, and it’s a solid contender, especially for calming redness. Its gel-like texture is lighter than Kiehl’s balm-to-oil formula, which makes it great for oily skin or warmer climates. It soothes irritation from retinol or sun exposure, thanks to centella asiatica, but it doesn’t match Kiehl’s in hydration. My skin felt calm but not as plump or moisturized the next day. Dr. Jart+ is also pricier for less product, which makes Kiehl’s feel like a better value for intense moisture needs. If redness is your main concern, Dr. Jart+ might edge out, but for hydration, Kiehl’s wins.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask: Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask is another popular choice, and I used it for years before Kiehl’s. Its lightweight, gel-based formula absorbs quickly and feels refreshing, especially for combination skin. It hydrates well, but the effects don’t last as long as Kiehl’s—by day two, my dry patches were creeping back. Laneige’s scent, while pleasant, can irritate sensitive skin, unlike Kiehl’s fragrance-free formula. It’s also more affordable, which is a plus, but it lacks the rich, barrier-strengthening punch of Kiehl’s squalane-heavy mask. For a quick hydration hit, Laneige is great, but Kiehl’s is better for long-term moisture.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask: Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mask is a luxury splurge I’ve tried for special occasions. Its gel-cream texture feels divine, and the blend of rice bran and green tea gives a radiant glow. However, it’s not an overnight mask—you leave it on for 15 minutes, which limits its convenience compared to Kiehl’s leave-on formula. Tatcha’s hydration is impressive but doesn’t penetrate as deeply for my dry skin, and the price tag is steep for a short-term treatment. Kiehl’s offers more versatility and lasting hydration, making it a better everyday choice for me.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask: Fresh’s Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask is a two-step system with a gel essence and a cream layer, which sounds fancy but feels fussy. The rose scent is lovely but can irritate sensitive skin, and the hydration, while decent, didn’t outlast Kiehl’s. My skin felt soft but not as plump or flake-free. Fresh’s mask is pricier and less practical for lazy nights when I just want to slap something on and sleep. Kiehl’s simplicity and barrier-strengthening formula make it a clear winner for consistent, no-fuss results.

Kiehl’s stands out for its deep, lasting hydration and versatility, but Dr. Jart+ and Laneige are better for lighter, calming needs, while Tatcha and Fresh lean into luxury but fall short on convenience or longevity. Your skin type and priorities will dictate the best fit, but Kiehl’s checks the most boxes for me.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I use a Kiehl’s overnight mask?

Kiehl’s recommends using the Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask up to three times a week, but I find once or twice is plenty for my combination skin. If your skin is super dry, you might lean toward three times, but start slow to avoid overwhelming it. Listen to your skin—if it feels too rich, cut back to once weekly.

Do overnight face masks really work?

Absolutely, they do! Overnight masks like Kiehl’s work while you sleep, giving active ingredients like squalane and glacial glycoproteins more time to penetrate. I wake up with noticeably plumper, hydrated skin, and studies show these masks can reduce moisture loss by up to 93% overnight. They’re a game-changer for dry or dehydrated skin, especially in harsh weather.

Which overnight face mask is best?

It depends on your needs, but Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask is my top pick for hydration. Its squalane-heavy formula outshines lighter options like Laneige or Dr. Jart+ for dry skin. For redness, Dr. Jart+ is great; for luxury, Tatcha shines. Kiehl’s balances efficacy, versatility, and value, making it a standout for most skin types.

How long to leave Kiehl’s face mask on?

For the overnight mask, apply it after cleansing, leave it on for 10 minutes, then blot excess with a tissue and sleep with the remaining layer. I rinse it off in the morning with a gentle cleanser. As a quick treatment, you can wipe it off after 15 minutes, but overnight use gives the best results.

Conclusion: For Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask

You need this mask in your life. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask with 10.5% Squalane is a hydration hero that transforms tired, dry skin into a plump, glowing dream. Whether you’re battling flakiness or just want a dewy boost, it delivers without irritation. Despite the price, its versatility and long-lasting results make it worth every penny. Add it to your routine—you won’t regret it.

Kiehl’s Overnight Mask Review: A Deeply Hydrating Game-Changer for Your Skin