How to Store Sheet Masks

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: March 12, 2023 References

Sheet masks are a type of face mask that come in individual packages and are renowned for their moisturizing properties. Storing them in the proper way can mean the difference between an effective and ineffective mask. If you have some sheet masks and you want to store them in the best way possible, keep them out of your bathroom, lay them flat to distribute the serum evenly, and keep them sealed until you are ready to use them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Choosing the Right Temperature

1
Put your sheet masks in the fridge to reduce skin swelling and puffiness. If you struggle with puffy under eyes or swollen cheeks, you can reduce the swelling in your face by keeping your sheet masks in the fridge. This will cool them down to a soothing, pore-tightening temperature.^{[1]
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- Don’t keep your sheet masks in the fridge for longer than 1 month. The ingredients can start to freeze and they can lose their effectiveness.
Tip: If you don’t have room to store all of your sheet masks in the fridge but you still want a cooling effect, place 1 in the fridge for 2 to 3 minutes before you apply it.
2
Keep your sheet masks at room temperature for a more calming experience. The coldness of a chilled sheet mask from the fridge tightens your pores, but it can also wake you up. If you like to do your sheet masks before bed, keep them stored at room temperature so that they aren’t shocking when you put them on.^{[2]
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- Room temperature is generally around 15 °C (59 °F).
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3
Avoid storing your sheet masks in direct sunlight. If you are taking your sheet masks with you in the car or leaving them somewhere with a window, make sure they aren’t going to sit in direct sunlight. The heat from the sun can cause some ingredients to break down and become less effective.^{[3]
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- If you are taking your sheet masks in the car with you, make sure they are in a cool, dry area, like inside a suitcase or purse.
4
Store sheet masks outside of your bathroom. Your bathroom becomes hot a humid every time you take a shower or bath. This can heat up your sheet mask and add moisture that affects the ingredients and how they work. Don’t keep your sheet masks in the bathroom if you can avoid it.^{[4]
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- The humidity in a bathroom can also promote bacteria.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Keeping Your Sheet Masks Effective

1
Lay the masks flat so that the serum spreads evenly. Sheet masks are soaked in serums like oils and other natural ingredients that work to moisturize and hydrate your skin. This serum can pool up inside of the mask’s packaging if you stand it up. Make sure your masks are stored flat down so that the serum doesn’t pool at one end.^{[5]
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- If the serum is unevenly spread it will make the sheet mask less effective.
- Laying your sheet masks flat down on top of each other in a drawer is a great way to store them.
2
Keep your sheet mask sealed until you are ready to use it. Most sheet masks come in individual packaging that seals in the serum. Since the sheet mask has wet ingredients in it, when you expose it to air it starts to dry out. Leave your sheet mask sealed and air-tight until you are ready to use it.^{[6]
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Tip: If you accidentally open a sheet mask before you are ready to use it, you can store it for up to 1 day in a sealed plastic bag.
3
Discard your sheet mask if it expires. Most sheet masks have an expiration date somewhere on the package. If you have a sheet mask past its expiration date, the ingredients won’t be as effective and you shouldn’t use it. Throw your expired sheet mask in the garbage and purchase a fresh one.^{[7]
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- Most sheet masks last for a few years at a time.
- The expiration date may say “use by” or “expiration date” followed by a month and a year.
4
Throw away your sheet mask after you use it. Sheet masks are only intended to be used once. After you use one, make sure you throw the mask itself and the packaging away in the garbage. Used sheet masks dry out and lose most of the ingredients that make them work, so reusing one won’t do anything for your skin.^{[8]
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