AHA BHA Sheet Mask
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Good for: Hydrating
A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.
Good for: Hydrating
A gentler exfoliator that also hydrates as it works. Good entry point if you have sensitive skin and want to try acids.
Good for: Exfoliating, Hydrating
A hydrator often pitched as "stronger than hyaluronic acid." It sits on the surface, locks water in, and helps your skin make more of its own moisturizers over time.
Good for: Hydrating, Barrier repair
Often pitched as the gentler cousin of hyaluronic acid. It holds water in the skin, fades less quickly in dry air, and quietly buffers against UV oxidative stress.
Good for: Hydrating, Antioxidant, Barrier repair
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection
Youssef R et al., Glycerol 85% efficacy on atopic skin and its microbiome: a randomized controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2021;32(7):730-736 — topical glycerol 85% RCT on atopic skin
Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration
A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.
Karabat MU, Tuncer MC. Effects of hyaluronic acid on skin at the cellular level: a systematic review. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2025;71(8):e20250208. — Systematic review of 45 studies found low-molecular-weight HA stimulates keratinocyte proliferation and migration while high-molecular-weight HA drives skin hydration, supporting topical HA as an effective skin-hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredient.
Bravo B et al., Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence, Dermatology and Therapy 2022;12(12):2657-2680 — HA-based cosmeceuticals reliably improve hydration and signs of skin aging
Lee SG et al., Hyaluronan Oligosaccharides Improve Rosacea-Like Phenotype through Anti-Inflammatory and Epidermal Barrier-Improving Effects, Annals of Dermatology 2020
A gentler exfoliator that also hydrates as it works. Good entry point if you have sensitive skin and want to try acids.
Fanning N et al., Treatment of mild-to-moderate facial cutaneous aging using a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2023;22(11):3033-3041 — three monthly peels significantly improved clarity, pigmentation, fine lines, roughness in 32 subjects
Tang SC, Yang JH, Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin, Molecules 2018;23(4):863 — effect concentration-dependent
Babilas P et al., Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids, JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft 2012 — supports AHAs including lactic acid for photoaging, pigmentation, and barrier effects
+−2 more ingredients
A hydrator often pitched as "stronger than hyaluronic acid." It sits on the surface, locks water in, and helps your skin make more of its own moisturizers over time.
Ko HJ et al., Poly-gamma-Glutamic Acid from a Novel Bacillus subtilis Strain: Strengthening the Skin Barrier and Improving Moisture Retention in Keratinocytes and a Reconstructed Skin Model, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2025
Li C, Ma H, Li P, Zhang S et al., Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) with heterologous poly-gamma-glutamic acid has skin moisturizing, whitening and anti-wrinkle effects, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2024;263(Pt 1):130229 — transgenic gamma-PGA-producing cucumber outperformed standard gamma-PGA and hyaluronic acid on hydration, wrinkles (-19 to -25%), and melanin reduction in human skin testing
Yang R et al., Injectable adaptive self-healing hyaluronic acid/poly(gamma-glutamic acid) hydrogel for cutaneous wound healing, Acta Biomaterialia 2021;127:102-115 — HA/gamma-PGA self-healing hydrogel significantly accelerated full-thickness wound closure with enhanced angiogenesis and collagen deposition vs Tegaderm
Often pitched as the gentler cousin of hyaluronic acid. It holds water in the skin, fades less quickly in dry air, and quietly buffers against UV oxidative stress.
Zhang Y et al., iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Profiling of Skin Aging Protective Effects of Tremella fuciformis-Derived Polysaccharides on D-Galactose-Induced Aging Mice, Molecules 2024
Lin M et al., Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides alleviates UV-provoked skin cell damage via regulation of thioredoxin interacting protein and thioredoxin reductase 2, Photochemistry and Photobiology Sciences 2023;22(10) — topical TFPS treatment in chronic UV-irradiated mouse model reduced photoaging markers and protected skin cells from UVA-induced damage
Shen T et al., Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides inhibit UVA-induced photodamage of human dermal fibroblast cells by up-regulating Nrf2/Keap1 pathways, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2021
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.