Fiber masks feature a non-woven fabric; they have a coarse texture that feels and behaves like paper. Fiber masks are very inexpensive and have some capacity to replenish moisture to your skin. They evaporate very quickly, however, and their paper-like texture lacks the “contouring” to remain in place for very long. If you use a low-end fiber mask, you will need to lie down to keep it from falling off.
Pulp masks have a finer texture than fiber masks, but the limitations of the two mask types are similar. The fit of a pulp mask will be a bit uneven, with gaps noticeable between the mask and your skin (adhesion loss). As with a fiber mask, the serum in a pulp mask will evaporate fairly quickly. Rayon cellulose is an example of a mask created from pulp.
Hydro-gel masks offer better performance than low-end fiber and pulp masks. They are typically produced as a “mask system”, with top and bottom halves that are applied separately. Their product name is derived from the production process that blends cosmetic serums with gelatin, which gives the mask the feel of a cool, thin film layer. Hydro-gel masks require careful handling; the fabric is rather thin and prone to tearing.
Skin care experts and biochemists consider masks woven from bio cellulose – an all natural fiber – to be the gold standard for hydrating and treating skin. Bio cellulose mask fabrics provide skin-tight dermal adhesion, allowing them to transfer cosmetic ingredients very efficiently. The texture of a bio cellulose mask feels like a cool, moist gel but its underlying structure is incredibly strong and resilient. Bio cellulose masks do not dry out during application.