How does this 3-minute mask actually hydrate, and is it a substitute for my daily moisturizer?

This mask hydrates through a combination of ingredients. Hydrovance™ is a humectant complex that attracts water and helps hold it in the upper layers of the epidermis, making skin feel plumper. Aloe Vera gel also helps bind water to the skin surface. The effect is designed to be relatively immediate, helping skin look smoother and more luminous after just a few minutes. It fits well into a routine as an extra step after cleansing and before a night cream, or whenever you need a quick moisture boost. It is not a substitute for a dedicated daily face cream or moisturizer. Those products are typically formulated to provide longer-lasting emollient and occlusive effects that protect the skin barrier throughout the day or night. Think of this mask as a supplemental, fast-acting treatment for moments when your skin feels particularly dehydrated.