GBRs are essential procedures in implant dentistry and periodontology where barrier membranes play an important role by isolating soft tissue and allowing bone to grow. Not all membranes function the same way, as they differ from their origin and structure, it is important to understand how membranes behave and differ one from others in order to achieve a predictable treatment. A systematic search on Medline by two independent reviewers was performed for articles published until July 2017 reporting the characteristics or properties of barrier membranes. The question that preceded the search was designed according to PICO rules. A total of 124 articles were initially identified from electronic searching. After abstract/full-text review, 21 were included for a systematic review. According to the extracted data and article analysis, barrier membranes should fulfill the following criteria in order to success: biocompatibility, space maintaining, occlusive function, easy - handling and a bioactivation friendly property. With the development of new biomaterials and surfaces, a great advance in this area is expected. It has been clearly described that biocompatibility is the most important requirement to take into account when choosing a membrane, but other factors such as space maintaining capacity, cell oclusiveness, easy handling and bioactivation friendly materials are the ones that will fulfill our necessities.