15 Best Face Masks for Skin Care (2024)

  • Best for dry skin: Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask
  • Best overnight mask: Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask
  • Best for acne: Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit 100% Hydrogel Mask
  • Best for blackheads: Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores
  • Best clay mask: Cetaphil Derma Control Purifying Clay Mask
  • Best for oily skin: SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque
  • Best for sensitive skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oatmeal Mask
  • Best for brightening: Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask
  • Best for vegans:
  • Best sheet mask: La Mer Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask
  • Best for hydration: Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask
  • Best for hyperpigmentation: Lancer Skincare Radiance Awakening Mask Intense
  • Best fragrance-free: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
  • Best for aging skin: fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask
  • Best natural: 100% Pure Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask

A facial mask, or face mask, can be a fantastic tool to have in your beauty arsenal, but not all skin care masks are created equal. Depending on your skin type and goals, different masks work better for different people.

We rounded up the 15 best face masks to get your skin glowing, no matter what condition it’s currently in.

To choose the best face masks, we vetted the active ingredients of each, ensuring that they are clinically proven to treat the skin conditions they claim to address.

In addition to looking at the science behind these face masks as our main criteria, we considered customer reviews, value for the price point, and the convenience of use.

We also considered the brands themselves to make sure they are reputable, and that each mask passed our vetting process to ensure its safety and efficacy.

Pricing guide

Face masks don’t have to break the bank to be effective. Because of name recognition and quality of ingredients, some face masks cost a lot more than others.

We’ve indicated the price for each face mask below:

  • $ = under $15
  • $$ = $15–$30
  • $$$ = $31–$60
  • $$$$ = over $60

Best for dry skin

  • Price: $$$
  • Why we like it: key ingredients like honey and vitamin B help soothe and protect dry skin
  • Pro: strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier
  • Con: has a sticky texture

Key features: This cruelty-free, honey-based mask is rich in antioxidants and leaves your skin feeling warm and soft. Honey’s conditioning and soothing effects have been

well-established

in medical literature, and the B vitamins in the mask may boost your skin’s glow.

Keep in mind: This mask is a bit thick and sticky, meaning the texture won’t be for everyone. While some customers rave about how fresh and clean skin looks after using this mask three times per week, others note that using it too often isn’t practical, considering how expensive this product is.

While called out for being cruelty-free, the mask is honey-based, so some vegans and vegetarians might have an ethical concern about the ingredients.

Application: Massage the mask onto your skin, and then rinse it off.

Best overnight mask

  • Price: $$$
  • Why we like it: it’s an overnight mask, making it a convenient option
  • Pro: vegan and cruelty-free ingredients
  • Con: may cause breakouts in some users

Key features: This moisturizing overnight mask from beauty brand Drunk Elephant is packed with clinically proven ingredients that soothe and hydrate your skin.

Vegan and cruelty-free, this mask is infused with coconut water and prickly pear extract to hydrate, vitamin B-3 to energize, and fatty acids to seal in moisture for supple and strong skin.

Keep in mind: This mask is designed for overnight use so your skin can absorb the product while you sleep. For some skin types, this can make breakouts more likely to occur.

Application: Massage the mask onto your skin. This mask can be worn overnight.

Best face mask for acne

  • Price: $
  • Why we like it: easy to use, affordable, and effective
  • Pro: budget-friendly
  • Con: can trigger irritation

Key features: Look no further for a budget-friendly, acne-busting sheet mask. The grapefruit seed extract gives a refreshing, brightening boost of vitamin C to your skin, and the antibacterial properties help prevent future breakouts.

Happy customers report this mask works to clarify, clean, and smooth skin in just one use.

Keep in mind: Some skin types find grapefruit seed extract to be irritating, triggering redness. If your skin reacts poorly to vitamin C-infused products, avoid this mask.

Application: This is a wearable sheet mask. Just apply the sheet mask to your face, leave on for 15 to 30 minutes, and remove. No rinsing is required.

Best mask for blackheads

  • Price: $$$
  • Why we like it: the formula helps clear tough blemishes like blackheads
  • Pro: washes away impurities
  • Con: may not be well tolerated on sensitive skin

Key features: This active charcoal mask contains mineral agents that attract negatively charged ions from deep within your pores. Teamed with kaolin clay, this mask treatment is designed to unclog pores, including blackheads on your nose and forehead.

Keep in mind: Clinical research on how activated charcoal helps your skin is somewhat limited, and the ingredient can trigger reactions if your skin is sensitive.

Application: Spread the mask on, leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse it off.

Best clay mask

  • Price: $
  • Why we like it: leaves skin feeling smooth and won’t overdry
  • Pro: helps mattify oily skin
  • Con: can be difficult to remove

Key features: This creamy clay mask attracts oil and toxins when it washes off to reveal skin that’s smooth and fully cleansed. Research from 2018 suggested clay is especially useful for skin toning.

The apple seed and cucumber ingredients in the mask help keep your skin from getting too dry.

Keep in mind: This mask contains oleic acid, which can stimulate cell turnover. But this ingredient can also

potentially irritate

some types of skin.

Application: Spread the mask on, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse it off.

Learn key steps to a daily skin care routine for oily skin.

Best for oily skin

  • Price: $$$
  • Why we like it: high quality ingredients and high customer ratings
  • Pro: dermatologist recommended
  • Con: can dry out skin

Key features: Dermatologists love the SkinCeuticals brand for the products’ high quality ingredients, ease of use, and consistently amazing results. This mask is packed with hydroxy acids and bentonite clay, both of which help exfoliate and clarify skin when used regularly.

Keep in mind: If you have dry skin, bentonite clay and hydroxy acid may end up leaving it drier. These ingredients team up better for skin types that are oily or acne prone.

Application: Spread the mask on, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse it off.

Learn a daily skin care routine designed for oily skin.

Best mask for sensitive skin

  • Price: $$
  • Why we like it: contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial oatmeal
  • Pro: pleasant, subtle smell
  • Con: may be too heavy for acne-prone skin

Key features: This soothing mask treatment takes 10 minutes and smells like delicious vanilla extract. According to

research from 2012

, oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it leaves skin feeling clean and soft. You can also use the mask to boost your skin’s healing response after minor sun damage.

Keep in mind: Some reviewers say the mask is too heavy or oily for their acne-prone skin, so be aware that your mileage may vary with this mask.

Application: Spread the mask on, wait 10 minutes, and then rinse it off.

Best face mask for brighter skin

  • Price: $$
  • Why we like it: works as a chemical peel as well as a mask
  • Pro: makes makeup easier to apply
  • Con: can cause a burning sensation

Key features: This exfoliating mask uses glycolic acid to peel off dead skin, while honey warms your skin and encourages cell turnover. (It also smells amazing). Pumpkin oils have been shown in animal trials to have a healing effect on skin that’s been damaged.

After using this mask, your skin may appear less dull, feel smoother, and make makeup easier to apply. It’s also much more affordable than most masks with glycolic acid.

Keep in mind: This mask may cause a burning sensation for a few seconds when applied, and it may be too powerful for sensitive skin.

Application: Spread the mask on, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it off.

Best face mask for vegans

  • Price: $$
  • Why we like it: contains no animal or animal-derived ingredients
  • Pro: easy and fun to apply
  • Con: some reviewers don’t notice a difference

Key features: The whipped, airy consistency of this mask makes it fun to apply and easy to rinse off. Marshmallow root extract is the key ingredient, which has been

shown

to be a strong anti-inflammatory agent. It’s also cruelty-free and completely vegan.

Keep in mind: Marshmallow root is a plant-derived extract.

Application: Spread a thick layer of the mask on, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse it off.

Best sheet mask

  • Price: $$$$
  • Why we like it: a high powered ingredient mask from a high profile skin care brand
  • Pro: no rinsing required
  • Con: expensive

Key features: La Mer products are coveted in the skin care world, and this sheet mask is no exception. Infused with luxe ingredients, like algae extract, that you won’t find in cheaper sheet masks, skin care aficionados rave about the long lasting dewy and supple skin they have after using this hydrating mask.

Keep in mind: La Mer comes at a high price, and you may have sticker shock when seeing the product page. But this treatment breaks down to about $25 per single-use mask when you get a set of six. Some savvy customers have figured out how to make one mask last for multiple uses.

Application: This is a wearable sheet mask. Just place the mask on your skin for 5 minutes and remove. No rinsing is required.

Best for hydration

  • Price: $$$
  • Why we like it: hydrates and brightens skin while you sleep
  • Pro: comes in recyclable packaging
  • Con: might be too heavy for some

Key features: An overnight mask makes it easy to care for your skin while you sleep. This one targets dryness, dullness, and fine lines. A stable form of vitamin C, THD ascorbate, firms and brightens while a mix of berries helps combat free radicals.

Keep in mind: The rich consistency is great for quenching dry skin during the winter. People with very dry skin report having to use a lot of the mask to get the job done, but it may be too thick for warmer months.

Application: Apply the mask to clean skin as the last step of your evening routine. Rinse it off in the morning.

Best for hyperpigmentation

  • Price: $$$$
  • Why we like it: specifically formulated for hyperpigmentation
  • Pro: suitable for all skin tones
  • Con: niacinamide may be irritating to some

Key features: Discoloration and hyperpigmentation are very common skin concerns. Facial masks like this one can help correct darkness for an even-looking complexion.

This mask helps fade pigmentation while also neutralizing redness and yellow tones. Licorice extract, a known brightening ingredient, promotes evenness.

Keep in mind: Some customers find the mask pricey but worth it. However, some find it a bit drying. It also contains niacinamide, which can be irritating.

Application: Apply a generous layer to the face, neck, and chest. Allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes or overnight. You can use a tissue to blot the excess off.

Best fragrance-free

  • Price: $$$
  • Why we like it: great for people who are sensitive to fragrance
  • Pro: contains hydrating ceramides
  • Con: may not be suitable for sensitive skin

Key features: Fragrance-free formulas are crucial for those with sensitive skin. This vegan face mask targets uneven texture and dullness with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin. It also contains ceramides, which help hydrate and repair skin.

Keep in mind: The mask claims to nourish and calm skin, but it does the opposite for some. Though it’s fragrance-free, some users report side effects like burning and bumpy skin.

Application: Apply a thin layer of the mask to your skin. After 10 minutes, blot it with a damp cloth.

Best for aging skin

  • Price: $$$$
  • Why we like it: the formula is filled with antioxidants
  • Pro: peptides firm skin’s appearance
  • Con: may be too heavy for oily, acne-prone skin

Key features: This mask counteracts the inevitable loss of firmness that occurs in aging skin. It’s packed with antioxidants, like black tea extract, kombucha, and blackberry leaf extract, which work together against skin-damaging free radicals.

The mask’s hyaluronic acid intensely moisturizes skin while peptides increase firmness overnight.

Keep in mind: Dry skin types will soak up and greatly benefit from the heavy consistency of this face mask, but those with oily, acne-prone skin might take issue with it. Some users report increased breakouts after using this mask.

Application: Massage a generous layer of the mask to your skin and leave on overnight.

Best natural

  • Price: $$$
  • Why we like it: contains potent ingredients for soothing skin
  • Pro: eco-friendly waterless formula
  • Con: can be messy and hard to mix

Key features: Powder face masks are the next big trend in natural and sustainable skin care. This matcha-based face mask is highly potent and activated with water.

The mask softens and plumps skin with hyaluronic acid, rose petal, and coconut milk. Matcha prevents free radical damage and colloidal oatmeal soothes inflammation.

Keep in mind: Powder face masks are eco-friendly, but they can be messy and difficult to remove from the skin. To make it easier to take off, add a couple of drops of your favorite facial oil.

Application: Mix 1 tablespoon of the powdered face mask with 1 teaspoon of water. Apply the mixture to your face, leave it on for up to 15 minutes, and rinse it off.

-

Price

Pro

Con

Key features

$$$

strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier

has a sticky texture

antioxidant-rich honey soothes and conditions skin

$$$

vegan and cruelty-free ingredients

may cause breakouts in some users

hydrates, energizes, and seals in moisture

$

budget-friendly sheet mask

can trigger irritation

contains vitamin C to brighten and clarify skin

$$$

dissolves impurities

may not be well-tolerated in sensitive skin

charcoal unclogs pores and gets rid of blackheads

$

mattifies oily skin

can be difficult to remove

clay tones and smooths skin

$$$

dermatologist recommended

can dry out skin

exfoliates and clarifies oily skin

$$

pleasant smell

may be too heavy for acne-prone skin

oatmeal soothes skin and reduces inflammation

$$

makes makeup easier to apply

can cause a burning sensation

glycolic acid exfoliates skin to reveal brighter, smoother skin

$$

easy and fun to apply

some reviewers didn’t notice a difference

clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formula

$$$$

no rinsing required

expensive

considered coveted among many users

$$$

comes in recyclable packaging

might be too heavy for some

contains a stable form of vitamin C called THD ascorbate

$$$$

suitable for all skin tones

niacinamide can cause irritation

helps correct darkness and promote an even complexion

$$$

contains hydrating ceramides

may not be suitable for sensitive skin

fragrance-free and vegan formula hydrates skin

$$$$

contains peptides to firm skin’s appearance

may be too heavy for some skin types

blend of antioxidants target free radicals, a common cause of skin damage

$$$

eco-friendly waterless formula

can be messy and hard to mix

activated with water

Ask yourself what’s most important to you as a skin care consumer, and use those criteria to choose the best mask for you. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

  • What’s the specific skin outcome that you’re looking to achieve (hydration, less acne, smaller-looking pores, etc.)? What are the most effective active ingredients to get that outcome?
  • Does it matter how the mask is manufactured? Is green or sustainable packaging something you’re concerned about?
  • Do you want to make sure this product is free of animal products and doesn’t involve testing on animals?
  • Is this product allergen-free, and is it safe for your skin type and sensitivities?
  • Do you trust the brand that manufactured this mask? Has there recently been a recall associated with this brand?
  • Does this mask fit your budget? How much product are you getting for your money?

Look out for products that make unsubstantiated claims, don’t list their ingredients clearly in their product descriptions, and don’t disclose information about where the face mask is being manufactured or where the ingredients came from.

You might have questions about how to apply different types of face masks and when the best time is to use your face mask.

To get the most out of your mask, start by reading the package instructions. Some masks can be used twice a week, while others will be more effective if used less often.

Store your masks in a cool, dry place to preserve the integrity of the active ingredients. Some masks even recommend storage in a refrigerator for the best results.

Topical skin care products can be helpful in addressing skin concerns, like dryness, dullness, and fine lines. At-home treatments shouldn’t replace professional care, however.

Severe cases of skin conditions, such as acne and eczema, may require the help of a dermatologist. If you aren’t seeing improvements with at-home products within 1 to 2 months of use, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist or doctor.

Stop use immediately if you experience side effects, like:

  • burning
  • stinging
  • rashes
  • irritation
  • redness
  • inflammation

If symptoms persist, seek the help of a qualified professional.

Do face masks really help your skin?

Face masks can be helpful for a variety of skin concerns. They usually hydrate and soften your skin while promoting a bright, even, and smooth complexion.

Not all face masks yield the same effects, however. It may take some trial and error before you find the face mask that works best for you.

What face masks do dermatologists recommend?

Many skin care brands are dermatologist-recommended, such as SkinCeuticals. However, dermatologists usually don’t tout face masks as the magic cure to skin issues.

A dermatologist can help you create an effective skin care routine for you. This may include the regular use of a face mask.

Is it OK to use a face mask every day?

Some face masks are suitable for everyday use. In fact, some can be used as the final step of your skin care routine as an additional moisturizer. Others, usually those that contain exfoliants, should be limited to a couple of times per week at most.

Read the label instructions to determine how often you should use a specific mask.

No matter what your skin type or beauty budget, there’s a face mask on the market for you. In fact, there are so many options that it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Establish your priorities before making a purchase, and stick to them as you try out different products.

15 Best Face Masks for Skin Care (2024)
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