A woman applying a face mask in front of a mirror
Design by Wenzdai

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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 best face masks to get your skin glowing no matter what condition it is in.

The face masks in this list have active ingredients that are clinically proven to treat skin conditions. The science behind these face masks was the main criteria used to create this list.

Pricing guide

“Face masks don’t have to break the bank to be effective. Some face masks cost more than others because of their name recognition.”

The price for each face mask has been indicated.

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

Best for dry skin

Farmacy Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask

  • Price: $$$
  • 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.

Shop now at Sephora

Best overnight mask

Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask

  • Price: $$$
  • 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.

Shop now at Sephora

Best face mask for acne

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit 100% Hydrogel Mask

  • Price: $
  • 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.

Shop now at Neutrogena

Best mask for blackheads

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores

  • Price: $
  • 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.

Shop now at Sephora

Best clay mask

Cetaphil Derma Control Purifying Clay Mask

  • Price: $$
  • 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.

Shop now at Amazon

Best for oily skin

Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

  • Price: $$$
  • 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.

Shop now at Dermstore

Best mask for sensitive skin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oatmeal Mask

  • Price: $$
  • 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.

Shop now at First Aid Beauty

Best face mask for brighter skin

Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask

  • Price: $$
  • 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.

Shop now at Andalou

Best face mask for vegans

Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask

  • Price: $$
  • 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.

Shop now at Ulta

Best sheet mask

La Mer Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask

  • Price: $$$$
  • 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 squalane and 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.

Shop now at Sephora

Best for hydration

Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

  • Price: $$$
  • 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.

Shop now at Sephora

Best for hyperpigmentation

Lancer Skincare Radiance Awakening Mask Intense

  • Price: $$$$
  • 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 the appearance of redness and yellow tones. Licorice extract is known for its ability to promote 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.

Shop now at Lancer

Best fragrance-free

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

  • Price: $$$
  • 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.

Shop now at Sephora

Best for aging skin

fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask

  • Price: $$$$
  • 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 has a hyaluronic acid that is very hydrating and increases 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.

Shop now at Sephora

Best natural

100% Pure Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask

  • Price: $$$
  • 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 has ingredients such as coconut milk and rose petals. Free radical damage is prevented by the use of Matcha and oatmeal.

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.

Shop now at 100% Pure

Price Pro Con Key features
Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask $$$ strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier has a sticky texture antioxidant-rich honey soothes and conditions skin
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask $$$ vegan and cruelty-free ingredients may cause breakouts in some users hydrates, energizes, and seals in moisture
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit 100% Hydrogel Mask $ budget-friendly sheet mask can trigger irritation contains vitamin C to brighten and clarify skin
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores $ dissolves impurities may not be well-tolerated in sensitive skin charcoal unclogs pores and gets rid of blackheads
Cetaphil Derma Control Purifying Clay Mask $$ mattifies oily skin can be difficult to remove clay tones and smooths skin
Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque $$$ dermatologist recommended can dry out skin exfoliates and clarifies oily skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oatmeal Mask $$ pleasant smell may be too heavy for acne-prone skin oatmeal soothes skin and reduces inflammation
Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask $$ makes makeup easier to apply can cause a burning sensation glycolic acid exfoliates skin to reveal brighter, smoother skin
Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask $$ easy and fun to apply some reviewers didn’t notice a difference clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formula
La Mer Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask $$$$ no rinsing required expensive considered coveted among many users
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask $$$ comes in recyclable packaging might be too heavy for some contains a stable form of vitamin C called THD ascorbate
Lancer Skincare Radiance Awakening Mask $$$$ suitable for all skin tones niacinamide can cause irritation helps correct darkness and promote an even complexion
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask $$$ contains hydrating ceramides may not be suitable for sensitive skin fragrance-free and vegan formula hydrates skin
fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask $$$$ contains peptides to firm skin’s appearance may be too heavy for some skin types blend of antioxidants target free radicals, a common cause of skin damage
100% Pure Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask $$$ eco-friendly waterless formula can be messy and hard to mix activated with water

If you want to choose the best mask for you, you should ask yourself what is most important to you. Some questions you may want to ask yourself.

  • What is the specific skin outcome that you want to achieve? What are the most effective active ingredients to get that outcome?
  • Does the mask matter? Is green or sustainable packaging something you are concerned about?
  • Do you want to make sure this product is free of animal products and not involved in testing on animals?
  • Is this product safe for your skin type and sensitivities?
  • Do you think the brand that manufactured this mask is trustworthy? Has there been a recall recently?
  • Does this mask fit your budget? How much product do you get for your money?

“Look out for products that make claims, don’t list their ingredients in their product descriptions, and don’t give information about where the mask is made.”

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, read the package instructions. Some masks can be used twice a week, while others can be used less often.

The integrity of the active ingredients is preserved when you store your masks in a dry place. Storage in a refrigerator is recommended by some masks.

“There are skin care products that can help with skin concerns. Professional care shouldn’t be replaced by at- home treatments.”

“If you have a skin condition such asAcne or Eczema, you may need the help of a dermatologist. If you aren’t seeing any improvement with at- home products within a couple of months, you should see a doctor.”

If you experience side effects, stop use immediately.

  • burning
  • stinging
  • There is a rash.
  • irritation
  • redness
  • inflammation

Seek the help of a professional if symptoms persist.

Do face masks really help your skin?

Face masks can help with a variety of skin concerns. They usually help with hydration and skin care, and promote a bright, even, and smooth complexion.

The effects of face masks are not the same. It may take some trial and error to find the face mask that works best for you.

What face masks do dermatologists recommend?

Skinceuticals is a brand that is recommended for dermatologist-recommended skin care brands. Face masks are usually not the panacea for skin issues.

A dermatologist can help you with your skin care routine. This may include the use of a face mask.

Is it OK to use a face mask every day?

Some face masks are suitable for everyday use. Some can be used as the final step of your skin care routine. Those that contain exfoliants should be limited to a couple of times per week.

The instructions on the label tell you how often to use a mask.

There are face masks on the market for all skin types. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the many options.

Before you make a purchase, make sure you have your priorities in order.