<p>No matter your skin type or concern, there’s a face mask out there to meet your needs. Since weeding through the many options to find your match can be cumbersome (not to mention time-consuming), we spoke to Dr. Portela and tested a range of popular formulas to bring you the very best face masks for achieving baby-small pores, fewer breakouts, and more. So go ahead and slide these on, put on some zen music, and get ready for your skin to be transformed. </p>” />
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1
Best Hydrating Face Mask
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Mask
1
Best Hydrating Face Mask
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Mask
Pros
- Super nourishing
- Helps boost skin barrier
- Adds a glow
Cons
- Not the most affordable option for a single mask
“Dr. Jart+ has a number of great face masks that are gentle and effective. My favorite are the ceramidin-infused masks for their ability to provide a big boost of hydration to the skin,” says Dr. Portela. I’m a huge fan of these sheet masks, too, as they’ve been able to work wonders on my thirsty complexion in just 10 minutes.
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Ceramide NP, glycerin, panthenol |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 mask per pack |
2
Best Face Mask for Acne-Prone Skin
GlamGlow SUPERMUD Instant Clearing Treatment Mask
2
Best Face Mask for Acne-Prone Skin
GlamGlow SUPERMUD Instant Clearing Treatment Mask
Pros
- Purifying
- Refreshing
- Helps reduce excess oil
Cons
- Can be drying if overused
If it feels like your skin is breaking out left and right, slather on this cult-loved mask to help curb acne. A blend of six acids helps exfoliate away dead skin, while clay and activated charcoal help lift impurities to smooth and prevent future blemishes. Leave the mask on for about 20 minutes, and as it hardens, you can literally see where it’s pulling the gunk out from your pores (a super satisfying perk, IMO).
GlamGlow rating: 4.4/5 stars
| Key ingredients | BHA & AHAs, activated charcoal, K-17 clay |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5-3.4 fl. oz. |
3
Best Exfoliating Face Mask
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
3
Best Exfoliating Face Mask
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Pros
- Helps with dullness, congestion, and uneven texture
- Super affordable
- Powerful
Cons
- Not ideal for sensitive skin types
“The Ordinary’s red Peeling Solution has launched one hundred feuds on the Internet; it’s an intense experience and should never be overused, but when applied with caution, it’s like a facial in under-$10,” says ELLE contributor Tatjana Freund. The key to its magic? A potent blend of exfoliating acids that aim to target uneven texture, dullness, and clogged pores. “Pro tip: if your skin is sensitive, you can use this product on the soles of your feet for super smooth heels,” Freund adds.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, salicylic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, black carrot |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
4
Best Brightening Face Mask
Loops Hyper Smooth (5 masks)
4
Best Brightening Face Mask
Loops Hyper Smooth (5 masks)
Pros
- Cooling
- Gentle
- Helps improve tone and shrink pores
Cons
- Two separate parts can require more finessing to place on the face
As someone who can’t help but try and squeeze out every budding imperfection, I’ve been left with a slew of stubborn dark spots on my cheeks and chin. This mask provides a welcome cooling sensation, then targets discoloration via a powerful combination of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and alpha-arbutin—none of which irritate my skin like often-sensitizing vitamin C. After just one use, my marks were noticeably lighter, my pores smaller, and my tone overall brighter.
Loops rating: 4.4/5 stars
| Size | 5 masks |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | niacinamide, tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin |
5
Best Calming Face Mask
fresh Rose Face Mask
5
Best Calming Face Mask
fresh Rose Face Mask
Pros
- Soothing
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Due to said prodding (I know it’s bad), I find my skin can easily become red and inflamed. And even when I do things right, my skin is still hyper-sensitive. fresh’s Rose face mask is just what I need to balance my skin. The gel-like mask contains rosewater, cucumber extract, aloe vera gel, and hyaluronic acid for amazing calming and hydrating benefits. The brand’s rose moisturizer is also one of my must-haves, and is definitely worth adding to your daily routine in case you’re looking for a new go-to.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Pure rosewater, cucumber extract, aloe vera gel, porphyridium cruentum |
|---|---|
| Size | 1-3.3 fl. oz. |
6
Best Face Mask for Pores & Blackheads
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Face Mask
6
Best Face Mask for Pores & Blackheads
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Face Mask
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Pros
- Cleansing
- Reduces excess oiliness
Cons
- Pricey
“I never worry about my skin misbehaving after excessive makeup wear because I have this problem-solving cleansing mask in my arsenal,” says ELLE beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose. “The clay formula sucks up excess sebum while clearing out dirt and oil from my pores to leave me feeling like a car fresh out of a car wash.”
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Amazonian white clay, Bentonite, aloe vera |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 fl. oz. |
7
Best Reusable Face Mask
Experiment Beauty Avant Guard Reusable Sheet Mask
7
Best Reusable Face Mask
Experiment Beauty Avant Guard Reusable Sheet Mask
Pros
- More eco-friendly option
Cons
- No serums or moisturizers included
“For a more sustainable option, consider Experiment Beauty’s Avant Guard reusable sheet mask,” suggests Dr. Portela. Made with flexible silicone and stretchy ear straps to help keep the mask in place, the mask can be “layered with your own serums underneath to address your specific skin needs.”
Urban Outfitters rating: 5/5 stars
| Size | 1 mask (available in small and large) |
|---|
8
Best Clarifying Face Mask for Sensitive Skin
Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic Mask
8
Best Clarifying Face Mask for Sensitive Skin
Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic Mask
Pros
- Gentle
- Helps smooth and firm
- Minimizes oiliness
Cons
- May dry out over time
Some days, you just need a good clarifying treatment to detox and reset. This wash-off Mario Badescu mask is one of my top picks, as it helps purge regular buildup (i.e. from makeup, toxins in the air, etc.) yet isn’t abrasive or overly drying. It uses kaolin clay and zinc oxide to purify and soothe the skin, plus antioxidant-rich floral extracts for added smoothing, plumping, and firming effects.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Gardenia extract, zinc oxide, kaolin |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 fl. oz. |
9
Best Overnight Face Mask
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
9
Best Overnight Face Mask
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Pros
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Brightening
Cons
- Some may not prefer the smell
I love my skincare to work overtime while I sleep, and this leave-on mask from popular K-beauty brand Laneige is a true hero. Its blend of ultra-nourishing hyaluronic acid and squalene ensure I wake up with zero flaky patches (even as I continue to stick with cotton over silk pillowcases). Thanks to its special probiotic complex, I find my skin is still radiant for my 9 a.m. meeting.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Squalane, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.3 fl. oz. |
10
Best Plumping Face Mask
Embryolisse Intense Moisturizing Mask
10
Best Plumping Face Mask
Embryolisse Intense Moisturizing Mask
Pros
- Hydrating and soothing
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- Some may prefer an unscented option
This hyaluronic acid- and lily extract-infused mask is one of Freund’s go-to’s for parched skin. “When my complexion is more dehydrated, once a week I’ll swap in this moisturizing mask for my regular nighttime cream,” she says. “It has a faint, calming scent, but the best results can be seen in the morning when I wash my face. It adds a glow, reduces redness, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and smooth.”
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, white lily extract, marine water |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz |
11
Best Anti-Aging Face Mask
Knesko Skin Nanogold Repair Collagen Face Masks
11
Best Anti-Aging Face Mask
Knesko Skin Nanogold Repair Collagen Face Masks
Pros
- Helps smooth and firm the skin
- Super glowy finish
Cons
- Pricey
Celebrity esthetician and Rieki Master Lejla Cas has created a handful of luxe, nature-inspired skincare products that stars love, including this Real Housewives-worn face mask infused with 24K gold. It’s definitely a splurge at $47 a pop, but after testing this one, I’d say it’s great for treating yourself to a salon-like glow. Also, it’s formulated with marine collagen, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and soothing damask rose to help firm, smooth, lift, and hydrate the skin.
Rating: 5/5 stars
| Key ingredients | 24K colloidal gold, hyaluronic acid, marine collagen, vitamin E, damask rose, niacinamide, aloe, elastin |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 mask per pack |
12
Best Face Mask for Oily Skin
Biba Los Angeles The Zinc Mask with Goji Berry Prebiotic
12
Best Face Mask for Oily Skin
Biba Los Angeles The Zinc Mask with Goji Berry Prebiotic
Pros
- Helps smooth and calm the skin
- Minimizes breakouts
Cons
- Pricey
Oily skin types, this one’s for you. “When my skin throws a tantrum, this is the sebum-reducing mask I always have on hand,” says Freund. With a blend of zinc and antioxidant-rich gogi berry, “it calms breakouts, purifies clogged pores, and instantly makes my skin feel smoother and less reactive.”
Biba Los Angeles rating: 4.5/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Goji berry prebiotic, zinc, green tea extract |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 fl. oz. |
13
Best Budget Face Mask
medicube Super Cica Daily Quick Masks
13
Best Budget Face Mask
medicube Super Cica Daily Quick Masks
Pros
- Hydrates and reduces redness
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- May dry more quickly than other masks
“The Super Cica Daily Quick Masks from Medicube are another personal favorite,” says Dr. Portela. “In a multi-dispensing pack, these hydrating masks are much more affordable and help to hydrate dry skin.” Since these masks contain a blend of soothing aloe, green tea, and cica, they’re a great choice for anyone prone to redness and irritation. Plus, each mask is plant-based and said to be biodegradable, making them a better choice for the environment.
Medicube rating: 5/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Cica, green tea, aloe vera |
|---|---|
| Size | 30 sheets in a pack |
How do I find the best face mask for my skin?
“There are a wide range of face masks available, so I recommend finding one that has ingredients specific to your needs,” suggests Dr. Portela. “For dryness or sensitive skin, it is beneficial to find a mask that has hyaluronic acid and ceramides, some of the essential building blocks for a healthy skin barrier. If you’re fighting fine lines and wrinkles or perhaps discoloration, a mask with retinol or glycolic acid can be helpful. If your concerns include acne or congested pores, salicylic acid may be the best option,” he notes.
Face masks come in various styles and quantities as well. “You may find them in individually-wrapped packages or in a multi-dispensing package, which is usually more economical,” says Dr. Portela. “And some companies make reusable face masks that help the serums in your skincare routine work better.” Choosing the right one for you really comes down to your budget and personal preference.
What’s the best way to use a face mask?
Don’t forget to prep the skin first. “I recommend using a mask after cleansing your face,” says Dr. Portela. “Some people prefer to do this at night before bed, while others like to use face masks during their morning routine while getting ready for the day. Both can be a good option, as long as you’re using your mask on clean skin,” he warns.
Dr. Portela also advises using masks as a first step in your routine. “My preference is to use them before any other serums and just allow their ingredients to work,” he says. “After discarding the mask, you can complete the rest of your skincare regime.”
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle topics. For this piece, she tested a range of top-rated face masks on the market, consulted a dermatologist, and interviewed fellow ELLE editors to learn about the best face masks for various skin concerns.
Senior Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
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