What are the benefits of face masks?

"Using a mask hydrates the skin, smooths out uneven texture, brightens, minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, refines big pores, absorbs excess oil, [and] helps with breakouts," Worden tells Byrdie. In other words, they can provide a range of benefits and address various skin concerns, not unlike other topicals.

How do you apply face masks?

The proper way to apply a face mask depends on the type and formula. If you're using a sheet mask, take it out of the packaging and unfold it. Using the eye holes and mouth opening as a guide, carefully place it on your face. With cream or brush-on formulas, you'll apply the mask all around your face in a thin layer. Focus on your T-zone or any problem areas and avoid your eyes. Most face masks are meant to be rinsed off after 15 to 20 minutes, though some can be rubbed in or left on overnight.

How often should you use face masks?

Again, it depends on the formula, as well as your skin type and what you're trying to achieve. However, weekly use is a good place to start. If your skin responds well to the treatment without irritation, consider bumping it up to twice a week and then potentially three times. Generally speaking, face masks aren't designed for daily use.

The 16 Best Face Masks of 2023 for Glowing Skin

For most people, face masks aren't a daily skincare step but more so a once-in-a-while indulgence or an at-home spa treatment. Whether you reach for a mask weekly, every couple of days, or sporadically, there's no denying the benefits of this add-on. In fact, a study published by the Cleveland Clinic notes that one of the advantages of using a face mask is that they help beneficial ingredients penetrate the skin for targeted results.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our best overall pick is Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, an intensive mask packed with AHAs and BHAs to gently slough off dead skin and leave a glowing, radiant complexion. However, if you want something more affordable, consider the drugstore pick Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask, which calls on clay to absorb sebum and and cucumber to calm stressed complexions.

"There are so many different kinds of masks—clay, cream, gel, exfoliating, sheet—and each one accomplishes something different," says Taylor Worden, a New York-based celebrity esthetician and the founder of Taylor Worden Skin. Containing high concentrations of skin-loving ingredients, she explains that they can deliver big payoffs, like hydration, a plumper complexion, breakout prevention, minimized fine lines, and less visible pores.

We conducted hours of research on the best face masks for a variety of skin concerns. We tried some of the top-rated formulas out there, our testers taking note of active ingredients, how easy they were to apply as well as immediate and more long-term results. Our team then combined these results with our own research of fan-favorites, plus esthetician and dermatologist-recommended picks.

Ahead, find the best face masks for every skin type and concern.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Cetaphil Clay Mask at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Mask at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Hanacure The All-In-One Facial Starter Kit at Bergdorfgoodman.com

Jump to Review

Best K-Beauty:

Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask at Sokoglam.com

Jump to Review

Best Powder:

Beneath Your Mask Illuminate Clarifying Face Mask at Beneathyourmask.com

Jump to Review

Best Overnight:

Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Airtight container
Addresses multiple concerns
Noticeable results

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial Review

Who else recommends it? Allure and Harper's Bazaar both picked the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial.

What do buyers say? 2,400+ Sephora reviewers rated this product 4.3 stars or higher.

According to NYC dermatologist Claire Wolinsky, MD, who specializes in facial rejuvenation, some of the best masks "provide AHAs and BHAs to the skin." Short for alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids, these scary-sounding but actually amazing chemical exfoliants are the secret to Drunk Elephant's beloved Babyfacial.

If you're dealing with discoloration, uneven texture, clogged pores, loss of elasticity, or a dull complexion, 20 minutes with this bad boy will make you feel like a whole new person—extra points for the airtight container.

Price at time of publish: $66

Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, chickpea flour | Benefits: Exfoliating, resurfacing | Size: 1.69 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Testers Say

"After three uses, I noticed that some dark spots on my chin were less noticeable and required less concealer if I wanted to cover them." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester

cetaphil-pro-dermacontrol-purifying-clay-mask

Target

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Unclogs pores
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for dry skin

For babes on a budget, we recommend this clarifying mask from Cetaphil. Containing kaolin clay and cucumber extract, it unclogs pores, soaks up oil, and calms stressed complexions.

Price at time of publish: $16

Active Ingredients: Kaolin, cucumber seed extract, petrolatum | Benefits: Clarifying, exfoliating, boosting radiance | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

4.7

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Plumps the skin
Non-greasy formula

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance
Contains dye

Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Mask is a tall glass of water for your skin. It leans on hyaluronic acid, the world's favorite humectant, to plump, hydrate, and smooth.

Price at time of publish: $36

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Hydrating, plumping | Size: 1 to 12 masks | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

4.8

hanacure-the-all-in-one-facial-starter-kit

Bergdorf Goodman

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Neiman Marcus View On Violet Grey

What We Like

Fun to use
Tightens skin
Noticeable results

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Hanacure's All-In-One Facial Mask Review

"The Hanacure All-In-One Mask also deserves mention for its proprietary Octolift technology," says board-certified dermatologist, Claire Wolinsky. "[It] is a fun peel to use and will leave the skin feeling tighter, thanks to effective peptides and antioxidants."

Price at time of publish: $29

Active Ingredients: Beta-glucan, peptides, botanicals, antioxidants | Benefits: Smoothing, boosting radiance, protective | Size: 4 uses | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What Our Testers Say

"The texture of my skin did a complete 180. I'm not sure if it's ever felt so smooth and soft, and I also felt like my skin looked more taut and toned." — Erin Jahns, Product Tester

Then I Met You

View On Sokoglam.com View On Thenimetyou.com

What We Like

Gently exfoliates
Softens fine lines
Luxurious formula

What We Don't Like

Expensive

You've seen it on Instagram, and yep, it's really that good. From Soko Glam co-founder Charlotte Cho, the Rosé Resurfacing Mask combines AHAs glycolic and lactic acid to dissolve dead cells, plus resveratrol-rich grape juice extract to hydrate the skin and soften fine lines.

Price at time of publish: $56

Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, willow bark, grape juice extract | Benefits: Resurfacing | Size: 1.76 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Beneath Your Mask Illuminate Clarifying Face Mask

Courtesy of Beneath Your Mask

View On Beneathyourmask.com View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Bluemercury.com

What We Like

Award-winning formula
Evens skin tone
Brush included

What We Don't Like

Expensive

The Illuminate Face Mask is formulated to clear dead skin and sebum and leave a more radiant complexion in its wake. This top-shelf treatment comes in powder form—just mix a spoonful with an equal amount of water and brush it on.

Price at time of publish: $70

Active Ingredients: Clay, botanicals, vitamins C, E, B3, and B5 | Benefits: Clarifying, smoothing, boosting radiance | Size: 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

4.6

LANEIGE Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Minimizes redness
Heals blemishes

What We Don't Like

Slightly sticky

Skin experts love an overnight mask to help deliver key ingredients while the skin repairs naturally. Worden says Laneige's Cica Sleeping Mask is "amazing for redness and helps calm the skin." The overnight treatment contains centella asiatica (aka cica), which is great for inflammation and acne, plus nourishing squalane and shea butter to replenish the skin barrier.

Price at time of publish: $34

Active Ingredients: Fermented yeast, shea butter, squalane, centella asiatica | Benefits: Soothing, strengthening, hydrating | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Soothing and cooling
Reduces redness

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Contains dye

You'll be glad to have the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask at the ready when your irritated complexion craves a cooling sensation. With redness-reducing aloe, calming chamomile, and soothing cucumber, it pulls out all the stops for sensitive skin.

Price at time of publish: $47

Active Ingredients: Cucumber extract, chamomile, aloe juice | Benefits: Cooling, soothing, healing, softening | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

4.7

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Hydrating
Doubles as a moisturizer
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask Review

Parched skin? You can't go wrong with Summer Fridays' widely celebrated Jet Lag Mask. The fragrance-free formula calls on ceramides, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid to provide much-needed moisture, while vitamin C and niacinamide boost your complexion.

Price at time of publish: $59

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, niacinamide, ceramides | Benefits: Hydrating, nourishing | Size: 2.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What Our Testers Say

"The best part about this product is that you can use it as an eye mask, a makeup primer, or just as a regular moisturizing mask." — Melony Forcier, Product Tester

4.6

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On IHerb

What We Like

Great value
Helps prevent breakouts
Only one ingredient

What We Don't Like

Slightly messy

Wolinsky suggests clay masks for those struggling with breakouts or oily skin. We're big fans of the beloved Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, a single-ingredient mask that unclogs pores and helps keep pimples under control.

Price at time of publish: $15

Active Ingredients: Bentonite clay | Benefits: Oil control, breakout prevention, clarifying | Size: 32 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Testers Say

"While my skin didn’t have any wow-worthy results, more pores did appear smaller (especially on my nose)." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester

Courtesy of Dermstore

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Target

What We Like

Controls oil
Helps prevent breakouts
Can be used as a spot treatment

What We Don't Like

Expensive

"Versed Find Clarity Purifying Mask is another lightly exfoliating, sebum-reducing option with both kaolin and bentonite clay, the two most commonly used clay ingredients," says Wolinsky.

Price at time of publish: $16

Active Ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin, charcoal | Benefits: Clarifying, oil-reducing, exfoliating | Size: 1 mask | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

4.7

Lancome Advanced Genifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Minimizes fine lines
Strengthens moisture barrier
Noticeable results

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Contains fragrance

If it's smooth skin you're after, you can count on Lancôme Génifique to get the job done. This fancy sheet mask is formulated to firm sagging skin, soften fine lines, refine uneven texture, and strengthen the moisture barrier.

Price at time of publish: $35

Active Ingredients: Bifidus, glycerin, probiotics, yeast extract | Benefits: Smoothing, plumping, firming | Size: 1 to 4 masks | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Courtesy of Glossier

View On Amazon View On Glossier.com

What We Like

Soothing
Fragrance-free
Good for all skin types

What We Don't Like

Contains alcohol

Glossier's supremely dreamy Moon Mask flaunts a plant-based blend of almond oil, squalane, shea butter, and aloe juice to nourish, moisturize, and soothe all skin types.

Price at time of publish: $44

Active Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, squalane, shea butter, honey, aloe juice, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Hydrating, soothing, nourishing | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Alchimie-forever.com

What We Like

Natural formula
Good for dry skin
Can be left on overnight

What We Don't Like

Expensive

"Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask is a clean, natural moisturizing mask that can be applied and left on overnight to calm and soothe dry skin with oat extract, jojoba oil, and glycerin, as well as a slew of antioxidants," offers Wolinsky.

Price at time of publish: $60

Active Ingredients: Oat extract, mica, glycerin, vitamin C | Benefits: Moisturizing, soothing, nourishing | Size: 3.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Credo Beauty

View On Credo Beauty View On Klur.co

What We Like

Balances moisture barrier
Good for sensitive skin
Made with organic ingredients

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Klur Supreme Seed Delicate Purification Mask Review

You'll always be glad to have a tub of Klur Supreme Seed in your arsenal when your skin needs pampering. Formulated for fragile complexions, this plant-based mask nourishes, soothes, and restores balance to the moisture barrier.

Price at time of publish: $60

Active Ingredients: Aloe juice, green tea, centella asiatica, kelp, evening primrose oil | Benefits: Nourishing, soothing, balancing | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Golde.co View On Revolve

What We Like

Made with organic ingredients
Good for all skin types

What We Don't Like

Slightly messy
Small amount

Golde Clean Greens is an au naturale face mask chock full of skin-loving superfoods that moisturize, clarify, and soothe. We're talking mango powder, spirulina, and marshmallow root—all of which are organic and even edible.

Price at time of publish: $35

Active Ingredients: Mango powder, marshmallow root extract, spirulina powder | Benefits: Clarifying, moisturizing, soothing | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

Our number one pick is Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, an intensive mask packed with AHAs and BHAs to gently slough off dead skin and leave a more radiant complexion in its wake. However, if you want something more affordable (or less intense), we suggest Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask, a wallet-friendly treatment that calls on clay and cucumber to absorb sebum and calm stressed complexions.

Meet the Expert

Claire Wolinsky, MD, is a New York-based dermatologist who specializes in facial rejuvenation.
Taylor Worden is a New York-based celebrity esthetician and the founder of Taylor Worden Skin.

What to Look for in a Face Mask

Skin Type/Concern

When shopping around for face masks, you'll want to consider your skin type, as well as any specific concerns you'd like to address. For instance, if your skin is sensitive or dehydrated, you might look for a soothing, hydrating formula. If you're battling breakouts, an absorbent, pore-clearing mask may be the best choice.

Ingredients

You should also pay attention to the ingredients list, as this will give you clues as to what a mask can accomplish. "Popular ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and botanicals can help soothe and restore the skin barrier in hydrating masks," says Dr. Wolinsky.

Other actives to look out for include glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, clay, charcoal, aloe, plant oils, niacinamide, and ceramides—to name a few.

Type

Face masks come in various forms. There are single-use sheet masks, which are typically individually wrapped and designed to be placed directly on the face. You'll also find lots of options that come in tubes, tubs, and airtight containers. These work more like face lotions, except they're often meant to be rinsed off after a short period.

FAQ

What are the benefits of face masks?

"Using a mask hydrates the skin, smooths out uneven texture, brightens, minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, refines big pores, absorbs excess oil, [and] helps with breakouts," Worden tells Byrdie. In other words, they can provide a range of benefits and address various skin concerns, not unlike other topicals.
How do you apply face masks?

The proper way to apply a face mask depends on the type and formula. If you're using a sheet mask, take it out of the packaging and unfold it. Using the eye holes and mouth opening as a guide, carefully place it on your face.
With cream or brush-on formulas, you'll apply the mask all around your face in a thin layer. Focus on your T-zone or any problem areas and avoid your eyes. Most face masks are meant to be rinsed off after 15 to 20 minutes, though some can be rubbed in or left on overnight.
How often should you use face masks?

Again, it depends on the formula, as well as your skin type and what you're trying to achieve. However, weekly use is a good place to start. If your skin responds well to the treatment without irritation, consider bumping it up to twice a week and then potentially three times. Generally speaking, face masks aren't designed for daily use.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a skincare aficionado and copywriter specializing in wellness and lifestyle. She interviewed a dermatologist and an esthetician for this article, compiling their professional insight, product recommendations, and usage tips. From the above, Theresa has personally tried Drunk Elephant, Glossier, Aztec Secret, Hanacure, and Summer Fridays. You can read more of her stories on MyDomaine and Verywell.

21 Best Face Exfoliators to Use Now for Soft, Glowing Skin

Updated by Jill Di Donato

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The 23 best face masks to revitalize your complexion. Allure. https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-face-masks
The 30 best face masks for all skin types. Harper's Bazaar. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g22612355/best-face-masks
Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258. doi:10.4161/derm.21923
A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of a 2% salicylic acid cleanser for improvement of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2013;68(4):AB12. 10.1016/j.jaad.2012.12.052
The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Do Face Masks Really Work? The "Magic" Behind Face Masks — and How to Get the Most Out of Them. Penn Medicine.
Mukherjee PK, Nema NK, Maity N, Sarkar BK. Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia. 2013;84:227-236. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.003
Salwowska NM, Bebenek KA, Żądło DA, Wcisło-Dziadecka DL. Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016;15(4):520-526. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12237
Pyo IS, Yun S, Yoon YE, Choi JW, Lee SJ. Mechanisms of Aging and the Preventive Effects of Resveratrol on Age-Related Diseases. Molecules. 2020 Oct 12;25(20):4649. doi: 10.3390/molecules25204649
Kongkaew C, Meesomperm P, Scholfield CN, Chaiwiang N, Waranuch N. Efficacy and safety of centella asiatica (L.) urb. On wrinkles: a systematic review of published data and network meta-analysis. J Cosmet Sci. 71(6):439-454.
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago J. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. IJMS. 2017;19(1):70. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010070
Radha MH, Laxmipriya NP. Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2015;5(1):21-26. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.10.006
Miraj S, Alesaeidi S. A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (Chamomile). Electron Physician. 2016;8(9):3024-3031. doi: 10.19082/3024
Tokudome Y. Improvement of the Skin Barrier Function with Physiologically Active Substances. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2019;139(12):1549-1551. doi:10.1248/yakushi.19-00181-1
Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg Kv. Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013;6(1):4. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110089

Best Overall

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Best Budget

Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask

Best Splurge

Hanacure The All-In-One Facial Starter Kit

Best K-Beauty

Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask

Best Powder

Beneath Your Mask Illuminate Clarifying Face Mask

Best Overnight

Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask

Best for Sensitive Skin

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask

Best for Dry Skin

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Best for Oily Skin

Versed Find Clarity Purifying Mask

Best for Mature Skin

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask

Best for All Skin Types

Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask

Best Moisturizing

Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask

Best Restorative

Klur Supreme Seed Delicate Purification Mask

Best Natural

Golde Clean Greens Face Mask

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