Samantha Holender
Face masks might not be the foundation of my skincare routine, but they're definitely the upgrade that takes it to the next level. Whether I'm dealing with breakouts, dullness, or just need an instant hydration boost, I know there's a mask that can deliver. While they won't work miracles immediately, the best face masks always help my skin look and feel better—especially when you use them on a consistent basis. Trust me, there’s truly a sheet mask, overnight mask, or acne-fighting mask out there for everyone.
"Face masks won't erase wrinkles or cure acne overnight, but they can boost hydration, improve skin texture, enhance radiance, and temporarily plump the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Asmi Berry, D.O., FAAD. With the right ingredients, masks can do everything from soothing irritation to balancing oil production and brightening my complexion. And the best part? They're an easy way to give my skin some extra love without a major time commitment.
Since every mask offers different benefits, I always pay attention to the formulation before slathering one on. "When choosing a face mask, it's all about selecting ingredients that truly cater to your skin's unique needs," says esthetician and founder of Rescue Spa Danuta Mieloch. That's why I never stick to just one—one day it's a hydrating sheet mask, the next it's a clay mask to balance my oily skin. And when my skin really needs a reset, I make masking a regular part of my routine.
To get the debrief on the best face masks for every skin type and concern, keep scrolling. From under-eye patches that’ll make you look like you got that extra hour of sleep to peel-off masks that are like Botox in a bottle, I’ve pulled together my personal favorites—along with some industry must-haves—ahead.
This multitasking face mask takes the top spot on our list for a reason—it truly does it all. Packed with brightening probiotics, it transforms dull, tired skin into a radiant, refreshed complexion. A powerful mix of antioxidants help defend against free radical damage, while lactic acid gently exfoliates and hydrates for smoother, clearer skin. But the real standout ingredient? Collagen amino acids, which work to boost elasticity, leaving skin firmer and more supple. Just smooth the vibrant orange cream onto clean, dry skin, let it work its magic for 15 to 20 minutes, and glow.
Who it's for: Normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types dealing with dullness, fine lines, uneven texture, or a damaged skin barrier
Texture: Gel-cream
Key ingredients: Collagen amino acids (boost elasticity and skin firmness); Lactic acid (exfoliates and hydrates); Antioxidants (protect against free radical damage); Glycerin (hydrates)
What I Love: Made to be used in conjunction with LED face masks and microcurrent devices; Great for weakened skin barriers and mature skin types
What I Don’t: Not yet available at a mass retailer
Review for MC: “I got hooked on Danucera a few months ago—and it's since taken over my entire skincare routine. The Cream Supreme is incredible for my dry winter skin and the Tonic has made me a face toner convert. But the real hero: Master Mask. Just one application gives my skin and incredible glow, boost of extra moisture, and a plump, smooth look. It's my go-to when my skin needs a little pick-me-up.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender applies the Danucera Master Mask.
Introducing the face mask seen around social media, the Biodance Bio Collagen-Real Deep Mask. It's a cult favorite K-beauty mask that applies as a milky white sheet, but turns clear and dries hard when it's ready to be removed. It's basically the secret to that glass-like glow thanks to a formulation of ingredients key to barrier repair. Adenosine is the first, which is an excellent wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also said to help with the skin's collagen production. The mask also includes skin-brightening niacinamide, antioxidant-protecting vitamin E, and a slew of soothing ingredients for the ultimate radiant effect.
Who it's for: All skin types looking for a radiant glow
Texture: Jelly-serum-like sheet mask
Key ingredients: Adenosine (boosts collagen); Niacinamide (brightens); Vitamin E (protects with antioxidants); Glycerin (hydrates); Allantoin (soothes)
What I Love: Super quick treatment for glowing skin; Instantly hydrates skin and preps it for the rest of skincare
What I Don’t: Leaves a slightly tacky feeling on the skin when removed
Review for MC: “While seemingly gimmicky, these masks have seriously changed my life—and, more importantly, my skin. When my face feels super dry or just looking dull, I always reach the BioDance collagen mask. I apply a hydrating serum first, so the mask can work to really soak it into my skin. Once applied, I leave the mask on until it goes clear. This usually takes a few hours, but I promise it’s worth the wait! After peeling the mask off, I’m left with the most plump and glowing skin that lasts all day long. Just beware, you’ll look a little crazy while wearing it, so I like to save them for a long work-from-home day or lazy night on the couch.” — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker before and after applying the Biodance Bio Collagen-Real Deep Mask.
While professional-grade red light treatments at dermatologists' offices, plenty of at-home devices can deliver real results. The key is choosing one that's FDA-approved and falls with the right wavelength range. Lumara's LED light therapy mask uses 660nm red light, which is ideal for stimulating the skin cell process that boosts collagen and elastin production—helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles over time. To actually see results though, you have to use it consistently. Think of it like any other skincare routine—it takes time and regular use to notice smoother, firmer skin.
Who it's for: Generally safe for all skin types, though those with skin conditions, eye conditions, or medications that make you sensitive to light should avoid
Texture: Device
What I Love: Portable; Contains more individual red lights than most masks to ensure the skin is evenly treated
What I Don’t: Takes consistent use over a period of months to see the true results
Review for MC: “As a beauty editor, I've tested my fair share of LED masks, but this one stands out as my favorite. The adjustable straps actually keep it in place (a rare find), and its portable feature allows me to wear it anywhere. But the best part is that the treatment side is packed with red lights, ensuring every inch of my face gets the full benefit.” — Siena Gagliano, Contributing Beauty Writer
Siena Gagliano with the Lumara Viso LED Mask on.
If your skin is feeling congested or extra oily, this Zo Skin mask is here to help. The clay-based formula uses a mix of kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb excess oil and clear out gunk, while sulfur helps minimize shine and prevent future breakouts. Unlike some drying clay masks, this one is balanced with glycerin to keep skin hydrated so that it's left with a clean—but not stripped—complexion. Apply a thin layer, let it work its magic for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse.
Who it's for: Oily and acne-prone skin types
Texture: Clay cream
Key ingredients: Kaolin, bentonite clay (absorbs oil); Sulfur (kills acne-causing bacteria); Glycerin (hydrates)
What I Love: Can be used as a spot treatment; Mitigates dryness with glycerin
What I Don’t: May dry out skin a bit, so follow up with a richer cream
Review for MC: “My hormonal breakouts have a mind of their own, but this mask helps keep them in check. The clay formula instantly soaks up excess oil without making my skin feel tight or dry, thanks to the glycerin. I use it as a full-face treatment when I'm extra shiny, and as a spot treatment when I'm dealing with a big pimple. Either way, my skin always looks calmer after rinsing it off.” — Siena Gagliano, Contributing Beauty Writer
Siena Gagliano applies the Zo Skin Health Complexion Clearing Masque.
Trust me, you’ll literally sparkle after using this face mask. As you rub the formula onto the skin using the spatula-like applicator tip, it transitions from a shimmery white shade into a bright silver mask that not only looks luxe, but works wonders in 15 minutes flat. The pretty effect is just the start, the real star is its gentle exfoliating formulation. Using two gentle AHAs, lactic and mandelic acid, dead skin cells are dissolved and removed from the skin, resulting in a smoother, clearer complexion. Then, to ensure there's extra protection against any irritation, the mask includes MVP hydrators, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. But the best part? It dries down to a fun peel-off mask.
Who it's for: Normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types dealing with dullness and uneven texture
Texture: Gel-like that drys down to a peel-off
Key ingredients: Lactic acid (exfoliates and hydrates); Mandelic acid (exfoliates); Hyaluronic acid, glycerin (hydrates); Bentonite (absorbs excess oil)
What I Love: Has a spatula-like applicator to easily spread across the face; Transforms into the coolest silver effect once fully dry
What I Don’t: Sometimes the mask doesn't totally peel off on its own, so you'll need a warm rag; The peel-off technique may be irritating to sensitive skin types
Review for MC: “I'll admit it—I was sold the second I saw this mask turn into a futuristic silver sheen on my face. It left my skin feeling super smooth and fresh, and the applicator made it easy to spread. Though it may seem like the sticky peel-off masks of youth, don't let that stop you, the powerful ingredients truly did leave me with smoother, more radiant skin.” — Siena Gagliano, Contributing Beauty Writer
Siena Gagliano applies the Silver Mirror Signature Facial Mask.
Other Face Masks I Love
If you've seen barrier creams trending all over as of late, you're not alone. Put simply, the skin barrier acts as our skin’s first line of defense, locking in moisture and keeping environmental aggressors out. When cold weather hits, our skin barriers become stressed, leading to moisture loss and irritation. Products rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and fatty acids will draw and keep in moisture—which, fyi, are ingredients all found in the Après Skin Overnight Moisturizer and Mask. Apply it at any time of the day if your skin is feeling ultra-irritated, or use it overnight so you wake up with plump, moisturized skin.
Who it's for: Any skin that is dealing with dryness or a compromised, irritated skin barrier
Texture: Cream
Key ingredients: Ceramides (strengthens moisture barrier); Hyaluronic acid, glycerin (hydrates and plumps); Murumuru, mango, shea butters (moisturizes)
What I Love: Great product for retinoid-induced irritation; Safe for chapped and cracked skin; Can be used as a moisturizer or a mask
What I Don’t: Contains fragrance which may be irritating to sensitive skin types
Customer Review: "My dry winter skin felt so plump and hydrated immediately after using, and my skin has continued to improve over time using this regularly! The moisturizer is thick and creamy, and melts into the skin without leaving a tacky residue. It doesn’t marry with every type of primer I have used, so it’s best to use this under light makeup. There is a light scent, but nothing irritating to my sensitive skin. This is a great moisturizer for dry hands as well!" — Sephora
This antioxidant-packed sheet mask is a godsend for anyone looking to target fine lines and wrinkles or amp up firmness. Personally, I like to save these masks for a little at-home facial session. Once I apply the mask, I’ll reach for a facial tool (the Magic Glow Wand doesn’t disappoint) and work it over top of the sheet. When all is said and done, I’ll lather my chest, neck, décolletage, and even my body in all the extra serum.
Who it's for: All skin types, particularly mature dealing with loss of firmness, elasticity, and moisture and fine lines
Texture: Bamboo sheet mask
Key ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate (hydrates); Gotu kola (boosts collagen); Panthenol (hydrates and supports skin barrier); Ectoin (skin-protecting and hydrating); Niacinamide (smooths skin)
What I Love: Boosts cell turnover and improves collagen production; Contains ectoin, a powerful skin protectant
What I Don’t: Some testers note that the mask feels a bit sticky
Customer Review: "I love this face mask! I use once a week . After I wash my face, I leave this mask on for 30 minutes. I then rub all the excess serum into my face, neck and hands. After I use this mask, my skin is glowing, smoother and tighter. I highly recommend!" — Dermstore
While this is *technically* a mask, it’s really more like a heavy-duty nighttime moisturizer. It has a super rich texture that instantly plumps up the skin thanks to hyaluronic acid and squalane. But the benefits aren’t one-and-done. This formula, which has the “clean at Sephora” stamp of approval, is also packed with vitamin C to make your skin look brighter—just in time for summer.
Who it's for: Normal, dry, and combination skin types dealing with dryness, dullness, and uneven texture
Texture: Cream
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (brightens skin); Squalane (moisturizes); Hyaluronic acid (hydrates); Panthenol (hydrates and supports skin barrier)
What I Love: Rich, buttery texture leaves skin feeling instantly soft; Contains antioxidants to help brighten and protect the skin
What I Don’t: Thick formula will be too heavy for oily skin; Can take awhile to blend in
Customer Review: "This product is an absolute game changer! My skin gets extremely dry in the winter, and I had struggled to find anything that truly hydrated it—until now. This formula is incredibly nourishing, and after using it nightly, I’ve noticed a huge difference. My skin feels deeply moisturized and looks so refreshed in the mornings. While it's a bit of an investment, a little goes a long way, making it well worth it. I can’t recommend it enough!" — Sephora
Eye creams and masks are a hot topic in the beauty world—some swear by them, while others think they're unnecessary. Personally, I'm a firm believer that the right under-eye products, especially a great mask, can be game-changers for hydration and soothing. My go-to? The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench gel patches. They instantly wake up my under-eyes and flood them with hyaluronic acid for a serious hydration boost. I keep the jar in the fridge for an extra cooling effect and apply the patches before makeup to refresh my skin and catch any fallout.
Who it's for: All skin types
Texture: Gel patches
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrates); Caffeine (de-puffs)
What I Love: Includes caffeine that helps temporarily firm skin and decrease the look of puffy eyes; Patches stay stuck for a super long time
What I Don’t: Results are temporary and don't provide long-term improvement
Customer Review: "Very impressed. I have some more expensive eye patches that don’t deliver nearly as much moisture as these. They also stick to my face for a full 20 minutess unlike other patches. Will purchase again." — Sephora
As someone with *very* sensitive skin that’s always looking a little red (thank you, rosacea), I promise you this creamy leave-on formula, which is packed with calming aloe vera and purslane, is a life changer. Just brush a thin to medium layer on your face and go about your day. It absorbs into the skin within 20 minutes so you can be out and about while still reaping all the hydrating and calming benefits—no one will be the wiser.
Who it's for: All skin types including sensitive, dealing with fine lines, redness, and loss of firmness and elasticity
Texture: Cream
Key ingredients: Kaolin clay (absorbs excess oil); Fatty acids (maintains healthy skin barrier); Vitamin E (protects skin with antioxidants); Aloe vera, chamomile (soothes)
What I Love: Fragrance- and essential oil-free; Incredible soothing ingredients for reactive skin types; Comes with an application brush
What I Don’t: Rich, heavy texture may feel too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin
Customer Review: "I have super sensitive skin and this mask has been such a gentle way to help my skin stay hydrated. I travel a lot so this has helped revive tired dehydrated skin and combat redness from inflammation. I love that it come with the little brush, it’s so soothing to apply. I’ll be keeping this in rotation all winter!" — Sephora
Ideal for anyone looking to target dullness, uneven texture, or large pores, this leave-on formula will soon be a staple in your skincare regimen. While it might look thicker in the jar, it actually has a very bouncy and water-like formula that feels lightweight and breathable on the skin. It is a powerful product thanks to 10 percent niacinamide, so start off using it just one night a week.
Who it's for: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types dealing with uneven texture and dullness
Texture: Cream
Key ingredients: Niacinamide (smooths and evens skin texture); Panthenol (hydrates and supports skin barrier); Blueberry seed oil (protects with antioxidants)
What I Love: Niacinamide potency results in real skin smoothing benefits; Skin looks visibly radiant
What I Don’t: Testers note that as you rub it on, it turns thicker
Customer Review: "Obsessed with this product. It lasts a long time, and I use it 2-3 times per week. Hydrates, heals, and looks like I have a new face in the morning. I'm prone to breakouts and find alternating this product with a vitamin C mask every night has been working better than any acne product I've ever tried. Support your skin barrier's people!"
Flying dries out skin like no other—and that’s where this insanely hydrating mask comes in. With hyaluronic acid and niacinamide among the star ingredients, the creamy formula gives an added boost of moisture. While you can wear a thin layer for 10 minutes, I’m a big fan of using this as my morning moisturizer. It blends in like a dream (no pilling!) and doubles as the perfect primer for makeup.
Who it's for: All skin types, particularly those dealing with dryness, dullness, and uneven texture
Texture: Cream
Key ingredients: Niacinamide (brightens skin); glycerin, hyaluronic acid (hydrates)
What I Love: Humectants attract water, while emollients trap it all in; Doesn't pill under makeup; No rinse needed
What I Don’t: Some testers note that the packaging makes it difficult to use all the product
Customer Review: "A must-have product!! So thick, rich, and creamy and a perfect prep for makeup. I love using this before makeup, on my hands, and overnight as a mask. It has quite a lot of product, and is overall amazing!" — Sephora
Any time dry, flaking skin starts popping up, it’s Tata Harper to the rescue. In just 15 minutes, your complexion will look renewed, refreshed, and majorly glowy thanks to the enzyme and acid-based product. It has a jelly and bouncy texture that tightens up pretty quickly—be prepared for the fact that you won’t be able to make facial expressions once it’s dried down. Once you wash it off though, your skin feels balanced and calm.
Who it's for: Dry and combination skin, as well as skin that's dull, uneven texture, and pores
Texture: Gel
Key ingredients: White willow bark extract, pomegranate enzymes (exfoliating); Pink clay (absorbs excess oil); Aloe vera (soothing)
What I Love: Clean formula; Contains gentle exfoliating ingredients
What I Don’t: Pricey for the amount; Strong, natural scent which some testers don't love
Customer Review: "My skin has really been in need of some TLC lately! From lack of sleep to these dry and harsh Ohio winters, my skin has been taking a beating and it shows. Enter the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask! This stuff is literally a spa in a jar! I’ve always heard amazing things about this brand and now I know why. After just one use, my pores were deeply cleansed of all their gunk and appeared smaller and my skin was smooth and glowing." — Sephora
Do Face Masks Actually Help My Skin?
Face masks aren't a magic fix, but they can give your skin a much-needed boost. They help target specific concerns like dryness, breakouts, and dullness, explains Mieloch, making them a valuable addition to any skincare routine. Whether you're dealing with inflammation, clogged pores, or a weakened skin barrier, the right face mask can provide relief by hydrating, calming, and refreshing your skin.
That said, don't expect immediate results. "Face masks won't erase wrinkles or cure acne overnight, but they can boost hydration, improve skin texture, enhance radiance, and temporarily plump the skin," says Dr. Berry. Sheet and hydrogel masks work wonders for moisture retention and delivering active ingredients, while overnight formulas repair the skin barrier as you sleep.
Dr. Berry says that ultimately, masks are best used as a complement to your regular routine rather than a cure-all. But when chosen wisely, they can make a noticeable difference in your complexion's health and appearance.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Face Masks?
Dermatologists generally give face masks the green light—as long as you're using them correctly. "I always recommend incorporating face masks into your weekly skincare routine," says Dr. Berry. They can be a great way to boost hydration, calm irritation, or target specific concerns like acne and dullness.
That said, more isn't always better. Using masks too often can actually lead to irritation rather than improvement, explains Dr. Berry. The key is choosing one with ingredients that suit your skin type instead of just piling on products for the sake of it.
Instead of masking just for the sake of it, think of them as an extra step when your skin needs a little extra attention—whether that's before a big event or after a long week of travel. A well-chosen mask can make a noticeable difference, but it should always work with your routine, not overwhelm it.
What Face Mask Is Best for Me?
Dr. Berry suggests choosing a face mask based on your skin type. Here, she breaks it down:
- Dry Skin: If your skin feels tight or flaky, sheet masks and hydrogel masks are the way to go. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, aloe vera, and glycerin—all of which draw moisture into the skin to keep it soft and plump.
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Clay masks work best for absorbing excess oil and clearing pores. If you prefer a sheet mask, select one with tea tree oil or honey, which have antibacterial and soothing properties and can help prevent breakouts.
- Normal or Combination Skin: If your skin isn’t too dry or too oily, brightening masks that contain niacinamide or vitamin C are great for boosting your skin’s glow and evening out your skin tone.
- Sensitive Skin: Look for calming ingredients like green tea or aloe vera. These can help soothe irritation and reduce redness, especially for those with rosacea or reactive skin.
- Mature Skin: Exfoliating masks help smooth texture and brighten dull skin, while overnight masks deeply hydrate and restore the skin barrier. The best ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, peptides, glycerin, shea butter, and collagen, which can help plump the skin and improve its elasticity.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
Siena Gagliano is a New York-based beauty editor and writer specializing in digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. In her prior role, she was an editor at Cosmopolitan, focusing on beauty commerce and SEO-driven content. She spoke with skin experts about the newest and trendiest in the beauty space to compile this list of the best face masks on the market.
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
How We Tested
Marie Claire beauty contributor, Siena Gagliano, went through a vigorous testing period where she reviewed dozens of face masks. After determining the top picks alongside dermatologists and skin experts, she tested the face masks on her face considering how it feels, how it applies, the ingredients, and results to compile this list of the 13 best face masks.
Meet The Experts
Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in integrative aesthetics and a holistic approach to skincare. Combining advanced testing, personalized treatments, and lifestyle adjustments, she focuses on addressing skin concerns at their root. With expertise in aging, acne, and pigmentation, Dr. Berry helps clients achieve radiant, healthy skin that reflects their inner vitality.
Danuta Mieloch, a Polish-born, Paris-trained esthetician, is the founder of the renowned Rescue Spa. With decades of expertise in custom facials and advanced skincare, she has perfected transformative techniques to treat acne, aging, and more. Her philosophy—"beautiful skin is a choice"—led to the creating of DANUCERA, a curated line of clean, effective skincare designed for all skin types.
-
Is Purple the Shortcut to Looking Like Old Money?Even if you didn't inherit a fortune, you can dress like you did.
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington PalaceShe was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel BagThe pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
