The 13 Best Face Masks for Every Skin Type and Concern, Tested by Editors

Oily skin? Need a glow? Want hydration? We have you covered.

Different types of face masks in a grid pattern
(Image credit: Getty / Ole Henriksen / Joanna Vargas / Biodance)

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.

samantha holender wearing danucera master mask

Samantha Holender applies the Danucera Master Mask.

(Image credit: Future)

Emma Aerin Becker tries a face mask

Emma Aerin Becker before and after applying the Biodance Bio Collagen-Real Deep Mask.

(Image credit: Emma Aerin Becker)

Siena Gagliano LED face mask

Siena Gagliano with the Lumara Viso LED Mask on.

(Image credit: Siena Gagliano)

Siena Gagliano applies face mask

Siena Gagliano applies the Zo Skin Health Complexion Clearing Masque.

(Image credit: Siena Gagliano)

Siena Gagliano applies face mask

Siena Gagliano applies the Silver Mirror Signature Facial Mask.

(Image credit: Siena Gagliano)

Other Face Masks I Love

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 dermatologist
Asmi Berry

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 facialist
Danuta Mieloch

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.

Siena Gagliano
Contributing Beauty Writer

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. Her work has also appeared in ELLEBustle, and Women’s Health. Curious about the behind-the-scenes magazine life and her go-to beauty picks? Follow her on Instagram at @sienagagliano.

With contributions from