Get your hands on the best face masks that we tested and enjoy a little at-home spa moment.
While face masks can make a difference in your regimen, not all masks are created equal (especially when it comes to ingredient quality and formula potency), so our PEOPLE Tested team set out to find the best face masks for every purpose. Through real-world testing, we tried dozens of formulas to find the best face masks for brightening, exfoliation, moisturizing, and more.
“A well-formulated face mask can deliver powerful and effective ingredients to the skin that sometimes aren’t suitable to be applied and left on for a long period,” Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, tells PEOPLE. With this in mind, face masks make for excellent treatments that you can use throughout the week to deliver potent ingredients designed for noticeable results. They’re also the perfect excuse for a little self-care moment, allowing you to curate an at-home spa-worthy skincare session while you rest and relax — and what’s not to love about that?
Consistent skincare routines reign supreme for targeting concerns and maintaining a healthy complexion — but it’s not just about a morning and nighttime ritual. Treatments such as face masks are also essential to your regimen as they pack a punch with potent formulas for more targeted measures.
Best Overall
The Inkey List Madecassoside Mask
The Inkey List
View On Theinkeylist.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin
Safe for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding
Soothing cooling effect feels amazing on the complexion
Ultra-creamy and luxe-feeling formula
Cons
Strong menthol-like scent may not be everyone's preference
You don't have to spend a lot of money for a quality face mask. And that's exactly why we love The Inkey List's Madecassoside Mask, which is formulated to soothe redness and irritation while also hydrating and replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier. We loved this face mask because it has an inclusive formula and is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin — plus it is pregnancy- and breastfeeding-safe. Although the mask’s menthol scent was a little on the strong side, its minty formula worked wonders at cooling and soothing the complexion. Despite its low price tag, the face mask has a luxe feel to it, thanks to the rich and creamy consistency that glides onto the skin and is easy to apply all over.
The packaging also feels more functional than a lot of other options out there: The squeeze tube makes it easy to get the right amount of product out without overdoing it, making a mess, or having to stick your fingers (or a spatula) into a goopy jar.
Price at time of publish: $9.59 (orig. $11.99)
Size: 1.7 oz. | Star Ingredients: Poly fructol plus, frescolate, Symrelief | Benefits: Soothes redness and irritation, hydrates and replenishes the moisture barrier | Skin Type: All, including sensitive skin
People / Britney Johnson
People / Britney Johnson
Best Exfoliating
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer
Sephora
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Our Ratings
Pros
With ingredients such as AHAs and pumpkin enzymes, this mask effectively exfoliates the skin
Gel-like consistency feels cooling and refreshing
After regular use, our skin felt super soft and looked refreshed and supple
Cons
Due to the formula consistency, it’s a little tricky to remove compared to other mask formulas
Ingredients are potent and might cause slight discomfort for those with sensitive skin
Whether you have dry skin buildup, dullness, or want your skin to better absorb your skincare products (or, all of the above), an exfoliating face mask can get you there. We love the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask because it features several powerful ingredients in its formula, including alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and pumpkin enzymes to exfoliate the complexion. The face mask also has physical exfoliants — aluminum oxide crystals — that further assist in the removal of dry skin build-up for a brighter and softer skin surface. After testing this face mask for several weeks, we found that it was highly effective at softening and evening out the overall texture of the skin. Since the formula has some potent chemical exfoliants, it can cause some slight discomfort at first, but it wasn’t too irritating for our skin.
In addition to its formula, the face mask is more gel-based, which makes it easy to apply and spread across the complexion. However, once it sets into the skin, it is a little challenging to remove, so we recommend using a warm washcloth to get the job done.
Price at time of publish: $33.98 (orig. $60)
Size: 5 oz. | Star Ingredients: Pumpkin enzyme, alpha hydroxy acid, aluminum oxide crystals | Benefits: Exfoliates dry skin, resurfaces uneven texture, brightens dull skin | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
People / Mandy Wood
Best Moisturizing
Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask
Glossier
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Our Ratings
Pros
Ultra-creamy mask that has a cooling effect that soothes the skin
Easy to apply and spread all over the complexion
Costs under $25 but has a luxury feel
Formula features nourishing ingredients that deeply moisturize the complexion
Cons
Comes in a jar versus a tube, which some may not prefer
We’re long-time fans of the Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask and were pleasantly surprised that, after testing lots of different formulas, it still stood out the most for its nourishing benefits. This face mask is formulated with a blend of hydrating ingredients, including sweet almond oil, squalane, and hyaluronic acid to elevate the complexion’s hydration and support the skin’s moisture barrier. After testing this out against other moisturizing face masks, we found that this one has a luxe-worthy feel, and its creamy texture spread well across the entire complexion, providing a soothing and cooling effect.
Since we don’t love sticking our fingers in a jar to apply a face mask, the one thing we would change is the packaging. That being that, the formula’s consistency makes it super easy to apply with a spatula or brush.
Price at time of publish: $24
Size: 3 oz. | Star Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, squalane, and hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Improves texture, brightens skin | Skin Type: All
People / Chantia Murphy
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Best for Sensitive Skin
Peach Slices Snail Rescue Intensive Wash-Off Jelly Mask
Ulta
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Our Ratings
Pros
Jelly consistency feels super soothing on sensitive skin
Fragrance-free formula makes it safe to use on sensitive or irritation-prone skin
Targets blemishes, so it’s great for those who are sensitive with acne-prone skin
After regular use, our skin feels super supple and hydrated
Cons
Mask comes in a jar, which might not be ideal for some
It says it brightens dark spots, but we didn’t notice a difference beyond soft and moisturized skin
If you have sensitive skin, it’s very important to use a product that won’t cause further irritation. With this in mind, we found that the Peach Slices Snail Rescue Intensive Wash-Off Mask worked well at relieving sensitive skin, thanks to its jelly consistency that provides a soothing and cooling effect, its fragrance-free formula, and its hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and snail mucin. With regular use, we noticed a difference in the way our skin felt, especially in terms of hydration and moisture — our skin was baby soft after several uses.
While we don’t think the mask brightened our dark spots (perhaps we need to test this for an even longer period of time to see results for this, though), we did find that it lived up to our expectations and provided lightweight hydration that doesn’t make the face feel extra greasy and helped slough away dry skin cells to prevent congestion in the pores.
Price at time of publish: $16.17
Size: 3.38 oz. | Star Ingredients: Cica, snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, licorice, birch juice | Benefits: Hydrates, keeps blemishes at bay, exfoliates dry skin, brightens dark spots | Skin Type: All, especially oily or combination types
People / Maria Emmighausen
Best Soothing
Kiehl's Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask
Kiehl's
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Our Ratings
Pros
Lightweight gel consistency hydrates and nourishes the complexion with ease
After just one use, we found that our complexion was softer and more plump
You can use this mask up to three times per week
Features soothing ingredients such as calendula and aloe vera
Cons
Gel consistency makes it a little challenging to remove compared to creams we tested
Whether you have a sensitive complexion or need a soothing effect on dry, irritated summer skin, the Kiehl’s Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask is worth considering. Formulated with calming and soothing calendula and aloe vera, this gel mask provides a refreshing hydration and soothing effect on the complexion. We love it because, unlike other face masks, this one is safe enough to use up to three times a week, providing relief and an extra dose of hydration.
While we love the gel consistency, the formula is a little tricky to remove once dry on the complexion, so we recommend using a warm washcloth to make it a little easier (though, try not to cause irritation by rubbing the skin too much). But, nonetheless, it’s worth the downside considering how effective it is at calming the complexion.
Price at time of publish: $47
Size: 3.4 oz. | Star Ingredients: Calendula, aloe vera | Benefits: Soothes and hydrates dry skin | Skin Type: Dry skin
Best Multipurpose
Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Sephora
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Our Ratings
Pros
Features physical exfoliants that, after one use, completely cleaned out our pores (including pesky blackhead on our nose)
Works as an exfoliating product and a face mask
Formula has a cooling effect that feels nice after exfoliation
Helps keep future blemishes at bay
Cons
Physical exfoliants can feel a bit harsh, especially for those with more sensitive skin
The Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask is worth the hype. This multitasking face mask works as both an exfoliating product and a mask and features physical exfoliants that give the mask a grainy consistency and effectively scrub away dry skin cells (though, it could feel a little harsh on sensitive skin). After just one use, we noticed a significant change in the way our pores looked and the mask even worked wonders on some stubborn congested spots on our nose, too.
In addition to its physical exfoliants, the mask is also formulated with aspen bark which is a natural BHA and is rich in salicylates, providing a chemical exfoliation, too. The mask is also formulated with turmeric extract which targets pigment and helps to noticeably brighten the skin over time.
Price at time of publish: $49.40
Size: 3.38 oz. | Star Ingredients: Tumeric extract, mineral powder, aspen bark | Benefits: Smooths uneven texture, targets signs of aging, keeps acne and blemishes at bay | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
People / Lauren Harano
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Best Investment
Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask
Sisley Paris
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Our Ratings
Pros
Face mask is rich in hydrating ingredients that help quench dry or dehydrated skin types
We found that it helps prevent dry or flaky patches on the skin
A little goes a long way, so you don’t have to worry about wasting an expensive product
Because it's a leave-on mask, it feels like you're getting more bang for your buck
Cons
The price per ounce is super expensive, but we still think it’s worth it
If you’re looking for a professional-worthy facial in a bottle, the Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask is it. Albeit a splurge-worthy price, this mask is worth the investment, thanks to its ability to revitalize dry or dehydrated skin through ample hydration, softening, and plumping. We were mostly impressed by this formula because of its ability to deeply nourish and replenish dry and dehydrated skin types. Even in winter, we found that it worked wonders at keeping dry and flaky patches at bay, soothing, softening, and giving the skin a nice youthful-looking supple effect.
Although the price per ounce is high, we found that you only need a nickel-sized drop for each use, which means you can stretch this face mask out a bit longer than other formulas. Plus, it’s a leave-on mask, which ultimately gives you more bang for your buck since it works overtime to deliver results.
Price at time of publish: $190
Size: 2 oz. | Star Ingredients: Black rose, padina pavonica, and alkekengi calyx extracts | Benefits: Revives fatigued-looking skin, smooths and plumps the complexion, softens and hydrates dry skin | Skin Type: Mature
People / Alyssa Kingham
Best Brightening
Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask
Soko Glam
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Our Ratings
Pros
Formulated with potent exfoliating ingredients to slough away dry, dead skin cells
Skin feels supple and moisturized after use
Cooling gel-like cream texture that feels soothing on the complexion
Features both chemical and physical exfoliants
Cons
Considering the size, it’s a little on the pricey side
Since it's formulated for oily and combination skin types, other complexions may not reap all the benefits
Upon applying the Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask, you can hardly tell that you have a mask on thanks to its lightweight gel-like cream formula — but trust us, it works overtime to brighten the complexion. While testing, we were most impressed by its formula which includes physical exfoliants like rose petals and chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid to gently and effectively slough off dry, dead skin cells that lead to dullness. In addition to removing dead skin cells, the salicylic and glycolic acid help keep congested pores at bay.
The mask is formulated for oily and combination skin types and works to minimize excess oil production and keep the complexion squeaky clean without depleting the skin’s moisture barrier. It also includes resveratrol for its potent anti-aging benefits and antioxidant properties that protect the skin from harmful environmental aggressors. If you don't have oily or combination skin, you may want to opt for a different mask that better suits your skin type.
Price at time of publish: $53.20
Size: 1.76 oz. | Star Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, resveratrol, rose petals, coptis japonica extract | Benefits: Exfoliates dry skin, hydrates, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, protects against environmental aggressors, soothes the complexion | Skin Type: Oily, combination
Best Overnight
Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask
Sephora
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Our Ratings
Pros
With regular use, we noticed it softened the fine lines around our eyes
It works wonders at providing ample hydration
Thanks to its light to medium creamy consistency, it’s easy to apply
Cons
Considering the size, its price is a little on the expensive side
When it comes to the best overnight face masks, you want one that truly delivers — and keeps your skin hydrated. We found that in the Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night mask, which is formulated with niacinamide for its skin smoothing benefits, plus panthenol and beta-glucan for moisture barrier support, and blueberry seed oil to revive dry skin. We love this mask because after just the first use, we noticed a major difference in our skin’s hydration (it no longer had that dehydrated feel) and even saw a softening of the appearance of fine lines around our eyes. The mask is also easy to apply thanks to its light-to-medium, creamy consistency and feels cooling and soothing to the touch. Albeit on the expensive side of the spectrum (especially considering its size) we think this mask is well worth the investment for those looking to improve hydration efforts.
Price at time of publish: $41.80
Size: 1.7 oz. | Star Ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol, beta-glucan, blueberry seed oil | Benefits: Smooths uneven texture, hydrates, refines pores, supports moisture barrier | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
People / Lauren Harano
Best for Pores
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Sephora
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Pros
Even though it addresses pores and is best for oily or combination skin types, it doesn’t strip the skin
Features a potent exfoliating lineup, including enzymes, lactic acid, and salicylic acid
Helps smooth skin texture and visibly improves the look of pores
Cons
It’s a little too potent for sensitive skin types
For addressing concerns with pores, reach for the Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment. This formula goes above and beyond to revitalize the complexion through exfoliation, thanks to its highly effective ingredients, which include papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes along with lactic acid and salicylic acid. Yet despite its exfoliating properties, the mask doesn’t strip the skin and instead improves the overall balance with the inclusion of soothing and lightly hydrating aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E. With regular use, we found that the mask treatment visibly improved the look of large pores on our complexion as well as completely resurfaced our skin’s texture for a smoother and more supple-looking finish.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size: 0.5, 2, 5 oz. | Star Ingredients: Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes, lactic acid, salicylic acid, silica, aloe vera, honey, vitamin E | Benefits: Exfoliates dry skin, smooths uneven texture, improves look of pores | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination skin
Best for Travel
Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask
Youth To The People
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Our Ratings
Pros
The mini size makes it easy to travel with and throw in any bag
Features skin-brightening vitamin C along with nourishing squalane and hyaluronic acid
Since it’s an overnight mask, you can wear it for longer (including on planes)
Cons
Doesn’t spread as easily as other face masks we tested (but it does feel lightweight once applied)
You don’t have to sacrifice formula quality to get a travel-friendly face mask. Case in point: The Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Cream With Vitamin C features a potent blend of nourishing and brightening ingredients to help combat the effects of plane travel — and it comes in the cutest mini 0.5-oz. jar. Featuring a formula with vitamin C for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydration, superberries for fighting off free radicals, and squalane for lightweight nourishment, this face mask can help keep your skin looking and feeling its best while on the go.
After testing for several weeks, we were most impressed by how well the face mask soothed dry patches and improved our overall skin texture. We also loved how it gave us deep hydration without feeling too heavy on the skin.
Price at time of publish: $18
Size: 0.5, 2 oz. | Star Ingredients: Vitamin C, superberries, squalane, and hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Hydrates dry skin, plumps skin, smooths uneven texture | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
People / Melody Chiu
Best for Dark Spots
Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask
Sephora
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Our Ratings
Pros
Despite its potent vitamin C formula, the mask doesn’t irritate sensitive skin
Thick, creamy, and luxe-feeling texture
Comes with a spatula so you don’t have to stick your fingers in the jar
With regular use, we noticed it calmed redness and lightened discoloration
Cons
The price is high, especially considering the size (but we think this Tatcha mask is top quality)
When targeting dark spots, it’s best to use a brightening face mask with potent actives like vitamin C. With a formula featuring two types of vitamin C plus AHAs, we recommend giving Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask a try. After using this several times, we found that the mask lives up to the hype, especially in the exfoliation and brightening department. We also loved that, despite having a fairly potent formula, it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin and actually feels very replenishing, thanks to its thick and creamy texture. The luxe formula also calms redness and lightens discoloration with regular use.
Considering how small the jar is, we don’t love the price tag. However, we think that this is still worth every penny since it works so well at targeting dark spots and providing an overall brightening effect.
Price at time of publish: $70
Size: 1.7 oz. | Star Ingredients: Japanese beautyberry, vitamin C, and AHAs | Benefits: Brightens dull skin, smooths uneven texture, lightens dark spots, targets fine lines and wrinkles | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination, dry, sensitive skin
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Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Rosen Skincare Smooth Jelly Mask
Target
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Our Ratings
Pros
After just one use, we noticed a difference in our skin’s texture and brightness
The pump bottle makes it super accessible and easy to use
With an under-$20 price tag, it boasts excellent value
Cons
It’s formulated for acne-prone skin, so it may not be ideal for all skin types
The liquid jelly consistency makes the application is a little different than other face masks we tested
Our top pick for the best face mask overall is the Rosen Skincare Smooth Jelly Mask, which is formulated for acne-prone skin and features potent exfoliating ingredients such as lactic acid along with nourishing and soothing yogurt and cucumber extract. Although we tested this over several weeks, we noticed an immediate difference in our complexion after just one use — the mask left our skin texture ultra-smooth and our complexion a bit brighter than before.
The mask has a liquid jelly consistency, which feels a little weird at first but actually absorbs well into the skin so you don’t have to worry about it dripping and making a mess. Plus, the pump bottle makes it nearly effortless to apply (and we love that you don’t have to dip your fingers into a jar.) Overall, we were highly impressed with the face mask and think it boasts excellent value with its high-quality formulation and under-$20 price tag.
Price at time of publish: $18
Size: 2 oz. | Star Ingredients: Lactic acid, yogurt, cucumber extract | Benefits: Fades dark spots, smooths skin, exfoliates dead cells | Skin Type: Acne-prone
For more information Anti-Wrinkle Mask, please get in touch with us!