The 20 Best Face Masks of All-Time

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The best face masks play a key role in any effective skincare routine. No matter how tired, stressed, broken out, or dehydrated your skin may be, there's a beloved mask out there to refresh your healthy glow.

"The right mask used with the right frequency can help to address concerns like dryness, acne, dark marks, and oiliness," says board-certified dermatologist Michelle Farber. But with more types than ever to choose from—including sheet, mud, gel, peel-off and more—plus tons of different formula options depending on your skin type, it can be difficult to figure out which one is actually right for you.

To narrow down the options, we pulled together the best face masks from culty brands like Summer Fridays and Glow Recipe to dermatologist-recommended favorites. Here, some of the top skin staples that come highly recommended by editors and shoppers alike. Plus, more insight on face masks from Farber, along with board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, and celebrity esthetician Taylor Worden.

Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment

Glow Recipe made watermelon skincare ultra-popular when they first launched their overnight mask in 2017—and now, they're doing it all over again with a revamped formula. The Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment uses AHAs to gently exfoliate, niacinamide and quinoa peptides to brighten and smooth skin, plus hyaluronic acid and (of course) watermelon to lend serious hydration.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Love how light this night mask is! Can definitely tell my skin is loving it!!" —Carmen B.

Indian Healing Clay

If your pores need a serious detox, consider this budget-friendly buy that retails for under $20. Mix the 100 percent calcium bentonite clay mask with water or, better yet, apple cider vinegar, to get rid of oil, dirt, and impurities.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I love this clay! It tightens and clears the skin. I could feel the difference after using." —Tabitha B.

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

According to Farber, this popular face mask from Drunk Elephant's is one of the best face masks options available to minimize dark spots and even skin's tone. "Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a fabulous option for brightening your skin, as it contains a high percentage of AHAs, as well as BHAs," the derm says.

Jet Lag Mask

If you’re frequently seeing this chic tube from Summer Fridays all over your Instagram feed, here’s why: Its formula is fragrance-free, ultra-hydrating, and spiked with brightening niacinamide and soothing chamomile. Whether you’re recovering from IRL jet lag or just lack of sleep, it’s a must.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Very soothing! My skin felt soft and looked calmed. Very hydrating for dry irritated skin!" —TayTech

Instant Detox Mask

TikTok has become obsessed with this mask, but those in the know have been hoarding it for years due to its pore-clearing, oil-reducing abilities. Even better, it now has new, sustainable packaging.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This product feels like I am doing good for my skin. After years and years I have no chin acne." —Alicia T.

Supreme Seed

At long last, a detoxifying clay mask that's gentle enough for all skin types—seriously. Use it once per week on clogged pores if your skin's sensitive or dry, or all over if you want to target excess oil and congestion.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Wow, this mask exceeded all my expectations! At first, the tingling sensation was a bit surprising, but I soon learned it's part of the experience. Gradually, I increased the time, following the instructions, and now I comfortably leave it on for seven to 10 minutes—it's totally worth it!" —Pauline

Clean Greens Face Mask

We love a skin-clearing facial mask with a simple and clean formula, like this beloved option from Golde. One key reason? It's easy to figure out which ingredients work for you, since it only uses marshmallow root extract and mango juice, spirulina, and chlorella powders.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I use this face mask at least three times per week and my skin feels so clean & soft after use! It's been great for my acne prone skin, I have definitely seen improvements with redness!" —Marissa R.

Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

Featuring a blend of anti-aging and moisturizing ingredients, this creamy overnight mask helps give skin a dewier, healthier appearance while you sleep. Plus, it's also great for evening skin's tone while minimizing redness upon waking.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have never wrote a review as I’ve never had a product that I felt was that good for a review, until this product. Wow after only a few uses I noticed a big change in my skin. Brought so much moisture
and a more even skin tone. I would recommend this product to anyone, a product well worth the money!!" —summersamm

Hyper Even Fade and Glow AHA Mask

If you're a fan of Hyper Skin's culty vitamin C dark spot serum, the brand's alpha hydroxy mask should be right up your alley. Not only does it exfoliate skin to boost its cell turnover, but also works hand in hand with the serum to brighten your complexion while improving its texture.

Blue Tansy Fruit Enzyme Resurfacing Clarity Mask

Clean beauty lovers swear by this mask for its skin-clearing properties and refreshing jelly texture, which is a nice alternative to clay options if you don't have oily skin. It combines fruit enzymes, white willow bark extract (a natural form of BHA), and blue tansy oil to decongest pores and smooth skin's overall texture.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Absolutely in love with this mask!! It completely transformed my skin. I Used it every other day the first five uses, and then continued to use it twice a week afterwards. My hormonal acne completely cleared and my hyperpigmentation started fading quickly!! My face looks so much brighter and feels soft and plump." —Kaitlynnars

Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer

You don't have to wait until fall to take advantage of pumpkin's skin-perfecting benefits. The PSL-esque scent of this mask from Peter Thomas Roth is addictive, as is its gentle exfoliation, courtesy of ingredients like pumpkin enzymes, alpha-, and beta-hydroxy acids.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This mask is invigorating. It leaves my skin looking radiant, smooth, and refreshed. Plumps and detoxifies. I enjoy the tingling sensation. It smells so delicious you almost want to eat it. If you're looking to brighten dull skin and restore radiance, I would highly recommend this product." —Maya

Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask

Over 1,000 Ulta shoppers are raving about this top-rated mask from Peach and Lily. It uses a blend of AHAs, BHAs, aloe, and blue agave to deep clean pores and resurface skin.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I love this. I used it a couple times and the results are great. leaves me face soft and looking radiant. It only takes a little bit of product and it works well. Smells great." —Cece

The Problem Solver

This self-warming, powder-to-mousse mask uses charcoal and turmeric to draw out impurities from pores like a magnet, leaving skin looking glowy and refreshed. It's also great for soothing inflammatory skin disorders, like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema.

Black Rose Cream Mask

This is the reason celebs’ skin looks so good on the red carpet. A secret staple in every makeup artist's bag, the coddling, ultra-luxe cream plumps and brightens skin in minutes (and can just be wiped off, not rinsed) before moving on to makeup.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I rarely rave this much about a skincare product, but I can really see the results of this mask. I put it on before bedtime and leave it on all night. The directions say to wipe off the excess, but I just use a small amount and leave it on. It is not a mask that hardens—it's creamy. I love everything about it: the fragrance, the consistency, and the feel. Pricey, but great!" —cheche2356

Supermud Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask

This clay mask could be credited with starting our modern masking craze. The tingling mud formula sucks every atom of gunk out of your pores, and it's also ideal for those prone to blackheads and oily T-zones.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Y'all...instant, and I mean immediate results. It's that time of the month. And it was bad this month! Put this on, did the rest of my skincare. And everything was flat. Had to be seven pimples in total, one bigger one. It's gone! I'm so amazed, never had a product do that." —Cara

Facial Treatment Mask (Pack of 10)

SK-II's Facial Treatment is one of the gold standards of sheet masks for a reason: Nothing makes your skin look more radiant in 10 to 15 minutes flat. Each mask contains the brand's proprietary pitera essence which combines vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for a radiant finish once it soaks in.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have been buying this product for a few years now. It leaves my skin looking brighter. I like to use it at night, leave the mask on for 15 minutes remove and massage excess lotion into skin." —phuongn39

Water Sleeping Mask

Just like Laneige's cult-favorite Lip Masks, this Water Sleeping Mask from the brand is a hit among beauty lovers. Slather it on before bed and you'll wake up with skin so hydrated, plump, and dewy you'll be tempted to skip moisturizer.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I really like how moisturizing and soft it makes my face feel the next morning. It leaves my face dewy and plump. The texture is like a very thick moisturizer, but it blends into skin very well." —rocketr5

Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening and Exfoliating Mask

Some masks clear pores, others brighten, and some gently exfoliate. This mask by Miranda Kerr does all three, all while using only clean, organic, and green ingredients like turmeric.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I used this once so far and already am noticing a change in the morning when I wake up! Absolutely love it!" —Kaitlyn C.

Resurfacing Mask

This all-natural exfoliating mask can tingle a bit upon application, so it's not ideal for sensitive skin. But if you can take the heat, you'll emerge with skin brighter, softer, smoother than you ever thought possible outside of a spa.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I am a huge fan of this mask, and have gotten several friends hooked on it as well! It exfoliates without overstripping or being too harsh. My skin is oily, acne-prone and can handle some strong exfoliation. This one somehow gently but super effectively exfoliates. Highly recommended for all skin types." —Debbie

Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask

Farmacy turned its cult-favorite moisturizer into a mask for deeper hydration, courtesy of ceramides, apple extract, and a rich honey blend. When massaged into skin, the mask creates a warming sensation that is a dream during the cold winter months.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I’m currently using a prescription retinol which dries my skin out big time! I’ve been using this mask once or twice a week and it has made such a difference. I love the feel this mask gives me both while on and once it’s off. Leave my skin hydrated for days!" —Breanna W.

Can face masks really improve the look and feel of your skin?

Absolutely! The key is finding the right mask for your skin type and any specific skin concerns you're looking to address. "Masks have a high concentration of ingredients and work like a mini treatment," explains Worden.

That being said, they are a supplement to your routine—not a replacement. "They definitely don't take the place of a good daily skincare routine, but they can add extra benefits," says King.

What are the benefits of the best face masks?

You name it, there's a mask for it. "This really depends on one's goals and skin type," Farber says. "Masks with hyaluronic acid, especially sheet masks, can hydrate and soothe sensitive skin. Clay masks are fantastic for acne and oil control. Masks with alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids can gently exfoliate, improve dark marks, improve texture, and reduce clogging."

What type of face mask should I use?

Not sure where to start? The experts break it down:

• Sheet masks: These single-use masks are great for infusing skin with high concentrations of ingredients, and are "great for traveling," says Worden.

• Clay masks: These absorbent formulas "are amazing for oily skin and are packed with healing properties," says the esthetician.

• Exfoliating masks: "A gentle exfoliating mask used once or twice per week is a great way to add exfoliation to your regimen," explains King.

• Cream and gel masks: Great for dry skin, these hydrating formulas soothe and calm skin. Plus, yours will "feel amazing if you put it in the fridge and then apply it on your face," recommends Worden.

• Sleeping masks: As the name suggests, "This is the final step at night. You apply over your products and you sleep in it to help the ingredients penetrate deeper into your skin," says Worden.

Meet the Experts

• Hadley King, MD, is a dermatologist based in New York City. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

• Michele J. Farber, MD, is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia.

• Taylor Worden is a celebrity esthetician and founder of Taylor Worden Skin in New York City.

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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