Are you looking to add a new mask to your skincare routine? Here is our guide to the best drugstore masks, with options for every skin type and concern.
Our Recommendations
1. Rice Overnight Spa Mask
COSRX Mask for Extra Moisturization
COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
This leave-on mask is packed with rice extract and other nourishing ingredients that work to tone and soften the skin.
This lightweight overnight mask is a great choice for those with skin that needs an extra boost of moisture. The softening effect makes it an excellent choice for those with dry skin. That said, it can be used by all skin types (especially in the winter when skin tends to be drier).
Pros
- Lightweight
- Gentle
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
In addition to the rice extract, this mask is packed with hydrating ingredients, including glycerin and sunflower seed oil. It also contains niacinamide, which calms the skin and minimizes fine lines.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Betaine, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arginine, Carbomer, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum
-
Sage Journals. "Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021. -
Dermatology Times. "The anti-aging effects of niacinamide"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
2. Effaclar Shine Control Clay Mask
La Roche-Posay Mask for Eliminating Shine
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Shine Control Clay Mask
This clay mask works to remove excess oil for a more matte complexion while also eliminating impurities from the skin.
This mask is excellent for oily skin, because it contains kaolin clay, which absorbs excess oil and prevents pores from clogging. This helps the skin look more matte, and refines the appearance of pores.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Contains fragrance
In addition to the kaolin clay, this mask contains glycerin and panthenol, which both help soothe and moisturize the skin. This helps counteract some of the drying effects of the clay.
Aqua / Water, Kaolin, Argilla / Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Propanediol, Panthenol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Zea Mays Starch / Corn Starch, Cellulose, Ceteareth-20, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum / Fragrance
-
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Evaluation of the medicinal use of clay minerals as antibacterial agents"
Accessed Aug. 20, 2021.
3. Skin Balancing Oil-Absorbing Mask
Paula's Choice Mask for Absorbing Excess Oil and Minimizing Pores
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Absorbing Mask
This mask contains clays that absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores for a smooth, shine-free complexion. It also contains soothing plant extracts to minimize drying and to keep the skin balanced.
A clay mask is a great product for people with oily skin to have on hand, because it will help keep oil in check by absorbing excess sebum. This mask contains natural kaolin clay and bentonite clay, which effectively reduces shine and minimizes the appearance of pores without irritating or drying the skin.
Pros
- Oil-absorbing
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin
In addition to the clay, this mask contains plant extracts that calm and soothe the skin to minimize irritation, including oatmeal, sea whip, willow bark, and aloe.
Water (Aqua), Kaolin (clay absorbent), Bentonite (white clay/absorbent), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Salix Alba Extract (willow bark extract/skin-soothing), Stearic Acid (texture-enhancing), Steareth-2 (texture-enhancing), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder (hydration/skin-soothing), Sea Whip Extract (skin-soothing), Colloidal Oatmeal (skin-soothing), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Ascorbyl Palmitate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Phospholipids (hydration/skin replenishing), Panthenol (skin replenishing), Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A/antioxidant), Caprylyl Glycol (preservative), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Hexylene Glycol (preservative), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
-
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Pharmacological attribute of Aloe vera: Revalidation through experimental and clinical studies"
Accessed Aug. 6, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils"
Accessed Aug. 6, 2021.
4. Clear Purifying Clay Mask
Paula's Choice Mask for Acne
Paula’s Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask
In this mask, the combination of clays, salicylic acid, and soothing ingredients work to absorb excess oil, minimize the appearance of pores, prevent future breakouts, and calm the skin.
This mask is one of the best Paula’s Choice products for acne, because it refines pores and minimizes breakouts without irritating the skin. The addition of soothing ingredients also helps calm and hydrate the skin to diminish redness.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
The salicylic acid in this mask helps decongest pores to minimize breakouts, while the clays absorb excess oil and refine pores. This mask also contains chamomile, green tea, willowherb, and other soothing ingredients that calm and hydrate.
Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid 0.5% (anti-acne); Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Kaolin (absorbent), Bentonite (absorbent), Titanium Dioxide (texture enhancer/opacifier), Butylene Glycol (slip agent/hydration), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (solvent), Cetyl Esters (emollient), Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (absorbent), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), Illite (absorbent), Tapioca Starch (absorbent), Zea Mays (Corn) Starch (absorbent), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant/skin-soother), Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Chrysanthellum Indicum (Golden Chamomile) Extract (skin-soothing), Hydrolyzed Rhodophycea (Red Algae) Extract (skin-soothing/hydration), Chlorella Vulgaris (Algae) Extract (skin-soothing/hydration), Epilobium Fleischeri (Willowherb) Extract (skin-soothing), Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil (non-fragrant plant oil/skin-soothing), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Zinc PCA (skin-softening), Copper PCA (skin-softening), Lauroyl Lysine (amino acid-derived hydration), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (cleansing agent/emulsifier), Xanthan Gum (thickener), Citric Acid (pH adjuster), Sodium Citrate (pH adjuster), Sodium Chloride (thickener), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative).
-
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments"
Accessed Aug. 6, 2021.
5. Salicylic Acid Masque
Paula's Choice Mask for Unclogging Pores and Exfoliating
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Masque
This mask combines salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliator, with charcoal, clays, and squalane to absorb excess sebum, unclog pores, and minimize breakouts without irritating the skin.
Salicylic acid is a great exfoliator for oily skin, because it is oil-soluble and gets deep into the pores to remove excess sebum and debris, leading to a smooth and clear complexion. The 2% concentration in this mask is effective, but gentle enough to minimize the risk of irritation.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
In addition to salicylic acid, this mask contains charcoal and clays, which deeply clean the skin, removing impurities that can clog pores. Squalane – a non-comedogenic hydrator – also helps soothe and moisturize the skin.
Aqua (Water), Kaolin, Squalane, Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Silica Cetyl Silylate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Pentylene Glycol, Charcoal Powder, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Sclerotium Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Phytic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.
-
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
FAQs
How often should you use a face mask?
This largely depends on the specific product you are using, since masks can contain such a wide variety of active ingredients. You’ll want to refer to the product label of your mask of choice for the most accurate instructions. There are some gentler masks that can be used multiple times a week (sometimes even on a daily basis), while there are others that should only be used once a week (or less frequently).
What is the best mask for pimples?
If you have acne, you’ll want to look into masks that contain salicylic acid and/or clays, as these ingredients can help unclog pores to treat and prevent breakouts. Two great options to look into include the Paula’s Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask and The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Masque, which both contain clays and salicylic acid.
Which hydrating mask is the best?
If you’re looking for a mask to hydrate the skin, a great choice is the COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask. This leave-on mask (which you wear overnight) is packed with a variety of hydrating and soothing ingredients for a soft and supple complexion.
The Bottom Line
Masks are excellent skincare products to add to your routine if you’re looking to tackle specific skin concerns. If you’re interested in using a mask, consider any one of our recommended products to promote a healthier complexion.
