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Best Acne Masks

Updated April 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Proactiv Skin Purifying Acne Face Mask
Clinique
Clay Acne Mask
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Get clean and clear skin, regardless of the type, with this dermatologist-tested formula from the beloved skincare brand.

Pros

Salicylic acid, denatured alcohol, and acetylglucosamine help clear dead skin cells and unclog pores. It's a skinimalist-friendly formula that keeps skin clean and healthy while controlling your natural oils, in the process.

Cons

Some thought it dried their skin out.

Best Bang for the Buck
Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask
Elizavecca
Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

An exceedingly popular option for buyers who need a bubble mask at an affordable price.

Pros

Many buyers raved over this mask's ability to completely rid the face of blackheads. Doesn't stain cloth used for removal. Mask is remarkably bubbly compared to other bubble mask products.

Cons

Extreme bubbling can be messy. Difficult to wash off.

Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask Acne Treatment Mask
Peter Thomas Roth
Therapeutic Sulfur Mask Acne Treatment Mask
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Purifying Effects
Bottom Line

This mask contains 10% sulfur, which cleans out pores, clears up cystic acne, and absorbs excess oil.

Pros

Purifying kaolin and bentonite clays combine with sulfur. Can clear skin of acne within days. Also effective as a spot treatment or overnight mask. Simultaneously exfoliates, absorbs excess oils, purifies pores, and soothes.

Cons

Some users complain of a strong smell.

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask
Kiehls
Clay Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
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Paraben-free
Bottom Line

This mud mask comes from nutritional rare earth minerals from the Amazon.

Pros

The Amazonian white clay base was responsibly sourced. It draws out imperfections and feeds your skin the vitamins that it needs. Buyers praise the end results, too. Just smear it on and clean it off.

Cons

It's more difficult to wash off of your face.

New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body
New York Biology
Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body
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Professional Ingredients
Bottom Line

With a purposefully designed formula, this mask uses a blend of minerals to freshen and purify the face.

Pros

Applicable to all skin types, from oily to sensitive skin. Infused with sea mineral mud and a combination of soothing herbals such as aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, and more. Designed to absorb excess oil by removing dead skin cells and dirt.

Cons

No harsh reactions, but some people were disappointed with the lack of results.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best acne masks

Whether you’re in high school or getting ready for a big presentation at work, struggling with acne is never fun. Plenty of acne treatments can help get the problem under control, but it often takes time to see results. With an effective acne mask, though, you can deal with breakouts and clogged pores more quickly, so you can get your confidence back as soon as possible.

But there is such a wide range of acne masks on the market that finding the right one can be a challenge. You have to figure out the best type of mask for your needs, as well as what ingredients and other features will produce the best results. Sorting through all the options can be difficult, so it’s no wonder that so many shoppers get frustrated.

At BestReviews, we tackle the in-depth product research, so you only have to focus on the key facts to find the best products for your home. 

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Some clay acne masks come in powdered form, so you must mix them with water or apple cider vinegar to create the mask.

Types of acne masks

There are several types of acne masks to choose from: rinse-off, peel-off, and sheet masks. All three types can be effective, but some are better than others based on your preferences and skin concerns.

Rinse-off acne masks

Rinse-off acne masks are the most common type. They typically have a thick, cream-like texture that spreads evenly over the skin. After the mask has dried, you simply rinse it off with warm water and a clean washcloth.

In addition to being easy to use, the main benefit of a rinse-off acne mask is that it’s ideal for spot treatments. If you’re only suffering from a breakout or clogged pores in one spot, you can apply the mask just to that area to treat the issue.

Peel-off acne masks

Peel-off acne masks have a thin, gel-like texture that can feel slightly sticky when you apply the mask to the skin. As the mask dries, it hardens into a solid, continuous sheet that you then peel off the skin with your fingers.

While a peel-off acne mask can effectively draw impurities from the skin, it’s often difficult to completely remove the mask from the skin, particularly if you apply a layer that’s too thick. In some cases, you may need to use warm water and a washcloth to remove residue that won’t peel off.

Acne sheet masks

An acne sheet mask is a large piece of fabric or paper that’s saturated with ingredients that are beneficial for fighting acne. Sheet masks feature cut-outs for your eyes, nose, and mouth, and you simply apply the sheet to your face and allow it to sit for the specified time. Some sheet masks advise you to rinse off the residue with water when you’re done, while others instruct you to massage the residue into the skin.

Sheet masks can be a bit messy because they often drip when you apply and wear them. You must lie or sit down when using a sheet mask to keep it in place, and it’s also impossible to do spot treatments with this type of acne mask.

Features to consider for acne masks

Ingredients

For a face mask to really be effective at treating acne, it must contain ingredients that target breakouts and clogged pores.

Many acne masks are clay- or mud-based because these natural ingredients are extremely effective at absorbing excess oil, soothing the skin, and drawing out impurities like bacteria. Clay or mud masks work very well for treating clogged pores, too. These acne masks often contain bentonite clay, kaolin clay, French green clay, or Dead Sea mud.

Some acne masks contain activated charcoal, which is an extremely effective ingredient for removing dirt, oil, and toxins from the skin. That’s because the charcoal works like a magnet to draw impurities out of the pores so they can be easily washed away.

Sulfur is a mineral that can absorb excess oil, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce the inflammation commonly associated with acne. It also has antibacterial properties.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid and is often used in acne-fighting products. That’s because salicylic acid is an exfoliating agent that can actually exfoliate inside the pores to remove excess oil, dirt, bacteria, and other debris. It’s also known to soothe inflammation, so it can help treat current breakouts and prevent future acne as well.

Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in acne treatment products. In fact, it’s often considered the most effective over-the-counter anti-acne ingredient. It helps soak up excess oil, kill bacteria, and remove dead skin cells. Look for an acne mask that contains at least 2.5% benzoyl peroxide for the most effective formula.

Tea tree oil is a natural oil that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal ingredient for an acne mask.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate dead cells on the surface of the skin. It helps clear pores to treat breakouts and prevent future acne.

Container

Some acne masks are available in a squeeze tube, while others come in a tub. Squeeze tube masks tend to be easier and more hygienic to apply because you can squeeze out the amount you need directly onto your fingers. With a mask that comes in a tub, you must reach your fingers into the container to remove product for application, which can introduce dirt and bacteria to the rest of the mask. To avoid this, use a silicone makeup spatula or the end of a makeup brush to remove product from the tub.

Side effects

It’s important to consider the possible side effects of an acne mask before you use it. Because the ingredients used to treat acne are often fairly strong, an acne mask may be particularly irritating for sensitive skin.

Masks that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and activated charcoal can cause dryness and flaking if used too often. Masks that contain glycolic acid may cause a tingling sensation as they work to exfoliate the skin, and you may experience redness and dryness after you wash off the mask.

Prices for acne masks

Acne masks vary in price based on how many active ingredients they contain and the size of the container. In most cases, though, you can expect to spend between $6 and $46.

A basic acne mask that only contains one active ingredient for treating acne usually ranges from $6 to $13.

An acne mask that contains two active ingredients for treating acne usually costs between $13 and $25.

An acne mask that contains three or more active ingredients for treating acne usually ranges from $25 to $46.

Tips

  • Always cleanse your face before applying an acne mask. If there’s oil, dirt, and other debris on the surface of your skin, the mask usually can’t remove as many impurities from deep within your pores.

  • It’s often a good idea to use an acne mask after taking a warm shower. The steam from the shower helps open up your pores, so the mask is more effective when you apply it.

  • Pay careful attention to how long you leave on an acne mask. If you exceed the recommended time, you run the risk of dehydrating or irritating your skin.

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Use warm water to rinse off an acne mask. It helps soften up the dried mask but isn’t hot enough to irritate your skin.

FAQ

Q. How often should I use an acne mask?

A. It depends on the mask’s formula and your skin concerns. Always read the label to determine the recommended usage for a particular acne mask. In general, though, individuals with moderate to severe acne and very oily skin can use an acne mask two to three times a week. If your skin is normal or your acne is mild, one to two times a week is usually sufficient. For dry or sensitive skin, use an acne mask once a week to avoid dryness, redness, and other irritation.

Q. How long does it take to see results from an acne mask?

A. It depends on the severity of your acne and the type of mask that you’re using. Some clay- and mud-based masks can help reduce inflammation with one use, but you’ll usually need to use an acne mask for three to four weeks to see noticeable results.

Q. What should I look for in an acne mask if I have sensitive skin?

A. If you have sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts, an acne mask that contains either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is usually your best bet. However, it’s important to use the mask only once a week to limit the risk of irritation. It’s also a good idea to apply the mask only to areas of the face with acne, so you don’t have to worry about clear areas of the skin becoming irritated.

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