Clay, Sheet, or Peel-Off: Which Mask Is Right for You?

Nothing says “treat yourself” quite like a face mask. Taking some extra time to apply one offers an easy way to practice self-care without too much of a commitment. The only challenge is choosing the one that’s best for your skin Ahead, we’re breaking down the differences between clay masks, sheet masks and peel-off masks to help you find the perfect one to add to your skin-care regimen.

What Is a Clay Mask?

Clay masks are loaded with skin-care benefits, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. They’re known for absorbing excess oils, removing impurities and purifying and minimizing the look of your pores. While there are different types of clay that can be used, clay masks are universally used to give your skin a deep clean. 

Our Favorite Clay Masks:

Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask

This clay-based formula serves double duty as a face mask and cleanser. It’s also formulated with charcoal to help draw out impurities. To use it as a cleanser, wet your hands and face, massage the formula onto your skin and rinse. To use it as a detoxifying face mask, wet your hands and face before applying a thin layer onto your skin. Leave it on for five minutes before rinsing with water.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask 

This skin-refining face mask combines kaolin and bentonite clays to decongest pores, lift impurities and remove excess oils from the skin’s surface. It is also formulated with alpha hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate, and aloe vera and chamomile to calm the skin.  

What Is a Sheet Mask? 

Sheet masks are easy to use, quick and efficient. They offer benefits such as hydrating the skin and delivering key  antioxidants and vitamins to the skin. They’re a great option if you’re looking for convenience in your masking routine because most don't require you to wash your face afterwards.  

Our Favorite Sheet Masks:

Garnier SkinActive Glow Boost Fresh Mix Sheet Mask with Vitamin C

If you need a boost of hydration, this sheet mask won’t disappoint. It comes with a potent serum that includes vitamin C to improve your skin tone and a dry tissue mask infused with algae extract. You combine the serum with the tissue to activate and place it on your face for 15 minutes to experience a brighter, energized and more radiant complexion. 

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask

This mask is infused with the brand’s cult-favorite Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum, which is an anti-aging serum that works to improve radiance, tone, elasticity, smoothness and firmness. This mask also helps strengthen and protect the skin's moisture barrier in as little as ten minutes. After every use, your skin will feel hydrated and refreshed with an improved appearance of fine lines and pores.

What Is a Peel-Off Mask? 

Peel-off masks are another great option if you want to experience a deep clean but without the mess of a clay mask. Simply apply it to clean skin, let it sit for the recommended time and gently peel it away once it’s dry.  The benefits of peel-off masks include exfoliating dead surface skin cells, improving your skin’s texture and unclogging pores. 

Our Favorite Peel-Off Masks:

Garnier SkinActive Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal 

This liquid peel-off face mask is formulated with charcoal to remove impurities and detoxify pores. You can choose whether to apply it all over your face to reveal a fresh and healthy-looking complexion or on specific areas, like the T-zone or nose, for a quick-fix for excess oil production. 

7th Heaven Peel-Off Masks

Between their affordable price point and large variety of options, we love the 7th Heaven Peel-Off Masks. Whether you want to give your skin a deep cleanse while reducing puffiness with the Pink Guava Peel-Off or experience a cool blast of freshness with the Cucumber Peel-Off, you’re sure to find a mask that suits your skin concerns.