The Best Face Masks, According to Our Editors

Key Takeaways

Choose a Mask Based on Your Skin Concern: For oily or congested skin, a clay mask with ingredients like Amazonian white clay or charcoal can help draw out impurities. For dryness, look for hydrating overnight masks formulated with ingredients that support the skin’s moisture barrier. 

Application is Key: To get the most out of your mask, always start with a clean face. Follow the product’s specific instructions for timing, as leaving a mask on for too long, especially with clay or exfoliating formulas, can sometimes lead to irritation.

Integrate Masking into Your Routine: Consistency is more important than frequency. Using a mask once or twice per week can support your daily skincare routine and help you maintain a healthy-looking complexion. Think of it as a targeted treatment to address specific needs.

Our Top Face Mask Picks and Why We Love Them

Before we dive into our editor-approved product picks, it’s worth noting that masking is most effective when you choose formulas tailored to your skin’s needs and use them regularly as part of your overall regimen. Each of these favorites was selected for its unique benefits and standout ingredients —proven essentials in our editors’ routines.

For Oily Skin:

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Clay Mask

Key Ingredients: Amazonian White Clay helps detoxify pores while aloe vera soothes and minimizes discomfort. 

Our Assistant Editor Caitlyn's Take: "I love a good clay mask and this one sits at the top of my skincare shelf because it’s a godsend for my oily complexion. Formulated with Amazonian white clay, oatmeal, and aloe vera, it absorbs excess oil and draws out pore-clogging toxins and dirt without irritation or over-drying my skin. I love using this mask when my skin needs a refresh and, boy, does it do the trick each and every time.”

For Pore Detox:

Garnier SkinActive Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal

Key Ingredients: Charcoal helps attract and draw out impurities.

Our Social Media Editor Kat’s Take: “I love a good peel-off mask because of how satisfying it is to use. What’s great about this particular mask is that it’s surprisingly gentle on the skin. We’ve all seen the videos online where it looks so painful to use one of those black masks, but I don’t feel any pain or irritation using this. I love the fact that it contains charcoal because it works really well to remove impurities and really clear out pores. I use it on my T-zone and have been loving the way it’s able to pull out all the gunk inside!”

For Deep Hydration:

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with 10.5% Squalane

Key Ingredients: Squalane deeply hydrates and supports barrier repair while Glacial Glycoprotein protects against moisture loss. 

Our Associate Editor Ariel’s Take: “My skin is super dry and it’s also very sensitive, which means I need to be careful about the products I use on it, particularly face masks. This one, however, is deeply hydrating and never breaks me out or irritates my complexion. Once a week, I apply it right before I go to bed, let it soak in, and wake up with plumper, more nourished skin than the day before.” 

While several editors weighed in with their personal favorites above, there were two additional standouts that consistently impressed our entire team.

For Acne and Breakouts:

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask for Acne Prone Skin

Key Ingredients: Bentonite Clay absorbs surface oils and unclogs pores while mixed fruit extracts (rich in hydroxy acids) gently exfoliate dead skin cells. 

Editor’s Take: Our team appreciates this clarifying mask for its ability to target breakouts without being overly harsh or drying. The combination of bentonite clay and hydroxy acids works efficiently to decongest pores while refining texture, making this an excellent choice for anyone seeking clearer-looking skin.

For Extra Glow:

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

Key Ingredients: Maqui (a powerful antioxidant berry) helps neutralize free radicals while acaí, rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, helps revive dull, dry skin. 

Editor’s Take:

This overnight mask has become an essential in our glow-getting routines thanks to its antioxidant-rich formula that hydrates deeply while brightening dull complexions over time. The creamy texture feels indulgent yet never heavy, leaving skin looking fresh and luminous by morning.

No matter your skincare goals: clearer pores, boosted hydration or next-level radiance, these editor-approved face masks deliver visible results worth adding into your regular rotation. Want more expert skincare tips? Explore our latest guides or connect with us @skincarecom for daily inspiration.