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The 13 Best Peel-Off Face Masks For Glowing Skin

The cure to blackheads.

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beauty portrait of a young woman applying removing face mask
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So you know that one scene in American Psycho where Patrick Bateman a.k.a young Christian Bale goes through his insane morning routine, which includes a very intriguing peel off-mask? Well, it’s spooky and satisfying and we need that energy right now. But when it comes to peel-off masks, you may need a little guidance. They can seem a bit intimidating and lead to questions like: “Am I going to peel off layers of skin? Are my eyebrows going to rip off? What exactly does a peel-off mask do?” So we are here to be your guiding light in this journey.

  • 1
    GRAVITYMUD™ Firming Treatment Mask

    Best For Fine Lines and Wrinkles

    GLAMGLOW GRAVITYMUD™ Firming Treatment Mask

    $60 at Sephora
    Read more
  • 2
    Luminizing Black Mask

    Best For Blackheads

    boscia Luminizing Black Mask

    Read more
  • 3
    Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal

    Best For Minimizing Pores

    Garnier Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal

    Read more
  • 4
    Mind Glowing Peel-Off Mask

    Best For Dull Skin

    florence by mills Mind Glowing Peel-Off Mask

    Read more
  • 5
    Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask

    Best For Hydration

    Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask

    Read more

While many peeling masks address skin concerns like acne, oiliness, and pesky blackheads, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best options for an array of skin types, as well as some tips and tricks from our skincare experts. Scroll on, and peel away.

1
Best For Fine Lines and Wrinkles

GLAMGLOW GRAVITYMUD™ Firming Treatment Mask

GRAVITYMUD™ Firming Treatment Mask
1
Best For Fine Lines and Wrinkles

GLAMGLOW GRAVITYMUD™ Firming Treatment Mask

Now 30% Off
$60 at Sephora
Pros
  • Firming
Cons
  • Pricey

After letting this product dry for 30 minutes, peel off to reveal firm baby soft skin. The product is recommended before applying makeup because it will leave the skin looking toned and tightened. The color will turn from white to chrome as it dries, so there will be no questions here on when your mask is ready to be removed.

Pros
  • Combats oil
Cons
  • Messy

For many, this is the holy grail. It put peel-off masks on the map and for good reason. This activated charcoal-infused mask attacks oil and acne like no other. Reviewers note they saw a significant reduction in their blackheads after peeling off the mask. Clinical results show that 100 percent of users noticed cleaner and less oily skin. Make sure to apply an extra thick, opaque layer to get the best results. Plus, it’ll be much easier to peel off that way.

3
Best For Minimizing Pores

Garnier Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal

Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal
3
Best For Minimizing Pores

Garnier Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • May dry skin

This mask is packed with charcoal to tighten pores, reducing their overall appearance. The salicylic acid in this formula will also get down to business on any zits or blackheads. However, it can be a bit drying so this mask is primarily recommended for the oilier T-zone areas.

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4
Best For Dull Skin

florence by mills Mind Glowing Peel-Off Mask

Mind Glowing Peel-Off Mask
4
Best For Dull Skin

florence by mills Mind Glowing Peel-Off Mask

Pros
  • Soothes irritation
Cons
  • Has a scent

Slather this hot pink metallic mask all over your face for a quick detox. With charcoal, witch hazel, and lavender oil, this mask will draw out impurities, while also soothing sensitivity to leave the skin glowy and fresh. Plus, the color is basically made for taking selfies.

5
Best For Hydration

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask

Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask
5
Best For Hydration

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask

Pros
  • Protects the moisture barrier
Cons
  • Must mix the mask on your own

While this mask includes the holy grail for moisture: hyaluronic acid, it also features glycerin which draws in water adding even more hydration to the skin. The two-step process will make you feel like a chemist mixing concoctions, but it’s surprisingly easy to get the hang of.

6
Best For Dewy Skin

I Dew Care Sugar Kitten Hydrating Rose Water Peel-Off Mask

Sugar Kitten Hydrating Rose Water Peel-Off Mask
6
Best For Dewy Skin

I Dew Care Sugar Kitten Hydrating Rose Water Peel-Off Mask

Pros
  • Protects skin's moisture barrier
Cons
  • Has a scent

If you’re noticing flaky patches on your skin, this mask will be your new best friend. The formula includes hyaluronic acid to to provide moisture and ruby powder to provide a glow. Reviewers note the mask lightly exfoliates the skin leaving it bright and smooth. Sign me up.

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7
Best Full Face Treat

BRÜUN Peel-Off Jelly Mask

On Sale
Peel-Off Jelly Mask
7
Best Full Face Treat

BRÜUN Peel-Off Jelly Mask

Pros
  • Comes with several masks
Cons
  • Must mix the mask on your own

This is like the cool, older cousin to the peel off mask. This thick jelly can be applied all over the face to gently remove impurities. And before you ask, yes it can even be applied over the eyes, lashes, brows, and lips. This set comes with 10 different masks to address all of your skin concerns including dryness, acne, wrinkles, and irritation.

8
Best For Glowing Skin

Shiseido WASO: Purifying Peel Off Mask

WASO: Purifying Peel Off Mask
8
Best For Glowing Skin

Shiseido WASO: Purifying Peel Off Mask

Pros
  • Purifying
Cons
  • Messy

This hot pink option is filled with red shiso, which includes heavy antioxidants that help to nourish and reset the skin. If your skin is seeing the effects of a tough, stressful week (think dullness, dehydration, irritation), opt for this mask to provide a little TLC.

9
Best For Oily Skin

Peach Slices Charcoal Crystal Clarifying Shimmer Peel-Off Mask

Charcoal Crystal Clarifying Shimmer Peel-Off Mask
9
Best For Oily Skin

Peach Slices Charcoal Crystal Clarifying Shimmer Peel-Off Mask

Pros
  • Removes oil and provides hydration
Cons
  • May be hard to remove

Here’s another good ole charcoal mask to combat even the most persistent acne. This mask includes kaolin clay to assist with removing excess oil from the pores and hyaluronic acid to boost moisture. Plus, it includes a bit of glitter making it extra selfie worthy.

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10
Best For On-the-Go

Ulta Honey Miel Peel Off Mask

Honey Miel Peel Off Mask
10
Best For On-the-Go

Ulta Honey Miel Peel Off Mask

Pros
  • Compact
Cons
  • Not suitable for sensitive skin

If you’re feeling a little hesitant about this whole peel off mask situation, dip your toes in with this mask from Ulta that comes in a single pack. The honey in this treatment not only smells yummy but helps to clear out the pores, while Vitamin E and olive oil moisturize and soothe the skin. However, this mask might be too strong for sensitive skin, so we recommend patch testing before hand. Some sensitive skin reviewers also recommend splitting the pack into two separate treatment sessions to avoid irritation.

11
Best For Uneven Skin

Aveeno Clear Complexion Purely Matte Peel Off Mask

Clear Complexion Purely Matte Peel Off Mask
11
Best For Uneven Skin

Aveeno Clear Complexion Purely Matte Peel Off Mask

Now 12% Off
Pros
  • Exfoliating
Cons
  • May be drying

Matte matte matte is what you will be after using this mask! The AHAs a.k.a alpha hydroxy acids will provide chemical exfoliation to reduce texture, acne, and oil. Since this mask can be a bit drying, we recommend applying a luxurious layer of moisturizer afterwards.

12
Best For Exfoliation

innisfree Super Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Clay Peel Off Mask

Super Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Clay Peel Off Mask
12
Best For Exfoliation

innisfree Super Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Clay Peel Off Mask

Pros
  • Gentle
Cons
  • Has a scent

Volcanic lava is the key ingredient here. The ground, course texture will help exfoliate the skin, drawing out impurities and managing oil production. Reviewers love this one because it does the work, while being extra gentle. No peeling pain here!

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13
Best For Brightening

Wishful Rose Quartz Lift & Glow Peel Off Mask

Rose Quartz Lift & Glow Peel Off Mask
13
Best For Brightening

Wishful Rose Quartz Lift & Glow Peel Off Mask

Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • May be hard to remove

This ultra luxurious mask is packed with rose quartz, which provides the fun irridescent color and a tightening effect for fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid and lotus root hydrate and soothe the skin. Reviewers said their skin felt glowy, moisturized, and firm after using this mask.

14

Meet The Experts

This is an image

Joshua Ross, Celebrity Esthetician for Sonäge Skincare and Founder of Skin Lab

Laura Good, Director of Global Education at GLAMGLOW

Lan Belinky, Co-Creator of boscia

15

FAQs

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What ingredients are in a peel-off mask?

When using a peel-off mask, you typically leave on for up to 30 minutes, after which it is dry and easily peels off from the skin. “Peel-off masks contain gelatin powder which has adhesive properties and allows the mask to bond to the skin,” says Ross. Another ingredient “that allows peel-off masks to work is PVA, known as polyvinyl alcohol. PVA allows that ‘peel-off’ effect because it is a binding agent and film former —it also feels smooth to the skin,” says Belinky.

What benefits of using a peel-off mask?

“Peel-off masks can leave skin feeling tighter, more lifted, and helps skin’s contours feel firmer and look more defined,” says Good.

Do peel-off masks address different skin concerns?

Much like any other face mask, peel-off masks can address an array of different skin concerns based on their ingredient profile. Since the mask is physically peeled off the skin, they often exfoliate and help with removing impurities. “Peel-off masks are great for individuals with decongested skin, excess blackheads and whiteheads, dull skin, and uneven skin texture,” explains Belinky.

Can all skin types use a peel-off mask?

“Peel-off masks can be used by most skin types, however sensitive skin types may want to avoid this kind of mask as it can be drying depending on the formulation,” says Ross. To avoid irritation, try patch testing your mask on your neck before using on your face. Good and Belinky also say to avoid your hairline and eyebrows when applying the mask to prevent pulling out any hairs in the peeling process. It's also recommended to only use a peeling mask once or twice a week depending on your skin type.

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