The 5 Best Peel-Off Masks

Ever wanted a skincare product that would make your skin look better almost instantly? Not many products can work their magic in a matter of minutes, but a peel-off mask can. That's because peel-off masks are designed to help banish dullness and dead skin, while also unclogging your pores and reducing shine, which all results in a smoother, brighter complexion. Not too shabby, right? Also, all skin types can benefit from using the right kind of peel-off mask, so this is a beauty product that's well worth trying out. And, not to mention, the process of applying and then peeling off your mask can be downright meditative. Get ready for the glow: Here are the five best peel-off masks, grouped by category.

Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze

Peel all your cares (and wrinkles) away

Nothing gets the job done quite like Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze.

Best Overall

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Banish every last trace of dead skin and grime with Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze, which are quick, easy-to-use exfoliating pads that truly purify the skin from the inside out. Thanks to a potent combo of lemon, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and lactic acids, skin appears instantly brighter and smoother. Over time, these pads can help combat acne, aging, and dark spots. And, unlike other, harsher chemical exfoliants, Neogen Bio-Peel pads are safe for all skin types.

Pros:

Intensely purifying (yet gentle) formula includes skin-brightening ingredients like lemon, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and lactic acid.
Gauze helps to lift away every last trace of dirt.
Skin appears smoother and brighter after just one use.
Not only do these pads provide a deep clean, but they can help combat acne and aging.
Suitable for all skin types.

Cons:

Strong smell.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Resurface the skin for smooth, glowy texture

The aptly named Babyfacial is a cult classic product for a reason.

Best Exfoliating Acids

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Drunk Elephant’s Babyfacial is basically a professional facial in a bottle. The formula contains a whopping 25 percent AHA and 2 percent BHA blend, including the brand’s glycolic acid, plus lactic, citric, tartaric, and salicylic acid. It’s a combination that’s as powerful and effective as they come, and skin stands to reap several key benefits as a result: greater clarity, improved texture, and a softer, clearer, more youthful-looking complexion. Babyfacial penetrates deeply into the skin, addressing issues like acne and wrinkles and even lightening dark spots. It’s a skincare miracle worker.

Pros:

Amazing results that speak for themselves; skin tone, texture, and quality is vastly improved with regular use.
AHA and BHA ingredients slough off dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath.
Gentler than other chemical exfoliants but still just as effective.
No fragrance and clean, non-toxic ingredients.

Cons:

Has a notoriously high price tag.

Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Peel-Off Gel Mask

Quench the skin and lift away impurities

This Freeman Feeling Beautiful mask is soothing, cooling, and oh-so-effective.

Best Cooling Formula

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Those who prefer their peel-off masks to be of the gentle, cooling variety would do well to try the Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Gel Mask. This mask peels away impurities while soothing and quenching the skin, with ultra-nourishing cucumber and aloe vera extracts. Skin looks and feels softer, smoother, and fresher every time you use it. Not to mention, this mask isn’t tested on animals and contains only safe, non-toxic ingredients.

Pros:

Gets to the root of several common skincare concerns—acne, dehydration, aging—without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Soothing, calming, and moisturizing.
Great for treating sunburns.
Excellent value buy.
Cruelty-free, with non-toxic ingredients.

Cons:

This mask is definitely best for dry skin types, not oily skin.

Piero Lorenzo Blackhead Remover Mask

Say goodbye to blackheads

Purify, cleanse, and tone the skin with this effective blackhead remover mask from Piero Lorenzo.

Best Purifying

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Pesky blackheads and acne got you down? The Piero Lorenzo Blackhead Remover Mask is designed to clear your pores and get rid of the gunk that causes pimples and blackheads to form, resulting in clearer, brighter, smoother skin. Also, if your skin tends to be oily, this mask can help reduce excess sebum and keep the oil at bay, due to an ingredient list that includes bamboo, charcoal, green tea, and chamomile. For effortless, truly effective blackhead removal, this mask is a must-have in your beauty cabinet.

Pros:

Vacuums out pores and neutralizes bacteria, which can greatly help with acne and blackheads.
Removes excess sebum, to keep oily skin at bay and prevent pimples from forming.

Cons:

Definitely best-suited for oily and acne-prone skin, not sensitive or dry skin.

Aliceva Black Mask

Best Charcoal Peel

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For the best charcoal peel-off mask, it doesn’t get much better than Aliceva Black Mask. Formulated without harsh chemicals, dyes, or animal oil, this incredibly detoxifying mask thoroughly cleanses the pores and draws out impurities, stopping blackheads and whiteheads in their tracks. If you’re in need of a deep pore cleansing mask that doesn’t strip or irritate the skin, Aliceva Black Mask will undoubtedly become your new skincare BFF.

Pros:

Removes dirt and oil from the skin’s surface like no other.
Super-effective at drawing out impurities and taming acne.
Gets rid of even the most stubborn blackheads and whiteheads.
Made without harsh chemicals or dyes.

Cons:

Not the cheapest peel-off mask.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a peel-off mask do?

Peel-off masks slough off dead skin cells, where all the dirt and grime on your face resides (ick). Doing this kind of deep cleanse regularly can result in faded fine lines, fewer wrinkles, less acne, and healthier, younger-looking skin overall.

How often should I use a peel-off mask?

It’s recommended that you refrain from using this type of mask more than once a week, because of how potent it is. If you don’t leave at least a few days in between uses, you’ll likely be dealing with inflamed, irritated skin.

How do I know which type of peel-off mask to get?

As with any skincare product, it’s crucial to get the right product for your skin type. For instance, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, then a mask with charcoal or clay as a primary ingredient is best. Those with dry, dehydrated skin need a mask with moisturizing properties, like hyaluronic acid. Sensitive skin types should look for a non-irritating, gentle formula; nothing too harsh.