Updated on Feb 12, 2024
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processFace masks have been my absolute favorite skincare products for their ability to address different skin problems like dullness, blemishes, redness, acne, and whatnot! But finding the right face mask that will address all your concerns without a hefty price tag can be difficult! But here I am with the list of the best drugstore face masks that are worth your money and undivided attention! While face masks take the upper hand at brightening up your skin, regulating excess oil production, minimizing pore sizes, and blurring out fine lines and wrinkles, they also are soothing and allow yourself to unwind at home for a while, and the cooling sensation that follows their use deserves the credit!
There are various kinds of face masks, including sheet masks, clay masks, cream masks, gel masks, exfoliating masks, etc. Furthermore, each one is formulated with unique ingredients to help your dehydrated skin quench its thirst while making it appear plump and youthful right from the very first use. After conducting thorough research, I have come up with a list of the best drugstore face masks available in the market. So, without further ado, let's get started—
Our top picks
15 Best Drugstore Face Masks
The Aztec Secret mask is a deep pore-cleansing product that comes with promising ingredients like natural calcium and bentonite clay. It claims to have healing properties that work wonders on sensitive skin to calm down the redness, itchiness, and flakiness. Furthermore, it will shrink down the pores and make the skin surface smooth and shiny with regular usage. The brand also suggests mixing the healing clay with apple cider vinegar for best results!
Benefit: Calms down redness
Skin type: Sensitive skin
Amount: 1lb
Pros
- Shrinks down pores
- Best for sensitive skin
- Exotic ingredients
- Deeply cleanses
- Calms down redness
- Smoothens skin
Cons
- Causes a little tingling effect
2
Best to Remove Blackheads
Cetaphil Purifying Clay Mask
Cetaphil is one of my favorite drugstore brands when it comes to skincare. And thus, I couldn't resist myself to include their purifying clay mask in the list which I've been using for a long time. Packed with bentonite clay and apple fruit extract, the mask is ideal for clearing out blackheads and appearance of pores. Furthermore, it is an excellent component to treat dryness, roughness, and irritation while dealing with weak skin barriers for overall protection. And oh, the fragrance-free dermatologically-tested formula fetches extra brownie points!
Benefit: Removes blackheads and whiteheads
Skin type: Oily and sensitive skin
Amount: 3 Oz
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Reduces pore size
- Clinically-proven
- Best for sensitive skin
- Nourishes skin
Cons
- Not sealed
Quick Tip:
While removing the mask with water, gently massage your skin to mildly exfoliate the surface.
3
Best to Hydrate Skin
COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
The Korean mask is packed with 68% rice extract and 2% niacinamide to nourish your skin as you sleep! The overnight spa mask will purify your skin while treating dullness, dryness, and uneven skin tone. It is an excellent product to infuse a great amount of skin hydration and help it look youthful and more plump the next morning. Trust me when I say that it will rejuvenate your skin in such a way that you will feel like touching it every time!
Benefit: Deeply hydrates
Skin type: Dry and dehydrated skin
Amount: 2.02 Fl Oz
Pros
- Nourishes skin
- Infuses skin hydration
- Makes skin plump
- Rejuvenates skin
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not for oily skin
4
Best for Detoxification
L'Oreal Paris Skincare Pure Clay Face Mask
This mask from L'oreal Paris is one of the best drugstore clay masks which not only brightens your complexion but also detoxifies your skin at the same time. It extracts pollutants and environmental aggressors to leave your dull and tired skin looking refreshed. Furthermore, it deeply refreshes the skin to increase the luminosity so that you stand out among your peers. And from my experience, you cannot get a better purifying mask than this!
Benefit: Detoxifies the skin
Skin type: Oily skin
Amount: 1.7 Oz
Pros
- Extracts pollution
- Brightens skin
- Deals with environmental aggressors
- Nourishing
- Evens out skin tone
- Increases luminosity
Cons
- Dries out quickly
5
Best for Unwavering Glow
Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask
The mask is specially formulated to give your skin the bright and radiant appearance that you have always craved, and the credit goes to its vitamin C-enriched formula. Also packed with the goodness of marshmallow root extracts and olive leaf extracts, the hydrating face mask takes the upper hand at nourishing your skin while giving a plump effect. Furthermore, it is also a great product to infuse skin hydration for a lit-from-within appearance!
Benefit: Gives radiant glow
Skin type: All
Amount: 1.7 Oz
Pros
- Brightens skin
- Nourishes skin
- Hydrates deeply
- Bestows with glow
- Promotes even skin tone
- Smoothes skin surface
Cons
- Not for mature skin
6
Best for All Skin Types
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Sheet Face Mask
The Hydro Boost Hydrogel Sheet Face Mask stands true to its name and infuses a great amount of hydration into your skin for a plump look! Packed with hyaluronic acid, the non-comedogenic formula makes your skin supple while ensuring long-lasting moisturization for a youthful glow. The hydrating mask additionally retains moisture on your face, safeguarding your skin against long-term dehydration. What's more? The product also protects your skin from sun damage!
Benefit: Moisturizes and hydrates
Skin type: Dry skin
Amount: 1 Oz
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes
- Treats skin concerns
- Prevents loss of skin hydration
- Dermatologically-tested
- Provides supple skin
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Falls off quickly
7
Best to Deal with Pollution
FREEMAN Hydrating Anti Pollution Gel Cream Mask
Infused with glacier water and pink peony, the hydrating mask not only deals with dryness and dullness but also protects your skin from free radicals, pollution, and sun damage. It also prevents your skin problems from hampering its health for a soft appearance. Furthermore, the dermatologically-tested formula claims to be a safe one for sensitive skin types while the cruelty-free tag is an assurance of the quality for the mindful beauty lover! The best part? It pampers your skin and bestows you with a beautiful glow that everyone compliments!
Benefit: Protects from pollution
Skin type: Sensitive skin
Amount: 6 Oz
Pros
- Anti-pollution mask
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin types
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Quite greasy
8
Best to Gently Exfoliate Skin
Vichy Mineral Double Glow Peel Face Mask
The oil-free face mask from Vichy gently exfoliates your skin to give you the radiant glow that you have always wanted! Formulated with vitamin B3, it is a great product to infuse hydration into your skin. To be honest, I am in awe of the exotic ingredients like volcanic stone, volcanic mineral, and white clay, the product is packed with! But don't think that it will irritate or make your skin dry anyway, and the credit goes to its soothing formula backed by aloe vera!
Benefit: Gently exfoliates the skin
Skin type: Oily skin
Amount: 2.65 Oz
Pros
- Brightens skin
- Refines dull skin
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Provides radiance
- Dermatologically-tested
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Contains tiny grains
9
Best for Oily Skin
Buttah Skin Charcoal Detox Mask
Loaded with exotic ingredients like African butter, rose water, and activated charcoal, the drugstore facial mask deeply detoxifies your skin while gently cleansing it at the same time. It also unclogs pores for a clear and healthy-looking complexion! Furthermore, it consists of argan oil and shea butter to nourish the skin and prevent overdrying! In my opinion, it is a one-stop solution for people with oily to very oily skin who deal with clogged pore, which eventually causes acne breakouts!
Benefit: Gently detoxifies the skin
Skin type: Melanin-rich oily skin
Amount: 1 Fl Oz
Pros
- Purifies deeply
- Soothes skin
- Removes toxins
- Deeply cleanses
- Calms down skin
- Promotes healthy skin
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin types
10
Best to Get Glowy Skin
JLO BEAUTY That Limitless Glow Face Mask
Who doesn't want to get a youthful glow like J’Lo? Everyone does. That's why I have come up with the limitless glow face mask from JLo Beauty itself which is an excellent product to get bright and smooth skin. Infused with JLo glow serum, the face mask thoroughly hydrates and plumps up your skin for a visibly youthful appearance. Its key ingredients like JLo beauty olive complex, Japanese rice sake ferment, yeast-derived ferment, and sugar-derived matrix make your skin soft and smooth while giving it a lifted appearance immediately!
Benefit: Gives a beautiful glow
Skin type: All
Amount: 3-count pack
Pros
- Moisturizes
- Provides glow
- Smoothes skin
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- Brightens skin
11
ZitSticka PORE VAC Clearing Clay Mask
The derm-backed mask from Zitsticka is enriched with potent acids that decongest pores, and give your skin the smooth texture that you have always wanted! I remember using this mask once when I faced frequent breakouts, and the deep cleansing therapy of the product helped me deal with the problem. It also consists of jojoba, AHA/BHA, niacinamide, bentonite clay, ACV, and kaolin that brighten your skin by extracting gunk! So, why wait? Get this product today!
Benefit: Extracts impurities
Skin type: Oily skin
Amount: 5.3 ounces
Pros
- Smoothes bumpy skin
- Mattifies oily skin
- Calms redness
- Balances skin hydration
- Loosens impurities
- Soothes irritated skin
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
12
Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask
I fell in love with the moisture bomb mask by Garnier the first time I used it! Packed with Sakura flower and hyaluronic acid, the sheet mask provides an unwavering glow right after you have applied it. Furthermore, it will make your face soft and supple like a baby, thanks to the hydrating ingredients present in the mask. The mask further claims to infuse ½ bottle of serum into your skin in one sitting! How amazing!
Benefit: Makes skin supple
Skin type: All
Amount: 32 ml
Pros
- Promotes radiance
- Infuses hydration
- Makes skin soft
- Makes skin youthful
- Tightens skin
- Best to get supple skin
Cons
- Could be thinner paper
13
Sun Bum Skin Care Restoring Facial Mask
Sun Bum comes with a restoring facial mask that is loaded with cooling aloe to make your skin smooth and supple without being harsh! It is also packed with brown algae and vitamin E that fight free radicals and keep the skin moisturized for a long time. Furthermore, it gives the skin a much-needed hydration boost when it requires extra love! Whether recovering from sun exposure or simply in need of a pick-me-up, this facial mask consistently delivers a spa-like experience at home.
Benefit: Cools down face
Skin type: All
Amount: 2 oz
Pros
- Moisturizes face
- Fights free radicals
- No harsh chemicals
- Makes skin supple
- Cools down face
- Calms redness
14
Simple Water Boost Hydrating Sheet Mask
The Water Boost Hydrating Sheet Mask from Simple is packed with minerals and plant extracts to thoroughly replenish your skin and help retain moisture for the longest possible time. Specially formulated for dehydrated skin, the soothing product boosts hydration. Free of harsh chemicals, this is one of the best drugstore sheet masks that is very easy to use and comes with a refreshing scent to elevate your mood. Just take it out of the pack and place it over your face for 10 minutes before discarding it.
Benefit: Replenishes the skin
Skin type: Dry
Amount: Pack of 2
Pros
- Boosts hydration
- Refreshing scent
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Comes with plant extracts
- Value-for-money
Cons
- One time use
15
GLAM UP Moisturizing Avocado Clay Mask
The Glam Up moisturizing clay mask is another deep pore-cleansing mask that detoxifies your skin with the help of kaolin clay, bentonite, cica, and avocado! It makes your skin soft and supple while removing all the impurities. Furthermore, it repairs the skin for a smooth texture and radiant glow. The hypoallergenic formula suits all skin types, including sensitive ones, making it a must-have for your vanity! Whether you are combating a dull complexion or simply indulging in self-care, this mask ticks all the boxes.
Benefit: Decongests the pores
Skin type: Dry
Amount: 4.23 Oz
Pros
- Purifies skin
- Moisturizes
- Minimizes pores
- Makes skin soft
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Contains perfume
Now that you have checked out the products, take a look at how you can pick the best one among them—
How to Choose the Best Drugstore Face Mask?
Below are the parameters to keep in mind before buying a drugstore face mask—
a) Ingredients- Organic ingredients like aloe, cucumber, shea butter, argan oil, African clay, and charcoal work excellently well on all skin types. On the other hand, active ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, AHA, BHA, and vitamin E are what you should look for in your face mask to get the desired results.
b) Mask Type- There are different types of masks available in the market – sheet masks, gel masks, overnight masks, clay masks, etc. Pick yours considering your needs and skin condition. A sheet mask is usually used daily or on alternative days to get a healthy glow, while a gel mask is excellent for infusing hydration. On the other hand, overnight masks are mostly like moisturizers that you have to apply on your face before sleeping. However, a clay mask should be applied once or twice a week at most.
c) Skin Type- Consider your skin type and concerns before purchasing a face mask. If you have oily skin, pick a detox face mask that will extract impurities from your pores. If you have dry skin, pick a hydrating mask that will infuse moisture into your skin. For irritated skin, pick a hypoallergenic or soothing mask, which will calm down the redness.
Now here's how you can incorporate the best drugstore face mask in your skincare routine—
How to Effectively Use a Drugstore Face Mask?
Below are the steps to follow when using a drugstore face mask—
Step 1- First thing first, start by removing all your makeup and sunscreen with a cleansing wipe, balm, or micellar water.
Step 2- Now, take your face wash as part of the second step of your cleansing routine, apply it generously on your face, and massage it for 60 minutes before washing it off.
Step 3- Now, in this step, you can use a mild exfoliator to ensure a smooth surface.
Step 4- Now, based on your preference and skin type, take your mask, and apply it over your face in a way that there is no gap!
Step 5- This step is optional, you can take a toner and apply it all over your face after patting dry.
Step 6- You can also apply a couple of drops of a serum that closely addresses your skin ailments.
Step 7- Now, take your moisturizer and apply it all over your face, and you are done!
Conclusion
So, that's it! I have rounded off the best drugstore face masks and provided a buying and user guide for your convenience. From sheet masks to clay masks and gel masks, I have incorporated ‘em all into the list! However, the best three products that have won my heart are Cetaphil Purifying Clay Mask, which is ideal for sensitive skin, COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, which works like magic on dry skin, and Buttah Skin Charcoal Detox Mask, which right one for oily skin people. So, what are you waiting for? Snag yours right now!
FAQ's
Why choose a drugstore face mask over high-end alternatives?
If a drugstore face mask works like high-end ones, why spend extra pennies? There are drugstore face masks that work like magic on your skin without burning a hole in your pockets.
How often should I use a drugstore face mask for optimal results?
You should use it once or twice a week to see visible results. If it is a sheet mask, using it daily will give more benefits.
Are drugstore face masks suitable for all skin types?
Yes, drugstore face masks suit all skin types! However, you need to check the formulations, and see what works best for you, before investing in one!
Can drugstore face masks address specific skincare concerns, such as acne or dryness?
Yes, there are face masks that are ideally formulated to infuse hydration into the skin, and these are excellent for dryness. There are also face masks that detoxify your skin to help address acne problems.
How do I know which drugstore face mask is right for my skin type?
First, you have to identify your skin type! Then, look for a hydrating mask, if you have dry skin. Pick a pore-cleansing mask, if you have oily skin. Lastly, look for a hypoallergenic mask, if you have sensitive skin.
Can I use multiple face masks in my skincare routine?
Yes, you can use multiple face masks to address different skin concerns. For oily skin, you can pick a detoxifying and pore-cleansing mask. Similarly, dry skin people can choose a hydrating and glow mask.
Are there specific drugstore face masks for sensitive skin?
There are numerous drugstore face masks available for sensitive skin, one of them is the Cetaphil Purifying Clay Mask.
How long should I leave a drugstore face mask on my face?
It depends on the product! Check the instructions on the packaging before proceeding. To note, a drugstore face mask can ideally be left for 10-15 minutes.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Our in-house skincare expert, Anoushka, believes in face mask supremacy! She believes that there is one ideal face mask for every skin type. This time, she rather thought of going for products that have lower pocket pinch than high-end ones, and that's why she rounded off these drugstore face masks that are currently raging in the market. She also incorporated a few products from her own experience into the list and hopes that the readers find them useful! Note, that she considered parameters like formulations, mask type, benefits, and skin type before concluding.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More
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