The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin
It’s time to call in the big guns.
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If you’re anything like me—as in, a beauty obsessive who hyper-fixates on her acne breakouts to no avail—then you’ve hit bottom on a slew of acne-fighting cleansers, brightening vitamin C serums, and tons of SPF in an effort to reduce the frequency of breakouts forming or abolishing them entirely. An important rule to remember when treating acne is to determine what type of acne you’re experiencing, whether hormonal or bacterial. Then, it’s time to take stock of what products you’re using, and if a face mask isn’t in your arsenal—allow us to point you in the right direction.
“Face masks may help combat and prevent acne by helping to unclog the pores and reduce inflammation, which can be associated with breakouts. Face masks can also be helpful for those with acne to help calm irritation that may be associated with acne-fighting ingredients,” explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, an NYC-based dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell.
Our picks for the best face mask for acne in 2024
While not a complete cure-all but rather just a supplementary treatment, acne-fighting face masks can reveal clear, brighter, and smoother skin when used consistently and effectively. So, where to start? Ahead, we consulted a dermatologist, perused editors’ stashes, and reviewed customer feedback to compile a list of the 12 best face masks for acne on the market.
the ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Pros
- Gently exfoliates
Cons
- May not be best for sensitive skin
The venom-like hue may be a bit startling, but so are the impressive results you’ll experience with consistent use of this fan-favorite mask. Charcoal is to blame for the dark shade and the clarifying, smoothing feel it leaves post-wash off; salicylic acid helps speed up skin renewal.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, charcoal
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
Our expert says: “Combining salicylic acid, charcoal and clay, this mask leaves the skin looking clear and smooth by helping to get rid of build up, oil and dead skin. It’s best to use on clean, dry skin, about one to two times per week.”—Dr. Marisa Garshick
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Face Mask
Pros
- Contains two forms of clay
Cons
- Can be drying
Formulated with sensitive, oily skin in mind, this mask combines the power of two different clays—bentonite and kaolin—to force impurities to the surface and gently slough them away to keep pores cleared and primed for nourishment.
Key ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay
Size: 3 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “This creamy mask is gentle but effective as it uses Amazonian clay designed to deeply clean the pores while improving tone and texture, leaving the skin looking softer and smoother. It is still gentle on the skin, making it a good option for those who are oily but also sensitive.”—Dr. Marisa Garshick
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Pros
- Thoroughly cleanses pores
Cons
- May be too strong for sensitive skin
Treating breakouts can be tiresome without the right formulas in your arsenal. The Rare Earth masque penetrates deep into the skin to clarify pores and rid the skin of any acne-causing oil and dirt via Amazonian white clay, and calms skin using aloe.
Key ingredients: Amazonian white clay, aloe barbadensis
Size: 4.2 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I usually don’t gravitate toward clay masks because they can be messy, but once I experienced the results of this mask, it became one of my go-to’s. It deeply cleans my pores without stripping my skin. I’m a forever fan!”—Danielle James, ELLE.com digital beauty director
Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Clay Mask
Pros
- Brightening
Cons
- May not be best for dry skin
Consider this mask a quick perk-me-up for dull, lifeless-looking skin. Combining uplifting caffeine with sebum-controlling antioxidants, this clay mask unclogs and refines pores.
Key ingredients: Upcycled grapes, caffeine
Size: 2.5 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “A good friend highly recommended this mask and I am SO GLAD I LISTENED. I tend to have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my nose, and after only two applications, I can see and feel a noticeable difference. GET IT!”
peter thomas roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask
Pros
- Acne-fighting sulfur
Cons
- Can be drying for dry skin types
The star of this show is easily sulfur, a potent antibacterial ingredient used to kill acne and prevent any new breakouts from forming. Take that, plus oil-controlling kaolin and bentonite clays, and you have a mask that does it all.
Key ingredients: Sulfur, aloe, kaolin clay, bentonite clay
Size: 5 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “This mask combines maximum-strength sulfur, kaolin clay, and bentonite clay to help reduce breakouts and unclog the pores. It also contains aloe vera, which helps calm and hydrate the skin.”
Kibon Revitalizing Sheet Mask R
Pros
- Calming and hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Will need to re-up often
Sometimes, you don’t have to stick to strictly clay masks to calm acne breakouts—barrier repair and support can help heal your skin, too. This mask from Kibon Beauty arms your skin with soothing hyaluronic acid and aloe, and firming OSILIFT—an effective complex culled from oats—to completely transform your skin.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe, OSILIFT
Size: 5 x 25 ML masks
Kibon Beauty rating: 5/5 stars
Our expert says: “With a focus on the skin barrier, this mask is especially good for those dealing redness and irritation associated with acne and those who have dry or sensitive skin. It calms the skin using centella asiatica, while also hydrating the skin with sodium hyaluronate. It works to strengthen the skin barrier making it a great option for those using acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids to help boost tolerability.”—Dr. Marisa Garshick
SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask
Pros
- Gentle exfoliants buff away dead skin cells
Cons
- Oily skin types may need something stronger
The best way to shop SkinCeuticals products is to pay attention to the label. Under the “correct” collection is this gem—a pore-clearing, skin-brightening clay mask. In addition to kaolin and bentonite clays, this mask also uses a blend of gentle exfoliants, including glycolic, citric, lactic, and malic acids, to buff away the old and bring in the new.
Key ingredients: Kaolin and bentonite clays, aloe, glycolic acid
Size: 2.4 fl oz
Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer said: “LOVE this mask! I mix my blemish and age serum with this clarifying mask and use twice a week, it helps with my breakouts tremendously! If you have acne prone skin, buy this mask. You will not regret it!”
innisfree Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask
Pros
- Gently exfoliates
Cons
- Could be too strong for sensitive skin
Opt for this mask if you want a multi-tasking formula that smooths skin, clarifies pores, and brightens the appearance over time. This mask harnesses the powers of volcanic ash clusters to deeply cleanse without stripping your skin bare.
Key ingredients: Volcanic ash, lactic acid
Size: 3.38 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “After a long day of travel, the best thing I could ever treat my skin to is this Innisfree clay mask. I love the creamy texture, which applies seamlessly to my skin mess-free, and even more, the lactic acid that helps reduce the look of pores over time. It also washes away easily, so no need to rub too harshly like with other clay masks.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask
Pros
- Minimizes shine
Cons
- Some users note it can be drying
With this oil-controlling mask, congested skin has finally found relief. Kaolin clay connects with salicylic acid to reduce shine, clear out impurities, and keep breakouts at bay so you can maximize the effects of the other formulas in your routine.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, kaolin clay
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “Love this! Leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean and not dry like most acne products. I’ve used it several times, and I have seen a slight difference in the size of my pores and the black heads on my nose.”
Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Blah to Bright 5% AHA Face Mask
Pros
- Addresses dullness
Cons
- Can be too strong for sensitive skin types
If you suffer from frequent breakouts and despise the dark marks they leave behind, this Fenty Skin maskcano correct your dull skin in just a few uses. It’s all in the formula, which uses vitamin C and AHAs to reverse dullness, improve smoothness and plumpness, and lighten the appearance of dark spots.
Key ingredients: Barbados cherry, AHAs
Size: 2.5 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This is one of my favorite mid-week pick-me-ups, especially after back-to-back days of wearing full glam makeup. Whenever I feel a breakout forming, or I simply want to smooth out any rough texture, I slathered this mask on for a few minutes. The result is softer, brighter-looking skin that I don’t need to hide behind concealer.”—Nerisha Penrose
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask
Pros
- Calms inflammation
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
Murad’s face mask is built on three potent ingredients: salicylic acid, sulfur, and peat extract. Of the bunch, sulfur stands out as the lead acne-fighter with help from the exfoliating AHA. To calm everything down, peat extract ensures the skin isn’t dried out, which can cause further irritation and damage.
Key ingredients: Sulfur, salicylic acid, peat extract
Size: 2.5 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “This stuff seriously cleared my skin within a week. You have to be consistent with it. It worked faster than any other of my products. I’m so glad I gave this a shot.”
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Pros
- Two parts for seamless application
Cons
- Can feel sticky
This pack of 10 sheet masks provides so much hydration that parched skin will be a thing of the past. Each mask is doused in hyaluronic acid and contours to your face to avoid any messy slip-ups. After each use, your skin is left plumped, supple, and thoroughly moisturized.
Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 fl oz (each)
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I clean houses and the chemicals are harsh and drying. This mask feels amazing when it’s on and it leaves my skin soft and moisturized! I love the new top and bottom halves. I can now shape the mask to my face better! and I squeeze out the extra product for my neck and hands.”
What ingredients should those with acne-prone skin look for in a mask?
Since the main goal of acne-prone skin is to reduce breakouts and unclog pores, you should look for ingredients that gently exfoliate and control oil.
“Those with acne-prone skin may consider face masks containing ingredients like salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and unclogs the pores, and sulfur, which can have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Niacinamide can help to regulate sebum production and calm the skin, making it a great option for those with acne. Clay masks can also be considered for acne-prone skin as they work to address excess oil and may prevent clogged pores,” Dr. Marisa Garshick explains.
Are charcoal masks good for acne?
“Charcoal masks can be considered a good option for acne as they help to draw out excess oil and work to unclog the pores. Importantly, they can be a helpful supplement to an acne skin care routine but should not be used as the only method of treatment,” Dr. Garshick adds.
How do I know if my acne is bacterial or hormonal?
According to Dr. Garshick, bacteria is the culprit for most acne breakouts, but there may be other contributing factors, “including oil, inflammation, bacteria, and clogged pores.”
To determine what kind of breakout you’re experiencing, take note of how it’s forming. “Breakouts related to bacteria are more likely to be red bumps or pustules and have an inflammatory component, while comedones or clogged pores, like blackheads and whiteheads, may not have as much of a bacterial component,” she explains. However, hormonal breakouts are caused by excess oil production, “and can be characterized by deeper cystic breakouts along the lower one-third of the face, including the chin and the jawline. Since there is a hormonal component, some people may find that it worsens around their period or with their menstrual cycle,” Dr. Garshick adds.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Marisa Garshick is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose consulted a dermatologist and pored over dozens of customer reviews to find the best face masks for acne.
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