The Best Drugstore Face Masks Under $25

"This mask is super effective for moisturizing dry skin types and it’s cheap," says Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil. He particularly loves this formula because it contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates skin in the long term and, with consistent use, can make skin smoother and brighter. Dr. Patel agrees, saying, "This sheet mask is infused with hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and improve the skin's moisture levels."

Pros: Expert-approved; contains hyaluronic acid; lightweight essence

Cons: Single-use packaging is unsustainable

If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Rachel Nazarian recommends fragrance-free, non-comedogenic options like this purifying mask from Cetaphil. If you have acne, potential irritants like fragrance can aggravate breakouts. Although this mask controls sebum production, it's also infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil, which Dr. Nazarian says will prevent the formula from over-drying your skin.

Pros: Expert-approved; eradicates breakouts; doesn't over-dry skin

Cons: More expensive than most of its competitors

This overnight mask is like a refreshing glass of water for your skin. The ultra-hydrating, cream-based product is formulated with avocado oil and nourishing fatty acids. Like all of Burt's Bees' products, it smells fantastic, with a lightweight, calming scent that lulls me to sleep.

Pros: Editor-approved; hydrating; easy to use; cruelty-free

Cons: May be too thick for acne-prone or combination skin

I tend to break out all over my back and chest when I'm very stressed. I respond by treating those areas with the same actives that I would treat a facial breakout: salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. This polishing mask, which I picked up on a whim, works wonders, with its sugar crystals that melt as you massage them into your skin.

Pros: Editor-approved; great for both face and body

Cons: Exfoliating sugar can be irritating for wounds or sensitive acne

This mask is satisfying to apply and peel off, but it's also very effective. Its active ingredients, which include papaya extract and grapefruit seed extract, refresh and brighten skin without irritation, making this an excellent alternative for those who can't tolerate retinol. Another key ingredient, glycerin, hydrates for a more even complexion.

Pros: Includes hydrating, dermatologist-approved ingredients; gentle; cruelty-free

Cons: Contains fragrance, which could be irritating for sensitive skin

Multiple reviewers rave about how much softer their skin felt after just one use of this face mask. For that, they can thank this product's power combo of hyaluronic acid and retinol. The former hydrates skin, while the latter speeds up skin cell production to reveal newer, brighter skin.

Pros: Contains potent ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid; cute design; softening

Cons: Retinol may be irritating for those with very dry or sensitive skin—consult with your dermatologist before using a retinol

This two-in-one cleanser and mask act as a deep cleaner for clogged pores caused by oil build-up. "This mask contains benzoyl peroxide, which makes it great for acne-prone skin, especially for those on the more oily end of the spectrum," Mudgil explains. To reap the benefits of a face mask, make sure to let the formula sit for at least five to ten minutes.

Pros: Multi-benefit; contains benzoyl peroxide

Cons: Too drying for some

This mask has gone viral many times over, and I believe it's worth the hype. The powder formula, when mixed with water or apple cider vinegar (I prefer the latter), clears pores and results in a brighter, smoother complexion every time. Dr. Patel agrees, saying, "This clay mask is known for its deep cleansing properties and is suitable for all skin types."

Pros: Editor-approved; expert-approved; fast results; great for acne

Cons: Messy

"Some fruits, like pineapple or papaya, contain natural enzymes called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can gently exfoliate the skin," says Dr. Patel of papaya extract, the key ingredient in this affordable mask. "These extracts can help to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and stimulate cell renewal, resulting in smoother, clearer skin."

Pros: Expert-approved ingredients; great for hyperpigmentation; brightening; cruelty-free

Cons: Small container

"If you have acne-prone skin, look for face masks with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil," says Dr. Patel. This clarifying mask from SheaMoisture has just that—it's made with acne-prone skin in mind, featuring tea tree oil as its key ingredient. It's worked wonders on my breakouts.

Pros: Editor-approved; expert-approved ingredients; great for acne-prone skin

Cons: May be too drying for dry, sensitive skin

According to Dr. Patel, ingredients like Vitamin C and Vitamin E "can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can help to prevent premature aging, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful complexion."

Pros: Expert-approved ingredients; great for skin firming

Cons: Single-use packaging is not sustainable

This face mask relies on citrus as a key ingredient, which Dr. Patel recommends for cell renewal, exfoliation, and skin brightening. "Certain fruit extracts, like citrus or papaya extracts, contain natural enzymes that can help to exfoliate the skin and promote a brighter, more even skin tone," she explains. "These extracts can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration, resulting in a more radiant complexion."

Pros: Expert-approved ingredients; brightening; good for hyperpigmentation; exfoliating

Cons: Single-use, so not sustainable

Even if you wear sunscreen every day (and you should), sunburn can happen. If you find yourself struggling with a burn, Dr. Patel recommends formulas with soothing ingredients like watermelon or cucumber, such as this single-use mask. These botanicals "have high water content and can provide hydration and moisturization to the skin," she says. Fruit extracts with hydrating properties can help to replenish moisture, improve skin elasticity, and prevent dryness.

Pros: Expert-approved ingredients; soothing; decreases redness

Cons: Single-use, so not sustainable

"This peel-off mask helps to reveal brighter and more radiant skin while gently exfoliating," Dr. Patel says of this popular mask from Aveeno. Suitable for all skin types, it's especially helpful for those with sensitive skin who still want to benefit from an occasional exfoliation.

Pros: Expert-approved; affordable; suitable for all skin types

Cons: Single-use packaging is not sustainable

Bioderma's soothing mask is made with glycerin, which Dr. Patel says helps with hydration, skin barrier function, smoothness, softness, anti-aging, and healing. "Glycerin can act like cement and help heal the cracks in the skin barrier and restore moisture," she explains. "Glycerin is a natural humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin."

Pros: Expert-approved ingredients; hydrating; soothing; non-comedogenic; fragrance-free

Cons: Temporary redness immediately after use, but reviewers say it fades after about 20 minutes

I've loved using this mask since high school. It works in just a few minutes to unclog pores and smooth uneven, irritated skin. My skin always feels clean (but not dried out) after each use, and I love the feel of the warming effect. Because it's so impactful, you won't need to use it more than once a week.

Pros: Editor-approved; warming effect; clears blackheads

Cons: Single-use packaging is not sustainable

For years, this clarifying face mask has been a consistent bestseller for L'Oréal, and with good reason. Its thick clay formula is great for curbing the over-production of sebum and balancing oily skin—all without drying out your complexion too much.

Pros: Clarifying; thick formula; fast results; suitable for all skin types; great for acne

Cons: Minty scent may not be ideal for everyone

Sometimes we don't want to be overwhelmed by fragrance. This simple yet smoothing option has powerful ingredients without the added perfume. Soothing blue sea kelp keeps things supple, while cucumber seed powder gently exfoliates for added smoothness.

Pros: Fragrance-free; great for sensitive skin; minimizes the appearance of pores

Cons: Some users say it has a clinical smell

Humans have looked to their gardens for nourishing skincare for years, and this affordable option seizes the power of two natural staples. Strawberry and rosemary eliminate impurities, while yarrow helps to clarify and cleanse skin.

Pros: Vegan, cruelty-free; free of parabens and sulfates; great for acne

Cons: Small bottle

This treatment is so great at fighting acne, it can be used as a spot treatment on breakouts. Thanks to its vegan formula, it's also suitable for use on all skin types and on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pros: Vegan; cruelty-free; great on all skin types; fast results; fights acne

Cons: No longer available at large retailers like Sephora

If you're dealing with puffy or dull skin and need a fast pick-me-up, consider this hydrating face mask, which is made to soothe stressed skin. It contains caffeine, which immediately lifts and revitalizes skin. Meanwhile, soothing ingredients like coconut and turmeric mitigate puffiness so you can look your best.

Pros: Soothing; calms puffiness; brightening; lifting; fast results

Cons: Single-use, so not sustainable