Sophia Vilensky
Using a good face mask is the best little treat for your skin. Within 10 to 20 minutes, you can boost hydration, detox your pores, or soothe irritation—or, better yet, all three. A face mask can come in various formulations, from clay masks (Kourtney Kardashian swears by Aztec Secret) and sheet masks to pricey LED light therapy masks. But you don't have to spend a fortune to obtain these benefits. In fact, the best drugstore sheet masks are marry high quality and affordability while still catering to every possible skincare concern.
"It is possible to get great skincare at an affordable price—you just need to know what you are addressing in your skin and the ingredients you will need to get results," says Purvisha J. Patel, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist based in Tennessee.
Since there are so many drugstore face masks are on the market to choose from, we asked a few beauty experts to share their favorites, including beauty editors' tried-and-true selections. Screenshot this list before your next drugstore run and let the at-home spa nights begin.
Best Drugstore Face Masks
- Best Drugstore Face Mask Overall: Lapcos Collagen Sheet Mask
- Best Drugstore Under-Eye Masks: Patchology Serve Chilled on Ice Firming Eye Gels
- Best Glowy Drugstore Face Mask: Loops Double Take Glow Mask
- Best Fragrance-Free Drugstore Face Mask: Cocokind Sea Kale Clay Face Mask
- Best Drugstore Face Mask for Lips: Vitamasques Lip Mask and Repair
There are many reasons to love Korean skincare but the invention of sheet masks is undoubtedly at the top of the list. History has it that skincare lovers would dip cloths in homemade serums to fight signs of aging, an ancient practice that eventually became the humble sheet mask. One of my favorite K-beauty brands, Lapcos, has an array of easy-to-use face masks that are definitely worth adding to your collection. This collagen option works to minimize wrinkles and restore the skin's elasticity and firmness.
Key Ingredients: Peptides (revitalizing)
Who It’s For: Those looking to diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet
What We Love: Easy to use; fits nicely on the face; smells good
What We Don’t: The mouth area isn't wide enough
Review for MC: "I love that this face mask set comes in a pack of five—I like to keep one in my gym bag, one in my travel bag, and one on my vanity for use whenever I want to treat my skin. The essence has a thicker, milkier consistency than other sheet masks, and I always wake up to smoother skin after using this the night before. Highly recommend!" — Michelle Rostamian, Freelance Beauty Writer
Michelle Rostamian enjoys the milky consistency of the Lapcos Collagen Firming Sheet Mask.
Formulated to brighten and depuff without the fridge (although popping it in the fridge definitely won't hurt!), these Patchology under-eye patches contain a skin-loving cocktail of cooling and firming ingredients like peptides, cloudberry oil, and bakuchiol. After you're done with them, pat the excess serum into your skin to further combat bags and fine lines.
Key Ingredients: Peptides (revitalizing), cloudberry oil (brightening), bakuchiol (smoothing)
Who It’s For: People who want a brighter under-eye area
What We Love: Feels cooling; hydrating
What We Don’t: Single-use packaging is not sustainable
Review for MC: "These patches feel refreshing and hydrating on my perpetually dry under-eyes, especially if I pop them in the fridge beforehand. I like using them in the mornings after a salty meal because they help de-puff, but they're really great to use anytime this area needs a pick-me-up. I like that they don't slide down (unlike other under eye patches that I have to readjust constantly), as well as how smooth my under eye concealer looks after I use the patches." — Michelle Rostamian, Freelance Beauty Writer
Michelle Rostamian loves the cooling feeling of the Patchology Serve Chilled On Ice Firming Eye Gels.
Loops, a favorite of Camilla Mendes and Emily Ratajkowski, has a whole array of sheet masks in bright colors. My favorite: double Take Glow Mask, which is designed to be used before big events. It features sunflower seed oil (a potent source of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E), aloe vera, and Hyalurosmooth, the brand's plant-derived form of hyaluronic acid, to help plump the look of fine lines. And, because it comes in two pieces, you can use them separately or simultaneously depending on your skin needs.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil (moisturizing), aloe vera (calming)
Who It’s For: Those looking to impart a radiance to their skin
What We Love: Cute packaging; won't slip; formulated for all skin types
What We Don’t: Single-use packaging is not sustainable
Review for MC: "I'll use pretty much any product that promises to give my skin a good glow. In my constant testing for reflective skin, I came across these masks and they've since been a constant in my routine for years. With just 10 minutes of wear, my skin has restored radiance and brightness. I always throw them in my carry-on when traveling for an in-flight treatment." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Sometimes you don't want to be overwhelmed by fragrance—and neither does your skin. This simple-yet-smoothing sea kale clay option from Cocokind has powerful ingredients without the added (and often irritating) perfume. Soothing blue sea kelp keeps your face supple while cucumber seed powder gently exfoliates for added smoothness. You can use it two or three times a week, leaving it on for 20 minutes before gently massaging off with cool water.
Key Ingredients: Blue sea kelp (plumping), cucumber seed powder (exfoliating)
Who It’s For: Those looking for a non-drying pore-refining mask
What We Love: Fragrance-free; great for sensitive skin; helps to minimize the appearance of pores
What We Don’t: You don't get that much product
Review for MC: "I can't say enough good things about this face mask. Ideal for dry skin, this is one of the only clay masks that won't aggravate any existing dry patches. I love that it's fragrance-free (it just smells like pure clay), and how smooth it makes my skin look. As a bonus, my pores look less visible after using." — Michelle Rostamian, Freelance Beauty Writer
Michelle Rostamian is a fan of the Cocokind Sea Kale Clay Face Mask's ability to refine pores and smooth skin texture.
Lip care is an underrated part of skincare routines, but if you're looking for a smoothing and softening boost, this lip mask definitely belongs in your rotation. It's made with hyaluronic acid to nix chapped lips and deeply hydrate, along with mulberries and wild cherries, which offer antioxidant protection. The mask works in as little as 15 minutes—perfect for throwing on before bed as you're winding down.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrating), mulberries and wild cherries (protecting)
Who It’s For: Those looking to hydrate and plump their pout
What We Love: Fun metallic lips print; hydrating
What We Don’t: Lip cutouts may be too big for some people
Review for MC: "While I put on lip balm every night before bed, my lips are still prone to weather-related dryness. I love using this lip mask during the winter, but I know I'll also be wearing a liquid lipstick or matte lipstick formula on days I know I'll be wearing it. It doesn't slide around while it's working its magic—plus, it's super affordable." — Michelle Rostamian, Freelance Beauty Writer
Michelle Rostamian uses the Vitamasques Lip Mask and Repair to plump and hydrate the lips.
Other Drugstore Face Masks We Love
"This mask is super effective for moisturizing dry skin types—and it’s cheap," says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. He particularly loves this formula because it contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates skin and, with consistent use, can make your complexion look smoother and brighter. Dr. Patel is also a fan of this mask, noting that it "provides intense hydration and improves the skin's moisture levels."
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
Who It’s For: Anyone looking to boost moisture
What We Love: Expert-approved; contains hyaluronic acid; lightweight essence; available in bulk
What We Don’t: Single-use packaging is unsustainable
If you have sensitive skin, Rachel Nazarian, M.D., New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology, recommends non-comedogenic options like this purifying clay mask from Cetaphil (we love Cetaphil around here). It's fragrance-free, which is great for those with acne or irritation. 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 drying out your skin.
Key Ingredients: White clay (balancing), apple fruit extract (hydrating), cucumber seed extract (brightening)
Who It’s For: Those looking to control excess sebum production
What We Love: Expert-approved; eradicates breakouts; doesn't over-dry skin; fragrance-free
What We Don’t: More expensive than most of its competitors
With a 99 percent natural formula and tons of skin-soothing ingredients, this overnight mask is like a tall 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. Put it on before bed, drift off easily, and wake up feeling nourished.
Key Ingredients: Avocado oil (moisturizing)
Who It’s For: Those needing to reset their skin's microbiome
What We Love: Editor-approved; hydrating; easy to use; cruelty-free
What We Don’t: 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. Because stress is unfortunately inevitable, I treat those areas with the same actives that I would use to treat a facial breakout: salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. This polishing mask works wonders with sugar crystals that melt as you massage them into your skin.
Key Ingredients: Black sugar (exfoliating), activated charcoal (oil-absorbing)
Who It’s For: Those looking to treat and prevent breakouts
What We Love: Editor-approved; great for both face and body
What We Don’t: Exfoliating sugar can be irritating on wounds or sensitive acne
This mask by Formula 10.0.6 is very effective—and it is satisfying to apply and peel off (a major pro in a face mask). Its active ingredients, which include papaya extract and grapefruit seed extract, refresh and brighten the skin without irritation, making it an excellent alternative for those who can't tolerate retinol. Another key ingredient, glycerin, hydrates your skin for a more even-looking complexion.
Key Ingredients: Papaya extract (resurfacing), grapefruit seed extract (brightening), glycerin (hydrating)
Who It’s For: Those looking to alleviate dull-looking skin
What We Love: Includes hydrating, dermatologist-approved ingredients; gentle; cruelty-free
What We Don’t: 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.
Key Ingredients: Cranberry (collagen-boosting), papaya extract (resurfacing), vitamin C (plumping), avocado oil (moisturizing), retinol (pore-refining)
Who It’s For: People looking for a mild retinol product
What We Love: Contains industry-backed ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid; cute design; softens skin
What We Don’t: Retinol may be irritating for those with very dry or sensitive skin—consult with your dermatologist before using
This mask has gone viral many times over, and I believe it's worth the hype—Kourtney Kardashian Barker, Lili Reinhart, Mindy Kaling, and a host of other celebs have also expressed their loyalty for it over the years. When mixed with water or apple cider vinegar (I prefer the latter), the powder formula clears pores and results in a brighter, smoother complexion every time. "This clay mask is known for its deep cleansing properties and is suitable for all skin types," adds Dr. Patel.
Key Ingredients: 100% natural calcium bentonite clay (pore-refining)
Who It’s For: Those with oily skin
What We Love: Editor-approved; Expert-approved; fast results; great for acne
What We Don’t: Messy to use
Crafted to brighten dark spots and even out your skin tone, Sweet Chef's ginger-infused face mask can be used two to three times a week. It contains dual exfoliants (physical and chemical) to smooth out texture and refine pores. It also contains vitamin C, which, according to Dr. Patel, "can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, help to prevent premature aging, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful complexion."
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid (pore-refining), rice and maca powder (smoothing), vitamin C (brightening), ginger (evening), turmeric root extract (calming)
Who It’s For: Anyone looking to remove dead skin cells
What We Love: Expert-approved ingredients; brightening; helps to visibly firm skin
What We Don’t: Makes face feel tight
Formulated with a fun jelly texture meant to be used once a week, this gold-tinted face mask contains a triple-threat of AHAs, BHA, and enzymes to improve the look of hyperpigmentation, smooth, uneven texture and boost cell turnover for a brighter, more youthful-looking face. It also features vitamin C-rich pineapple and papaya enzymes. "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," Dr. Patel explains. "These extracts can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration, resulting in a more radiant complexion."
Key Ingredients: Pineapple and papaya enzymes (resurfacing), AHAs and BHAs (resurfacing)
Who It’s For: Those looking for a weekly rinse-off treatment for dark spots
What We Love: Expert-approved ingredients; brightening
What We Don’t: More expensive than other options
Even if you wear sunscreen every day (which, by all accounts, you should), sunburns 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 a high water content and can provide hydration and moisture to the skin," she says. Fruit extracts with hydrating properties can help to replenish moisture, improve skin elasticity, and prevent dryness.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera (cooling), cucumber and watermelon (hydrating)
Who It’s For: People looking for after-sun skincare relief
What We Love: Expert-approved ingredients; soothing; decreases redness
What We Don’t: Single-use packaging is not sustainable
What to Look for in a Drugstore Face Mask
- Skin Type
The first factor to consider when shopping for a drugstore face mask is your skin type. Having oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin impacts what kind of formula you should use, and can help maximize results and minimize potential side effects. (For example, if you have sensitive skin and use a mask meant for oil control, you may experience skin dehydration and flaking.)
"Every face mask is not universal for all skin types, so be careful when choosing," says Erica Marie Gatt, a Los Angeles-based aesthetician. If you need help deciding, a professional is the best person to ask. They'll be able to "provide you with a clear understanding of what would work for your skin and what could potentially cause redness, inflammation, or breakouts," notes Gatt. And always, always patch test.
- Ingredients
"When choosing a face mask, it’s important to be wary of potential allergens and irritants," notes Azza Halim, M.D., board-certified anesthesiologist and physician based in Newport Beach. "Look out for harsh chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives that could cause irritation or allergic reactions."
What ingredients do you actually want? Gatt breaks it down by skin type: For dry skin, she recommends a mask with hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C is ideal for uneven skin tone, charcoal helps with congestion, peptides work to plump, and retinol is great for a youthful appearance.
- Texture
Dr. Patel also advises you to "consider the texture and application process of the face mask." Some come in sheet form while others are creamy or gel-like—and there's nothing worse than thinking you're getting a sheet and realizing you have to apply the goop manually.
"Choose a texture that you find comfortable and easy to apply. Additionally, consider the time required for the mask to work its magic," she says. "Some masks can be left on for a few minutes, while others may need to be left on overnight."
Why Choose a Drugstore Face Mask?
There are good reasons why the drugstore face mask aisle continues to grow. "Drugstore face masks became popular quickly due to their accessibility, affordability, and convenience," shares Dr. Halim. "Additionally, drugstore face masks are usually more affordable compared to high-end options, allowing people to experiment with different products without breaking the bank. Their convenience, often packaged in single-use sachets or tubes, makes them appealing for those seeking quick and easy skincare solutions."
This could so, so easily be you.
Can a Drugstore Face Mask Really Help My Skin?
While a one-time use face mask probably won't fix all of your skin woes, it can certainly be a good starting point. "Face masks are a great option for a boost of hydration and de-puffing before a big event, but as for long-term benefits you'll want to stick with your daily skincare routine to see the best results," says Gatt. "Think of face masks as an occasional treat for your skin to help give it that little boost and pampering."
What to Do After Using a Drugstore Face Mask
When your face-mask timer is up, Gatt says you should continue your regular skincare routine: "After use, you can apply your skincare products and even apply makeup, but skip the makeup if you can to give you skin the ultimate pampering."
Why Trust Us
This list includes products hand-selected by beauty writers, Marie Claire editors, and skincare experts.
Every drugstore face mask that landed on this list offers various benefits for the skin, is affordable, and is highly rated by reviewers. While the best drugstore face mask for you will vary based on personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list. For a more personalized recommendation or if you have any concerns, check with your dermatologist.
Meet the Experts
Born in London, raised in Wales, and medicine trained in the States, Purvisha Patel quickly found her passion for skin and the treatment of skin cancers. While running a busy dermatology practice, Mohs surgery center, and Medi Spa, it became clear that skincare regimens were too complicated, labor intensive, and expensive for her patients. Working with a team of chemists she was able to formulate, test, and approve Visha Skincare products, and now bring them to market.
Dr. Azza Halim is a leading, board-certified anesthesiologist and physician with a focus in aesthetic medicine, anti-aging treatments, and regenerative medicine. Dr. Halim has a diverse background in medicine and wears many hats, making her a foremost source on a variety of topics within the wellness and beauty space. She is a national medical director for hospital, surgical, and aesthetic practice startups, runs her own medical consulting company, and is a national educator and KOL for various companies, having spoken at conferences such as A4M, Boston BioLife, and Empire Medical Training and Kimera Labs. Her revolutionary, trademarked procedures for cellulite have been presented at the Aesthetics Everything, the Global Aesthetics Conference, and the Global Virtual Aesthetics Summit.
Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in dermatopathology and cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatology. He is currently based in New York, where he has his own practice.
Skin health guru Erica Marie Gatt's decades worth of experience working as an aesthetician and makeup artist has shaped her foolproof, fuss-free beauty philosophy. She believes that curating thoughtful, streamlined skincare regimens for her clients is key to achieving effortless natural beauty and an overarching sense of empowerment, confidence and well-being. As someone who loves the outdoors and being active, Erica recognizes the link between health, wellness, and beauty, and embraces a holistic approach that puts equal emphasis on both an inner and outer glow. Erica honed her talent and channeled her passion under the tutelage of celebrated Los Angeles aesthetician Gina Mari after having spent years as a makeup artist.
Rachel Nazarian, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology and has years of experience practicing various aspects of dermatology including cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, general dermatology, and dermatologic surgery. Dr. Nazarian has written many published articles in medical journals as well as widely respected dermatology textbooks, such as Treatment of Skin Disease. Dr. Nazarian serves as a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology, where she completed her dermatology residency. While completing her medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Nazarian was awarded a grant from the Women’s Dermatology Society.
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