What to Look for in an Exfoliating Mask

Choosing the right exfoliating mask can help you achieve smoother, brighter skin without irritation.

1. Exfoliation Type

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Exfoliating masks use either physical (scrubs) or chemical (AHAs, BHAs, enzymes) exfoliants. Chemical exfoliants are often gentler and more effective for most skin types, while physical exfoliants provide immediate smoothing but can be abrasive.

2. Skin Type Compatibility

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Select a mask formulated for your specific skin type. Sensitive or dry skin may benefit from gentle enzyme-based masks, while oily or acne-prone skin can tolerate stronger acids like salicylic acid.

3. Active Ingredients

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Look for proven ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, fruit enzymes, or charcoal. These ingredients help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores for a clearer complexion.

4. Hydration and Soothing Benefits

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A good exfoliating mask should also include hydrating and calming ingredients—like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or chamomile—to prevent over-drying and soothe the skin after exfoliation.

  1. 1
    Resurfacing Mask

    Tata Harper

    1,658 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A glow-restoring face mask with pomegranate enzymes, pink clay and beet root extract.
  2. 2
    Clarifying Clay Masque

    SkinCeuticals

    193 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Non-drying face mask that combines kaolin and bentonite - the highest quality of natural earth clays. 
  3. 3
    Superkind Radiance Mask

    Tata Harper

    442 REVIEWS
    A gentle exfoliating mask that restores radiance without irritating or drying out the skin.
  4. 4
    Glacial Clay Detox Mask
    233 REVIEWS
    A detoxifying, mineral-rich Glacial Clay mask that works to clarify congested skin.
  5. 5
    Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque
    220 REVIEWS
    An energizing radiance mask that helps visibly brighten dull, fatigued skin
  6. 6
    Exfoliating Mask

    Joanna Vargas

    95 REVIEWS
    This purifying mask with kaolin clay, volcanic ash, and exfoliants reveals a visibly brighter complexion using natural and botanical extracts.
  7. 7
    Clarifying Mask

    Tata Harper

    506 REVIEWS
    Restore clarity to blemish-prone skin with this complexion-perfecting mask full of AHA superfruits and exfoliating quartz sand crystals.
  8. 8
    Exfoliating Enzyme Mask

    Sisley-Paris

    40 REVIEWS
    1 minute Radiance Revealing Exfoliating Enzyme Mask
  9. 9
    Pore Refining Treatment
    29 REVIEWS
    This powerful exfoliant uses three methods of exfoliation for dramatically smoother and softer skin while absorbing excess oil and impurities.
  10. 10
    Lava Scrub Mask

    Blue Lagoon Skincare

    4 REVIEWS
    This energizing facial, sourced from the volcanic area surrounding Blue Lagoon in Iceland, leaves skin feeling fortified, smooth, and revived.

What to Look for in an Exfoliating Mask

Choosing the right exfoliating mask can help you achieve smoother, brighter skin without irritation.

1. Exfoliation Type

Citrus catapult arrow

Exfoliating masks use either physical (scrubs) or chemical (AHAs, BHAs, enzymes) exfoliants. Chemical exfoliants are often gentler and more effective for most skin types, while physical exfoliants provide immediate smoothing but can be abrasive.

2. Skin Type Compatibility

Citrus catapult arrow

Select a mask formulated for your specific skin type. Sensitive or dry skin may benefit from gentle enzyme-based masks, while oily or acne-prone skin can tolerate stronger acids like salicylic acid.

3. Active Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for proven ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, fruit enzymes, or charcoal. These ingredients help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores for a clearer complexion.

4. Hydration and Soothing Benefits

Citrus catapult arrow

A good exfoliating mask should also include hydrating and calming ingredients—like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or chamomile—to prevent over-drying and soothe the skin after exfoliation.