16 Best Brightening Face Masks To Remove Dead Cells & Tan Quickly
Bid farewell to dullness and dryness and brighten your skin from deep within.
Anna is a licensed esthetician and the founder and owner of Beauty and Cutie® hair, skin and nails vitamins from New York. Her interest in nutrition analysis and beauty propelled her to obtain a certification in Nutrition Science from the Stanford Center for Health Education and then develop and successfully market her product to improve hair, skin, and nails.
Read full bio of Anna Misztela
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
A dull face with dark spots and dryness can concern many of us. This condition can be due to various reasons. But what if we tell you choosing the best brightening mask can solve these issues in a shot? Yes. There is a range of face masks you can choose from. These are made of beneficial ingredients which can effectively tackle skin issues. However, with so many options, choosing the best product suitable for you can be tricky. So, read on to choose the one which suits your skin type.
In This Article
16 Best Brightening Face Masks For All Skin Types
1. Best Overall: Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask
Skin Type: All skin types (do a patch test if you have super-sensitive skin)
This brightening mask contains a blend of fruit stem cells, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid. These ingredients have an exfoliating effect on your skin and reveal brighter skin. This results-driven skin renewal mask also contains nourishing ingredients like manuka honey and organic pumpkin extracts and is rich in beta-carotene that helps to give you an even skin tone and smooth texture. Once you apply it on your face, you will experience a tingling sensation. This is due to the AHA, and it means that the mask has started working. Also, a huge number of reviews on Amazon testify that multiple users have experienced visible results with this product
- Contains 98% nature-derived ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegetarian product
- Non-GMO project verified
- pH-balanced
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- No petrochemicals and preservatives
None
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 4,989 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
2. LAPCOS Pearl Brightening Sheet Mask
Skin Type: All skin types
This is a brightening sheet mask that contains pearl extracts. The powder of freshwater pearls infused in this mask has a clarifying effect on your skin. It has anti-aging benefits and skin brightening essences that improve and balance the skin tone and make your skin healthy and glowing. The mask also contains Lactobacillus that helps to nurture the skin microbiome and chamomile that keeps it moisturized. The visible results of this product are vouched for by the numerous positive reviews on Amazon.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Hydrates the skin
- Has a brightening effect
- Doesn’t irritate the skin
- Made from biodegradable material
- Contains PEG
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 4,490 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
3. Best Detoxifying: Gleamin Turmeric Vitamin C Clay Mask
The Gleamin Turmeric Vitamin C Clay Mask is a ready-to-apply skin-brightening face mask in clay form that gives you a visibly radiant look with one use. It is a no-mix ready-to-apply formula that saves you from the hassle of messy powder mixing. The skin tone balancing mask detoxifies the skin and removes dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and residue from the pores. It helps clear out acne as well. As a result, you can achieve clear, glowing, and healthy-looking skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric & aloe vera combat dark spots and give your skin a bright, even-toned look, with visible results in just 10 minutes. This mask for dark spot reduction is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and suitable for all skin types. The free application brush makes it easy to apply the mask to the corners of the face.
Skin Type: All skin types
- Easy to apply
- Detoxifies skin
- Dermatologist-recommended
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Talc-free
- pH-balanced
- Suits all skin types
- Includes applicator
None
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 5,196 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask | LAPCOS Pearl Brightening Sheet Mask | Gleamin Turmeric Vitamin C Clay Mask | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.22 x 0.87 x 0.48 inches | 0.5 x 6 x 9 inches | - |
| Weight | 1.6 Ounces | 3.2 Ounces | 2.1 Ounces |
| Package Dimensions | - | - | 2.68 x 2.36 x 2.32 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,989 | 4,490 | 5,196 |
| Price | $15.99 | $17.0 | $41.99 |
4. Mario Badescu Whitening Mask
Skin Type: All skin types
The Mario Badescu Brightening Mask is formulated to address skin issues such as discoloration and dryness. This specially developed product contains a blend of ingredients like kojic acid and antioxidant-rich ingredients such as licorice root, mulberry, and grapeseed extracts that help minimize uneven skin tone and improve skin clarity. It also contains olive leaf extract and vitamin E that nourish your skin and beeswax that helps lock in essential vitamins and nutrients, giving you a brighter, glowing, hydrated, and clear skin. Multiple reviewers have noticed visible results and highly recommend this product.
- Fades dark spots effectively
- Aids in tone correction
- Visible and fast results
- Effective in reducing pigmentation issue
- Provides skin evenness
- Pleasant fragrance
- Contains botanical extracts
- Contains parabens
- Might leave a residue after washing
5. Best Vegan Brightening Mask: ACURE Brightening Face Mask
Skin Type: All skin types
This brightening face mask works as a perfect detox mask for your skin. It contains a potent blend of Moroccan argan extract and chlorella. The Moroccan argan extract conditions your skin and keeps it moisturized, while chlorella provides your skin with essential vitamins and omega-3s that add glow to your face. The glow-boosting face mask also contains niacinamide that improves the appearance of your pores and reduces dullness and pomegranate extracts that provide anti-aging support to your skin and reduce fine lines. Many users have positively reviewed this product after noticing visible results.
- 100% vegan product
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Cruelty-free
- USDA-certified biobased product
- Pleasant fragrance
- Doesn’t irritate the skin
- A little goes a long way
- Travel-friendly
- Quantity is very less for the price.
6. Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask
Skin Type: All skin types
The bliss® mighty marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask has an airy texture that glides smoothly onto your skin. The hydrating marshmallow root extract helps illuminate your skin. Vitamin C combats free radicals and protects the skin collagen while reducing uneven skin tone. Olive leaf extract restores the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
This face mask also contains naturally purifying citrus, eucalyptus, and pine oils that act as natural toning agents and remove toxins. It rejuvenates and smoothens dull, tired skin and treats discoloration to provide a radiant complexion, receiving multiple positive reviews online.
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
None
7. Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment
Skin Type: All skin types
This is a fast-acting brightening face mask. This skin treatment contains vitamin C and lactic acid that help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation and refine your skin pores, reducing their appearance. It helps to remove dead skin cell build-up and contains pre-exfoliator particles that promote better ingredient absorption and sheer rejuvenation. This will help your skin get the full benefit of the ingredients. This product claims to give you even-toned skin in just one use. With regular use, you will achieve clear and brighter skin.
- Contains salicylic acid
- Helps in spot reduction
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Light and pleasant fragrance
- May not give the same results for all skin types.
8. Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask
Skin Type: All skin types
This is a gentle exfoliating face mask loaded with active botanical ingredients. The main purpose of this mask is to restore your skin, improve radiance, brighten it, and refine the appearance of skin pores. It contains a locally sourced superfruit, Davidson plum, a natural and gentle version of AHA, which helps brighten your skin and rejuvenate it. The desert lime extracts hydrate your skin and boost collagen development, aloe vera soothes the skin and reduces redness, and bentonite clay deep cleanses your skin and eliminates impurities. It also contains witch hazel that draws out excess oil and vitamin E that protects your skin from free radicals.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Natural ingredients
- Contains bentonite clay
- Might cause a burning sensation.
9. Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
Skin Type: Combination and dry skin types
This is a natural enzyme and BHA-powered mask that claims to reduce dullness and the appearance of your skin pores to give you bright and healthy-looking skin. It contains 18 botanical ingredients including natural BHA derived from white willow bark extracts and pomegranate enzymes that exfoliates your skin and minimizes the appearance of pores. The pomegranate enzymes in this mask slough off dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It also contains pink clay that absorbs excess oil and dirt build-up to refine the pores. Together, all these ingredients provide complete nourishment while giving you radiant and glowing skin and is highly recommended by reviewers.
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- 100% vegan
- No synthetic fragrances and colors
- Phthalate-free
- No harmful chemicals
- May take time to show results.
10. Best Overnight Face Mask: KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening Sleeping Facial
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types
This overnight facial mask has a souffle-like texture that melts instantly into your skin. It contains vitamin C and wild rose extract that penetrate deep into your skin, provide intense hydration, and reduce dullness, uneven skin tone, and texture. The fatty acid-rich wild rose oil in this product is further boosted by hyaluronic acid and leaves you with plumper and brighter skin by morning. This sleeping facial also enhances skin elasticity and improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Note: It may contain traces of nuts/wheat. If you are allergic, do not use the product.
- Dermatologically tested
- Recyclable packaging
- Vegetarian product
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
- Expensive
11. Best Clean Face Mask: Tatcha The Violet-C Radiance Mask
Skin Type: Normal, oily, dry, and combination skin types
This anti-aging mask features the antioxidant-rich superfruit Japanese beautyberry along with two types of vitamin C and AHAs naturally derived from fruits. The Japanese beautyberry helps stabilize vitamin C and improves its efficacy. The 10% AHA complex derived from fruits helps remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It also promotes cell regeneration. This product also features Tatcha’s signature trio – green tea, rice, and algae extracts – the anti-aging superfoods that help restore bright and youthful skin.
- Contains naturally derived ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-sensitizing
- Urea-free
- Mineral-oil free
- No synthetic fragrances and colors
None
12. Neutrogena Radiance Boost Brightening Hydrogel Mask
Skin Type: All skin types
This brightening facial mask is made from 100 % gel. Compared to paper sheet masks, this skin-brightening hydrogel mask holds up to 50% more essence/serum. It is a single-use facial sheet mask that claims to work in 15 to 30 minutes. It is enriched with vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, and seaweed extract that hydrates your skin and makes it bright, luminous, and even-toned.
- Non-comedogenic
- Clinically proven results
- Hydrating
- Visible results
- Some users may not like the fragrance.
13. Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask
Skin Type: All skin types that has spots and discoloration
This brightening face mask is inspired by iontophoresis, a skin treatment in which the skin is saturated with brightening ingredients. The Ion Force Technology helps the brightening ingredients get deeply absorbed into your skin layers to give effective results. It brightens the skin and helps improve the glow and natural radiance while providing deep skin rejuvenation. This skin illumination mask is made with highly elastic materials, so it fits any face shape easily.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Clinically tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Keeps the skin hydrated
- Helps reduce dark spots
- Contains PEG
- Expensive
14. SNP Diamond Brightening Ampoule Mask
Skin Type: All skin types
This mask is infused with diamond particles and hyaluronic acid that gently exfoliate dead skin cells, supply moisture to dull, dry skin, allowing it to absorb essential nutrients better. The presence of niacinamide in this product brightens and even tones the skin while cranberry and pomegranate extract soothe the skin, relieve inflammation, improve its elasticity, giving it a healthy, youthful glow. The whitening and moisturizing effect of the mask leaves your skin feeling fresh and full of life.
- 100% cellulose mask
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Might irritate sensitive skin
- Alcohol-like smell
"This face mask is good for my dry and combination skin type. I often use it twice weekly to hydrate the skin. I have noticed my skin feeling softer and slightly brighter. It is easy to apply and does not trigger any allergies on my skin. I like it for its formula, which is devoid of chemicals."
15. Clinique Even Better Brightening Moisture Mask
Skin Type: All skin types
This is a skin-brightening and moisturizing facial mask. It contains shea butter that deeply hydrates your skin and helps protect and strengthen the natural moisture barrier of your skin. It protects your skin from any damage caused by environmental exposure and irritation that might cause dark spots, pigmentation, and skin discoloration. It improves skin tone and texture and restores softness, radiance and hydration to dull and dehydrated skin.
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy tested
- Keeps the skin moisturized
- Reduce blemishes
- Improves uneven skin tone
- Increases skin luminosity
- Contains PEG
16. Model off Duty Superfood Skin Glow Mask
Skin Type: All skin types
The revitalization face mask contains pumpkin and neem extracts along with fruit enzymes and vitamin E. It is like a superfood specially developed for your skin with all-natural and skin-loving ingredients. These ingredients help to instantly balance and restore tired and dull skin. It contains glycolic acid, which has a mild exfoliating effect on your skin and helps reveal fresh and bright skin. It delivers essential nutrients, antioxidants, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to your skin to keep it bright and glowing.
- Non-GMO
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
None
There’s a reason why everyone from beauty enthusiasts to skincare addicts use a face mask at least once a week. It can transform your skin in only twenty minutes, and in the process, give your skin much needed TLC. If you have been thinking about purchasing a brightening mask to remove your tan and dead cells, we are all for it! However, just buying something off the rack is not going to do any wonders for your skin – you should consider the following points before making any purchases.
What To Look For In A Brightening Face Mask
Skin Type
To get the most out of your brightening mask, you need to know what your skin type is before you buy one. If your skin is easily irritated, pick a mask that calms your skin and calms the redness.
To combat oily skin and acne, use a mask that does double duty by drawing out excess oil while replenishing moisture. Go for masks containing vitamin C. If you have oily skin and don’t like using creamy products, gel masks are a perfect alternative for you.
You should exercise extra caution when dealing with your skin if it is particularly sensitive. It is best to use calming masks instead of those that claim to remove dirt and oil from deep into your pores.
Go for masks specifically designed for mature skin if you are over 40. Fine lines and wrinkles are telltale symptoms of aging, so if your skin is starting to show its age, you may want to try a mask that increases blood flow to the skin for anti-aging effects.
Try to choose a formulation that targets your specific skin care concerns, such as enlarged pores, dull skin, under eye bags, or an uneven skin tone. Try to find anything that can help your skin regenerate its cells and change for the better over time.
Visiting a dermatologist might be quite useful if you are unsure about your skin type. Use of cosmetics not designed for your skin type might be counterproductive. Do a patch test to check for any irritation.
Ingredients
You should use natural, clinically verified, and non-chemical-based products wherever possible. You can be more flexible regarding the ingredients, though, because masks are not something you use every day. However, stick to products that are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, and mineral oil. Look for ingredients that are dermatologically tested with a proven efficacy to reduce any risks of irritation on sensitive skin.
Usage
Buy a mask that claims to deep cleanse your skin if you work outside and subject your skin to dust and pollution every day.
Fragrance
Choose a mask with no synthetic fragrances, since strong, artificial odors can be irritating to the skin. Since you won’t be using the product daily, you may opt for a mildly scented one.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Brightening Face Mask
If your skin concerns are dark spots and dullness, you need good brightening face masks to remedy that. They are packed with radiance-boosting elements that nourish the skin while fading stubborn spots. In the infographic below, we have listed six key ingredients that you must look for in these masks. Check it out.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Face masks help to restore the glowing complexion of your skin, and they are a must-have in your arsenal. Including face masks is very important in your skincare routine because they can effectively address multiple skin concerns. For those looking for a natural exfoliating formula, try the Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask, while the LAPCOS Pearl Brightening Sheet Mask is a preferred choice due to the convenience and effectiveness of the sheet mask. The Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment is the best option for those looking for an intense and rapid brightening effect. The face masks reviewed in the curated list are free from synthetic preservatives and fragrances. Instead, they have a hypoallergenic formula enriched with nourishing ingredients that make your skin soft and supple. You may also go through the reviewer’s experience on Amazon to decide a product for yourself. These masks work wonders on all skin types. In addition, they will leave your skin with a brightening effect.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author, is a certified skin care coach and an expert on all things skin care. A brightening mask reduces hyperpigmentation, dark spots and dryness. This is why Shiboli recommends using these skin brightening masks. She chose these products after spending hours reading through reviews and conducting extensive research. Keep your skin radiant with these masks thanks to their special ingredients and skin care benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a brightening mask?
Apply a brightening mask to clean skin and keep on for around 15 minutes before washing your face with lukewarm water. Then, follow up with a moisturizer or serum.
What happens if you keep a mask on too long?
When you wear a facemask for an extended period, your face sweats excessively. Sweat and heat, along with the friction caused by the masks, can clog your pores.
How long can sheet masks be kept?
You can keep sheet masks on for 15-25 minutes. However, sheet masking should not last more than 30 minutes.
Can I apply serum after a face mask?
Yes, you can apply serum after using a face mask.
Do I use moisturizer after a face mask?
Yes. After you remove your face mask, moisturize your skin while it is still damp.
Read full bio of Anna Misztela
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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