10 Top-Rated Face Masks For African-American Skin – 2024
Heal and protect your hyperpigmented skin with these rejuvenating face masks.
Lisa Lee is a licensed esthetician with over two decades of professional experience in skin care and makeup. Having struggled with her skin issues practically her whole life, she understands the frustration as well as the toll it can take on one's self-image.
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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.
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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.
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Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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Irrespective of your skin type, you should use a rejuvenating and restoring face mask. The best face masks for African-American skin can help address multiple skin woes like acne, oiliness, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and melasma. In addition, a good face mask will help firm and tighten your skin, reduce pore size, absorb excess oil, and extract all the impurities. Here, we have listed some top-rated facial masks enriched with skin-friendly ingredients that help fight various skin problems. Keep scrolling to explore our top picks!
In This Article
10 Best Face Masks For African American Women
1. Best Anti-Acne:New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask
New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask works effectively for all skin types and is gentle enough for your face and body. It has an innovative formula made of Dead Sea minerals, rich in sodium and magnesium, that exfoliate the skin and unclog the pores. It has plant-based ingredients like sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, vitamin A, and chamomile extracts that deeply hydrate and protect your skin from free radical damage. It also improves your skin’s elasticity, minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, and diminishes fine lines. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review.
Key Ingredients: Dead Sea minerals, Aloe vera, Calendula oil, Vitamin E, Sunflower seed, and Jojoba oil
Pros
- Anti-acne
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
- No animal testing
Cons
- May cause irritation
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 5,282 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask
The Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask is ideal for sensitive skin. This nourishing mask rejuvenates your skin and imparts a youthful glow to it. It is made of bentonite clay that absorbs oil and pore-clogging impurities while minimizing the appearance of pores. In addition, pure Amazonian kaolin clay exfoliates dead skin cells and improves your skin’s complexion and texture. It also contains apple fruit extract, which smoothens out fine lines and protects your skin from free radicals. The cucumber seed extract in the mask is rich in beta-carotene that revitalizes your skin, giving it a natural, youthful glow. The creamy and velvety texture of this revitalizing mask leaves your skin nourished and soothed. This dermatologist-recommended formula also smells divine and is clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin. Check out this reviewer’s experience of using this product in this video.
Key Ingredients: Bentonite clay, Kaolin clay, Apple fruit extract, and Cucumber seed extract
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation on acne-prone skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 20,937 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
3. Best Exfoliating:Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask
Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask detoxifies, repairs, and nourishes acne-prone skin, making it healthy, glowy, and clear. Its active ingredient is Dead Sea mud, which is rich in multiple minerals that inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. This repairing mud mask exfoliates out the impurities and balances excess sebum. The high concentration of sodium and magnesium in Dead Sea mud is highly effective against pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes. It eliminates oil and toxins, cleans pores, and helps fade acne scars. This mask has sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to hydrate your skin and remove build-up. Regular use of this restorative mask softens your skin, improves skin tone, and eliminates blemishes.
Key Ingredients: Dead Sea mud, Sunflower seed oil, Shea butter, and Jojoba seed oil
Pros
- Reduces blemishes
- Controls acne
- Stimulates blood circulation
- Removes dead skin cells
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Petrochemical-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Talc-free
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May cause breakouts
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 11,139 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask Best Anti-Acne | Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask Best For Sensitive Skin | Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask Best Exfoliating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 3 x 3 inches | 2.95 x 2.89 x 3.35 inches | 2.63 x 2.63 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 8.8 Ounces | 0.01 Ounces. | 9.88 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,282 | 20,937 | 11,139 |
| Price | $17.95 | $12.89 | $13.99 |
4. Best Soothing:buttah. Charcoal Detox Mask
buttah. Charcoal Detox Mask is a perfect purifying mask for melanin skin tones. buttah. is a Black-owned company that boasts of its completely organic, cruelty-free and clinically validated products. This mask is enriched with naturally sourced healing ingredients, such as bentonite clay and shea butter, that rejuvenate your skin and give it radiance. The activated charcoal in this radiance-boosting mask attracts excess oil and impurities from the skin and leaves it feeling fresh. Kaolin and bentonite clay soothe your skin and help control excess oil secretions, while argan oil, sodium hyaluronate, and African shea butter nourish, moisturize, and offer plump skin.
Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal powder, bentonite clay, Kaolin clay, African shea butter, argan oil and sodium hyaluronate.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Cruelty-free
- Clinically tested
- Organic ingredients
Cons
- Expensive
"This charcoal mask has a thick consistency and applies well over my skin. It made my skin soft and glowy after one use. It helps battle the greasiness and makes my face appear brighter. Its gentle formula helps my skin look healthy and camera-ready!"
5. Best Hypoallergenic:Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask
Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask is enriched with glycolic acid for exfoliating your skin to remove dead cells and impurities while stimulating collagen production. In addition, the vitamin C in the mask protects your skin from sun damage and gives it a brighter and even skin tone. This antioxidant-rich mask contains vitamin E-rich sunflower seed oil that offers nourishment and hydrating aloe vera to boost the skin’s moisture barrier. It features innovative fruit stem cells technology that stimulates blood circulation and cell regeneration for a brighter complexion. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product that helps reverse dull skin.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Softening
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- GMO-free
- Petrochemical-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Color-free
- Preservative-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 4,989 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
6. Best For Blackheads:Vassoul Black Mask
The peel-off Vassoul Black Mask removes blackheads, exfoliates your skin, and gives you clear and smoother skin. It is the best mask for eliminating stubborn dirt and blackheads from oily or combination skin. It is infused with charcoal that pulls out trapped impurities and pore-clogging dead skin cells without causing dry patches. It also shrinks pores to give you flawless, refreshed skin. It can be applied to your forehead, nose, and cheeks for the best results. Your skin feels exfoliated, smooth, and tight after peeling off the mask.
Key Ingredient: Charcoal
Pros
- Anti-acne
- Easy to use
- Fights the signs of aging
Cons
- May dry out the skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 4,298 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
7. Best For Healthy Skin:Sky Organics Bentonite Clay
Sky Organics Bentonite Clay is the natural way to keep your skin free of toxins and pollutants. It is a powdered clay mask formulated with natural ingredients like bentonite clay and Fuller’s earth that detoxify and even out your skin tone. This skin care product also pulls out oil from the pores and protects the skin from recurring acne. This mask with Indian clay helps in healing your skin. Mix it with little water or apple cider vinegar to make a paste and use it on your face or body. Include this product in your daily skin care routine to get blemish-free, healthy skin.
Key Ingredient: Bentonite clay
Pros
- 100% natural
- Multipurpose
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause red patches
"This clay mask helped me cleanse my skin and battle acne. It also helped me reduce the appearance of blackheads. The application is a bit messy but the mask does its job in cleaning my skin. My skin feels a bit dry so I moisturize my face right after I wash it off."
Quick Tip8. Best Collagen Boosting:TN Tessa Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask
Say ‘goodbye’ to stubborn blemishes, dark spots, and dead skin cells with the TN Tessa Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask. It is rich in Dead Sea minerals that absorb excess oil, toxins, and dirt to improve your skin’s overall clarity and reduce acne. In addition, it contains collagen that stimulates blood circulation, reduces wrinkles, offers an even skin tone, and clears skin patches. The natural botanical ingredients in the anti-inflammatory mask, like witch hazel and vegetable amino acids, shrink open pores, smoothen your skin, and reduce the inflammation caused by breakouts. This calming mask evens out your skin tone and leaves your skin clarified with regular use. It also comes with a soft sponge to make removing it convenient.
Key Ingredients: Dead Sea mud, Witch hazel, and Amino acid
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Suitable for mature skin
- Soothes the skin
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May dry out your skin
9. Best Skin-Brightening:Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask
Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Face Mask is a skin-brightening mask with an airy and whipped texture. The firming face mask is infused with marshmallow root extract to deliver intense hydration and luminosity to your skin. Vitamin C fights free radicals and improves collagen to promote clearer skin tone and fight the signs of aging. Olive leaf extract retains moisture in your skin, while citrus, eucalyptus, and pine oils remove toxins, refresh your skin, and add radiance. This brightening face mask helps reduce discoloration and visibly smoothen your uneven skin tone.
Key Ingredient: Marshmallow root extract, Vitamin C, Olive leaf extract, Citrus oil, Eucalyptus oil, and Pine oil
Pros
- Lightweight
- Creamy formula
- Non-greasy
- Vegan
- Anti-aging
- Illuminating
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Urea-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Does not reduce pore size
10. Best Anti-Blemish:SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Mask
The dermatologist-tested SheaMoisture African Black Soap Face Mask is an ideal mask for acne-prone skin. It absorbs excess oil, sloughs off dead skin cells, and unclogs pores to prevent acne breakouts. It has antibacterial properties that combat pimples and clarify your skin. This acne-fighting and balancing mask is also infused with tea tree oil that gently balances and soothes irritated skin, while tamarind extract acts as an astringent that exfoliates and brightens your skin. Applying this oil-absorbing mask makes your skin look clean, blemish-free, and refreshed.
Key Ingredients: African black soap, Tamarind extract, and Tea tree oil
Pros
- Anti-acne
- Pore-refining
- Soothes the skin
- Dermatologist-tested
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Strong scent
African-American skin is prone to numerous skin problems, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and dryness. To combat these issues, many people turn to face masks to achieve healthy skin. We have put together a buying guide to help you find the best face mask for African-American Skin.
Things to Look For In A Face Mask For African-American skin
- Ingredients: It is important to keep in mind that African-Americans are more likely than other demographics to suffer from acne and allergies. To ensure that your mask will be effective at addressing these concerns and more, it is important to select a mask that contains ingredients specifically designed for this population. Opt for dermatologically tested ingredients that have proven efficacy in addressing your specific skin concerns.
Look for hyaluronic acid-infused masks as hyaluronic acid helps maintain moisture levels in the skin by acting as an essential water carrier and buffer. Bamboo charcoal is a natural adsorbent that helps to absorb oils and impurities from the skin. Finally, one ingredient that is particularly good for addressing African-American skin concerns is honey. Honey is a natural source of moisture and acts as a healing agent while helping soothe irritated or dry skin.
- Exfoliation: Look for skin masks that also contain exfoliating agents which help remove any dead skin cells, making your complexion look smoother and younger. Opt for chemical exfoliation or physical exfoliation with scrubs, depending on your skin’s needs.
- Chemical-free: Read the label to check if the face mask is free from fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Any ingredients that may cause irritation should be avoided. Do a patch test to see how your skin reacts to a new product.
- Personal Preference: When selecting a face mask, it is important to consider your skin type, and personal preferences. Some people prefer light or water-based face masks while others prefer thicker formulas that adhere better to dry or oily skin. It is also important to choose a mask that is safe for use during pregnancy or if you have any allergies.
- Well-fitting: Face masks should fit snugly without being too tight or too loose, otherwise they will not work as intended. Additionally, make sure the mask is easy to apply and doesn’t leave your skin feeling drier than ever.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Face Masks For African-American Skin
The African-American skin type commonly deals with inflammation, redness, and itchiness. Face masks are a great way to bring relief to such discomforts and make the skin healthy. Take a look at the infographic below to understand which ingredients in these face masks cater to which skin concerns.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Hyperpigmentation, acne, and melasma are the most common skin problems in African-American skin types. Such skin needs special attention in the skincare routine. Be it cleansers, scrubs, or face masks, you must only use products crafted specifically for these skin issues. The same holds for a face mask. A face mask is a crucial part of your skincare routine. It helps to eliminate impurities, make the skin firm, and minimize the size of the pores. Face masks can also exfoliate and rejuvenate skin. The New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask draws out impurities and is suitable for all skin types, while the Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask is best suited for dull or uneven skin tones. The Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask deep cleans your skin and unclogs pores. If you suffer from skin issues regularly, invest in a hypoallergenic, resurfacing formula with no harmful chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does African-American skin need special skin care?
Yes, African-American skin needs special skin care. The high melanin levels make African-American skin prone to inflammations, dark spots, acne, and sensitive skin conditions such as eczema. Therefore, they need skin care products free of toxins, harsh chemicals, and additives.
How to use the African-American face masks?
Apply the mask evenly to your face with a brush. Keep it on for fifteen to twenty minutes. Next, rinse the face mask with lukewarm water and pat dry your face with a soft towel.
How can African-Americans get flawless skin?
African-Americans maintain a proper skin care routine, including cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing to achieve a flawless glow. They also use gentle, non-comedogenic face masks unique to their skin type and tone.
What are the common problems with African-American skin?
African-American skin may often experience hyperpigmentation, redness, and inflammations due to high melanin levels. Using top-rated face masks along with other skin care products to address these issues.
Do face masks actually work for African-American skin?
Yes, face masks work on African-American skin. They address various skin issues like oiliness, hyperpigmentation, and melasma.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who understands how your skin behaves in response to different skin care and makeup products. She has gone through in-depth reviews and customer feedback to bring you a specially curated list of the best face masks for African American skin. These not only moisturize and nourish your skin but also help strengthen your natural skin barrier, giving you firm, smooth, and glowing skin with every use!
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