15 Best Face Masks For Sensitive Skin With A Buying Guide – 2024
Soothe your sensitive skin with the magic of gentle, nourishing formulas of these face masks.
Sensitive skin is more prone to inflammation and needs utmost care. Do you want to get that healthy radiant glow on your face but are afraid of using even gentle formulas? Fret not – we will help you pick the best face mask for your sensitive skin. These face masks can moisturize the skin, remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, and impart a fresh and radiant look. Also, they will not disturb the skin’s natural balance. Check out our list of the 15 best face masks for sensitive skin and choose your pick.
In This Article
15 Best Face Masks For Sensitive Skin
1. Best Overall:SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask
Are you looking for the best nourishing mask for your sensitive skin? SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask is the best option for your stressed and tired skin. It is enriched with antioxidants, vitamins, and ceramides that leave your skin looking instantly radiant. This multitasking face mask is formulated with chestnut extracts that activate the natural exfoliation process and ward off dullness, vitamin C that brightens your skin tone and boosts hydration, and niacinamide that visibly reduces pores and fine lines and evens out your skin tone. It can be used as a daytime moisturizer and a nightly mask. Take a quick look at the review of the SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask for more information.
Key Ingredients
- Chestnut extracts
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
How To Use
- Apply a layer on cleansed, dry skin including the under-eye area.
- Leave the mask on for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a warm towel or washcloth. No need to rinse your face.
- Offers an instant spa-like glow
- Reduces dullness
- Boosts hydration
- Evens out the skin tone
- Reduces pores and fine lines
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free
- Surfactant-free
- Petrolatum-free
- BHA-free
- Silicone-free
- Dries out the skin
"This mask revitalizes dry and peeling skin, especially when traveling to hotter climates. It moisturizes without feeling heavy. I like how gently it settles on the sensitive parts of my skin. It helps my skin stay soft and hydrated without any irritation."
2. Best Leave-On Mask:Dr. Brandt Skincare Hydro Biotic Recovery Sleeping Mask
Dr. Brandt Skincare Hydro Biotic Recovery Sleeping Mask is a leave-on overnight hydrating mask. This dermatologist-tested sleeping mask bridges the gap between ‘inside out’ and ‘outside in’ beauty with its key ingredient – the Biotic Balancing Complex. It works in harmony with the skin’s natural flora overnight. This complex stimulates the skin’s self-renewal process, hydrates it deeply, and soothes irritation. This clinically-tested facial mask is also enriched with Manuka honey, which has anti-inflammatory, soothing, and moisturizing properties that reduce redness. Green tea increases resistance to the skin’s aging process, while yogurt powder stimulates the skin’s natural defenses and prevents itching. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of the Dr. Brandt Skincare Hydro Biotic Recovery Sleeping Mask.
Key Ingredients
- Biotic Balancing Complex
- Manuka honey
- Green tea
- Yogurt powder
How To Use
- Apply this mask to clean and dry skin before bedtime.
- Use it nightly and do not rinse your face afterward.
- Deeply hydrates the skin
- Reduces redness
- Soothes irritation
- Prevents itching
- Improves skin health
- Locks-in moisture for up to 72 hours
- Not tested on animals
- Expensive
3. Best Natural Clay Mask:Alya Skin Pink Perfect Australian Pink Clay Mask
Alya Skin Pink Perfect Australian Pink Clay Mask is a 100% natural Kaolin clay mask. It targets the problem areas on your face and helps to detoxify and brighten the skin. This mask is enriched with Australian clay that pulls out toxins from the skin, pomegranate that reduces breakouts and helps fade acne scars, aloe vera that soothes the skin and calms inflammation, and witch hazel that helps tighten pores. This clay mask gets deep into the pores and unclogs them of impurities to leave your skin clean. Check out the review of Alya Skin Pink Perfect Australian Pink Clay Mask for more information.
Key Ingredients
- Pink Australian clay
- Aloe vera
- Pomegranate
- Witch hazel
How To Use
- Apply the mask evenly on your face.
- Remove the mask with a warm, wet towel after 10 minutes.
- Reduces skin inflammation
- Tightens the skin pores
- Smoothens the skin
- Moisturizes the skin
- Lightens hyperpigmentation
- Helps treat eczema and acne
- Vegan
- FDA-approved
- Cruelty-free
- Smells like chemicals
SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask Best Overall | Dr. Brandt Skincare Hydro Biotic Recovery Sleeping Mask Best Leave-On Mask | Alya Skin Pink Perfect Australian Pink Clay Mask Best Natural Clay Mask | |
---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | Dry | Dry | Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal |
Dimensions | - | 2 x 2 x 2 inches | - |
Weight | - | 1.8 Ounces | - |
Rating | |||
Reviews | 266 | 260 | 371 |
Price | $59.44 | $19.99 | $49.99 |
4. Best Glow Mask:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a fruit-powered bouncy and breathable sleeping mask. This vitamin- and amino acid-rich watermelon mask intensely hydrates the skin and fights free radical damage. It is enriched with watermelon that moisturizes the skin and minimizes wrinkles and dark spots to deliver visible results. It also contains AHAs that clarify pores and remove dead skin cells. The pumpkin extract in this mask helps in skin repair, and hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin. This cult-favorite product has gotten rave reviews for its extraordinary performance.
Key Ingredients
- Watermelon
- Hyaluronic acid
- Pumpkin seed extract
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
How To Use
- Apply a thick layer of this mask on your cleansed, dry skin from forehead to chin as a part of your nighttime skin care routine.
- Gently pat the mask into the skin and wash it off in the morning.
- Smoothens the skin
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots
- Clarifies pores
- Hydrates the skin
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Pillow-proof formula
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- Synthetic dye-free
- Cruelty-free
- May cause breakouts
5. Best Non-toxic Mask:Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask
Herbivore Blue Tansy Invisible Pores Resurfacing Clarity Mask is a non-toxic facial mask. It gently clarifies acne-prone skin. It is enriched with white willow bark, which is a natural beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) high in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory salicin that helps clarify skin. Also, fruit enzymes like papaya and pineapple gently exfoliate the skin and leave your skin smooth, while blue tansy oil works to reduce redness and soothe dry skin.
Key Ingredients
- White willow bark
- Fruit enzymes
- Blue tansy oil
How To Use
- Apply a thin layer of this mask to cleansed, dry skin.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
- Non-toxic
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- GMO-free
- No synthetic ingredients
- May cause breakouts
6. Aveeno Oat Mask with Pumpkin Seed Extract
Aveeno Oat Mask with Pumpkin Seed Extract has a luxurious, velvety texture that provides your skin with the pampering it deserves. This allergy-tested face mask is made of prebiotic oat, which profoundly nourishes and moisturizes the skin and helps restore its natural moisture barrier of the skin. The dermatologist-recommended formula also contains pumpkin seed extract, which is rich in vitamin E; feverfew, a natural antioxidant, and Kaolin and bentonite clay, which are excellent skin-cleansing agents. This composition is clinically proven to help soothe irritated dry skin.
Key Ingredients
- Pumpkin seed extract
- Prebiotic oat
- Feverfew extract
- Kaolin clay
- Bentonite clay
- Squalane
- Vitamins E and B
How To Use
- Apply the full oat face mask to clean damp skin
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Reduces dullness
- Reblances skin
- Value for money
- None
7. Best Creamy Texture:Proactiv Amazonian Clay Mask
The Proactiv Amazonian Clay Mask comes with a creamy texture. It purifies, restores, and nourishes your face. This age-reversing face mask is enriched with shea butter, avocado oil, and cucumber oil that pulls out excess oil and dirt from the skin. It unclogs the pores and shrinks the larger ones. It is formulated with bentonite and kaolin clay that absorbs impurities and excess oil. It is infused with vitamins and antioxidants that moisturize and nourish the skin, making it softer, smoother, and healthier. This product has garnered much positive response from reviewers for its efficacy.
Key Ingredients
- Kaolin clay
- Vitamin E
- Tea tree oil
- Avocado oil
- Shea butter
- Virgin cucumber oil
How To Use
- Apply to dry clean skin with spatula or hands.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water after 5 to 10 minutes.
- Apply sunscreen before stepping out in the sun.
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Moisturizing formula
- Offers anti-aging benefits
None
8. Best Healing Mask:First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is a deeply hydrating mask for dull-looking and dehydrated, parched skin. This dermatologist-tested oatmeal mask helps nourish, soothe, and rejuvenate the skin in just 10 minutes. This soothing mask is a blend of two types of protective oats, namely colloidal oatmeal, and Avena sativa oat bran. These are skin-nourishing ingredients that prevent oxidative damage while providing hydration. It also contains shea butter and bisabolol that provide moisture and act as protective skin barrier strengthening agents. This face mask helps treat eczema and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and redness.
Key Ingredients
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Shea butter
- Bisabolol
- Sea buckthorn
- FAB antioxidant booster
- Licorice root
- Feverfew and white tea extracts
How To Use
- Apply a thick layer of this face mask all over your cleansed, dry face.
- Rinse it off with water after 10 minutes.
- Use this facial mask two or three times per week.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Hydrates the skin
- Rejuvenates the skin
- Vegan
- Alcohol-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Sulfate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- No artificial fragrance
- Not tested on animals
- May irritate the skin
"The hydrating mask effectively reduced my redness and left my skin feeling soft right after one use. It makes my skin look even and smooth. It works wonders for dryness and sensitivity. It has a pleasant fragrance and is easy to put on and remove."
9. Best Purifying Mask:Tree To Tub Purifying Clay Mask
Tree To Tub Purifying Clay Mask is a deeply moisturizing clay mask. It is formulated with the finest natural ingredients like bamboo charcoal, mild bentonite, and kaolin clay. These ingredients trap all the impurities and environmental pollutants and remove blackheads. The mask also contains caprylic triglyceride from coconut oil that moisturizes and conditions sensitive skin. The hyaluronic acid in this mask soothes the skin. It is a humectant that reduces inflammation and redness and simultaneously hydrates the skin.
This product also contains ginseng and green tea that are anti-aging ingredients. They improve blood circulation, brighten the skin complexion, and restore damaged skin. The aloe vera, chamomile, and cucumber extracts in this mask provide intense hydration. The antioxidant properties from bitter orange flower extracts and tea tree promote acne treatment, and the vitamin C and pumpkin enzymes synthesize collagen and maintain skin elasticity.
Key Ingredients
- Ginseng green tea complex
- Indian bentonite clay
- Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic acid
How To Use
- After cleansing your face, apply this mask evenly all over it.
- Rinse it off your face after 5 to 7 minutes.
- Deeply unclogs the pores
- Soothes inflamed skin
- Moisturizes the skin
- Repairs damaged skin
- Boosts blood circulation
- Brightens the skin
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Chemical-free
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
- May dry out the skin
10. Divulge Beauty Enzyme Face Mask
Divulge Beauty Enzyme Face Mask is the first-ever water-activated enzyme mask. This face mask dissolves dead skin cells and treats clogged pores. It is an exfoliating face mask that gently loosens and removes dirt, oil, and dark spots. It hydrates and brightens your skin. This enzyme face mask is enriched with enzymes that work to shed skin cells and speed up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. Oat kernel protein softens and moisturizes the skin, while alfalfa powder helps prevent dry skin and improves your complexion.
Key Ingredients
- Oat kernel protein
- Alfalfa powder
- Enzymes
How To Use
- Measure one scoop of enzyme powder and mix it with hot water to form a spreadable paste.
- Rinse off the mask after 5-10 minutes with warm water.
- Use this mask 2-3 times per week for the best results.
- Removes dry, flaky skin
- Clears blackheads
- Unclogs dirt and oil from pores
- Fixes uneven skin texture
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
- None
11. Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask
Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask is a clay mask infused with olive leaf extract, evening primrose, and vitamin E. These three ingredients protect the skin from environmental damage. Kaolin clay and wheat starch detoxify and clear clogged pores. It also absorbs excess oil and impurities in the pores. Its antibacterial properties protect the skin from breakouts. This nourishing mask exfoliates the skin as well. Its soothing chamomile formula reduces skin redness and delivers visible results. This calming or non-hardening mask comforts irritated and very sensitive skin types. Also, a majority of reviewers have stated that they are satisfied with this product.
Key Ingredients
- Vitamin E
- Evening primrose extract
- Olive leaf extract
- Kaolin clay
How To Use
- Apply a thin layer of this face mask on clean, dry skin.
- Avoid the under-eye area and wait for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it off well with warm water.
- Use this mask 2-3 times per week for best results.
- Alleviates redness and irritation
- Draws out impurities from the skin
- Exfoliates the skin
- Deeply cleanses the skin
- Reduces inflammation
- Cruelty-free
- Odd fragrance
"The mask is a new addition to my skincare routine. It effectively deals with my dry, red, and irritated skin. It does not completely heal the sensitive skin from the inside but it certainly soothes and leaves the skin feeling softer. It may tingle a little after applying but it instantly refreshes and calms the skin."
12. Differin Detox + Soothe 2 Step Face Mask
Differin Detox + Soothe 2 Step Face Mask is a dermatologist-tested treatment. In step one, hotflux opens the pores, while hectorite and kaolin clay remove excess oil and impurities and detoxify the skin. In step two, the cooling gel is formulated with allantoin and blue tansy oil that soothe the skin and minimize the appearance of redness and pores. Also, it helps retain the skin’s natural moisture.
Key Ingredients
- Allantoin
- Kaolin clay
- Hotflux
- Hectorite
- Blue tansy oil
How To Use
- Apply step 1 to your face and wash it off after 3 minutes with water.
- Apply step 2 and leave it on overnight.
- Use this treatment up to 3 times per week for the best results.
- Detoxifies the skin
- Soothes the skin
- Removes excess oil and impurities
- Moisture-recharging
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Easy to use
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Potent formula
13. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask is an ultra-gentle, creamy gel facial mask. It helps soothe, detoxify, and hydrate the skin. This gel mask is infused with botanical extracts of cucumber, papaya, chamomile, aloe vera, sugarcane, pineapple, orange, lemon, sugar maple, and bilberry. The key ingredients like cucumber extract have emollient properties that can nourish, soothe, hydrate, and de-puff your skin. The papaya enzymes help remove dead skin cells, reduce pigmentation, treat the signs of aging, and treat eczema and psoriasis. Chamomile and aloe vera extracts reduce itching, inflammation, and redness. They also promote skin cell turnover to speed up the healing process.
Key Ingredients
- Cucumber extract
- Papaya extract
- Chamomile extract
How To Use
- Apply the face mask to clean and dry skin.
- Rinse it off with cool water after 10 minutes.
- Use this gel mask 2-3 times per week for the best results.
- Reduces inflammation
- Hydrates the skin
- Refreshing formula
- Reduces skin puffiness
- Detoxifies the skin
- Expensive
14. HoneyskinTurmeric Face Mask
If you want to have blemish-free and smooth skin, try out the Honeyskin Turmeric Face Mask. The face mask is rich in antioxidants and helps with cell regeneration that reveals radiant and glowing skin. The formula of this mask is enriched with organic turmeric extract that reduces scarring and calms inflamed skin. Organic aloe vera offers hydration and bentonite clay exfoliates your skin and draws out impurities. Organic manuka honey treats hyperpigmentation. It also contains ginger root oil to help fade the appearance of scars. The mask helps to revive your skin and reveals a natural glow.
Key Ingredients
- Organic turmeric extract
- Aloe vera
- Bentonite clay
- Ginger root oil
- Organic manuka honey
- Sweet citrus extract
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Free from toxic chemicals
- Might be drying
15. Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask
Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask is a creamy clay mask. This dermatologist-recommended face mask is designed to purify and deep clean your pores. It is formulated with bentonite clay that draws out impurities and Amazonian kaolin clay that gently exfoliates the dead skin cells. Also, the apple fruit and cucumber seed extracts help maintain skin hydration and brighten your skin.
Key Ingredients
- Bentonite clay
- Amazonian kaolin clay
How To Use
- Apply this mud mask to your clean, dry skin.
- Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
- This face mask can be used up to 3 times per week.
- Removes pore-clogging impurities
- Absorbs excess oil
- Deeply cleanses the skin
- Clinically-tested for sensitive skin
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Improves skin tone
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Clinically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Easy to use
- Fragrance-free
- Greasy formula
Face masks can be beneficial. But before you purchase one, you need to know what to look for to make a wise choice.
How To Choose A Face Mask For Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you should consider some points before selecting a face mask. Here is a list of important points to keep in your mind.
1. Choose Gentle Formulas
Opt for basic and gentle products that are clinically-proven and do not confuse your skin by using multiple products at once. Choose dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic, soothing, hydrating, chemical-free, and paraben-free formulas that do not damage your sensitive skin. The face mask should also contain gentle exfoliators like kaolin clay that unclogs pores and removes dirt and impurities from the skin.
2. Check The Ingredient List
It is one of the most important things to do while selecting a face mask for sensitive skin. Not all ingredients are suitable for sensitive skin. So, go for masks with natural botanical extracts with skin-soothing properties. Select a mask with sandalwood, cucumber, aloe vera extract, chamomile, or hyaluronic acid. They possess anti-inflammatory properties that calm down your irritated skin.
3. Avoid Masks With Harsh Chemicals
You should avoid facial masks with harsh ingredients like salicylic acid, sulfates, artificial fragrances, dyes, phthalates, alcohol, and anything that may dry and irritate your skin.
4. Always Do A Patch Test
It is the best way to avoid any allergic reaction. Your skin may be more sensitive to many gentle ingredients as well. So, do a patch test before using any product. Apply the mask to a small area on your chin or neck and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then, wash it off. If you notice any adverse reaction, like redness or itching, avoid that product.
Face masks can help reduce skin inflammation and redness and offer a soothing sensation. In the following section, we will discuss the benefits of applying a face mask to sensitive skin.
Benefits Of Applying A Face Mask To Sensitive Skin
- Face masks remove dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells that are trapped in your pores. They can detoxify your skin and imparts a radiant glow to your skin.
- Applying a face mask can make your skin look flawless. Opting for a mask that is suitable for your sensitive skin can give it a healthy appearance.
- Face masks can help improve blood circulation. The scrubbing or peeling process stimulates the blood vessels underneath your skin. This, in turn, ensures an overall improvement in skin texture.
- Applying a face mask relaxes and soothes your skin and reduces redness and inflammation. Masks formulated with essential oils can revitalize your skin.
The Bottom Line
Harsh chemical products can inflame sensitive skin. Hence such skin needs at most care. These best face masks for sensitive skin are formulated to soothe your soft and sensitive skin. The face masks are made of toxin-free natural ingredients like vitamin C and anti-inflammatory ingredients that help treat skin problems and keep the skin healthy and glowing. However, If you are looking for a versatile mask that hydrates and refreshes, consider the SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask. For clarifying pores and removing dead skin cells, the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a good choice. If you are seeking a mask that helps control excess oil and purifies the skin, the Proactiv Amazonian Clay Mask might be a good fit. These sensitive face masks are cruelty-free, vegan, and non-comedogenic. Check out the buying guide to choose masks that are skin-friendly.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author, is a certified skin care coach who is passionate about skin care and beauty products and the way they affect your skin. She knows what works best for you as per your age and skin type. Especially when it comes to sensitive skin, she makes sure you use nothing but the best. So she has painstakingly done all the research about the ingredients used in various face masks and how they may affect you over time to curate this list of the top 15 face masks for sensitive skin. When you select any of the products listed here, you can be sure to see and feel a visible difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are face masks bad for sensitive skin?
No. Face masks are good for sensitive skin. Most brands have face masks with skin-soothing, hydrating, calming, and repairing ingredients. They make your skin healthy and smooth without causing any irritation.
Are clay masks good for sensitive skin?
Yes. Clay masks are good for sensitive skin. They can stimulate blood circulation, absorb impurities, and exfoliate dead skin cells.
Which clay mask is best for sensitive skin?
A face mask made with kaolin clay is the best option for sensitive skin. In general, it is available in different colors like white, pink, red, and yellow. White kaolin clay is gentle on sensitive skin. Red kaolin clay absorbs impurities effectively, while other types of kaolin clay stimulate blood circulation and help in exfoliation.
What types of face masks are the best for sensitive skin?
Hypoallergenic face masks, formulated with non-toxic ingredients and devoid of sulfates, artificial fragrances, dyes, phthalates, and alcohol are the best for sensitive skin.
Is an egg white mask good for sensitive skin?
Yes, DIY egg white masks made with other gentle ingredients like honey, aloe vera, and yogurt is good for sensitive skin.
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