The Best Face Masks For Every Skin Type

Last Updated on October 14, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

What are the best face masks for every skin type? FYI, I don’t believe everyone needs a face mask. If you’ve got your skincare routine nailed, your skin’ll be soft and supple without the need of this extra step. (The exception? Oily skin. I still recommend a clay mask to keep shine at bay for you.)

But that doesn’t mean you should never use a face mask. I like to use one as a pampering treat when I need to relax at the end of a tiring day, as a much-needed pick-me-up after a poor night’s sleep, and as an instant fix before a friend’s wedding. Whatever the reason, if you choose to use a face mask, opt for the best (cos your skin doesn’t deserve anything less). Here are the best face masks for every skin type and concern, from clay masks to hydrating overnight treatments and more:

Table of Contents

Best Sleeping Mask: Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask ($18.00)

Don’t use face masks because you don’t have 20 minutes to wait around while they work their magic? Let me introduce you to sleeping masks: they’re hydrating concoctions you leave on your skin overnight. That’s right. No need to rinse off.

My fave is Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask. Infused with moisturising natural oils, its lightweight texture deeply hydrates your skin while you sleep, leaving it softer and plumper. It also has a big dollop of niacinamide, a multitasker that hydrates skin, brightens the complexion and even soothes irritations.

The best part? Unlike some sleeping masks that feel like you’ve smeared a thick layer of grease all over your face, this one feels more like a moisturiser. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, so there’s one less thing for sensitive skin to complain about.

It’s a particularly good choice for normal skin, dehydrated skin and dry skin types, especially when your face looks dull and feels tight. Got oily skin? You can use it too, but go easy on the amount. The moisturising oils may feel a little too rich if your skin already produces plenty of its own.

One last thing: you don’t need to use this mask and a moisturiser. It can double up as your night cream. Who says you need a 10-step skincare routine to wake up with soft, supple skin?

Available at: iHerb, Look Fantastic, and Yes Style

Best Clay Face Mask For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin: Niod Flavanone Mud (£34.00)

If you can take the sting (this stuff makes your skin tingle a little), NIOD Flavanone Mud is a game-changer. It’s the only clay mask I’ve tried that doesn’t leave a muddy mess all over my bathroom sink.

It has kaolin and mineral-rich clays to absorb excess oil, so your forehead won’t turn into a greasy Big Mac by lunchtime. If you’re prone to clogged pores and breakouts, that’s good news. The clays help remove excess sebum, dirt and other impurities that can build up on your skin and contribute to congestion.

But this isn’t your average clay mask that sucks up every last drop of oil and leaves your face feeling tighter than a pair of jeans two sizes too small. The formula is also loaded with antioxidants, including resveratrol and naringenin, plus soothing bisabolol to help calm irritations. With regular use, it makes your skin softer, brighter and clearer.

It’s the best option for good choice for oily, combination and acne-prone skin, especially if you’re dealing with excess shine and clogged pores. Just don’t expect it to replace your acne treatment. A clay mask can help keep excess oil under control, but it won’t do the job of proven acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Dry skin? Don’t touch it. Any clay mask can make dryness worse.

The catch? That tingling sensation can turn into a proper sting, especially after rinsing. If your skin is sensitive or already irritated, I’d skip this one. Otherwise, use it once a week, leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse. No need to smear half the jar on your face, either. A thin layer does the trick.

Available at: Cult Beauty and Niod

Best For Dry Skin: Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask ($29.00)

Does your skin feel so dry and tight, it seems like it’s about to crack every time you smile? Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask comes to the rescue.

This rich, creamy face mask is loaded to the brim with moisturising ingredients that give dry skin some much-needed TLC. Glycerin draws moisture into the skin for deep hydration, while natural oils like evening primrose, borage and apricot kernel help soften rough patches and reduce moisture loss. Plus, it has linoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps support your skin’s protective barrier and repair skin. The result? Softer, suppler skin that doesn’t feel like sandpaper anymore.

The icing on the cake? It’s packed with antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, to help fight free radical damage before it leads to premature wrinkles. And it’s fragrance-free, too. Your dry skin has enough problems without irritating fragrances joining the party.

Got dry, flaky skin that still feels tight no matter how much moisturiser you slather on? This is the kind of mask you’ll want to reach for. Its rich texture wraps your skin in a comforting layer of moisture, leaving it softer and smoother. But if your skin is oily, you may find it a little too heavy. No point adding more richness when your skin’s already producing plenty of oil on its own.

You can leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off, or use a thin layer overnight for an extra dose of moisture. Either way, it’s a lovely treat when your skin needs a little more hydration than usual.

Available at: Paula’s Choice

Best Face Mask For Sensitive Skin Types: Kiehl’s Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask ($49.00)

Does your skin throw a tantrum every time you try something new? Kiehl’s Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask may be just what you need to give it some much-needed TLC.

The star ingredients here are calendula and aloe vera, two plants with anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe irritated skin. Calendula is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals, too. But that’s not all. The formula also has centella asiatica, licorice and bisabolol, a little army of soothing active ingredients that help keep redness and irritation at bay.

Plus, there’s plenty of glycerin to attract moisture into the skin, and squalane to keep it there. The result? Softer, smoother skin that feels a lot more comfortable. Unlike rich, creamy masks, this one has a lightweight gel texture that feels refreshingly cool on your skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes, rinse it off, and you’re done. No greasy residue. No waiting around all evening for your skin to soak it all up.

The catch? Calendula and other botanical extracts can still cause reactions in some people. If your skin reacts to everything under the sun, don’t assume a mask is safe just because it’s labelled calming. I mean, there are people allergic to water. Patch test first.

Available at: Kiehl’s, Look Fantastic, Sephora and Ulta

Best Sheet Mask: StarSkin The Gold Mask™ VIP Revitalizing Luxury Coconut Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Face Mask (£14.50)

StarSkin The Gold Mask isn’t the cheapest sheet mask out there, but it has all the key ingredients your skin needs: natural oils like avocado, olive and rosehip to moisturise skin, antioxidants like licorice to help fight off free radicals before they give you wrinkles and dark spots, and chamomile to help soothe irritations.

Not to mention, a generous dose of niacinamide to… well, everything. Niacinamide hydrates, soothes, brightens and even helps with acne. Plus, there’s glycerin to attract moisture into your skin and give it that plump, healthy look.

But what makes this sheet mask different from your average drugstore option? It’s made from bio-cellulose derived from fermented coconut juice. This soft, gel-like material hugs every contour of your face, so you don’t have to spend 20 minutes pushing a slippery sheet back into place. It also helps keep the serum in contact with your skin while you wear it.

Leave it on for 15–20 minutes, peel it off and pat in the remaining serum. No rinsing required. Your skin will feel softer, suppler and look a little brighter… even after a poor night’s sleep or a long-haul flight.

It’s a lovely pick-me-up for dry, dehydrated and dull skin, especially when you want a quick glow before a special occasion. Just don’t expect one sheet mask to erase wrinkles or dark spots. Those benefits take time and consistent use of the right skincare ingredients.

The catch? The formula contains rose and geranium oils, plus fragrance allergens like citronellol and geraniol. If your skin throws a tantrum at the mere mention of fragrance, I’d give this one a miss.

Available at: Harrods

How To Choose The Best Face Mask For Your Skin Type

Don’t pick a face mask because it promises glowing skin or has a gazillion trendy ingredients. Pick one that gives your skin what it actually needs for its specific skin concerns. Here’s what to look for:

Oily and acne-prone skin: Go for a clay mask with kaolin or bentonite to soak up excess oil and keep shine at bay. Avoid rich, oily formulas that leave your face feeling greasy.
Dry skin: Look for creamy masks with glycerin, shea butter, ceramides and natural oils. These ingredients attract moisture into your skin and help keep it there. Bonus points: they help fine lines look smaller too. Skip clay masks. Your skin’s dry enough already.
Sensitive skin: Keep it simple. Look for soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, panthenol, allantoin and bisabolol. Fragrance-free is your friend. A long list of fragrant plant extracts? Not so much.
Combination skin: You’ve got two options. Use a lightweight hydrating mask all over your face, or apply a clay mask to your oily T-zone and a moisturising one to your dry cheeks.
Dehydrated skin: Whatever your skin type, look for humectants like glycerin, forms of hyaluronic acid and panthenol. They help attract water into your skin, making it look temporarily plumper.
Dull skin: If you want a quick pick-me-up before a night out, a hydrating sheet mask can temporarily plump up your skin and make it look fresher. Just don’t expect it to erase pigmentation in 20 minutes. Vitamin C can help too.

One last thing: your skin type determines which masks your skin can comfortably tolerate. Your current skin concern determines which one you should reach for today. Got oily but dehydrated skin? You don’t need more clay. You need hydration. Still confused about the different types of masks? Check out my guide on how to choose the best type of face mask for your skin type.

FAQs About Face Masks

Are Face Masks Necessary In A Skincare Routine?

Nope. The skincare industry would love you to believe you need a different mask for every day of the week, but your skin didn’t get the memo. If you’ve already got a good skincare routine, a face mask isn’t going to magically take your skin to the next level. The one exception? Oily skin. A clay mask can help soak up excess oil and keep shine at bay. For everyone else, face masks are an optional self-care treat. Nothing wrong with a little pampering, as long as you know that’s what you’re paying for.

How Often Should You Use A Face Mask?

More often doesn’t mean better results. Shocking, I know.

Clay masks are best used once a week. Overdo them and you risk stripping away too much oil, leaving your skin dry and irritated.
Hydrating masks can be used once or twice a week, or whenever your skin feels like it needs a little extra moisture.
Sheet masks can be used more often, provided your skin tolerates the formula. But do you really need to spend money on a disposable mask every day? Nope.
Sleeping masks are a different story. If yours doubles up as a moisturiser, you can use it every night.

Can You Use Different Face Masks On Different Parts Of Your Face?

Of course! Who says you have to use the same mask all over your face? It’s called multimasking, and it’s a godsend for combination skin. Slather a clay mask on your oily T-zone and a moisturising mask on your dry cheeks. That way, you can mop up excess oil where you need to without making your dry patches even drier. Just pay attention to the instructions. If one mask needs to come off after 10 minutes and the other after 20, don’t leave them both on for 20 and hope for the best.

The Bottom Line

Face masks aren’t a skincare must-have. But they’re a lovely treat when your skin needs a little extra TLC. The trick? Choose a mask that suits your skin type and tackles your biggest concern. Your skin doesn’t care how fancy the packaging is. It cares what’s inside.

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