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The 10 Best Face Masks for Acne to Zap Zits and Unclog Pores
Breakouts are no match for these hardworking favorites
Breakouts are among the most common skincare concerns, which is why the best face masks for acne are formulated to quickly soak up excess oil, minimize dark spots, and prevent new zits from forming over time. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that around 80 percent of people between ages 11 and 30 will experience mild to moderate acne at some point in their lives.
Shop the Best Face Masks for Acne
Along with dietary contributors, like dairy and sugar, new pimples typically develop from three well-known factors. “Acne occurs when oil, dirt, and acne-causing bacteria become trapped in a pore and then it becomes inflamed,” board-certified dermatologist Nazanin Saedi tells Bazaar. Ultimately, understanding your skin’s tendencies and finding a treatment plan to work with them are the best courses of action for keeping blemishes at bay.
While acne-fighting face masks are usually reserved as a weekly skincare treat, board-certified dermatologist Suchismita (Tia) Paul says more frequent use can be beneficial for acne-prone skin. “I recommend using them one to three times a week, depending on your skin’s needs,” she says. “Look for masks with ingredients like salicylic acid, sulfur, or clay to treat and prevent breakouts. Always follow with a moisturizer and adjust the frequency if your skin becomes dry or irritated.”
Need help narrowing down one of the best face masks for acne? Read on for a few of Saedi’s and Paul’s top picks, plus, shop editor favorites like SkinCeuticals’ Clarifying Clay Masque, Drunk Elephant’s Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask, and more products that boost radiance while reducing zits.
Pros
- Exfoliating
- Reduces redness
Cons
- Some reviewers say the mask has an unpleasant medicinal scent.
Formulated with acne-fighting and pore-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid and sulfur, Murad’s Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask gets Paul’s expert stamp of approval. The formula contains a blend of kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb excess oil and control shine. “I like it because it delivers fast results without being too harsh on the skin, making it an effective treatment for active acne,” Paul explains.
One satisfied customer writes: “Fantastic product. Helps alleviate redness—even calms down cystic acne around the mouth and on the chin.” —vanessafe
Pros
- Under $15
- Helps clear congested pores
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
According to Saedi, salicylic acid works best when it has time to sit on the skin. That’s one reason she recommends the Ordinary’s 2 percent salicylic-acid-infused acne mask: It’s created to be left on for 10 minutes before being washed off. And at less than $15, the mask is also proof you can zap zits without zapping your entire budget.
One satisfied customer writes: “I think I have gone through about three to four tubes. This product makes my skin so soft and smooth. Also super cheap compared to other similar products.” —annarosemac
Pros
- Helps control shine
- Calms and soothes skin
Cons
- Some reviewers say the mask isn’t effective enough on blackheads.
An overaggressive clay mask can do a number on already irritated, inflamed skin. This option from SkinCeuticals is balanced with soothing aloe and chamomile to balance and clarify skin while drawing out dirt and oil from pores without drying out your face. Because the mask is on the thicker side, reviewers say a little goes a long way, giving you more bang for your buck.
One satisfied customer writes: “Love this so much! I purchased one as a Christmas gift for a girlfriend as well. It’s a great product and my skin feels so clean after using it.” —Stephanie
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask
Pros
- Top-rated at Sephora
Cons
- Subtle scent may be off-putting to some
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Pauls says sulfur is a key ingredient in reducing inflammation, and this mask uses it at a maximum strength of 10 percent. It also contains oil-absorbing clays to dry out existing breakouts and prevent them from coming back. Plus, each container includes five ounces worth of product, which means you probably have to worry about restocking the mask for a while.
One satisfied customer writes: “Amazing product! I suffer from hormonal acne and this product definitely helps a lot! After the first application, I could feel and see a difference!” —kaleiokalani626
Pros
- Under $20
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
If enlarged or clogged pores are one of your biggest skin issues, reach for this budget-friendly mask pick that’s infused with volcanic ash clusters and lactic acid. It’s also designed to exfoliate, draw out impurities, and absorb excess oil, leaving skin feeling smoother and pores looking freshly cleansed and refined.
One satisfied customer writes: “For the low price, I wasn’t expecting something this good! My face after was SUPER soft and all my blackheads VANISHED! It dried super fast and was super easy to remove. Will definitely buy again!” —JennieNK
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Shine Control Clay Mask
Pros
- Great for oily skin
- Works in five minutes
- Allergy- and dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Not ideal for dry skin
Here’s a popular acne mask that doesn’t just reduce excess oil but also actually mattifies your skin using a blend of kaolin clay, glycerin, and vitamin B5. And unlike some clay masks that can feel overly sticky, thick, and difficult to wash off, this one earns praise from reviewers for its silky-smooth consistency that’s easy to apply and remove.
One satisfied customer writes: “Love this product. The mask takes impurities out of my skin and leaves my face feeling supple and smooth.” —delo3113
Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask
Pros
- Targets redness and uneven skin tone
- Great for uneven texture
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula can be drying
Dullness and blackheads, begone! Made with azelaic and salicylic acids, plus a blend of antioxidants, this leave-on, glow-boosting mask fades stubborn dark spots, boosts skin radiance, and unclogs pores in one fell swoop. The mask is ideal for morning or night and can be mixed with any Drunk Elephant moisturizer or serum.
One satisfied customer writes: “Another great product. My husband and I both use this. It helps calm inflammation within seconds. It has a really nice cooling sensation when applied. I use it every other day and it lasts months. I wish the packaging was more like the retinol to keep the nozzle from drying out. But it’s a definite repurchase.” —Mbcombe
Pros
- Great for travel
- Reduces redness and excess oil
Cons
- Each mask can be used only once
Sheet masks are a great alternative for anyone who prefers to keep skincare mess to a minimum. And because these masks are in a spill-proof packet, they’re more travel-friendly than acne mask jars that can break open in your suitcase. Featuring a combination of salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree oil, Dr. Jart’s single-use masks calm redness, even out skin tone, and reduce shine in up to 20 minutes flat.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have very stubborn hormonal acne and I scar very easily. This mask calmed my redness instantly and helped a little with fading. I used the mask two times and I noticed a physical difference in my skin. I recommend this mask and will continue to use it.” —nlever
Pros
- Smooths skin
- Great for dark spots
Cons
- May be too strong for sensitive skin types
Here’s a dermatologist-approved mask that makes it easy to reduce dark spots while smoothing skin. Dr. Idriss’s AHA-based mask contains glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids and hydrating glycerin to resurface skin without leaving it feeling overly dry.
One satisfied customer writes: “I am so impressed with this product! I saw an overnight difference in my skin—more glow, nicer texture. Totally amazing!” —Elizabeth B.
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask
Pros
- Noncomedogenic
- Gently exfoliates
Cons
- Some reviewers say mask doesn’t absorb oil as well as others
When you have oily or breakout-prone skin that’s also sensitive, it can be tough to find a face mask that doesn’t make irritation or redness worse. This fragrance-free, noncomedogenic favorite is made with combination skin types in mind and uses two different types of clay to absorb excess sebum and purify skin.
One satisfied customer writes: “Cetaphil’s clay mask is fantastic for deep cleaning and revitalizing my skin. It’s gentle yet effective, leaving my face feeling fresh and smooth. A great addition to my skincare routine!” —Neph
Meet the experts
- Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
- Suchismita (Tia) Paul, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Orange County, California.
Which ingredients should I look for in the best face masks for acne?
When shopping for an acne-fighting face mask, look out for products formulated with ingredients that help prevent and mitigate breakouts. Paul points to salicylic acid, which exfoliates the skin and unclog pores; benzoyl peroxide, which helps kill the bacteria that cause acne; clay, which absorbs excess oil; and sulfur, an ingredient that helps reduce inflammation.
Of course, you’ll also want to make sure your face mask is free of ingredients that could contribute to congestion and pimples for those with acne-prone skin. Paul recommends steering clear of skincare ingredients that can potentially dry out and irritate the skin or clog pores and exacerbate acne, like alcohol, fragrance, coconut oil, and other heavy oils.
How can I regularly incorporate an acne face mask into my skincare routine?
According to Saedi, how often you use an acne face mask really depends on what the rest of your normal acne-fighting routine entails. A mistake she sees patients make frequently is overdoing it with their efforts to prevent pimples: “Adding too many acne-clearing ingredients, exfoliating too often, scrubbing harshly, and washing too frequently can lead to an increased production of oil, making your skin even more prone to acne than it was before.”
Your dermatologist can help determine how often you should use an acne face mask based on your skin type, concerns, and the other products you’re using regularly.
Shop more acne-fighting favorites from our editors
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