The best peel-off masks are not only fun to use, they’re also highly effective at removing dirt and excess oil from your pores. Plus, after application and a quick dry down, their formulas also work overtime to boost hydration, minimize dark spots, and enhance skin’s general plumpness.
Think of these masks as a one-step quickie facial before a big event or for standard surface-level sloughing in your go-to routine. Dermatologist Nava Greenfield notes that peel-off options from Medicube, Dr. Dennis Gross, Sulwhasoo, and more are also especially useful for enhancing the skin’s overall radiance. “The benefits are the temporary removal of surface-level debris and keratin,” Greenfield tells Bazaar. “Keratin can become oxidized and appear dark brown or black, and removing that from pores can have an immediate but temporary benefit in appearance.”
When developing our list of the best peel-off masks, we considered expert insights, key skincare ingredients, and customer reviews to narrow down the favorites worthy of any beauty rotation. Read on for a few of the top easy-on—and even more fun to remove—essentials worth shopping.
Best for Overnight
Medicube Turmeric Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Mask
Some customers note you must apply a lot of product for a proper peel
Apply Medicube’s top-rated peel-off mask before bed to channel radiant glass skin as you sleep. The K-beauty favorite uses a blend of turmeric and collagen to refine skin texture and enhance firmness while evening tone. It’s also worth noting that after it dries, it doesn’t feel uncomfortably stiff to sleep with.
One satisfied customer writes: “I recently tried the Medicube Turmeric Overnight Wrapping Peel-Off Mask, and I’m really impressed with the results! The texture applies smoothly and dries well overnight without feeling too tight or uncomfortable. The best part is how easily it peels off in the morning—no irritation or residue left behind.” —Naeun
Best for Plumping
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask (4-Pack)
While this mask may take a little extra time, its glow-boosting results are worth it. The modeling mask uses a two-step process that requires mixing a hyaluronic cushion gel with an activating powder before you apply it to your skin. It dries and sets after seven minutes, but you can leave it on for up to 15 minutes to fully reap the mask’s plumping and hydrating benefits.
Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid
One satisfied customer writes: “This is a great mask! I love the rubbery texture when it’s finished. Definitely leaves my skin plumped and hydrated.” —Anonymous
We’re betting you’ve seen these popular collagen masks from Biodance all over TikTok, and for good reason. Not only do they work overnight to firm and hydrate dull skin, but they also won’t leave any residue on your pillowcase once you wake up in the morning. And for faster results, you can remove the mask once it becomes transparent after three hours of wear, making it ideal to use while on the go or before a major event.
One satisfied customer writes: “This is an amazing mask! The key is to allow it to seal on your face for about four hours, and then it’s easy to sleep in. I woke up to the most glowing, soft skin ever. This will be a weekly thing. I don’t care about the cost. Worth it to have such a healthy complexion.” —Angela C.
Can take up to 30 minutes for mask to dry completely
After cleansing your skin and applying a toner of choice, use this coveted mask from Sulwhasoo to remove lingering dead skin cells and boost cellular turnover. Once the mask dries, its honey-like formula gently adheres to the skin and allows for seamless removal to smooth uneven texture.
Key ingredients: Solomon’s seal powder, ginseng-root extract, glycerin
One satisfied customer writes: “It takes a few uses and trial and error to see its full potential, but I have really enjoyed how smooth it makes my skin feel without making my skin red and irritated.”
If you typically deal with redness, this peel-off option from the professionals at Silver Mirror Facial Bar might become your new favorite. Along with the brand’s gently exfoliating Signature Mask, this set also features a soothing and moisturizing serum to help minimize irritation. Plus, the mask itself contains a host of ingredients for an expert-level facial at home, including bentonite clay for oil absorption, plumping hyaluronic acid, firming silk peptides, and brightening snow-mushroom extract.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have often found that chemical exfoliants can be too intense for my skin, but this one is just right. My skin feels refreshed and much smoother. I also love the relief serum. It really helps relieve any of the tightening discomfort you may feel after peeling your mask off.” —Lexi R.
Some reviewers say formula may not be ideal for sensitive skin
Here’s an adorable peel-off mask from TonyMoly that targets blackheads, whiteheads, and other skin impurities for under $25. The favorite is also a breeze to use: Just unscrew the cap, apply its grippy formula, and gently peel off once it dries down.
Key ingredients: marine plant extracts, mud
One satisfied customer writes: “I love rolling this on my nose and forehead! It works fantastically well!” —Kerisa
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Best Under $25
I Dew Care Aqua Kitten Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Peel-Off Mask
I Dew Care is another brand that has mastered the art of a cult-favorite peel-off mask. The brand’s Aqua Kitten mask prioritizes hydration with its combination of squalane, hyaluronic acid, and blue-agave-leaf extract to help firm skin. And did we mention its formula has a fun sparkly finish?
One satisfied customer writes: “i love this peel off mask! it refreshes my skin and when i get to peel it off it feels soo satisfying! i also love that it's glittery and blue😍. going to be adding this to my weekly skincare routine! i received this complimentary from idewcare.”
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are costars of Loops’s wrapping mask, another of our favorite peel-offs on this list that works overnight. Along with reducing the appearance of fine lines, this buzzy mask helps improve skin elasticity and firmness.
One satisfied customer writes: “Skin changing!! I love the satisfying peel after applying this mask and how my skin feels tight and plump after sleeping in it.” —JF
Best Under $40
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Peel & Reveal Revitalizing Mask
Subtle tingling feeling from mask may be too intense for some
While a few masks on our list can take up to 30 minutes to dry before they’re ready to peel, this option from Elizabeth Arden sets nicely in half the time. Plus, its lightly exfoliating formula helps support cell turnover while enhancing skin brightness.
Erno Laszlo’s Vitality Treatment mask cools on contact and requires the quick mix of a signature triple mineral-powder blend and liquid activator. It’s also ideal for those with dry skin. Around 15 minutes after it’s applied, the mask takes on a rubbery texture that’s quite enjoyable to peel off, according to a number of reviewers.
One satisfied customer writes: “Love this mask. As others noted, it’s a little messy when taking off, but it is simple to mix and has a cooling, comforting feel when on. I used it before bed, and my skin looked great the next day. I have sensitive skin and had no issues with this product.” —KT207
Here’s a gel-mask option that exfoliates the skin in two ways: first, at a surface level through its peel-off action; and second, with its combination of salicylic and polyhydroxy acids. The addition of calendula flower petals in the formula also helps absorb excess oil while soothing skin once it's removed.
One satisfied customer writes: “I absolutely love this facial peel-off mask! It’s been a game-changer for my skincare routine. From the moment I applied it, the cooling sensation was incredibly refreshing and soothing. It dried quickly, making it so easy to use, and peeling it off was both satisfying and effective.” —Kalah E.
This firming peel-off mask changes colors as it dries, making it easy to know when to remove it. Professionals advise using it once per week to help lift and tighten skin and removing it from the bottom upwards.
One satisfied customer writes: “I love this mask! I usually struggle with peel-off masks. I can never get them to peel off well and usually end up scrubbing my skin with water. However, this mask just works for me. It comes off so easily and leaves my skin looking soft and plump.” —Hazel M.
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Best With Makeup
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Glass 001 Artistry Mask
Pat McGrath Labs’s viral Skin Fetish: Glass 001 Artistry Mask makes it simple to get the artist’s viral Maison Margiela runway look at home and helps nourish your skin at the same time. Use it over your makeup look to achieve a high-fashion effect or on natural skin for instant rejuvenation.
What our editors are saying: “On skin, the mask’s gel-like texture initially feels cool and refreshing,” Bazaar beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson Davis says of its formula. “Similar to other peel-off favorites I’ve used in the past, its formula dries down quickly to provide a subtle tightening effect that isn’t uncomfortable.”
Freeman makes one of the most coveted quick-drying OG peel-off masks, which is especially appealing at under $10. Along with oil-absorbing French pink clay, the mask uses tea-tree oil to minimize breakout-causing bacteria and licorice-root extract to brighten existing dark spots, making it a great choice for acne-prone and combination skin.
Key ingredients: French pink clay, tea-tree oil, licorice-root extract
One satisfied customer writes: “I have oily skin. After peeling off the mask, I noticed a huge difference in the smoothness of my skin. Based on this, I will try other Freeman masks. Regarding the removal of the mask, it was only a little difficult in places where I had only put on a thin layer. This was my error—wasn’t consistent in how I applied.” —Nan
You’ll need to apply only a thin layer of this popular collagen mask to quickly address skin dryness, dullness, and uneven texture at the same time. Whether you decide to use it while you sleep or provide your skin with a quick radiance boost, we’re betting you’ll receive plenty of compliments about how glowy your skin looks.
One satisfied customer writes: “I’m a face mask enthusiast and this face mask checks off all the boxes. Hydration yes, softer skin yes, glowier skin yes, worth the price heck yeah!! I loved peeling off this mask. It all came off in one piece.” —Polad
Meet the experts
Nava Greenfield is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
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How do you use peel-off masks?
While the general premise of peel-off masks is pretty straightforward, it’s best to follow the instructions on the specific one you’ll be using. Some can stay on overnight, others take a little longer to dry, and some are formulated for specific skin types and concerns in mind. Always do a patch test on your skin before slathering one on your entire face to see how your skin will react.
Are peel of masks safe?
For the most part, yes. The peeling action may be a bit too harsh for hyper-sensitive skin, and as with any skincare product, ingredients should be matched to your skin type. Greenfield says that peel-off masks can be safe depending on your skin type and the specific concerns you want to treat. However, she notes that this method of dead-skin removal can result in long-term worsening of certain skin issues and may increase sweat production in glands instead of decreasing it.
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Do peel-off masks remove blackheads?
The best peel-off masks can be ideal for addressing surface-level blackheads. The way a peel-off mask clings to the skin makes it a solid choice to help draw out blackheads and other debris and slough off dead skin. Look to formulas with chemical exfoliants like glycolic and salicylic acids for deeper pore purging.