Skip to Content

The Best Peel-Off Masks That Are Actually Good For Your Skin

These aren't just gimmicks.

By and
portrait of a woman in facial alginate mask lying in the retro bath in the bathroom
RossHelen//Getty Images

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Peel-off masks may seem like some weird—yet oddly satisfying—marketing ploy, but we're fully on board. Why? Because these formulas actually work. And while they are undoubtedly fun to peel off (in a single layer, if you're lucky), the true benefit lies in the results. Like other face masks, the ingredients can be tailored to your needs, whether you're looking for a formula that's hydrating, brightening, pore-cleansing, or all of the above.

Even better, many of them have results you can see right away. Once you peel off the mask, you'll be left with brighter, smoother skin and clearer pores. Scroll on for the 12 peel-off mask formulas we use over and over again.

1
Cult Favorite

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

Luminizing Black Mask
1
Cult Favorite

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

$34 at Ulta Beauty

This is one of the OG charcoal masks that started the trend. It is packed with antioxidants, like activated charcoal and vitamin C, to clarify congested skin and leave it more radiant.

2
Editor's Pick

Shiseido WASO: Purifying Peel Off Mask

WASO: Purifying Peel Off Mask
2
Editor's Pick

Shiseido WASO: Purifying Peel Off Mask

"There’s something so satisfying about a peel off mask, and this Shiseido one hits the spot every time. When my skin has been through the ringer, or any hot summer day in New York, I reach for the WASO: Purifying Peel Off Mask. It boasts a metallic pink hue (courtesy of antioxidant red shiso leaf) and peels off with ease. After using it, my skin feels refined and smoother." —Katie Intner, Assistant Beauty Editor

3
Best Exfoliating Peel-Off Mask

Neova Serious Glypeel Peel Off Mask

Serious Glypeel Peel Off Mask
3
Best Exfoliating Peel-Off Mask

Neova Serious Glypeel Peel Off Mask

Part mask and part peel, this peel-off formula uses glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and brighten skin in minutes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best for Selfies

Peach Slices Water Crystal Hydrating Shimmer Peel-Off Mask

Water Crystal Hydrating Shimmer Peel-Off Mask
4
Best for Selfies

Peach Slices Water Crystal Hydrating Shimmer Peel-Off Mask

Prepare your selfie camera: This shimmery mask contains actual diamond powder for radiance, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich blueberry, and calming lotus.

5
Best All-Around Peel-Off Mask

Wander Beauty Lift Off Purifying and Brightening Peel Off Mask

Lift Off Purifying and Brightening Peel Off Mask
5
Best All-Around Peel-Off Mask

Wander Beauty Lift Off Purifying and Brightening Peel Off Mask

With a blend of skin-loving ingredients like clarifying kaolin clay, brightening niacinamide, blueberry, and vitamin E, this mask does it all in less than 15 minutes. Use it just on your T-zone for a more targeted treatment.

6
Best Peel-Off Mask for Mask

Florence By Mills Mind Glowing Peel Off Mask

Mind Glowing Peel Off Mask
6
Best Peel-Off Mask for Mask

Florence By Mills Mind Glowing Peel Off Mask

From Millie Bobby Brown's beauty line comes this candy-colored yet effective mask, containing charcoal and witch hazel to help balance oil, as well as lavender to soothe the skin.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Peel-Off Mask for Acne

The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Peel-Off Mask

Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Peel-Off Mask
7
Best Peel-Off Mask for Acne

The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Peel-Off Mask

Now 12% Off

This single-use mask has Fair Trade tea tree oil from Kenya to gently target blemishes and excess oil. Once you peel it off, you'll notice visibly calmer, more matte skin.

8
Drugstore Deal

Garnier SkinActive Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal

SkinActive Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal
8
Drugstore Deal

Garnier SkinActive Black Peel-Off Mask with Charcoal

You can't beat the price on this charcoal mask; we recommend using it only on the T-zone to clear out sebum, dirt, and gunk from congested pores.

9
Best Clay Peel-Off Mask

Innisfree Super Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Clay Peel Off Mask

Super Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Clay Peel Off Mask
9
Best Clay Peel-Off Mask

Innisfree Super Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Clay Peel Off Mask

This pore-cleansing mask has the brand's Jeju Super Volcanic Clusters, a.k.a. actual volcanic lava, to help absorb excess oil without over-drying skin.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best Splurge Peel-Off Mask

GlamGlow GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment

GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment
10
Best Splurge Peel-Off Mask

GlamGlow GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment

Leave this mask on for 20-30 minutes and watch the color change from white to chrome before completely drying. Once peeled off, you'll notice firmer skin; it's like contour in a jar.

11
Best Gel Peel-Off Mask

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask

Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask
11
Best Gel Peel-Off Mask

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask

Credit: Dr. Dennis Gross

This mask looks like a lot of work—but trust us. Mix together the hyaluronic cushion gel and activating powder like a mad scientist, then slather it on to infuse damaged skin with much-needed moisture.

12
Best Hydrating Peel-Off Mask

Nature Republic Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Peel Off Face Mask

Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Peel Off Face Mask
12
Best Hydrating Peel-Off Mask

Nature Republic Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Peel Off Face Mask

Most peel-off masks are strictly for skin detoxing, but this aloe-infused formula from the popular K-Beauty brand also hydrates with the best of them.

Headshot of Audrey Noble
Audrey Noble
Beauty Contributor
Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.
Lettermark


Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.

Watch Next
 
preview for Harper's Bazaar Beauty
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The Beauty List

best holiday nails

25 Holiday Nail Art Ideas to Copy Right Now

valentine's day nail art 2021 vday manicure ideas

Valentine's Day Nail Art You'll Really Love

cast and filmmakers attend dune photocall in london ahead of film's release on 21st october

The Best Haircut Ideas for Winter

red carpet makeup looks
Bazaar Bride Bazaar Bride

The Best in Bridal Makeup Ideas + Inspiration

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below