The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (2025)

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (1)

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If you’re anything like me—as in, a beauty obsessive who hyper-fixates on her acne breakouts to no avail—then you’ve hit bottom on a slew of acne-fighting cleansers, brightening vitamin C serums, and tons of SPF in an effort to reduce the frequency of breakouts forming or abolishing them entirely. An important rule to remember when treating acne is to determine what type of acne you’re experiencing, whether hormonal or bacterial. Then, it’s time to take stock of what products you’re using, and if a face mask isn’t in your arsenal—allow us to point you in the right direction.

“Face masks may help combat and prevent acne by helping to unclog the pores and reduce inflammation, which can be associated with breakouts. Face masks can also be helpful for those with acne to help calm irritation that may be associated with acne-fighting ingredients,” explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, an NYC-based dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell.

Our picks for the best face mask for acne in 2024

While not a complete cure-all but rather just a supplementary treatment, acne-fighting face masks can reveal clear, brighter, and smoother skin when used consistently and effectively. So, where to start? Ahead, we consulted a dermatologist, perused editors’ stashes, and reviewed customer feedback to compile a list of the 12 best face masks for acne on the market.

Best for Beginners

the ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (8)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (9)Gently exfoliates
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (10)May not be best for sensitive skin

The venom-like hue may be a bit startling, but so are the impressive results you’ll experience with consistent use of this fan-favorite mask. Charcoal is to blame for the dark shade and the clarifying, smoothing feel it leaves post-wash off; salicylic acid helps speed up skin renewal.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, charcoal

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

Our expert says: “Combining salicylic acid, charcoal and clay, this mask leaves the skin looking clear and smooth by helping to get rid of build up, oil and dead skin. It’s best to use on clean, dry skin, about one to two times per week.”—Dr. Marisa Garshick

Best Drugstore Option

Cetaphil Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Face Mask

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (11)

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (12)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (13)Contains two forms of clay
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (14)Can be drying

Formulated with sensitive, oily skin in mind, this mask combines the power of two different clays—bentonite and kaolin—to force impurities to the surface and gently slough them away to keep pores cleared and primed for nourishment.

Key ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay

Size: 3 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our expert says: “This creamy mask is gentle but effective as it uses Amazonian clay designed to deeply clean the pores while improving tone and texture, leaving the skin looking softer and smoother. It is still gentle on the skin, making it a good option for those who are oily but also sensitive.”—Dr. Marisa Garshick

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Best Overall

Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (15)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (16)Thoroughly cleanses pores
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (17)May be too strong for sensitive skin

Treating breakouts can be tiresome without the right formulas in your arsenal. The Rare Earth masque penetrates deep into the skin to clarify pores and rid the skin of any acne-causing oil and dirt via Amazonian white clay, and calms skin using aloe.

Key ingredients: Amazonian white clay, aloe barbadensis

Size: 4.2 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I usually don’t gravitate toward clay masks because they can be messy, but once I experienced the results of this mask, it became one of my go-to’s. It deeply cleans my pores without stripping my skin. I’m a forever fan!”Danielle James, ELLE.com digital beauty director

Best for Refining Pores

Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Clay Mask

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (18)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (19)Brightening
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (20)May not be best for dry skin

Consider this mask a quick perk-me-up for dull, lifeless-looking skin. Combining uplifting caffeine with sebum-controlling antioxidants, this clay mask unclogs and refines pores.

Key ingredients: Upcycled grapes, caffeine

Size: 2.5 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “A good friend highly recommended this mask and I am SO GLAD I LISTENED. I tend to have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my nose, and after only two applications, I can see and feel a noticeable difference. GET IT!”

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Best for Frequent Breakouts

peter thomas roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (21)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (22)Acne-fighting sulfur
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (23)Can be drying for dry skin types

The star of this show is easily sulfur, a potent antibacterial ingredient used to kill acne and prevent any new breakouts from forming. Take that, plus oil-controlling kaolin and bentonite clays, and you have a mask that does it all.

Key ingredients: Sulfur, aloe, kaolin clay, bentonite clay

Size: 5 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “This mask combines maximum-strength sulfur, kaolin clay, and bentonite clay to help reduce breakouts and unclog the pores. It also contains aloe vera, which helps calm and hydrate the skin.”

Best for Barrier Repair

Kibon Revitalizing Sheet Mask R

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (24)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (25)Calming and hydrating ingredients
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (26)Will need to re-up often

Sometimes, you don’t have to stick to strictly clay masks to calm acne breakouts—barrier repair and support can help heal your skin, too. This mask from Kibon Beauty arms your skin with soothing hyaluronic acid and aloe, and firming OSILIFT—an effective complex culled from oats—to completely transform your skin.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe, OSILIFT

Size: 5 x 25 ML masks

Kibon Beauty rating: 5/5 stars

Our expert says: “With a focus on the skin barrier, this mask is especially good for those dealing redness and irritation associated with acne and those who have dry or sensitive skin. It calms the skin using centella asiatica, while also hydrating the skin with sodium hyaluronate. It works to strengthen the skin barrier making it a great option for those using acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids to help boost tolerability.”—Dr. Marisa Garshick

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Best Exfoliating Clay Mask

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (27)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (28)Gentle exfoliants buff away dead skin cells
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (29)Oily skin types may need something stronger

The best way to shop SkinCeuticals products is to pay attention to the label. Under the “correct” collection is this gem—a pore-clearing, skin-brightening clay mask. In addition to kaolin and bentonite clays, this mask also uses a blend of gentle exfoliants, including glycolic, citric, lactic, and malic acids, to buff away the old and bring in the new.

Key ingredients: Kaolin and bentonite clays, aloe, glycolic acid

Size: 2.4 fl oz

Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer said: “LOVE this mask! I mix my blemish and age serum with this clarifying mask and use twice a week, it helps with my breakouts tremendously! If you have acne prone skin, buy this mask. You will not regret it!”

Best for Combination Skin

innisfree Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (30)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (31)Gently exfoliates
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (32)Could be too strong for sensitive skin

Opt for this mask if you want a multi-tasking formula that smooths skin, clarifies pores, and brightens the appearance over time. This mask harnesses the powers of volcanic ash clusters to deeply cleanse without stripping your skin bare.

Key ingredients: Volcanic ash, lactic acid

Size: 3.38 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “After a long day of travel, the best thing I could ever treat my skin to is this Innisfree clay mask. I love the creamy texture, which applies seamlessly to my skin mess-free, and even more, the lactic acid that helps reduce the look of pores over time. It also washes away easily, so no need to rub too harshly like with other clay masks.”Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

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Best for All Skin Types

clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (33)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (34)Minimizes shine
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (35)Some users note it can be drying

With this oil-controlling mask, congested skin has finally found relief. Kaolin clay connects with salicylic acid to reduce shine, clear out impurities, and keep breakouts at bay so you can maximize the effects of the other formulas in your routine.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, kaolin clay

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “Love this! Leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean and not dry like most acne products. I’ve used it several times, and I have seen a slight difference in the size of my pores and the black heads on my nose.”

Best for Dark Spots

Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Blah to Bright 5% AHA Face Mask

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (36)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (37)Addresses dullness
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (38)Can be too strong for sensitive skin types

If you suffer from frequent breakouts and despise the dark marks they leave behind, this Fenty Skin maskcano correct your dull skin in just a few uses. It’s all in the formula, which uses vitamin C and AHAs to reverse dullness, improve smoothness and plumpness, and lighten the appearance of dark spots.

Key ingredients: Barbados cherry, AHAs

Size: 2.5 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This is one of my favorite mid-week pick-me-ups, especially after back-to-back days of wearing full glam makeup. Whenever I feel a breakout forming, or I simply want to smooth out any rough texture, I slathered this mask on for a few minutes. The result is softer, brighter-looking skin that I don’t need to hide behind concealer.”—Nerisha Penrose

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Best for Stubborn Breakouts

Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (39)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (40)Calms inflammation
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (41)Some users dislike the scent

Murad’s face mask is built on three potent ingredients: salicylic acid, sulfur, and peat extract. Of the bunch, sulfur stands out as the lead acne-fighter with help from the exfoliating AHA. To calm everything down, peat extract ensures the skin isn’t dried out, which can cause further irritation and damage.

Key ingredients: Sulfur, salicylic acid, peat extract

Size: 2.5 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “This stuff seriously cleared my skin within a week. You have to be consistent with it. It worked faster than any other of my products. I’m so glad I gave this a shot.”

Best for Instant Hydration

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (42)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (43)Two parts for seamless application
Cons
  • The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (44)Can feel sticky

This pack of 10 sheet masks provides so much hydration that parched skin will be a thing of the past. Each mask is doused in hyaluronic acid and contours to your face to avoid any messy slip-ups. After each use, your skin is left plumped, supple, and thoroughly moisturized.

Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid

Size: 1 fl oz (each)

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I clean houses and the chemicals are harsh and drying. This mask feels amazing when it’s on and it leaves my skin soft and moisturized! I love the new top and bottom halves. I can now shape the mask to my face better! and I squeeze out the extra product for my neck and hands.”

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What ingredients should those with acne-prone skin look for in a mask?

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (45)

Since the main goal of acne-prone skin is to reduce breakouts and unclog pores, you should look for ingredients that gently exfoliate and control oil.

“Those with acne-prone skin may consider face masks containing ingredients like salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and unclogs the pores, and sulfur, which can have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Niacinamide can help to regulate sebum production and calm the skin, making it a great option for those with acne. Clay masks can also be considered for acne-prone skin as they work to address excess oil and may prevent clogged pores,” Dr. Marisa Garshick explains.

Are charcoal masks good for acne?

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (46)

“Charcoal masks can be considered a good option for acne as they help to draw out excess oil and work to unclog the pores. Importantly, they can be a helpful supplement to an acne skin care routine but should not be used as the only method of treatment,” Dr. Garshick adds.

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How do I know if my acne is bacterial or hormonal?

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (47)

According to Dr. Garshick, bacteria is the culprit for most acne breakouts, but there may be other contributing factors, “including oil, inflammation, bacteria, and clogged pores.”

To determine what kind of breakout you’re experiencing, take note of how it’s forming. “Breakouts related to bacteria are more likely to be red bumps or pustules and have an inflammatory component, while comedones or clogged pores, like blackheads and whiteheads, may not have as much of a bacterial component,” she explains. However, hormonal breakouts are caused by excess oil production, “and can be characterized by deeper cystic breakouts along the lower one-third of the face, including the chin and the jawline. Since there is a hormonal component, some people may find that it worsens around their period or with their menstrual cycle,” Dr. Garshick adds.

Meet the Experts

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (48)

Dr. Marisa Garshick is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell.

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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne for Clearer, Brighter Skin (49)

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose consulted a dermatologist and pored over dozens of customer reviews to find the best face masks for acne.

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