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Since becoming a beauty editor, I always make it a point to do at least one face mask a week to reset my skin. The best peel-off face masks have become my go-tos, especially since becoming enamored with TikTok’s “morning shed” trend. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching users peel off their overnight masks to reveal glowing, plump, and hydrated skin.
Derms agree too. Peel-off masks “exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and unclog the pores,” says Morayo Adisa, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist based in Chicago. “Some help to remove excess oils and impurities, and others provide deep hydration to the skin.” Many are packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that help to draw in moisture and plump up fine lines and wrinkles, says Connie Yang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC.
To find the best options on the market, we spoke to dermatologists and tested them firsthand to assess whether they really delivered a clearer, brighter complexion. Our favorite was the Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Facial Mask because it’s under $20, brightens, and leaves the skin feeling fresh and bouncy. We also found other picks ideal for oily or aging skin, and everything in between.
The best peel-off masks, at a glance
- Best Overall: Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Facial Mask, $19
- Best for Oily Skin: Florence by Mills Glowing Peel Off Mask, $24
- Best for Blackheads: Sulwhasoo Clarifying Peel Off Mask, $45
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Firming Face Mask, $16
- Best for Aging Skin: Beekman 1802 Milk RX Compress Advanced Better Aging Sheet Mask, $16
- Best for Eyes: Loops Weekly Reset Rejuvenating Hydrogel Eye Mask, $25
- Best for Uneven Texture: Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel, $13
How we tested
We tested peel-off masks based on their consistency, how easy they were to apply and remove, and how our skin felt after wearing. We spotlighted formulas that were silky and smooth to the touch, making it easy to glide all over our skin, as well as those that came in sheet form that suited more sensitive skin types. We also judged formulas based on dermatologists feedback, whether the ingredients were safe for various skin types. We evaluated how they peeled off, for example whether they got stuck in any areas or to any hair. Overall the masks that left our skin looking bright, fresh, and clarified landed on this list.
Best Overall: Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Facial Mask
- Pros: Leaves skin looking and feeling more resilient; under $20; comes off in one piece
- Cons: Might not be suitable for sensitive skin
Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a big fan of this collagen overnight peel-off mask because it’s loaded with ingredients that really boost hydration, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide (a great antioxidant that corrects dark spots). It’s slick and lightweight to apply (not goopy), and takes only 15 minutes to fully dry.
What our tester says: “Personally, I’m not a fan of overnight masks or the ‘morning shed’ trend. I move around in bed too much to keep anything on. Luckily, you don’t necessarily need to wear this face mask overnight to see its benefits,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “I applied this as I was starting my nighttime routine, and after wearing it for about an hour I peeled it off. It doesn’t feel tight like a clay mask, which is nice. It’s satisfying to have what looks like literal glass skin, and then peel to reveal a supersoft complexion. I like the applicator because the product is very gooey (not sticky though), so it was easy to use.”
Glamour UK commerce writer Shani Cohen, who has dry, flaky skin, is also a fan of the Korean skin care brand. In her Medicube Collagen Mask review she says, “It’s the kind of product that makes you do a double-take in the mirror in the morning, in a good way.” She likes that it dries down to a glassy look later but notes it can feel a bit tight. Her one small complaint is that there’s residue left behind, so she recommends washing with water.
Best for Oily Skin: Florence by Mills Glowing Peel Off Mask
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- Pros: Fun to apply; oil-absorbing
- Cons: Gets stuck on hair, so be careful around your hairline and eyebrows
If you have oily skin and are prone to blemishes, Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, recommends this peel-off mask. “This mask contains oil-absorbing witch hazel and charcoal, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types. It’s also easy to apply because it’s creamy, she says. And Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary agrees.
What our tester says: “I really like this mask because it makes you feel like you’re getting a treatment at the spa. You can slug it all over your face in a nice, thick layer, and let it sit for it to get nice and tight and dry. The only complaint I have is that I wasn’t able to peel it off in one go (some areas dried a lot faster than others), but overall I loved the job it did at shrinking my pores. You can clearly see in my before and after how radiant my skin looks,” says Kilkeary.
Best for Blackheads: Sulwhasoo Clarifying Peel Off Mask
- Pros: Thick formula; removes impurities
- Cons: Pricey
“This Korean face mask does an impressive job at cleaning and clarifying while using gentle ingredients like ginseng and Solomon’s seal powder, an alternative to vitamin C, so it’s not harsh but still brightens,” says Dr. Lolis. This pick can help pores look smaller while also removing dead skin cells for a visibly clearer complexion.
What our tester says: “After using this mask before going to bed, I woke up with the softest skin I’ve ever felt. I left it on for the full 30 minutes the night before, and it peeled off pretty easily with only a few areas where there was a buildup of product,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins. “While my skin looked okay directly after using it, the real results were noticeable the next morning. Not only did my pores appear to be smaller, but my face just felt so hydrated even throughout the day. This influx of hydration is probably due to ingredients like glycerin and ginseng root extract, both of which are ingredients intended to leave your skin looking not only more moisturized but generally healthier. I can confirm that this was definitely the outcome, and while it’s a little pricey, I think I’ll get about 8 to 10 uses out of the bottle. I can’t wait to use it again.”
Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Firming Face Mask
- Pros: Cools skin; reduces redness; deeply hydrates
- Cons: Not a traditional “peel-off”
Let’s say you have sensitive skin but want to garner the satisfaction of a peel-off mask. This firming face mask does just the trick because it doesn’t adhere to your skin in the same way, yet gives you the same results and experience. It comes with an ampoule that you first apply all over the face, then the rubber mask itself sits on top. It’s ultra-hydrating with glycerin and will leave your skin smooth and bouncy in just 20 minutes.
What our tester says: “If I want the feel of a peel-off mask but my combination skin is acting up or feels sensitive, I reach for this option. It gives you that ASMR-worthy peel while being a lot gentler on the skin,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s super hydrating and gives me a fresh face every time, whether I apply it before bed or before makeup application. Plus, it keeps my skin in check and helps reduce redness in areas around my nose and chin.”
Best for Aging Skin: Beekman 1802 Milk RX Compress Advanced Better Aging Sheet Mask
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- Pros: Smooths; plumps; deeply hydrates
- Cons: Not a traditional “peel-off”
While there’s no shame in the aging game, this mask not only works wonders on sensitive and reactive skin, but also plumps like you wouldn’t believe. Ideal for those that want to fight fine lines and wrinkles, or who just want a skin reset one to two times a week, this sheet mask is thicker than most and infused with the brand’s proprietary cream. It’s also made with a medical grade, multilayered material for a super-snug fit that helps to improve absorption.
What our tester says: “I’m a huge fan of this brand to begin with and always come back to it when my skin feels irritated and needs a little extra love. I love their Milk RX Better Aging line, especially because it’s formulated with milk protein exosomes that make your skin look plump, smooth, and glowy, and renexosome peptides (the brand’s proprietary ingredient) that also help to tighten the skin,” says Glamour contributor Taryn Brooke. “I’ve been using it one to two times a week as instructed and I love how it comes in two pieces, which makes it easy to smooth on. And I’m obsessed with the fact that it has a chin strap, which, after removing, reveals a sculpted jawline. I recently had a laser treatment done on my face, which left my skin feeling dry and sandpapery, and this mask saved me; it completely refreshed my skin barrier and helped me to heal faster. Giving this mask bonus points for being so on trend color-wise right now too.”
Best for Eyes: Loops Weekly Reset Rejuvenating Hydrogel Eye Mask
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- Pros: Brightens; deeply hydrates; reduces wrinkles
- Cons: A little slippery when applied
These are everything an eye mask should be: They address short-term (puffiness, dryness, dullness) and long-term (wrinkles, fine lines) issues in just 10 minutes, two to three times a week.
What our tester says: “I was actually super excited to try these, considering Hailey Bieber loves the brand’s Double Take Face Mask, so I knew that these were legit. Hydrogel eye masks, in general, are my morning jam,” says Brooke. “My big secret (or maybe it’s not so big of a secret) is storing them in my fridge so that they’re nice and cold when I’m ready to reach for them in the morning. They immediately reduce any puffiness and wake my eyes right up. I always apply them on a dry face in the morning for about 10 minutes and do some things around my apartment while I let them work their magic. Sometimes they move and slide around my eyes for the first minute or so but they settle in quickly. Once I remove them and then tap the remaining serum under and around my eyes, my eyes look incredibly bright and smooth. These gel masks breathe new light into my eye concealer, helping it to glide on seamlessly.”
Best for Uneven Texture: Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel
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- Pros: Evens out skin texture; deeply hydrates
- Cons: Not a traditional “peel-off”
Korean skin care has become synonymous with glass-like, near-perfect, unblemished skin. We can say with great confidence that this gel-like peel-off mask will get you closer to that dream.
What our tester says: “The texture of the peel sloughs away dead skin cells like an eraser on a piece of looseleaf paper. I’ve used K-beauty body products with similar textures, and they have left my skin the smoothest and most even textured it has ever been—not a bump in sight,” says Brooke. “I loved using this one after washing my face. On completely dry skin, you massage the gel and all of a sudden it looks like your skin is shedding a layer like a snake does. I follow by rinsing it off with lukewarm water. The mask is almost deceptive because your skin doesn’t get irritated at all, and you’re left with, no joke, the smoothest skin of your life. This one is a 10/10, no notes.”
Frequently asked questions
Do peel-off masks actually work?
According to the dermatologists we spoke to, peel-off masks can offer short-term benefits. “They can help with oil control and remove surface debris. They can also smooth the texture of your skin and offer brightening effects,” says Dr. Lolis. They contain ingredients like clays and exfoliants that can loosen sebum plugs and blackheads, which may allow them to be removed without squeezing or pressing the pore, says Dr. Nazarian.
Which is better, a peel-off mask or a sheet mask?
The answer, well, depends on your specific skin care concern and level of sensitivity. Peel-off masks “can help with issues like discoloration, oily skin, dry and dehydrated skin, acne, skin congestion, and dullness,” says Dr. Adisa. Sheet masks, on the other hand, tend to be gentler on the skin. “Both offer a nice hydration boost and help with absorption of various active ingredients that help target specific skin concerns. I personally prefer sheet masks because they are left on for a shorter period and are gentler on the skin. There is no physical trauma to the skin with the removal of a sheet mask,” says Dr. Yang.
What should you apply after a peel-off mask?
After you’re done with your mask, you can remove any residual with a gentle toner, then apply a serum, followed by a gentle moisturizer to lock in hydration, says Dr. Adisa. If you applied during the day, finish off with a sunscreen, of course, but it’s not necessary if you’re using a peel-off mask in the evening.
Do peel-off masks actually remove blackheads?
Though Dr. Yang says that peel-off masks can physically remove sebum (that oily, annoying waxy substance that’s produced by sebaceous glands in the skin), they won’t actually make blackheads budge. Blackheads need to be physically extracted, says Dr. Adisa. “For those with clogged pores and blackheads, I would recommend a topical BHA toner or cleanser, instead of a peel-off mask,” says Dr. Yang.
Is it okay to use a peel-off mask every day?
Dermatologists do not recommend peel-off masks for everyday use. “They are too harsh on the skin to be used everyday. Masks that are strongly adhesive can cause micro tears in the skin from frequent peeling. Peeling off the top layer of dead skin cells is considered a form of exfoliation, and overdoing this can lead to a compromised skin barrier, sensitivity, and irritation. It can also over-strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and more irritation,” says Dr. Yang. Depending upon a brand’s instructions, peel-off masks are designed for occasional use, typically once or twice a week.
How often should you use a peel-off mask?
Both Dr. Lolis and Dr. Nazarian suggest using peel-off masks sparingly and cautiously, depending on their ingredients, to avoid damage to the skin barrier. Masks that are painted on and torn off can be irritating to some, and should be used no more than once a week. Rubbery masks that lay on top of the skin and are more gently peeled off can be used twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance.
Are there any disadvantages to using peel-off masks?
“Peel-off masks are definitely more harsh on the skin than wash-off or leave-on masks. Peeling creates a pill effect on the skin, stretching it out and then removing some of the outermost layers, which can potentially weaken the skin slightly,” says Dr. Nazarian.
Meet the experts
- Connie Yang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
- Morayo Adisa, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist based in Chicago