The best face masks for all skin types, tried and tested

If you’re cleansing and moisturising every day, but if your skin still feels like it needs a little extra oomph, or you’re just in need of a pampering session because it’s been “A DAY”, the best face masks will add a nourishing boost to your skincare routine.

There are hundreds on the market, all boasting different claims, from brightening and cleansing to hydrating and softening. So, the Good Housekeeping Institute recruited a panel of readers to help them test the leading brands. We challenged them to set up a spa from home and get pampering to help us find the best – tough gig, eh? See below for a glance at the masks that impressed on test but read on for the (g)low down on which to choose for your skin type, sensitivities and goals.

We've also tried a range of other skincare products to help complete your cleansing routine: Best cleansers | Best day creams | Best night creams | Best niacinamide serums

We put 26 market-leading face masks to the test over two weeks with the help of over 300 readers. They were a mix of clarifying and hydrating formulas, which we've separated out in our list below. For each, we asked our panellists to assess ease of use, design and how well each mask locked in hydration or cleared their skin.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute beauty lab, to test the hydrating properties, we measured the moisture levels of the skin immediately after application and again after four hours, to determine how effective and long-lasting they were.

For any clarifying claims, we applied oil to a test area of the skin, took a reading on our sebum meter, then applied the mask for the recommended time and washed it off. We then took a second reading on our sebum meter to measure the oil residue left behind, helping us determine how effective each mask was at clearing the skin.

We then pulled together all the scores to find our favourites in each category, all marked with the GHI Approved logo.

We’ve also included some editors' picks underneath to spotlight some of the new launches our team have tried (and loved).

Score: 87/100

Our top-rated hydrating face mask from Elemis delivered ultra-hydrating, glowing skin for our panel. The formula is powered by a small brown algae called padina pavonica, which is used across the brand’s pro-collagen collection. Though it may not sound the most glamorous, it’s brimming with antioxidants that help to protect against external aggressors – such as pollution and sunlight – which contribute to premature ageing of the skin.

It also works alongside other hydrating ingredients such as adaptogenic noni, argan tree oil and moringa, which all help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and leave your skin looking more radiant.

It’s a great end-of-day option, especially when paired with Elemis’ Pro-collagen Cleansing Balm (which was named ‘best for hydrating’ in our best cleansing balms test). Expect dewy, more supple skin. For one panellist, the effects could still be felt the next morning too.

$60.00 at sephora.co.uk

Score: 84/100

If this Korean beauty brand is known for one thing, it’s masks. Its lip masks are loved the world over, relied on to soothe chapped lips overnight, so we weren’t surprised to see its face mask perform well in our tests.

The overnight formula has been developed to help you wake up with refreshed, smooth and hydrated skin, and according to one of our testers, the results last all day. You don’t have to spend eight hours in bed before feeling the hydrating effects either, as many testers said their skin felt moisturised immediately after application. Our panellists liked that it comes with a spatula to help with dispensing the product, as well as being more hygienic, leading to less unwanted breakouts. This mask also scored top in the lab for hydration levels four hours after application.

£33.00 at amazon.co.uk

Score: 83/100

When it comes to hydrating skincare, hyaluronic acid is the not-so-secret ingredient that both delivers a dose of moisture and draws it into the skin – and this Hydra-Essential Mask from Clarins is full of it. It’s also enriched with ceramides, lipid molecules that protect the skin’s barrier from moisture loss. And it was effective, according to our panel. One tester told us it left their skin looking “refreshed and very moisturised.”

Apply a thick layer of this rich, luxurious-feeling mask onto your skin and leave it for a minimum of 10 minutes for a softer, plumper-looking complexion. This one scored well for being easy to remove too – just grab a hot cloth or cotton pad and reveal your newly-hydrated complexion.

£28.80 at amazon.co.uk

Score: 82/100

Get some real beauty sleep in with this hydrating overnight face mask from Murad, which works as you snooze to repair dry and rough skin.

The non-greasy, non-sticky formula went down well with our testers, plus it absorbs quickly, so you can put your head straight on the pillow. You can expect to wake up with “healthier and more vibrant- looking skin,” according to one tester. In fact, most of the panel agreed that their skin felt hydrated throughout the next day – now there’s a product that’s used to working the night shift!

£55.00 at lookfantastic.com

Score: 81/100

Forget having to get an appointment at the spa, as you can get the same results you'd expect from a very expensive salon facial with these luxurious sheet face masks, according to one panellist.

Each pack contains two masks to tackle a wide range of skin concerns. The first mask covers your whole face and works to even out skin tone and smooth fine lines. The second one is then applied to the bottom half of the face to define the contours and give a visible lift. One tester told is left their skin “far plumper, softer and smoother immediately after use,” adding that the results lasted a few days. What more could you ask for?

Please note that calming whale sounds and soothing scents of a bergamot diffuser are not included in the package but can (and in fact, should) be added to enhance the immersive salon experience from home.

£73.00 at lookfantastic.com

Score: 79/100

Dr Sam Bunting recognised that niacinamide, squalene, glycerine, shea and hyaluronic acid are the fantastic five of hydrated and refreshed skin, so she’s handily bottled them all in this mask. These powerhouse ingredients work together to quench parched skin, and left one tester’s face feeling “hydrated, nourished and soft.”

But the key piece of feedback that shone through from our panel was how bright it left their skin looking – this is probably down to the 10% niacinamide included; a form of vitamin B3, it works to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and rejuvenate dull skin.

£36.00 at drsambunting.com

Score: 79/100

It’s hard to give sensitive skin some proper TLC without causing a flare-up, but skincare brand Wildsmith is tackling this challenge with its overnight mask, which contains an anti-redness complex made up of ginger, turmeric and probiotics.

It works to soothe irritation, increase hydration and protect against oxidative stress from environmental factors, such as pollution. And the proof was in the pudding with these claims, as all testers agreed they didn’t experience any irritation after using it.

£72.00 at libertylondon.com

No.7 Nourishing Hydration mask; £13.45; Score: 78/100

Templespa Quench Deep Hydration Mask; £35; Score: 77/100

111Skin Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask; £95 (5 pack); Score: 76/100

No7 HydraLuminous+ Dual Phase Mask; £11.96; Score: 76/100

GlowRecipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask; £15.99 Score: 72/100

Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask; £85; Score: 71/100

Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Water Facial; £48; Score: 70/100

Score: 91/100

Our winner in this category was described by one tester as the best face mask they’d ever tried. It’s essentially a facial in a jar, thanks to a combination of mineral-rich bentonite and kaolin clays, which target a plethora of skin concerns, from blocked pores and oiliness to dullness and fine lines.

Apply a thick layer and a warming sensation will quickly let you know it’s working. Bioactive capsicum is what adds the heat to this mask, helping to rejuvenate your skin by encouraging cell metabolism. This stimulates the production of renewing collagen and elastin, both of which support a healthy, glowing complexion.

£72.00 at libertylondon.com

Score: 86/100

When your skin is prone to breakouts, it’s hard to know which products to invest in that won’t cause a flare-up. But this clarifying face mask from Murad went down well with our panel for reducing existing blemishes and spots without causing any further irritation. All testers agreed it reduced the appearance of blackheads too, leaving them with “revitalised, clearer skin” after each use.

It’s effective at controlling oiliness without drying out the skin, thanks to Australian peat extract – a moss rich in hydrating humic acid. It also contains 5% sulphur, which works to reduce and prevent blemishes (don’t worry, its infamous smell is masked by a refreshing eucalyptus fragrance).

£44.00 at lookfantastic.com

Score: 86/100

This premium mud mask is more luxurious than you might expect. It uses ‘moor mud’, a mineral-rich and detoxifying ingredient, which works alongside hectorite clay to draw out impurities while retaining hydration. Marine plankton extract also helps to keep your complexion looking plump by stimulating collagen and elastin production, putting spring back into your skin and smoothing out the appearance of fine lines.

This one scored best in the lab for reducing oiliness, making it really effective for clarifying the skin. “It soothed and balanced my skin after just two uses,” said one panellist, while another added that it “cleared skin and reduced the appearance of pores.”

£74.00 at lookfantastic.com

Score: 83/100

Formulated with salicylic acid, this mask is an effective yet gentle exfoliator that removes dead cells from the skin’s surface, to leave it glowing. It was a hit with our testers – everyone agreed it was effective at decongesting pores and improving their overall skin tone. It comes in a compact tube, making it a good option for travelling too.

£12.60 at lookfantastic.com

Score: 82/100

This is another clay-infused clarifying mask that wowed our testers with its smooth texture. It’s a great choice for those with oily skin, as it mattifies it without leaving it feeling dry and tight, thanks to Avène’s not-so-secret ingredient, Thermal Spring Water, which helps to soothe and balance complexions.

It didn’t cause any additional redness or irritation for most testers either, with one thrilled panel member telling us it left their skin feeling “smooth and silky”.

£18.87 at amazon.co.uk

Score: 81/100

Want to save on skincare? Then this affordable yet effective face mask from Simple is the one for you. As you’d expect, the brand keeps things pared back when it comes to ingredients – it includes skin-brightening antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, as well as natural clays for drawing out impurities. It’s free from any perfume, harsh chemicals or artificial colours, making it suitable for sensitive skin, too.

Our testers found it easy to apply and remove, without the need for any scrubbing. And when you do take it off, you can expect skin to “feel smoother and look brighter,” according to feedback – the perfect skin combination.

£4.00 at boots.com

Score: 80/100

Let the cell-renewing ingredients of this face mask leave oily and blemish-prone skin clearer and clarified. After three applications of this clarifying treatment, one tester said their skin was “visibly restored,” and their complexion looked clearer.

This face mask is also gentle enough for multiple applications per week, thanks to the combination of natural ingredients. Lactic acid helps to keep skin moisturised and even out tone, and Tasman pepper, an antioxidant, works to calm irritation and reduce redness.

£67.00 at

Score: 80/100

The Outset is a skincare brand co-founded by actress Scarlett Johansson, who probably knows a thing or two about the impact blemishes can have on confidence in front of the camera. The brand focuses on formulas for sensitive but stubborn skin, and this smooth, clarifying clay mask is a great example of that approach.

This blue-tinged treatment may have you looking like a Smurf for the 10-minute application time, but after washing off, one tester said it left their skin feeling softer and looking brighter. Another liked that it managed to reduce redness in existing spots, which is great for taming flare-ups.

£46.00 at

Origins Out Of Trouble Mask; £28; Score: 78/100

Balance Me Glycolic Acid AHA Face Mask; £22; Score: 77/100

We loved Tata Harper’s clarifying face mask on test, and the brand’s Radiance Mask has also captured the heart of our lifestyle writer, Maddie. She has combination skin, which fluctuates between being blemished and oily, and dry and crusty, which isn’t at all inconvenient. But this ultra-hydrating face mask is the perfect rejuvenator, which doesn’t cause flare-ups and works to clear the complexion.

Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid, which works hard to replenish hydration levels, and a kaolin clay, which absorbs blemish-inducing excess oil.

£57.00 at spacenk.com.uk

Perhaps better known for its innovative skincare tools, FOREO has recently released an ultra-hydrating sheet mask, which more than lives up to the brand’s effective, skin-clearing reputation.

This sheet mask comes in two pieces for a custom fit, and it can be worn underneath an LED face mask for double the skincare. Both sides of the sheet are infused with a hydrating peptide complex, which works to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Another star ingredient is plumping collagen, to help give skin its bounce back.

$69.00 at foreo.com

The mask most suited to you will depend on your overall skin type and any particular skin concerns you have at the time of application.

If you have a dry, lacklustre complexion in need of plumping and rehydration, then a hydrating face mask is the perfect option. Whereas if your skin is generally more blemished, or you’re simply going through a spotty stage, then a clarifying mask should help to clear and calm congested complexions.

As the name suggests, a hydrating face mask works to restore moisture and replenish any dry, dehydrated patches. They often contain ultra-hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and glycerine, which all help the skin to draw in and retain moisture.

While a hydrating face mask works to rejuvenate dry skin, a clarifying one is designed to absorb excess sebum, clear dead skin cells and unclog pores, leaving your complexion clearer and brighter. This is what makes them a great option for blemish-prone skin.

For the best results, we recommend applying your face mask after cleansing and exfoliating to remove any impurities or dirt from pores and ensure your skin is able to absorb all that nourishing goodness.

It’s also a good idea to consider face mask type. Sheet masks are great for throwing on for a quick shot of hydration, whether in your bathroom or travelling (see our beauty editor’s in-flight skincare routine), although it's important to note that they're not the most sustainable choice.

Gel or cream face masks will need to be rinsed off after – they’re a great option for popping on while you’re watching your latest Netflix obsession.

As for how often you should apply your face mask, it really depends on your skin. Hydrating masks are great for applying weekly (or twice a week in drier conditions) to give your skin a treat. Those prone to breakouts may prefer to mask more regularly, up to three times a week.

Dry and flaky skin? Our winning hydrating option, Elemis’ Pro Collagen Marine Mask, is the perfect gateway to softer, more moisturised skin. But if your complexion is a little oily and spotty, then a clarifying mask is what you need. Our top-rated Wildsmith Double Refining Clay mask was best at banishing blemishes.

Want to save on skincare? Then the budget Simple Detox & Brighten clay mask is an absolute steal at under £10 and works wonders for brightening complexions.

After 100 years of testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute – from the best mattresses to the best hair dryers – we know exactly what to look for when it comes to a great buy.

Our former beauty and grooming tester, Denny Daily, was responsible for developing the rigorous protocols we tested these face masks against. As well as using our specialist equipment in the lab to assess each formula against its claims, she collected detailed feedback from our panel of at-home testers before combining the results to award final scores.

Our lifestyle writer Madeleine Evans has written about (and personally tested) hundreds of beauty products, so she knows a thing or two about what people are looking for in a trusted review. She works with our team of experts and analyses testing results to create honest and engaging product write ups.

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