Last updated: 16/10/2022

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Welcome to our big face mask test 2023. Here we present all the face masks we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and a list of the most popular face masks by category.

We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best face mask for you.

You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a face mask.




Summary

  • Which mask you need depends on your skin type. Depending on whether you have normal, oily, dry or combination skin, you should choose between moisturising and cleansing masks. It is also very important to look for ingredients of natural origin to avoid skin irritation.
  • Masks differ primarily in the way they are applied. They are available as creams, gel masks, peel-off masks, cloth masks or mud masks with healing clay that you can mix yourself.
  • Alternatively, you can make your own face mask from two ingredients and know exactly what is in it. Here, too, the ingredients depend on your skin type.

The Best Face Mask: Our Picks

Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a face mask

What is a face mask?

Face masks are a special and intensive type of facial care. Depending on the effect, purpose and application, different face masks can be distinguished. Some cleanse the skin deep into the pores, others give it an extra portion of care and some others tighten the skin.

The type of face mask should depend on the individual needs of your skin. (www.pixabay.com / summa)

It can also help combat a tired appearance if used regularly. For this reason, you should find out your skin type before buying a mask.

The eye area should always be avoided when applying a mask, as it needs special care due to the thinness of the skin. Face masks should always match your skin type to ensure optimal care.

What does a face mask do?

Face masks can be applied to your skin according to your individual needs: They can tighten, moisturise, cleanse deep into the pores or remove skin flakes.

The ingredients of a mask are crucial for its effect on your facial skin. (www.unsplash.com / honest)

At the same time, they provide the skin with nourishing substances and can support its protective function. They also have a lasting effect against acne or other skin problems.

What skin types are there?

There are four different skin types:

  • Normal skin
  • Combination skin
  • Impure or oily skin
  • Dry skin
Skin type Features
Normal skin Feels supple and has no impurities
Combination skin There are skin impurities in the T-zone, but scales form in the cheek area
Impure or oily skin Has clogged pores and blackheads and the skin is prone to pimples
Dry skin Feels rather rough and scales from time to time

How long do face masks need to be left on?

Since application times vary greatly, it is best to follow the instructions on the package. However, the application time should not be exceeded in order to avoid possible skin irritations. Depending on the mask, 5 to 30 minutes of application time is acceptable.

How often should you use face masks?

Again, you should follow the instructions on the package. As a rule of thumb, you can use moisturising masks daily, but cleansing masks only 2-3 times a week at the most, so that the natural protective layer of your facial skin can regenerate.

What should I consider before using a face mask?

Before you apply the face mask, you should cleanse your skin thoroughly with warm water and a cleansing gel. Then clarify the skin with a toner. This way, your skin is perfectly prepared to absorb the active ingredients from the mask.

What should I do after using a face mask?

Once you have removed the mask from your face, you can apply some face cream to moisturise your skin.

With moisturising masks, you don’t need to follow up with creams as they are already very nourishing.

After a cleansing mask, the skin is a little more sensitive and a cream provides the necessary protection.

Decision section: What types of face masks are there and which is the right one for you?

There are many different types of masks, which differ mainly in their application:

  • Cream masks
  • Gel masks
  • Peel-Off Masks
  • Mud masks from healing earths
  • Cloth masks

In the following, we would like to introduce you to the most diverse face masks.

What distinguishes a cream mask and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Ingredients: Most cream masks contain rich essential oils such as almond oil or avocado oil.

Effect: Cream masks provide rich moisturising care for the skin.

Advantages
  • They moisturise more than other masks
  • the thickness of the mask can be individually determined.
Disadvantages
  • Washing off can take a little longer than with other masks
  • In shops, the jars are often cheaper than the portioned individual masks.

Application: Cream masks are easy to use and can be applied and washed off very easily.

Skin type: They are best suited for normal and dry skin types. You do not need to apply extra face cream after use.

What are the characteristics of a gel mask and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Ingredients: Most gel masks contain hyaluronic acid to tighten and protect the skin.

Effect: Gel masks provide rich moisturisation and cool the skin.

Advantages
  • The gel allows the skin to absorb the active ingredients up to 50% better than with other masks
  • the thickness of the mask can be individually determined.
Disadvantages
  • The thickness of the gel must be approx. 5 mm to ensure optimal effect
  • The gel does not dry completely, which makes it somewhat difficult to remove.

Application: Gel masks are easy to use and very easy to apply. After removal with a cloth, further washing off is not necessary.

Skin type: They are best suited for normal and dry skin types. You do not need to apply extra face cream after use.

What are the characteristics of a peel-off mask and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Ingredients: Most peel-off masks contain activated charcoal, which draws blackheads out of the skin. At the same time, the ingredients prevent pimples and can also improve the appearance of acne skin.

Effect: Peel-off masks often contain fruit acids and support the cell regeneration of the skin. Skin impurities and dandruff are removed very well after application.

Advantages
  • The peel-off mask removes blackheads and cleanses the skin very strongly
  • the peel-off mask also prevents pimples and helps against acne.
Disadvantages
  • Due to the consistency of the Peel-Off Mask, applicators such as brushes may be necessary to achieve an even distribution on the face
  • Peel-Off Masks often contain synthetic substances to achieve the peel-off effect.

Application: Peel-off masks are applied to the skin and then dry on the skin. You can then peel them off the skin.

Skin type: They are best suited for impure, oily or combination skin. After removing the mask, be sure to apply face cream to prevent the skin from drying out after cleansing.

What are the characteristics of a mud mask and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Ingredients: Mud masks such as healing earth or clay masks contain many trace elements.

Effect: They have an anti-inflammatory effect, soothe the skin, stimulate blood circulation and relax the muscles.

Advantages
  • You can buy the powder for mud masks in larger quantities
  • the powder ensures a longer shelf life.
Disadvantages
  • You have to mix the mask yourself, which may require additional tools
  • transporting the powder when travelling can be a little more complicated as it is not sealed in plastic. It is not as easy to unpack and apply as cloth masks.

Application: Mud masks are often sold in powder form and are mixed with water before application.

Skin type: They are best suited for impure, oily and combination skin because they remove a lot of the skin’s oil.

By preparing the mask, there is also no unnecessary waste and you can determine the consistency of the mask yourself. Other healing clays such as lava clay (ghassoul) are also very popular.

What distinguishes a sheet mask and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Ingredients: The cloths are often fleece cloths that have been soaked in active ingredients.

Effect: Because the face is covered by the cloth, the substances remain on the skin, the pores open and the active substances can act more effectively.

Advantages
  • Cloth masks are very easy to apply and transport
  • they are available for all skin types and needs.
Disadvantages
  • The unnecessary packaging creates avoidable waste. The wipes also have to be thrown away afterwards
  • The fleece does not always fit perfectly to the skin, which is why some areas cannot be cared for quite optimally.

Application: The wipe is simply placed on the skin. After the exposure time, it is removed and thrown away. Done.

Skin type: Cloth masks are available for all skin types, but they are best suited for normal skin types.

Buying criteria: Use these factors to compare and evaluate face masks

In the following, we will show you which aspects you can use to decide between the many possible face masks. In general, face masks can be divided into two different types.

  • Cleansing masks
  • Moisturising masks

The type of face mask that suits you depends primarily on your skin type. In the following, we will present the two different buying criteria so that they can help you a little when choosing your face mask.

Cleansing masks

Cleansing masks cleanse the skin by removing blackheads and skin flakes, for example. Excess sebum is also removed. At the same time, however, the skin is also supplied with nutrients.

This makes them very suitable for people with normal skin, combination skin and especially for impure and oily skin. Some also have an additional peeling. Here, one should be careful that the peeling does not consist of microplastics, as this harms the waters.

Sugar or salt can be used as an exfoliating alternative. The following masks are very suitable for cleansing:

  • Peel-Off Masks
  • Mud masks from healing and clay masks

Moisturising masks

Moisturising masks restore the firmness of dry skin and give it a fresher glow. It soothes the complexion and additionally nourishes it with essential oils.

Small veins can be counteracted by the additional. The following masks give you a freshness boost:

  • Cream masks
  • Gel masks
  • Cloth masks

People with a normal skin type can use both types of masks because they have uncomplicated and undemanding skin. You can see which skin type needs which mask in the table:

Skin type Cleansing mask Moisturising mask
Normal Yes Yes
Combination skin Yes No
Impure or oily skin Yes No
Dry skin No Yes

Within the cleansing and moisturising mask categories, you should simply pick your favourite application. The effects of the masks are similar.

Image source: 123rf.com / 117622817

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