22 Best Face Masks for Men in 2024

There are many great reasons to get into using face masks as a man. Face masks have instant and long-term benefits that you will love – and your partner will adore too.

From a deep boost to the skin of revitalizing and healing ingredients for an instant lift, to long-term anti-ageing properties, a good quality face mask should be in every man’s skincare repertoire.

Feeling hesitant about dipping into the face mask world as a man?

We have chosen the best masks designed to align with and enhance your masculine qualities and bring you to your best and brightest self. Make sure to check for any warnings about compatibility with facial hair.

Face Mask Types

The Face Masks on our list come in one of four forms:

1. Classic clay or mud pastes
2. Serum-infused sheets
3. Peel-off blackhead pastes or sheets
4. Overnight serums

Clay or mud masks tend to be the most deep-cleaning and restorative formulations and come in a tub with multiple application doses. They are typically painted onto the face with fingers or an applicator brush, left to dry, and then washed off. Some of these can be a bit messy.

Sheet masks are usually a single-use paper mask soaked with a serum, which is laid over the face. The leftover formula can usually be rubbed into the face after application. These masks tend to be cleaner to apply, with a depositing focus rather than strong impurity-absorbing mechanisms.

Peel-offs are mostly designed to lift off blackheads or sebaceous filaments, especially around the nose.

Overnight Masks are somewhat similar to a night cream, typically in a gel or cream format that is to be left to absorb overnight. Typically, any left-over mask formula in the morning can be rubbed into the skin.

Why Face Masks?

What are some of the reasons men are reaching for face masks in 2023?

• Improved skin texture and tone
• Fighting acne, blemishes and scarring
• Anti-aging action - fighting dull, sagging, and wrinkled skin
• Morning mood lift - feel refreshed and awake to start your day
• Evening relaxation - take a moment to unwind from your day

How to Use Face Masks

1. Start with a freshly cleaned face, either from the shower, or with a face cleanser over a basin.
2. Non Sheet Masks: With clean hands, use your fingers or an applicator to spread a smooth and moderately thick layer of the product over your face (and neck if desired).

AVOID getting any product into your eyes or mouth - we recommend leaving a gap around the eye and mouth areas.

1. Sheet Mask: unfold the mask, lay it over your face aligning the holes with your eyes and mouth, then press into place.
2. Leave on for the time specified on your chosen mask - 5-30 mins, or overnight. As the mask dries, it may be easier to lie and rest for a while.
3. Non Sheet Masks: carefully use warm water, a face cloth, or a shower to remove the paste.
4. Sheet Mask: check the packaging if washing is required - most sheet mask residue can be left on the skin and rubbed in.
5. Follow with your typical facial after-care - any tonics, moisturizers, or treatment creams.

The List: 22 Best Face Masks for Men in 2023

1. Blu Atlas Purifying Face Mask Hydrating and Nourishing

Face Mask Properties: Clay Paste, Natural

Recommended Usage: As needed, 10-20 mins, Wash-off

Number one on our list of the best face masks for men in 2023 is the outstanding Purifying Face Mask from Blu Atlas, and what doesn’t this powerful and dichotomous formula do?

Is your skin too oily, or are you suffering from breakouts? This formula uses kaolin clay and algae to draw out any nasty impurities. In contrast, is your skin too dry, too dull, or showing signs of aging? The goji berry in this blend brings back vitality, strength, and moisture to leave you with clean and revitalized skin.

An Atlas to Skincare

We love how this company is revolutionizing the skincare game for men, bringing together scientific efficacy and dermatological backing with naturally derived ingredients.

Blu Atlas creates optimized products that are powerful and effective, whilst staying true to the health of their customers, and that of the planet – their products are free of nasties used in so many other cosmetic ranges, such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances.

A real man looks after his skin, and his pocket, and while we don't think you'll need it, this natural product comes with a money-back guarantee.

2. Lumin Intensive Reconditioning Face Mask

Face Mask Properties: Sheet Mask, Healing

Recommended Usage: 1x a week, 10 minutes, Rub-in

Our second offering is fantastic for achieving three skin goals; instant deep and calming hydration, long-term anti-ageing, and healing of any inflammation.

If you enjoy structure and routine with minimal fuss, you’ll love the Intensive Conditioning Face Mask.

Our top three ingredients in this offering include hyaluronic acid, ginger extract, and niacinamide. Together, these offer the deepest hydration that refills the appearance of fine lines, evens out skin-tone, soothes damage, and shrinks your pores.

As a serum-infused face mask, simply align the face shape to your face, press the mask in place and leave for ten minutes. This formula can then be rubbed into your face and followed by your usual face care routine.

3. Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask

Face Mask Properties: Mud Mask, Refreshing

Recommended Usage: 2-3x a week, 10 minutes, Wash-off

With number three on our list of the best face masks for men in 2023, it is out with the old and in with the new.

Say goodbye to a face full of gunk, or dryness from environmental stressors, and say hello instead to a fresh and youthful man, with this complete detoxifying and purifying sensation.

Specialized mud blends have long been hailed for their abilities to draw out deep-seated impurities whilst providing a visible calming effect to inflamed skin. Irish moor mud is one such ‘supermud’, promoting a youthful appearance with repeated use.

We love the inclusion in this product of some additional natural deep-cleaners – volcanic ash and activated charcoal. A gentle brush with the sea is provided with the nourishing and hydrating hijiki seaweed.

In addition, this is another choice free of any sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

4. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

Face Mask Properties: Clay mask, Blemish-fighting

Recommended Usage: As required, Up to 10 minutes, Wash-off

Number four on our list comes from The Ordinary, the brand known for a minimalist simplicity to their products, allowing users to fully customize every step of their skincare routine.

If you suffer from long-term oily skin, acne-clogged pores, or a persistent dullness, this is the perfect formula to rebalance your textural irregularities and prevent future breakouts.

Three deep-cleaning ingredients headline this product: salicylic acid, charcoal powder and kaolin clay. Salicylic Acid strips away dead skin and excess oils, whilst the latter two ingredients absorb and remove these impurities.

We also love the use of squalene, a natural oil produced by your skin that allows for replenishing hydration.

5. Brickell Purifying Charcoal Face Mask

Face Mask Properties: Clay mask, Organic

Recommended Usage: 1-2x a week, 10-20 minutes, Wash-off

If you are looking for a face mask that does all the deep cleaning work with minimal fillers, you will enjoy this powerful, natural, and unscented formula from Brickell, packed with ingredients that will rejuvenate your face.

First up, we have the classic detoxifiers of activated charcoal, kaolin clay, and pumice. Next, anti-ageing wrinkle action and damage protection is achieved by vitamin E and dimethylethanolamine. Thirdly, hydration is provided through aloe vera, along with the rich olive and avocados butters.

There are many other beneficial compounds for enlivening the skin, such as gotu kola and green tea extracts.

Unlike many clay formulas, we are fans of how this product provides deep-cleaning action without causing excess dryness.

6. Lancome Paris Advanced Genifique Hydrogel Melting Mask

Face Mask Properties: Sheet mask, Anti-ageing

Recommended Usage: As desired, 10-30 minutes, Rub-in

Lancome has long been known for its luxurious, elegant, and highly fragranced products that bring a touch of mystique to the high-end consumer. It is a lucky man that uses such a product in his everyday skincare routine.

For those who have only longingly applied a splash of a Lancome product when passing through duty-free at the airport, we applaud this single-use offering from Lancome, bringing a little luxury to the more every-day consumer.

The Advanced Genifique range from Lancome is designed to inject youth back into tired, dull and dry skin.

Experience the Lancome magic as you are enveloped in a seductive scent while your face cools and the clock rewinds.

7. MenScience Facial Cleansing Mask

Face Mask Properties: Clay mask, Deep-clean

Recommended Usage: 2-3x a week, 5-10 mins, Wash-off

If you are a man that wants a product that hits hard and fast, powered by scientifically proven ingredients, this offering from Menscience Androceuticals may be the face mask for you.

The team behind this selection understands that a good face mask should both clear the past and pave way for the future. Tired skin and clogged imperfections should be swept away, and powerful protective action put in place to ensure a clearer complexion going forward.

To this end, this product is powered by both the gentle yet powerful natural cleanser, bentonite clay, and backed by the softening and healing powers of pulverized green tea, packed with antioxidants and catechins.

A five minute hit of this product is all that is required to peel away the past and reveal a new, fresh-faced you.

8. La Roche Posay Effaclar Mask

Face Mask Properties: Clay mask, Anti-blemish

Recommended Usage: 1-2x a week, 5 minutes, Wash-off

Our next offering should be helpful for those struggling with persistent acne, and even those with the most sensitive of skin.

This is a powerful clinical formulation that is made to cast your acne woes to rest, and fast. La Roche-Posay guarantees clearer skin within a month of regular use.

Some notable ingredients include kaolin clay, argilla, vitamin B5, and their patented cellubeads. These buff, extract, cleanse, and soothe, ensuring a deep purge and gradual mattifying of the skin over time.

This formula is cut with a fresh and enlivening citrus scent.

9. Freeman Pore Clearing Peel-off Mask with Volcanic Ash

Face Mask Properties: Gel mask, Pore-clearing

Recommended Usage: As required, 5-10 minutes, Peel-off

Number nine on our list of the best face masks for men in 2023, is novel in its peel-off, gel formulation. Not only is there no mess upon applying this mask, there is little residue to deal with after the treatment.

If you suffer with visible whiteheads or sebaceous filaments on the side of your nose, a peel off mask is fantastic. As you peel the mask off, these pesky clogged pores will stick to the gel and lift right out of your skin.

We also love the powerful addition of detoxifying, healing and clearing volcanic ash in this formula for a thorough cleanse.

10. Revolution Skincare London Hyaluronic Acid Face Mask

Face Mask Properties: Overnight mask, Cream

Recommended Usage: 1-2 x a week/Overnight, Wash-off or Rub-in

This choice is the first entry on our list in a cream form that is intended to be used overnight and comes with stellar reviews.

If your skin is calling out for deep hydration, then this is just what you're looking for.

Moisture is delivered through four powerful agents: hyaluronic acid, sweet almond oil, aloe vera leaf, and vitamin E. These also lower inflammation, balance skin tone, battle acne-causing bacteria, and fight the signs of aging.

If you can sleep without too much turning in your bed, we highly recommend this overnight mask.

11. Ishizawa Lab Goodbye Keana Men's Mask

Face Mask Properties: Sheet mask, Re-texturizing

Recommended Usage: As required, 5 minutes, Peel-off

Japan and Korea have long been leading the world in male skincare. If you’re looking for an instant lift in your face with tightened pores after five minutes, look no further than this offering.

For greater hydration and elasticity in the skin's texture, this mask contains hyaluronic acid and collagen. Collagen is a vital compound for retaining the structure of your skin and maintaining a youthful complexion.

For a smooth, soothing sensation, this mask also contains chamomile extract. Designed for youth, or those searching for it, this mask also protects your skin from future damage.

Give this a try to start your day feeling alert, or to reset and rewind after a long workday.

12. Hunter Lab Charcoal Mud Mask

Face Mask Properties: Mud/Clay mask, Natural

Recommended Usage: As required, 5-20 minutes, Wash-off

Just as the natural beauty of nature has us mesmerized, Hunter Lab looks to use naturally derived ingredients wherever possible. The result is an ingredient list that oozes wellbeing, rather than chemical confusion.

When it comes to detoxifying surface extractors, this formulation uses them all. Tapioca flour, activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and kaolin clay join forces to purify the skin from impurities and excess oils.

Moisture is imparted gently back to the skin with aloe vera and sunflower seed oil, while a soothing of the skin is achieved with cucumber fruit extract, witch hazel extract, and lavender water. Vitamins A and E play their part too, in this thick dose of natural goodness.

13. L'Oréal Paris Men Expert Pure Charcoal Purifying Tissue Mask

Face Mask Properties: Sheet mask, Reset

Recommended Usage: 3x a week, 5 -15 minutes, Peel-off

You may be wondering why your sheet mask should be designed specifically for men. One reason is that men tend to have larger heads, and thus larger faces. This particular product is designed with this difference in mind, consisting of an extra-large sheet to deliver deep purification to all of your facial skin.

Some skin care needs are long-term, others arise on the daily. With a higher frequency of recommended applications than most selections here, this mask seeks to alleviate the more every-day kind of skin issues. These include redness and irritation, excess oils and sweat, and dull, dehydrated skin.

We recommend this product on our list of the 22 best face masks for men in 2023, for anyone wanting regular facial re-balancing.

14. DIOR Sauvage Cleanser & Face Mask

Face Mask Properties: Cleansing foam, 2-in-1

Recommended Usage: 1-2x a week as mask, 1-2x a week as cleanser

If you’re a man motivated to take greater care of your skin, but don’t want to deal with a million different facial products, consider this 2-in-1 luxury offering from Dior.

This product can be used briefly for its cleansing and exfoliating functions, or left on longer as a mask, for about one minute, to deepen the purification of the skin.

This makes for an easy, no-fuss extension to your facial routine.

The scent from this product is divine, with deeply masculine woody and earthy notes. We expect nothing less from the prolific luxury brand.

15. Skin Republic Energising Face Mask for Men

Face Mask Properties: Sheet mask, Energizing

Recommended Usage: 2x a week, 15 - 20 minutes, Rub-in

Dried-out skin works against you in three insidious ways – it increases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, makes your skin appear dull and aged, and can increase feelings of being worn-out.

Bring your motivation and confidence back into the room with this uplifting and rejuvenating offering from Skin Republic.

Designed specifically for men, and founded on scientific principles and dermatological testing, this is packed with powerful active ingredients to bring life back to your skin.

Of note are vitamins C and E, which brighten, lighten, and tighten, along with CoQ10, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from future damage.

16. ASOS Star Wars Chewbacca Coconut Face Mask

Face Mask Properties: Sheet mask, Novelty

Recommended Usage: As required/desired

We all know a man who won’t touch anything to do with self-care, unless we make it about their favorite movie, game or sport! If you’re looking to motivate a man into some revitalizing face care, give this novelty sheet mask a go, as his entry-level induction.

This product is a great quick lift, for a man who needs to leave the house after a bad night’s sleep. If the shower and the coffee haven’t picked him up, a quick absorption of this uplifting blend will have him presenting, fresh as a daisy.

Get your man’s skin looking less Chewbacca and more jedi-ready with this fun offering available from ASOS.

17. LUSH Mask of Magnaminty Face and Body Mask

Face Mask Properties: Paste, 2-in-1

Recommended Usage: As required, 10 minutes, Wash-off

If you’ve got some time to sit and collect some shower thoughts, and are looking to soothe and soften the skin all over, you’ll love this mask from Lush, that can be used on your face and your body.

Central to this formula is the soothing, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory superfood, honey, and a powerful minty-fresh aroma. This mask deeply exfoliates with evening primrose seeds and ground aduki beans and uses kaolin and bentonite clay to absorb impurities.

For a full-body detox and tingly refresher, consider this vegan friendly and cruelty-free offering from Lush, best used in an easy-clean space.

18. Swisse Skincare Manuka Honey Detoxifying Clay Mask

Face Mask Properties: Clay mask, Natural

Recommended Usage: 1-2x a week, 10-15 mins, Wash-off

At an impressive percentage of 98.7% naturally derived ingredients, this is a truly earth and body friendly formulation, well-matched to a man who takes care about what he puts in his body, and in his home environment.

Detoxifying and skin-clearing elements in this blend include charcoal powder, tapioca starch, white clay, honey, salicylic acid, and eucalyptus leaf oil. Seaweed, oat bran, and aloe-vera juice add softening and soothing elements to the formula.

19. Paula’s Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask

Face Mask Properties: Clay mask, Blemish-fighting

Recommended Usage: As often as needed, 10 minutes, Wash-off

Three steps are needed to fight blemishes effectively with a face mask and Paula’s Choice has crafted the perfect formula to help bring you back to clear skin.

First, you need to clear the face of pore-blocking gunk and absorb any excess oils. Next, you need to calm the skin of any inflammation. Lastly, you need to add preventative action against future breakouts.

This mask achieves these three actions, the first with natural clays, the second with a blend of eight natural ingredients including green tea, chamomile, and willowherb, and the third with salicylic acid.

Over three quarters of users reportedly see a decrease in blemish severity and smaller pores.

20. Sephora - The Charcoal Face Mask

Face Mask Properties: Sheet Mask, Charcoal

Recommended Use: 2x a week, 15 minutes, Rub-in

If you’re after an instant lift, expect with this mask to experience instant pore tightening, purification, and cleaner skin.

The pore tightening action is mostly powered by the charcoal, helped along by caffeine. Some unusual additions to the ingredients list include broccoli and horse chestnut extract for its anti-inflammatory and skin toning benefits.

Users report that this mask is refreshingly cooling to the touch and doesn’t dry out the skin. The appearance of the skin is instantly brighter and more vibrant.

We love that this product is free from any oils, parabens or sulfates.

21. Aesop Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque

Face Mask Properties: Clay mask, Clarifying

Recommended Usage: 2x a week, up to 15 minutes, Wash-off

For a refreshing burst of aromatherapy whilst applying a mask, try this next offering on our list from Aesop.

The scent profile is earthy and floral, with key ingredients including sage leaf, primrose seed, and rose geranium. This brings to mind the peaceful solitude of a morning sunrise witnessed on a balcony overlooking a garden, when you have nowhere to go, and no one to be – bliss!

Benefits include a deep cleanse, action against inflammation and irritation, and a softened and smooth complexion.

If you are in a household with shared toiletries, this scent is neutral enough to be enjoyed by any gender.

22. Nishman Peel-Off BlackMask Skin Restoration

Face Mask Properties: Peel-off Mask, Blackhead Removal

Recommended Usage: As Required, When Dry (15-30 Minutes), Peel-Off

The last offering on our list of the 22 best face masks for men in 2023 is another option for those plagued by pesky whiteheads, clogged or wide pores, and sebaceous filaments around the nose. Fine facial hair may come out too, so beware the beard!

This sticky formulation grabs onto your skin surface. Once dry, the peeling action required to remove the mask will lift out those persistent pore-blocking contaminants.

This formula is also laced with ingredients to balance oils, soothe the skin, improve elasticity, brighten the skin profile, and increase collagen production. These include some of our floral favorites – rosemary and calendula extracts.

If you suffer from dry skin, it is recommended to apply some light moisturizer before applying this mask to avoid any skin damage.

A Note on Facial Hair and Face Masks

There are three approaches you can take when it comes to applying a face mask when you have facial hair.

1. Shave your hair before applying. This only works if you shave regularly and are not looking to maintain a beard in the long-term.

1. Apply your face mask only onto the hairless portions of your face. This method is okay if you only have skin concerns to address for the exposed parts of your face.

1. Part your beard 1cm from one side of your face and rub the mask thoroughly onto direct skin. Make another part 1cm away, and continue like so. This approach is important if the skin under your hair has issues that need addressing, or you’re looking for a softer beard,

Keep in mind the effect a mask may have on hair- for example a clay mask may be best followed by a beard oil, to add in shine and moisture after stripping the follicle.

Look for any warnings against use on hair, and patch-test before use.