According to Editors and Derms, These $20-and-Under Face Masks Might Rival a $200 Facial

Glowing skin ahead.

Images of two women wearing face masks.
(Image credit: @alyssabrascia, @kaitlyn_mclintock)
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Face masks are sneaky skincare products that practically coerce us to pull out our credit cards and swipe with abandon. Not only does the packaging get prettier as more seep into the beauty scene, but the benefits, technology, and general allure of these potent products are increasing with each launch. Ingredients are becoming more advanced, and suddenly, the idea of add-ons like crushed diamonds, 24-karat gold, exfoliating acids, and superfoods makes forking over $50 to $100-plus seem like the norm. But of course, it doesn't have to be.

Sure, there are plenty of luxury face masks that we salivate over, but the quality of drugstore beauty offerings has made us take a smarter (ahem, more fiscally responsible) approach to skincare. For $25 and under, you can still satisfy your craving for high-end ingredients and results, just at a fraction of the cost.

“A face mask doesn’t need to be expensive to be effective,” agrees board-certified dermatologist Dara Spearman, MD. “In my opinion, any face mask [that’s] formulated with quality ingredients and doesn’t irritate the skin is a great option.” According to the derm, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a face mask (hydration, brightening, etc) that makes the difference, and any product worth its salt will do that regardless of price.

We're fans of cost-effective products that deliver real results, so we’ve gathered the best drugstore face masks based on dermatologist recommendations (and our ample experience testing them) to write up your official shopping list. Below, the eight best drugstore face masks money can buy.

The Best Drugstore Face Masks, at a Glance

Best Overall: Neutrogena Moisturizing Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask

Hailey Bieber wearing a face mask.

(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

Best for Dull Skin: ESW Beauty Pineapple Bliss Revitalizing Raw Juice Mask

A woman after wearing a face mask.

McLintock after wearing the ESW Beauty Pineapple Bliss Revitalizing Raw Juice Mask.

(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)

Best for Blackheads: Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mask

Best Detoxifying: Burt's Bees Detoxifying Biocellulose Single-Use Gel Face Mask

Best Clay: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Katie Behron wearing a clay mask.

Behron wearing the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay.

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

Best Overnight: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Soothing Therapeutic Multi Purpose Cream

Kaitlyn McLintock holding a skincare product.

McLintock holding the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5+ Multi-Purpose Cream.

(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)

Best Glowy: Loops Double Take Glow Mask

Brascia wearing a face mask.

Brascia wearing a face mask.

(Image credit: @alyssabrascia)

What to Look For in a Drugstore Face Mask

  • Skin type: The first thing to consider is the condition of your skin before selecting your perfect mask at the drugstore, whether it be dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination of the above. Not all masks are made equal, so be sure to check the ingredients and assess our list before making your selections (i.e. Neutrogena’s Moisturizing Hydro Boost Face Mask for dry skin, The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque for acne-prone, etc.).
  • Ingredients: “Depending on what benefits you’re looking for, like hydration or brightening, the ingredients are important,” says Spearman. The derm recommends looking for “trusted ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid,” and more in the ingredients list to ensure that your skin receiving an effective treatment that leads to noticeable results.
  • Type: Face masks come in many shapes and forms, from overnight formulas to wash-off clay slathers and pre-soaked sheets. The more important things to keep in mind are your skin concerns and the right cocktail of ingredients, while the type of mask you favor boils down to personal preferece. If you’d rather wear a mask for ten minutes and wash it off, try a sheet mask like Burt's Bees’ Detoxifying Biocellulose Face Mask. But if you don’t mind going the extra mile and wearing a deep-conditioning mask overnight, you’ll fall for the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5.

Are cheap face masks more worth it than expensive ones?

Short answer? Yes and no. Both Spearman and Camp agree that face masks aren’t wholly necessary to a good skincare routine—they are simply great additions, should you want to use them. “Masks offer a way to improve skin hydration and effectively deliver active ingredients to the skin,” Camp explains, the potency and close contact of these products remaining the same for most products regardless of price. However, both agree that spendier masks may include higher-quality ingredients and materials that can produce faster, more noticeable results. But that’s not to say that a drugstore mask won’t give you a perfectly good glow. “Affordable face masks can be effective and if they produce results for you, then there is no need to purchase an expensive one,” says Spearman.

What should you do after using a drugstore face mask?

“If it’s a sheet mask, pat the excess into your skin and use moisturizer,” Spearman instructs. “If it’s a clay mask or rinse-off mask, wash with lukewarm water, dry gently, and moisturize.” It’s important to remember to lock in the benefits of your face mask with a great moisturizer, which acts as a sealant.

“Masks are a nice addition to a basic skin care routine, but not a replacement,” Camp reminds us. “When using a mask, it is important to still wash your face, use a moisturizer, and protect skin from ultraviolet radiation with the use of a daily SPF moisturizer.”

How We Chose

We found the best drugstore face masks on the market by researching top-rated masks of the sheet, clay, charcoal (and more!) varieties before diving in on our own. Us editors tried different top-rated formulas from small and large brands alike, keeping in mind price point and testing under-$25 tubes and jars. We also consulted with board-certified dermatologists to get their advice and recommendations on drugstore picks before putting together this comprehensive shopping guide.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Alyssa Brascia
Alyssa Brascia
Associate Beauty Editor, Who What Wear

Alyssa Brascia is an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. She is based in New York City and has nearly three years of industry experience, with rivers of content spanning from multigenerational lipstick reviews to celebrity fashion roundups. Brascia graduated with a BS in apparel, merchandising, and design from Iowa State University and went on to serve as a staff shopping writer at People.com for more than 2.5 years. Her earlier work can be found at InStyle, Travel + Leisure, Shape, and more. Brascia has personally tested more than a thousand beauty products, so if she’s not swatching a new eye shadow palette, she’s busy styling a chic outfit for a menial errand (because anywhere can be a runway if you believe hard enough).

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