Finding the right face mask for oily skin can be a struggle. Still, face masks can help hydrate your skin, which in turn will help reduce oil and sebum production. Whether you're looking for a face mask to cleanse your pores, or you just want to treat yourself to an at-home facial, we recommend a mask that's formulated for your skin type.
Based on thorough research on the topic, we've selected the 10 best face masks for oily skin this year! Our favorite is Kiehl's Since 1851 Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask. This nutrient-packed, white clay mask is made using free-trade ingredients, and it's incredibly adept at evening out your skin. Read on for our other picks and for a buying guide at the end!
Quick List - Top Face Masks for Oily Skin
Kiehl's Since 1851
Best Ethically-Traded Clay Mask for Tightening Pores and Evening Skin Tone
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Now that you know the best products available to choose from, the next step is to learn how to choose the right face mask for you. These three factors below will help you make the right decision.
Face masks formulated for oily skin usually have some very specific ingredients and properties. We've put together a brief guide on what the best face mask ingredients to manage oily skin are, as well as what they do to help. Here are some names you should be on the lookout for when reading the label.
Clay masks are a popular choice for oily skin types due to their ability to draw out excess oil and reduce acne, but there are many types to choose from. If you aren't sure which type of clay is the right fit for your skin, it's safest to go with kaolin clay or bentonite clay.
Kaolin clay is a particularly light clay that's known for its gentle nature. This makes it a good choice for oily and sensitive skin types alike. Kaolin clay cleanses impurities and reduces excess oil. It can also be used as a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, so don't be afraid to use it on red or irritated skin.
Another effective clay option for oily skin types is bentonite clay. This volcanic clay has strong absorption properties and has been used to treat skin and digestive issues since ancient times. Bentonite clay is especially handy for those struggling with acne or breakouts, as it sucks up sebum and nourishes the skin with minerals like phosphorous and magnesium.
Kaolin clay masks are safe to use in pregnancy. They are a great treatment option for those with acne during pregnancy or breastfeeding. These clay masks are usually not as drying as other acne products even though they are effective in removing oil.
You can incorporate a clay mask into your skincare routine two to three times a week to help with excess oil production.
Face masks that contain acid exfoliators are a good choice for oily skin types who don't want to use physical exfoliants. Look for ingredients like lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acids. These acids each contain properties that help them penetrate more effectively into the skin and cleanse it of dirt and sebum.
These acids, also known as AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) effectively clean your pores and break down sebum as well as impurities. This will help you manage your oily skin more effectively. These acids can also be used to manage blackheads!
On top of controlling excess oil and sebum, acid exfoliators can even out and brighten your skin. Glycolic acid in particular has anti-aging and brightening properties. Just be sure to get a patch test if you have a history of sensitive skin, as acid exfoliators can be irritating. Still, these ingredients do gently blur fine lines and help brighten your skin.
Moisturizing might seem a daunting task for those with oily skin. However, every skin type needs to be moisturized, and the right moisturizer will actually improve your skin tone and fight off acne! In fact, oily or acne-prone skin that's too dry will over-produce oil and sebum to hydrate itself.
Still, if you have oily skin and want to pick a new moisturizer, you do need to be careful about the ingredients you're adding to this important step in your routine. Steer clear of moisturizers that contain heavy oils or rich butters, such as petroleum oil or coconut butter. These can be too rich for your skin and may create a greasy effect.
Instead, look for lightweight moisturizers such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, honey, and glycerin. Dimethicone is also a great choice for oily skin as it forms a layer on the top of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Overall, you should keep an eye out for moisturizers labeled as non-comedogenic, as they'll be guaranteed to moisturize your skin without clogging your pores.
Some common ingredients might worsen your oily skin condition. One example is alcohol, which strips your skin of water and might actually reduce its natural oils too much. Consequently, your skin might overcompensate and create even more oil! Alcohol shouldn't be confused with fatty alcohols, which can actually help moisturize and soothe your skin.
Heavy ingredients like petroleum and mineral oils are also problematic for oily skin types, as they may overwhelm and even suffocate your pores. This can lead to excess sebum production since your skin will want to protect itself somehow. These ingredients can be helpful for those with dry or sensitive skin, but oily skin types should be cautious about them.
Finally, it's important to be careful with potential irritants like fragrances if you have oily or sensitive skin. These have been proven to cause redness, breakouts, and allergic contact dermatitis.
Look for masks that are non-comedogenic since these won't clog the pores. You should also avoid masks with coconut oil as this ingredient can cause acne.
Maybe you don't have a lot of time to spare, or maybe you're looking for a spa experience. You're lucky in that masks for oily skin come in a variety of forms that can suit different purposes. Here are some suggestions.
As mentioned earlier in the article, clay, mud, and charcoal masks help absorb excess oil from the surface of your skin. They also draw out impurities from clogged pores to make your skin shine-free, but not dry or tight.
These masks are quite gentle on the skin as well and less likely to trigger allergic reactions. This makes them a great choice for people with acne-prone skin or those who are looking for a mask to reduce the appearance of their pores.
Keep in mind that charcoal and clay masks might strip your skin of moisture, so look for those with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera to prevent your skin from overdrying. You might want to follow up with a lightweight moisturizer after each application as well.
Clay, mud, and charcoal masks are great treatment options for those with acne and frequent breakouts. They should be used a few times a week and not nightly as they could be too drying.
These masks are also often preferred by those who like all-natural ingredients. I always recommend using a hydrating moisturizer, like one with hyaluronic acid, after a clay mask to give back some moisture to the skin.
Sleeping masks provide you with deep overnight care and are perfect for people that don't have time for lengthy face routines in the morning but still want to look their best. Sleep masks come in either a gel or a cream consistency and can absorb quickly into your skin.
Sleep masks are often nutrient-dense and contain a lot of active ingredients. They should only be used when your skin feels highly distressed and problematic. It's recommended that you use sleep masks once or twice per week only.
There are also cream and gel masks that you can use regularly. They aren't as potent as sleep masks but are still rich in nourishing ingredients to keep your skin feeling healthy.
The best reason to use an overnight sleep mask is to help with skin hydration. The long period of time the mask is on the skin allows for prolonged penetration to help with hydration.
On the other hand, reactions to these overnight masks can be severe since they are not washed off for several hours. I usually recommend leaving them on for a few hours while you are awake to see how your skin reacts before using them overnight. These should only be done two to three times a week. After using the mask, make sure to wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
Cream masks may be applied after you've recently exfoliated your skin or when you just need a bit of extra hydration. They're incredibly effective at moisturizing your face due to their rich, creamy texture. Cream masks can be especially handy if you're fighting off the dehydrating effects of dry, wintry air.
Oily skin types should choose a cream mask carefully to avoid clogging their pores and creating breakouts or excess oil. Aim for a cream mask that's lighter in texture or has the trusty phrase "non-comedogenic" on its label. So long as you know your skin and can find a good cream mask for your skin type, you can enjoy the skin-plumping moisturization that this mask type offers.
Gel masks are much lighter in consistency than their cream-based cousins. This makes them a safer option for oily skin types, especially since most gel masks offer the same nourishing antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients that cream masks do.
Due to their cooling effect on the skin, gel masks can also be a great option for sensitive or dry skin types. Most gel masks are packed with natural antioxidant-rich ingredients like berries or honey, which can also help tighten your skin and reduce the appearance of your pores.
A sheet mask offers you a cost-effective option that's easy to apply and has similar results to the other mask types in this article. Sheet masks are face-shaped masks made of paper, cotton, or hydrogel and are saturated with nutrient-filled serums.
It's important to consider the environmental implications of the extra waste created by sheet masks. Companies are working on creating more eco-friendly sheet masks, but while scientists agree this is a good first step, biodegradable masks still have a long way to go.
While you may not want to use them as your go-to for facials, sheet masks are convenient due to the fact that they can be applied and removed with ease and that there's very little mess involved. This makes it ideal for minimalists on the run who want to work and have good skin at the same time.
Blackheads can be hard to treat at home without picking or scarring your face. The sheet masks that are designed to remove blackheads can be a very effective at-home treatment for removing blackheads. The blackheads may come back and the mask may need to be repeated a few times a week to clean out the pores.
Sometimes these sheet masks can be irritating, so using a moisturizer after is helpful. Just make sure you are using an oil-free moisturizer or one for acne-prone skin! After using a blackhead removing mask, an over-the-counter retinol or prescription retinoid can be applied to further help with acne or blackhead control.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
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1 | Kiehl's Since 1851 Black Mask | ![]() | Best Ethically-Traded Clay Mask for Tightening Pores and Evening Skin Tone | |
2 | Farmacy Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask | ![]() | Best Gel Mask for Dry-Oily Combination Skin Types | |
3 | Laneige | ![]() | Best Sleeping Mask for Boosting Hydration and Skin Health With Natural Antioxidants | |
4 | Glamglow | ![]() | Best at Deeply Cleansing Oily Skin With Physical and Chemical Exfoliates | |
5 | Origins Rosewater Mask | ![]() | Best at Cleansing Oily Skin and Clearing Blackheads | |
6 | Innisfree Clarifying Clay Face Mask | ![]() | Best For Physical Exfoliation and Pore-Reducing Properties | |
7 | Burt's Bees 6 pack | ![]() | Best Charcoal Sheet Mask for Gentle Cleansing | |
8 | Olay | ![]() | Best For No-Mess Application of a Clay Mask | |
9 | Dr. Jart | ![]() | Best Sheet Mask for Reducing Oil and Treating Breakouts | |
10 | Herbivore | ![]() | Best Gel Mask for Those Who Want All-Natural, Vegan Skincare |
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Kiehl's Since 1851 guarantees fair trade and sourcing on the label of their Rare Earth Clay Mask. The simple combination of kaolin, bentonite and aloe vera guarantee effective oil reduction and gentle moisturization of your skin. This mask also does a great job of evening textured skin due to its Cetearyl alcohol content.
Despite the aloe vera content, a few reports warn that this mask can be overly drying and irritating for more sensitive skin types. Still, many who have oily skin or are prone to acne are happy with how effective and soothing the Rare Earth Clay Mask is. Many reported that their faces felt cleaner and their pores appeared tighter after using it.
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Honey is a powerful ingredient, as it provides a deep, nourishing cleanse while doubling as a moisturizer. Farmacy's Honey Potion is formulated with honey extract as the main ingredient. It also contains and coneflower to soothe and retain moisture in your skin.
Farmacy's Honey Potion is great for dry-oily skin combination types. While there have been reports of uncomfortable reactions to the herbal ingredients, many have raved about how deeply this mask hydrates their skin, adding that the warming effect of the honey makes it feel like a spa treatment.
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Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask has a light gel consistency and can be worn for up to eight hours. During that time, a moisture-retaining mix of beta-glucan and hyaluronic acid extract lock hydration into your skin, reducing sebum secretion and replenishing dull patches.
Some users complain the mask dried their skin out. Still, most who tried Laneige's sleeping mask were thrilled at how refreshed and hydrated their faces felt after sleeping with the mask on. Water Sleeping Mask is known for creating a glow effect as well, due to the antioxidants in its formula and the pillow of fast-absorbing moisturizers it uses.
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With six acid exfoliates and a clay-charcoal combo, Glamglow's clay mask is perfect for a deep cleanse of your pores. This formula starts as a dark clay mask at application but will harden and turn white as the clay mixture does its work. Glamglow's Supermud Mask is recommended for users with breakout issues or excessively oily skin.
However, if you have sensitive skin, this might not be the best mask to choose. Some have warned the amount of exfoliation caused painful burning. Those without sensitive skin do often find Glamglow's mask to be an effective fix for breakouts, enlarged pores, or just providing a thorough, spa-like cleanse. They added that their faces felt silken smooth and had a radiant glow.
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Origins' Clear Improvement Mask is formulated with bamboo charcoal, which is an exceptionally powerful cleansing exfoliant. This main ingredient will cleanse your skin of any free radicals it's absorbed. Glycerin serves to hydrate your skin and repair its moisture-retaining abilities.
Due to its myrtle leaf content, this mask can be a bit drying or irritating if you have combination or sensitive skin. Still, many with oily skin rave about how thoroughly this mask purifies their clogged pores and leaves them feeling refreshed. This mask is great for those looking for a deep cleanse and reduction in blackheads.
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Innisfree's Pore Cleansing Clay Mask contains volcanic ash, which works deeply into the skin to both exfoliate and absorb excess sebum. It also exfoliates chemically, using lactic acid to gently buff and soften your skin.
The combination of ash and clay can make this mask a great choice for oily skin types and those looking to reduce the appearance of pores. Many who tried it have been pleased with how thick and richly moisturizing the mask feels, while still effectively ridding them of excess oil and minimizing visible pores.
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These masks are a great choice for oily skin types due to their thorough yet gentle pore-cleansing properties. Using a combination of honey and charcoal, these masks pull dirt and excess sebum from your pores while the willow bark extract adds gentle chemical exfoliation. Thanks to the glycerin in these masks, your skin will also be freshened and hydrated during application.
A few people who tried Burt's Bees' product complained that the sheet masks didn't fit well. Still, these masks are popular for the intense amount of hydration they deliver in a short period of time. Many users report cleared skin and a fresh feeling of reduced oiliness after use, adding that the masks are a great choice if you don't want to spend too much time wearing a mask.
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Olay's unique stick-application clay mask is perfect for on-the-go use or for those who like to multitask. It combines cleansing charcoal and absorptive kaolin clay to reduce oiliness and tighten pores. Don't worry about dryness after use; Olay's Pore Detox Mask also contains glycerin for soothing hydration.
There are reports that this mask is hard to remove without intense scrubbing. However, many users have countered that the charcoal residue came off easily enough if they used warm water and a cleanser. Olay's stick clay mask is still incredibly popular for its lightweight consistency, effective oil reduction, and ease of use.
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Dr. Jart's Jet Clearing Sheet Mask combines the blemish brightening effects of niacinamide with tea tree oil's cleansing, oil-absorbing properties. This makes the mask a powerful tool for oily skin types that are prone to acne or breakouts. Don't forget to leave the mask on for up to half an hour to benefit from its glycerin-enhanced hydration!
Due to the tea tree oil formulation in this mask, some sensitive skin types found it actually made their faces feel more irritated. On the other hand, Dr. Jart's mask is incredibly popular for its soft, refreshing application and for how well it reduces breakouts and acne scars. Others are thrilled with how well it reduced the shine and excess oil on their T-zones.
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Herbivore's Blue Tansy Mask is a light, cooling gel mask packed with natural fruits and herbs. It has a very liquid-like texture that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and pampered. Meanwhile, the antioxidants and naturally occurring acids in the fruits and root extracts do a great job of gently exfoliating your pores.
Blue Tansy doesn't have any added preservatives, which means the color and texture may vary between jars. Some have complained about its strong smell and liquid texture. On the other hand, many have raved about how smooth and plump their skin feels after application. This mask is especially known to be helpful for cystic and painful acne.
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Aztec Secret's Indian Healing Clay Mask is pure green bentonite clay. All you have to do is mix it with apple cider vinegar or water, as per the directions, and apply it to your face. The bentonite will clean your skin and draw out any excess sebum, leaving your pores tighter and your face smoother.
It should be noted that as this mask has no added moisturizers, your skin may end up stripped if you don't moisturize after cleaning the mask off. Still, Aztec Secret has become a household name in the skincare community due to its simple ingredient list and cost-effectiveness. It's guaranteed to clear your pores and control your skin's oil secretion.
A face mask isn't all you need to combat your oily skin. If your face wash or moisturizer is drying up your skin or not getting rid of impurities a face mask can only do so much. These other skincare products might do the trick!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Kiehl's Since 1851|Black Mask
No. 2: Farmacy|Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
No. 3: Laneige|
No. 4: Glamglow|
No. 5: Origins|Rosewater Mask
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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