Face masks are popular for pampering, but if your skin is easily irritated, you’re probably in search of the best face mask for sensitive skin. In this blog, we’ll answer questions including:

• How can I make sure a face mask won’t irritate my skin?
• What is the best face mask for dry, sensitive skin?
• What is the best face mask for sensitive skin and redness?
• What is the best face mask for sensitive skin with acne?
• What is the best face mask for inflamed, sensitive skin?
• What is the best anti-aging face mask for sensitive skin with fine lines and wrinkles?
• If I have sensitive skin, what is the best face mask to reduce puffiness?

Whether you’re looking to help treat acne or amp up your anti-aging efforts, face masks are an easy, effective way to give your skin care routine an extra boost. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may have found face masks irritating in the past.

In order to find the best face masks for sensitive skin, look for a face mask formulated specifically for skin conditions related to sensitive skin. This type of product makes the best face mask for sensitive skin because it excludes potential irritants, such as preservatives, added fragrances and harsh exfoliants.

“When you’re trying a new face mask—or any new product for that matter—it’s a good idea to do a patch test first,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Apply the mask to a small area of skin on the inside of your wrist or elbow. Wait 24 hours and watch for signs of irritation, like itching, swelling or redness.” If you don’t notice any irritation, you can confidently move forward with using the mask on your face.

Remember, what you may perceive as sensitive skin could actually be a skin condition, be it eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis or rosacea. In this case, seek the advice of your dermatologist who can recommend a treatment plan.

We’ve narrowed down the six best face masks for sensitive skin, which address various common concerns, from puffiness or maskne to redness.

The Best Moisturizing Face Mask for Dry, Sensitive Skin

If your skin lacks moisture, Eminence Organics Sea Buckthorn Balancing Masque will help bring it back into balance. Not only does this mask hydrate sensitive skin, but it also moisturizes (there’s a difference!). This formula features both hydrating ingredients (honey and glycerin) as well as emollients (sea buckthorn and jojoba oil) to draw moisture into your skin’s cells before sealing in that moisture.

The Best Face Mask for Red, Sensitive Skin

If redness is a persistent issue for your skin, SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Hydrating + Calming Mask is specifically formulated to help reduce redness and sensitivity. Formulated with comforting cucumber, olive and thyme, it’s gentle enough to use on the most sensitive skin or even post-procedural skin. Hyaluronic acid provides hydration while dipeptide calms your skin’s perception of heat sensitivity.

The Best Face Mask for Inflamed Sensitive Skin

“French skin care brand Avene is a specialist when it comes to sensitive skin,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “I recommend it often to my patients who have skin that tends to be more reactive.”

Avene Soothing Radiance Mask helps soften and soothe inflamed skin with safflower oil and Avene Thermal Spring Water sourced from France’s Sainte-Odile Spring. This mask is a creamy non-setting formula, meaning you can wash it off after use or let it soak into your skin overnight.

The Best Anti-Aging Face Mask for Sensitive Skin

For anti-aging benefits without irritation, look no further than the Epionce Enriched Firming Mask. A slew of botanical ingredients—meadowfoam and orange extracts, along with orange, safflower and avocado oils—and a proprietary blend of barrier lipids work together to boost the appearance of skin’s elasticity and firmness. You can leave it on for five to ten minutes before rinsing or forgo rinsing altogether for maximum hydration.

The Best Face Mask for Puffy, Sensitive Skin

If your skin is feeling puffy after a poor night’s sleep, look to Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask. You’ll have cucumber extract (and its powerful vitamin K content) to thank for de-puffing your skin by reducing water retention and boosting circulation. A number of fruit enzymes (mango, papaya and pineapple) team up to soften the skin as well.

The Best Face Mask for Sensitive Skin With Acne

If wearing cloth face masks for protection against COVID-19 seems to have contributed to pimples on your chin, nose or cheeks, you may be suffering from a case of mask-induced acne.

The PCA Skin Revitalizing Mask gently exfoliates with papaya enzymes, fruit extracts and honey, helping sweep away dead skin cells and debris that can contribute to acne.

Are you unsure of How to Tell the Difference Between Maskne and Other Concerns? Find out if you’re experiencing maskne by reading our blog!