The Best Face Masks for Men

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Whatever your particular skin concern — dryness, acne, pores and blackheads, aging — there’s a face mask formulated to address it. While there may not be a huge difference in men and women’s skin, face masks for men may address certain concerns that products formulated for women don’t address (beards, for example).

How Are Men’s Face Masks Different From Women’s Face Masks?

Our list of the best face masks for men include Korean sheet masks designed specifically to fit larger faces and those with facial hair, as well as cult-favorite clay and charcoal exfoliating masks, with aromas a little less floral and a little crisper.

As with any kind of skincare, it’s important to pay close attention to a product’s ingredients, especially in relation to your particular skin needs. The skin is a delicate organ after all, and everyone’s is a bit different. Too harsh and exfoliant might cause irritation, while too thick a moisturizer might clog your pores. Here is what to look for when addressing a variety of concerns.

Sheet Masks vs. Clay Masks: When talking about the best face masks for men, there are usually two camps of people. Those who prefer the ease of a sheet mask (literally a moist sheet that covers your entire face) or those who like a clay mask (which is a paste you apply over your face with your fingers). A sheet mask is easy to use and feels cool and hydrating against the skin, but sheet masks are prone to falling off if your skin is slick or slippery. Clay masks take more time to apply, but because they’re “rubbed” into the skin, the mask stays on until washed off.

Moisturizing: There are a few key ingredients to look for in a moisturizing mask, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E, and ceramides. Sheet masks are a popular moisturizing mask option, as they can help the moisturizing agents bind more effectively to the skin.

Exfoliating: Clay masks, chemical exfoliants and peels, and charcoal masks are all popular options for exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants can actually be gentler on skin than physical exfoliants, so look for ingredients like AHA and glycolic acid. Clay masks don’t use any chemical agents, but have been beloved for their exfoliating properties for decades. Charcoal peels came into vogue only recently, and while they can be effective at clearing clogged pores, they can also be rough on skin so proceed with care.