8 Face Masks & At-Home Peels for Acne Prone Skin (All Price Points $-$$$$)
Face masks are a skincare staple, they offer targeted treatments that can address a wide range of skin concerns.
Whether you’re battling blemishes, brightening up your complexion, or just looking to indulge in some self-care, there’s a face mask out there that’s perfect for you.
From budget-friendly buys to luxurious splurges, these my current facemask picks that are easy for me to get as an American beauty enthusiast.
See a theme?
Oh, yep! I’m a spotty babe with sensitive, acne prone skin- and you’ll see that reflected in many of my picks in this listicle.
Ready to find your next skincare favourite? Let’s dive in!
1. MECCA MAX X-ZIT STRATEGY Clarifying Mask 50ML - $25.00
Price Point: $
Key Ingredients:
Lactic Acid: Gently exfoliates and helps prevent pore congestion.
5% Sulfur: Targets acne-causing bacteria while calming redness and irritation.
Bamboo Charcoal: Draws out impurities and pollutants to clear clogged pores.
Glycerin: Helps retain moisture and prevent dryness.
This cruelty-free and vegan mask is a fantastic choice for those dealing with breakouts and oily skin.
With its combination of sulfur and bamboo charcoal, it effectively decongests pores and calms irritated skin without over-drying.
The addition of lactic acid ensures gentle exfoliation, making it a well-rounded option for anyone looking to reduce blemishes on a budget.
This is a multiple time repurchase and a crowd favourite. The price point is very fair, especially for an elegant Sulfur based pick.
I will say that I’ve repurchased this launch multiple times (maybe 4?) since it’s launch.
It’s a wonderful, easy to use pick that works quick- and I hate that I do indeed fall into the “wow” of a fast working product (not always realistic with skincare as it is often a slow and careful process) but I can say thanks to the Sulfur, I do notice calming and an antibacterial effect after using it and over the next few days.
Yes, you’re about to see how much I love Sulfur as a skincare ingredient, haha.
2. Boring Without You FOR FACE SAKE™️ MULTI-MASK - $54.00
Price Point: $$
Key Ingredients:
Creamy Butter (T Zone): Absorbs excess oil, unclogs pores, and reduces blemishes.
Soothing Jelly (U Zone): Hydrates and calms dry areas while gently exfoliating.
Linseed & Chia Seed Extract: Keep the skin hydrated and nourished.
Matcha Leaf Extract: Soothes and protects against external aggressors.
Ideal for combination skin, this multi-mask offers a tailored approach to skincare.
The creamy butter formula effectively controls oil and minimises pores in the T-zone, while the soothing jelly hydrates and calms the U-zone.
It's a clever solution for those with combination skin, offering targeted treatments in one jar.
I personally like using this tailored to how my skin feels at the time. Sometimes that means using the whipped butter all over the face, and other times it’s the Jelly that I use everywhere.
Other times, I use it the classic T and U way, the results are always calming but effective, and this mask is my go to for gifting because it’s that perfect blend of special and fun but effective.
3. L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel - $35.99
Price Point: $$
Key Ingredients:
PHA (Poly Hydroxy Acids): Gently exfoliates the surface for a brighter complexion.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids): Tightens pores and controls excess sebum.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): Deeply exfoliates to fade pigmentation and improve texture.
Niacinamide: Brightens skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
Inspired by professional peels, this exfoliant peel from L’Oreal Paris is an excellent option for those looking to tackle dark spots and uneven skin tone.
The blend of multi-sized acids works at different levels of the skin to deliver a brighter, smoother complexion.
Niacinamide adds an extra boost by targeting pigmentation, making this a great mid-range product for those dealing with post-acne marks or sun damage.
First of all- Where was this when I was fighting for my life with The Ordinary 300000% acid? (you know the one)- All I can say is that at home peels have come very, very far and you’ll never catch me being ungrateful again.
Is this the same as an in clinic peel?
Nope.
Does that matter?
Not really- all masks and skincare is tailored to your goals, and I really believe this is enough for the average spotty babe that’s dealing with some lingering PIH/PIE.
Topical acids will not however improve pitted or deep scarring- and it’s important to know your limits when targeting concerns at home…It’s a but of a bigger conversation- but as for at home use of this Peel, I wouldn’t use it more than x2 a month, alongside my other x2 weekly exfoliants.
4. Murad Rapid Relief Sulphur Mask - $69.00
Price Point: $$$
Key Ingredients:
5% Sulfur: Effectively treats and prevents blemishes.
Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates to improve skin texture and reduce breakouts.
Kaolin Clay & Zinc: Absorb excess oil and minimise pores.
Natural Peat Extract: Hydrates and soothes skin while reducing redness.
A powerhouse in the world of blemish-fighting masks, Murad’s Rapid Relief Sulfur Mask delivers fast results for those struggling with breakouts and oiliness.
The sulfur and salicylic acid duo targets acne and exfoliates the skin, while kaolin clay and zinc control shine.
The luxurious texture and calming natural peat extract make it a pleasure to use, leaving skin feeling comfortable, not stripped.
It’s wonderful, I do unfortunately think it edges out the Mecca Max pick for acne prone skin because of it’s exfoliant pick- Salicylic Acid is an oil soluble exfoliant meaning it’s slightly better for pimply friends- but- I’d say pick based on your price point.
5. Fenty Skin Cherry Dub 5% AHA Face Mask - $59.00
Price Point: $$$
Key Ingredients:
Barbados Cherry: Rich in antioxidants to brighten and smooth skin.
5% AHAs: Gently exfoliate, improving the appearance of pores, dark spots, and fine lines.
Glycerin: Locks in moisture, keeping skin hydrated and plump.
This brightening jelly mask from Fenty Skin combines the exfoliating power of AHAs with the antioxidant benefits of Barbados Cherry.
It’s perfect for those looking to brighten their complexion and improve skin texture.
The mask leaves skin feeling smooth and bouncy, making it a great option for a quick glow-up before an event or as part of your regular skincare routine. I do like this one before big makeup days or a more calming exfoliant pick during the week. It also smells like cherries which does give me more joy, so I use it a bit more than other picks!
6. Urban Jungle Hemp Day Clay Mask - $36.00
Price Point: $$
Key Ingredients:
Kaolin Clay: Gently absorbs impurities without drying the skin.
Hemp Seed Extract: Reduces inflammation and balances skin's natural oils.
Matcha Leaf Extract: Soothes skin and protects against environmental aggressors.
Bentonite Clay: Absorbs impurities and daily grime.
Urban Jungle’s Hemp Day Clay Mask is packed with powerful ingredients that work to detoxify and balance the skin.
The combination of kaolin and bentonite clays effectively cleanses the skin, while hemp seed and matcha extracts provide anti-inflammatory and protective benefits.
This mask is a solid choice for those looking to maintain a clear, calm complexion with natural ingredients.
It’s your pick if you are so sick of flakey, drying clay masks. It’s bouncy and hydrating while giving that “clean” feeling we are all after post clay mask use. Highly recommend this one, and the price point is really fair, imo.
7. Acu Masque by DMK - Price Available in Clinic
Price Point: $$$
Key Ingredients:
Sulfur: Helps clear blemishes and soothes irritated skin.
Kaolin: Absorbs excess oil and impurities.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil: Provides a refreshing, cooling sensation and helps reduce redness.
Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide: Offer soothing properties and protect the skin barrier.
Acu Masque is a cult favourite for a reason. Designed to treat a variety of skin concerns from acne to inflammation, this mask uses sulfur and kaolin to clear pores and absorb toxins without drying out the skin.
The added eucalyptus oil gives it a refreshing feel, making it a great choice for a deep, purifying treatment. This was gifted to me after an in clinic treatment and it’s a popular pick for acne prone and irritation prone skin.
I thought it was worth mentioning for those that seek in clinic assessments for their spots.
8. Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Peel - $134.00
Price Point: $$$$
Key Ingredients:
AHA + PHA Blend (Including Mandelic Acid): Exfoliates to lift surface pigmentation and improve skin texture.
Tranexamic Acid: Brightens and helps even skin tone.
Niacinamide: Reduces the appearance of dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Turmeric Butter: Nourishes and provides antioxidant protection.
For those serious about tackling hyperpigmentation, Dermalogica’s PowerBright Dark Spot Peel offers a professional-grade treatment at home.
The blend of acids works to exfoliate and lift stubborn pigmentation, while tranexamic acid and niacinamide brighten and even out skin tone.
Though on the pricier side, I do know people are ride or die for Dermalogica, so it defiantly holds its own as a at home peel pick.
Summing it up
Whether you're looking to treat acne, brighten dark spots, or simply indulge in some self-care, these face masks offer a range of options at different price points.
From budget-friendly finds like MECCA MAX X-ZIT STRATEGY Clarifying Mask to luxurious treatments like Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Peel, there’s something here for every skincare lover.
Remember to choose a mask that fits your skin's unique needs, budget and enjoy the pampering process!
