All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

The 10 Best Exfoliating Face Masks for Seriously Soft, Glowing Skin

IPSY LogoIPSY Logo
By
Published on Oct 14, 2021
Young woman applying mask on her face while looking at herself in the bathroom mirror MobileYoung woman applying mask on her face while looking at herself in the bathroom mirror Desktop

Although masking is an essential part of most skincare routines, it can often feel like an extra step—meaning a lot of people don’t do it nearly enough. However, if you want an effective exfoliating regimen for clear, bright skin, it’s a good idea to have a reliable mask on hand. Sure, you can use a facial exfoliator to slough away dead, dull skin cells, but some can be too harsh—especially with overuse—leading to micro-tears in the skin, and even lead to issues like breakouts and irritation. But using the right mask once or twice a week creates just the right amount of cell turnover, and it’ll make your skin look bright and beautiful without being overly abrasive.

Ready to add an exfoliating mask to your skincare stash? Continue reading below for a roundup of our 10 favorite masks for all skin types.

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY

1. PETER THOMAS ROTH Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

PETER THOMAS ROTH Pumpkin Enzyme Mask MobilePETER THOMAS ROTH Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Desktop

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a fan of pumpkin spice lattes to love this mask. A blend of physical and chemical exfoliants, the mask contains pumpkin and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to gently lift away buildup of impurities and dead skin cells. Leave it on for about five minutes, then massage in the crystals to physically exfoliate and rinse for a satisfyingly smooth, soft finish.

2. SKINCEUTICALS Clarifying Clay Mask for Acne Prone Skin

SKINCEUTICALS Clarifying Clay Mask for Acne Prone Skin MobileSKINCEUTICALS Clarifying Clay Mask for Acne Prone Skin Desktop

Often, masks are in different camps: those for oil and those for exfoliation. This exfoliating clay mask is for those who want both. Made with a mix of kaolin and bentonite clays, it absorbs excess oil without over-drying skin, while a blend of hydroxy acids gently lifts away dead skin cells. And don’t worry about it being too harsh—it also has aloe vera and chamomile to keep things calm.

3. ORIGINS Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask With Rose Clay

ORIGINS Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask With Rose Clay MobileORIGINS Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask With Rose Clay Desktop

That pink color in this scrub mask is thanks to rose clay, which gently draws out oil and impurities (and looks gorgeous sitting by your sink). It’s also made with gentle exfoliating beads, brightening willowherb and sugarcane, which is a natural humectant, so it won’t be left dried out.

4. CETAPHIL DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask

CETAPHIL DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask MobileCETAPHIL DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask Desktop

It’s true: The brand behind your favorite gentle face cleanser also makes an incredible mask. Made with bentonite and kaolin clays to purify and deep-clean, as well as apple and cucumber seed extracts to hydrate, this exfoliating clay mask is most suitable for oily or combination skin, but it’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin.

5. TATA HARPER Resurfacing Mask

TATA HARPER Resurfacing Mask MobileTATA HARPER Resurfacing Mask Desktop

This mask by TATA HARPER is one of our favorites because of its all-natural, all-in-one formulation. Not only do beta hydroxy acids from willow bark and pomegranate enzymes exfoliate skin’s surface, but it also has pink clay to refine pores, as well as beet root extract and olive oil to soften skin.

6. SUMMER FRIDAYS Overtime Mask

SUMMER FRIDAYS Overtime Mask MobileSUMMER FRIDAYS Overtime Mask Desktop

Another pick packed with pumpkin? This clarifying scrub mask that has reached cult-favorite status. It utilizes apricot seed powder as a gentle physical exfoliant, plus keeps skin nourished and calm thanks to vitamin E and oat kernel protein. Massage in for a minute when first applied for maximum skin-softening, then leave on for up to 10 minutes to let it work its magic.

7. GOLDE Papaya Bright Face Mask

GOLDE Papaya Bright Face Mask MobileGOLDE Papaya Bright Face Mask Desktop

This powder-to-gel mask is unlike any other we’ve tried, and that’s what makes it so special. It contains only four ingredients—lucuma fruit powder, papaya fruit extract, sea buckthorn juice powder, and marshmallow root extract—and when mixed with water, they magically form a vitamin C-packed mask that brightens, smooths, and leaves skin feeling brand new.

8. TULA Detox in a Jar Exfoliating Treatment Mask

TULA Detox in a Jar Exfoliating Treatment Mask MobileTULA Detox in a Jar Exfoliating Treatment Mask Desktop

Exfoliating masks aren’t just for unclogging pores and saying goodbye to blackheads—they’re also great for hydrating and brightening sensitive or dry skin. Although many exfoliants can feel harsh and stripping on skin that’s already prone to redness and irritation, this scrub face mask is packed with soothing probiotics, which work to calm blemishes and decrease inflammation. Plus, a nourishing combo of vitamin E, blueberry extract, and turmeric make it like a healthy smoothie for your skin.

Our Ipster community loves it too, with @Marebare saying, “Love the exfoliating! Brighter skin instantly!” and @okozubenko saying their skin felt “so refreshed.”

9. I DEW CARE Space Kitten Exfoliating Galactic Black Peel-Off Mask

I DEW CARE Space Kitten Exfoliating Galactic Black Peel-Off Mask MobileI DEW CARE Space Kitten Exfoliating Galactic Black Peel-Off Mask Desktop

This is the kind of exfoliating mask that merits a selfie or two. Charcoal naturally detoxifies your skin and unclogs pores, bringing dirt, makeup, and excess oil to the surface. Topaz powder is a gentle exfoliant that also wears away at fine lines and reveals baby-soft skin. The cherry on top is the royal blue glitter, which will make you look like you’re wearing the night sky on your skin. Another Ipster gushes, “Love black glitter, love peel off masks! This one's fun!” And @dacatsmeoww adds, “GREAT mask and fun too!!”

10. SAND & SKY Australian Pink Clay Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment

SAND & SKY Australian Pink Clay Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment MobileSAND & SKY Australian Pink Clay Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment Desktop

If you’re looking for an even tone and glowing skin, look no further. This gentle yet effective exfoliator is formulated with a blend of rare botanicals that’ll make your pores fresh and clean. Macadamia and bamboo lift away grime and dead cells without stripping your skin, and fruit acids soften your complexion. Australian pink clay is the powerful detoxifying ingredient that blurs pores and glows you up. Best of all, excess oil and shine are downplayed by the mask’s subtle mattifying effect.

Our Ipsters loved this cruelty-free vegan mask, which makes skin velvety soft—one says, “I really enjoy using this exfoliant. Helps get that dead skin off easily, especially around the nose area! Love this!” Another swears by the blemish-zapping properties of the mask: “Great exfoliation without being too harsh! Helps clear up my skin too!”

Want skincare products personalized just for your skin delivered each month? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

Liked this post? Share!

Related Stories

A smiling, older woman with slicked-back white hair, wearing a textured pink top and gold hoop earrings, is looking off to the side against a bright white backgroundA smiling, older woman with slicked-back white hair, wearing a textured pink top and gold hoop earrings, is looking off to the side against a bright white background

Skin

How to Adjust Your Skincare Routine for Mature Skin in the Winter

Published on Dec 4, 2025 • 7 min read

LANCOME Absolue Soft Cream Moisturizer, MURAD Nutrient-Charged Water Gel, DR JART+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream,  BYROE Kale Hydrating Gel MoisturizerLANCOME Absolue Soft Cream Moisturizer, MURAD Nutrient-Charged Water Gel, DR JART+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream,  BYROE Kale Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

Skin

Meet the Best Moisturizers for Winter, According to Dermatologists

Published on Dec 1, 2025 • 9 min read

Woman with a thoughtful expression, touching her slightly reddened cheeks indicating inflammation, the soft lighting and natural background draw attention to her skin conditionWoman with a thoughtful expression, touching her slightly reddened cheeks indicating inflammation, the soft lighting and natural background draw attention to her skin condition

Skin

What Is Inflammaging—and Why Everyone’s Talking About It

Published on Dec 1, 2025 • 8 min read

A close-up portrait of a woman with glossy skin and neatly braided cornrows, resting her face in her hand with a calm expressionA close-up portrait of a woman with glossy skin and neatly braided cornrows, resting her face in her hand with a calm expression

Skin

6 Skincare Trends to Have on Your Radar in 2026, According to Experts

Published on Dec 1, 2025 • 7 min read

A photo of a woman with her eyes closed, bathed in green and red light effects within a dark studio settingA photo of a woman with her eyes closed, bathed in green and red light effects within a dark studio setting

Skin

We Grabbed Our Crystal Ball and Found These 6 Skincare Predictions for 2025

Published on Dec 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Happy young Asian woman smiles as she massages her face using a gua sha beauty tool.Happy young Asian woman smiles as she massages her face using a gua sha beauty tool.

Skin

Simple Self-Care Tips That Actually Make a Difference

Published on Nov 13, 2025 • 12 min read

An image of three face scrub tubes set against a pink-to-violet gradient backgroundAn image of three face scrub tubes set against a pink-to-violet gradient background

Skin

These 9 Face Scrubs Will Unlock Soft and Smooth Skin on Contact

Published on Nov 5, 2025 • 10 min read

An image of three small, bright-orange pumpkins sits in a neat row on a candy-pink surface, each casting bold, elongated shadows to the leftAn image of three small, bright-orange pumpkins sits in a neat row on a candy-pink surface, each casting bold, elongated shadows to the left

Skin

10 Thanksgiving Foods That Will Have Your Skin Coming Back for Seconds

Published on Oct 15, 2025 • 7 min read

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.

Get Started