10 Best Exfoliating Face Masks 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed

This Korean sheet mask gets our vote and for good reason! Compared to a lot of sheet masks, it fits comfortably on the face and takes its gentle effects over a blissfully long twenty minutes. You can use it when flying to re-hydrate thirsty cabin skin, or in the bath for a pre-party fix.

We really love the fact that it contains Vitamin C (asorbic acid) to leave even dull skin looking instantly bright, along with glycolic acid for more subtle resurfacing. On top of that, it's packed with coconut oil and super ingredient hyaluronic acid, a humectant which plumps skin cells for a youthful complexion.

This mask comes with a hefty price tag, but it's worth it. The T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial smells heavenly, feels great and boasts the exfoliating power of not one, but two effective acids. Glycolic acid brightens skin's surface, while salicylic acid clears pores.

The word 'resurfacing' can sound a touch hyperbolic, but your face really will feel different after relaxing for ten minutes with this creamy-soft product. Along with chickpea and tea leaf powder, which give it a mildly abrasive texture, it contains apple and aloe extract to soften and soothe. 

This gentle-yet-speedy mask exfoliates with bamboo and hydrates with snow mushroom, which holds 450 x its weight in water! After massaging the mask into your skin (until the mini spheres melt away), let the the antioxidants, Vitamin D, Jojoba Esters and Amino Acids, derived from Sugar Beet, get to work for 3 - 5 minutes.

Rinse and moisturise as usual - your glowing skin will be comfortably soothed, thanks to the cucumber extract. The knowledgeable skincare experts at Dermalogica are famed for their solutions to all types of skin concern and their products are the go-to of many skin therapists, this mask is suitable for any skin type.

If you are exfoliating with the hope of clearing up clogged pores, this delightful natural mud mask could be just what you need. Made with minimal organic ingredients and ethically sourced Dead Sea mud, it feels calming and cooling against the face. 

Salicylic acid is the key element here. It works its magic by penetrating down into your pores, gently and harmlessly edging dirt and grime out of place so it can be rinse down the plughole. This results in smaller looking pores and visibly reduced blackheads. Unsurprisingly it has a host of 5-star reviews!

This mask is predominantly soaked in glycolic acid, an AHA, that gently goes to work subtly resurfacing the fine top layer of your skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes and prepare for a supreme glow!

We highly recommend this mask as a cheeky quick-fix before a party, as the radiance starts to really kick in an hour or two after you've used it. A potential downside is the fact that this mask is quite large, so it may slip and droop off your face. The solution? Just lie back in the bath.

What could feel more luxurious than lying back under a layer of thick, textured polish that gently warms to spruce up the skin on your face? The warming element doesn't make a huge dermatological difference, but it certainly feels decadent. Plus, the bamboo powder provides a little friction as you rinse. 

We adore the immediate visible results of this delicious-smelling mask, that leaves your complexion looking flushed and bright. This product is affordable, but it could aggravate sensitive skin or acne, and whilst cruelty-free it isn't suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.

We think the key selling point of this red algae mask has to be the mix of natural clay and diatomaceous earth, derived from omega-three rich algae. It's a real treat to apply to skin as it's naturally cooling and has a pleasant fragrance. So treat yourself to an indulgent 15 minute meditation while it works. 

Another special secret ingredient, which gives this mask its satisfying clean-skin feel, is apricot seed powder which provides a little friction. This pot is affordable and contains ten applications. However this product isn't cruelty free, which will be a big turn-off for some.

This lovely mask uses kaolin clay and deep-diving salicylic acid to hoover your pores and absorb excess sebum, leaving your face matte and magnificent after just one use. It smells great, feels good on your skin and has a decent long-term effect on enlarged pores and pimples. 

You can adjust the level of exfoliation by increasing or decreasing the massage intensity whilst applying (especially focussing on your T-zone) and when removing with water, 15 minutes later. This product should be avoided by those with sensitive skin however and by those who are vegan, also by those who check their skin products for cruelty-free certification.

This mask is a dream for mature skin that needs a moisturising exfoliating mask, for careful resurfacing. Best for dry to very dry complexions, it has a texture that's more gel-like than creamy, but still feels like a plumping present to the skin, especially with the luxurious rose-petal scent.

Macadamia powder gives this product its exfoliating capabilities, without being harsh or scratchy. Used sparingly it can still produce impressive results, even on tired skin. It is neither cruelty-free nor vegan-approved though.

For mature skin that needs a burst of youth, we recommend this exfoliating pumpkin enzyme mask. It smooths seamlessly over skin and gives a tiny tingle before you rinse. It's no wonder you get some tingling, as this 3-in-1 impressively exfoliates, peels and polishes.

Ascorbic acid, more commonly known as Vitamin C, gently sloughs away the top layer of tired skin cells to reveal a fresh complexion. The triple action won't be suitable for those with sensitive skin however, nor for vegans, nor for those who want to see the leaping bunny cruelty-free symbol on the skincare products that they choose.