Are Peel-Off Masks Really That A-Peel-Ing? Our Faves, Benefits And Side Effects

Face masks come in a plethora of forms, from wash-off types to sheet masks, which are the most commonly found and produced. However, another addition to the clan is peel-off masks, and we absolutely love including them in our pamper sessions. That’s why Beauty Insider is breaking down everything you need to know about peel-off masks to see if they really are that a-peel-ing.

Peel-off face masks are a terrific addition to any skincare or self-care routine, but it’s important to understand what the masks are designed to achieve and how they might affect your skin. Some masks are formulated to hydrate, while others are intended to brighten or reduce oil. As a result, it’s crucial to know your skin’s needs and which products are best suited to address your concerns.

Benefits Of Using A Peel-Off Mask

Removes Dead Skin Cells

When you use a peel-off mask, it targets only the top layer of your skin. As the mask dries and you peel it off, it removes the dead skin and grime deposited on the surface. This gives you clearer, brighter skin right away. It also helps in removing blackheads and whiteheads.

Helps with Excess Oil

Peel-off masks can be one of your best allies if you have oily skin. They help absorb excess oil from the skin, while also unclogging and purifying pores. The best part about using a peel-off mask for oily skin is that it absorbs all the extra oil without dehydrating your skin.

Creates a Brighter Complexion

When your face feels dull and tired, and you need a quick boost, a peel-off mask is the way to go. Every day, our skin is exposed to polluted air and harmful sun rays, which leads to layers of dead skin accumulating on our faces, causing a loss of natural radiance. Using a peel-off mask can help hydrate your skin instantly. It brightens your face and removes the dullness right away.

Things To Take Note Of When Using A Peel-Off Mask

Don’t Overuse

Peeling off a face mask can be just as relaxing. However, regardless of your skin condition, overusing masks is a common issue. Peel-off masks are unique in that they form a film over the skin after drying, creating a cohesive layer that can be peeled away. But if you don’t wait long enough between applications, you may experience excessive dryness, irritation, and clogged pores.

Using the Right Type

When you walk into the mask aisle of a cosmetic store, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Without a clear idea, finding the right mask for you might be a challenge. If you have dry skin, opt for a peel-off mask with hyaluronic acid or glycerine. Clay or charcoal-based masks are better for oily skin, while aloe works well for sensitive, inflamed skin.

Don’t Leave It On for Too Long

There are certain disadvantages to not removing your peel-off mask on time. You should avoid keeping products on your skin for too long, as they might cause irritation, especially if you’re using a mask containing fragrance. Once the mask has dried, most will instruct you to carefully remove it.

The Best Peel-Off Masks in Malaysia

1. Pixi T-Zone Peel-Off Mask

Pixi T-Zone Peel-Off Mask is a detoxifying marvel that works wonders in removing dirt from the T-zone. It is a strong pore purifier and the perfect foil for dull, congested skin. The formula is packed with a special green superfood combination to refresh and nourish the skin, drawing out impurities and lifting away excess oil for fast, super-satisfying effects. We believe avocado, cucumber, aloe vera, green tea, and bamboo extract all have firming and refining properties, as well as the ability to remove toxins and impurities that cause blemishes. It is definitely one of the best peel-off masks for blackheads that you have got to try!

Price: RM86.63

Where to buy: Threebs Malaysia

2. Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modelling Mask is a 2-step moisturising treatment that gives you instant radiance and dewy skin after just one application. It begins as a gel and then transforms into a unique textured experience for long-lasting hydration, improving the visibility of pores and lines, and leaving your complexion suppler. We absolutely adore how this innovative mask morphs from gel to solid through a cooling chemical process, containing algin and hyaluronic acid to increase your skin’s water-retaining capacity and feed it with essential minerals and microelements.

Price: RM280.00

Where to buy: Sephora

3. Commonlabs Vitamin C Glow Boosting Face Mask

Commonlabs Vitamin C Glow Boosting Face Mask is a natural exfoliating face mask that contains grated lemon peel particles for gentle scrubbing with no irritation. Besides that, it also helps moisturise and nourish to achieve a brighter and clearer skin tone. Its formula contains natural botanical extracts, lemon peel powder, AHA, BHA, and PHA to get rid of accumulated sebum and dead skin cells effectively. Plus, we like that this face mask can help soothe and relieve inflamed skin from external impurities you may encounter throughout your day — all thanks to the aloe extract and eucalyptus leaf extract.

Price: RM30.00

Where to buy: Shopee

4. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay (Discontinued)

A 20-minute peel-off mask that purifies the face, First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay minimises pores and controls excess oil. It helps purify the complexion by pulling out impurities with a high concentration of Red Clay. One of many things we like about this at-home treatment mask is that it deeply cleanses the skin while also assisting in the regulation of excess sebum and the decongestion of blocked pores. In addition, mineral-rich Red Clay improves the skin’s texture and reduces the appearance of congested pigmentation in problem areas where pimples previously occurred.

Why we love it:

• Minimises pores effectively
• Oil control action
• Red clay detoxification

Cons:

• May be hard to remove

Price: –

Where to buy: –

5. Boscia Cactus Water Peel-Off Mask (Discontinued)

Boscia Cactus Water Peel-Off Mask is a gel-based mask that employs vitamin C to give your skin a substantial brightening boost in only 30 minutes. Aside from that, we found that it also helps boost skin elasticity as well as promote natural collagen production. With sea fern algae extract, this mineral-rich ingredient retains skin moisture to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. The eponymous cactus water swiftly rejuvenates and rehydrates dry skin, making it one of the best peel-off masks in Malaysia for those looking for a hydrating solution.

Why we love it:

• Ensures intense skin hydration
• Boosts skin elasticity
• Reduces visibility of hyperpigmentation

Cons:

• Some find it hard to peel off if it’s applied too thinly

Price: –

Where to buy: –

6. Himalaya Cucumber Peel Off Mask

Himalaya Cucumber Peel-Off Mask is a skin-rejuvenating product that deeply cleanses by unclogging pores and peeling away blemishes. It is formulated with natural ingredients like almond, cucumber, and turmeric to enhance skin hydration and nourishment. This paraben-free mask, suitable for twice-weekly use, will leave your skin bright and radiant. Dermatologically tested and free from animal testing, we love using this mask whenever we feel like our skin needs extra moisturisation after a long day in a cold office. Plus, as one of the best peel-off masks in Malaysia, it also comes at an affordable price.

Why we love it:

• Natural ingredients for skin nourishment
• Unclogs pores effectively
• Brightens and rejuvenates the skin

Cons:

• The scent may not be to everyone’s liking

Price: RM26.85

Where to buy: Lazada

7. FREEMAN Beauty Renewing Cucumber Peel-Off Gel Mask

FREEMAN Beauty Renewing Cucumber Peel-Off Gel Mask is designed to clarify and renew skin, incorporating natural botanicals. It efficiently peels away impurities, leaving your skin smooth and silky after each use, thanks to the cucumber extract and aloe vera. This gel-type mask works effectively in removing dead skin cells, blackheads, and tiny hairs, making it a frequent-use product for us to achieve refreshed skin. Made with normal to combination skin types in mind, its skin-quenching, cooling effect can soothe your skin at the comfort of your home.

Why we love it:

• Removes blackheads and dead skin cells
• Smooth, silky skin post-use
• Has a cooling effect

Cons:

• Contains fragrance

Price: RM21.17

Where to buy: Shopee

8. SHILLS Acne Purifying Peel-Off Mask

SHILLS Acne Purifying Peel-Off Mask specialises in unclogging pores and removing blackheads, dirt, and bacteria. It features activated bamboo charcoal, which acts like a magnet to extract deeply rooted impurities and acne-causing oil. Enhanced with calendula, rosemary, and grapefruit for deep cleansing, this mask is applied as a thick layer and peeled off after drying, leaving your skin free from excess oil and acne, and restoring its optimum complexion. If you are struggling with oily skin, large pores, and blackheads, we believe this is the one to tackle your skin problems.

Why we love it:

• Activated bamboo charcoal for deep cleansing
• Balances oil to prevent acne
• Natural extracts for skin health

Cons:

• May be drying if leave for too long

Price: RM11.90

Where to buy: Shopee

9. Formula 10.0.6 Keep Your Cool Skin-Calming Gel Mask

Formula 10.0.6 Keep Your Cool Skin-Calming Gel Mask is an innovative gel solution for reducing breakouts instantly. It features coconut extract to soothe blemishes, while the refreshing cucumber extract calms your skin whenever it has angry flare-ups. Formulated for dry and sensitive skin, we find that this gentle face mask is beneficial for our hot climate, as it keeps the skin cool and supple while maintaining hydration. Hands down, it is one of the best peel-off masks in Malaysia without harsh ingredients or chemicals.

Why we love it:

• Soothes blemishes
• Refreshing properties
• Calms angry flare-ups

Cons:

• Hard to find online

Price: RM74.00

Where to buy: Ubuy

10. NIVEA Aqua Effect Refining Peel Off Mask (Discontinued)

NIVEA Aqua Effect Refining Peel Off Mask is a perfect choice for combination skin, designed to restore natural balance and provide a matte finish. It cleanses the skin’s surface, gently removing dirt and dull skin cells while also hydrating the skin. This refreshing mask efficiently tackles excess oils and clogged pores, making it ideal for those seeking a refreshed and refined skin appearance. We noticed that it helps prevent shine for hours due to its pore-deep clean.

Why we love it:

• Restores skin’s natural balance
• Mattifies and smooths skin
• Hydrates while removing impurities

Cons:

• Contains parfum

Price: –

Where to buy: –

11. Aprilskin Real Calendula Peel Off Pack

Next in our list of best peel-off masks, Aprilskin Real Calendula Peel Off Pack has always been our best friend for achieving beautiful and healthier skin. This Calendula Flower-infused mask provides deep cleansing by eliminating all kinds of residue and flaky skin cells with its small molecular structure. It calms irritated skin and hydrates it while controlling sebum secretion. With the help of Orange Peel Oil, this low-irritation mask improves your skin tone and reduces puffiness, leaving you with much brighter skin. Clear away and repair the skin — what more can you ask for?

Why we love it:

• Removes residue and flaky skin cells
• Controls sebum secretion
• Evens out skin tone

Cons:

• May not fully remove all blackheads

Price: RM62.13

Where to buy: Shopee

12. Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients, Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is made for those with dry, dull skin and issues like sagging or fine lines. It features Hyaluronic Acid to promote intense hydration, plumping up the skin and addressing fine lines. With Collagen Extract, this night peel-off mask enhances skin elasticity for a bouncier look. We also think this product helps improve skin texture and brighten skin tone, leaving us with a radiant glow in no time. As it cleanses and removes dirt from the skin, it also prevents moisture loss to keep the skin hydrated.

Why we love it:

• Promotes skin elasticity
• Gives a radiant glow
• Improve skin texture

Cons:

• The price may be a bit steep for some people on a tight budget

Price: RM110.00

Where to buy: Shopee

13. Hanasui Peel Off Mask Egg White

If you are looking for a more pocket-friendly option, we recommend trying Hanasui Peel Off Mask Egg White. At a reasonable price point, it can minimise the appearance of your pores, as it gets rid of comedones, dirt, and dead skin cells. Ensuring blackheads-free skin, the texture is rather thick and clear, similar to egg white, living up to its name. You will also benefit from moisturising, as it brightens the skin and helps with scar healing and fighting acne.

Why we love it:

• Minimises the look of pores
• Brightens the skin
• Budget-friendly price point

Cons:

• The scent may not be appealing to some people

Price: RM8.72

Where to buy: Shopee

Make sure to follow Beauty Insider on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates.