7 Clean Face Masks for Sensitive Skin That Actually Work, by Braina Laviena

Each month, model, art director and clean beauty buff Braina Laviena will be sharing her musings on skincare, ingredients, and everything in between. So far, she shared her non-toxic makeup favorites and products she's used to the very last drop. This month, she's sharing the clean, effective face masks she swears by that actually deliver results without irritating her sensitive skin.

Lesse Bioactive Masque

According to the brand, this bioactive mask uses charcoal as its formula base (which took three years to hone) to detoxify, while simultaneously infusing your skin with vitamins. It’s perfect for delicate skin, as it boasts a long list of calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients, like aloe, melaleuca, maca powder, calendula, and chamomile, amongst others. The gel texture is slightly tingly upon application, then feels refreshing. Remove it with a warm washcloth and reveal skin that is instantly brighter and smoother. With repeated use it promises to help with hyperpigmentation and acne marks. This mask has quickly become a staple in my weekly routine because, simply put, it truly delivers and is truly unlike any other mask formula I’ve used before. 

Lesse Bioactive Masque $65.00

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LOLI Pank Pitaya Mask

This is the perfect mask for when you have stress- or hormonal-induced breakouts. The clay-based mask is from zero-waste company LOLI and powered by dragon fruit, which is packed with vitamin C to restore and brighten skin. The food grade powder form is meant to help maintain stability in the vitamin C, which is activated when you mix it with water. Paired with colloidal oat, crushed rose petals and Australian pink clay, it promises to calm and balance redness while reviving dull, flaky or inflamed skin. For me, it became a quick go to for that time of the month and the hormonal breakouts that accompany it, but I also regularly use it as a spot treatment.

LOLI Pank Pitaya Mask $38.00

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African Botanics Resurfacing Mask

The best way I can describe this mask is as a facial in a bottle. In my experience, the combination of acids and enzymes really get to work instantly to smooth fine lines and minimize pores, while hydrating and brightening skin tone. It’s the perfect reset for tired skin. If your skin is very sensitive, leave it on for only five minutes. This is perfect to reset your skin every couple of weeks to revive dullness if you can’t make it to a facial.

African Botanics Resurfacing Mask $200.00

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Sonya Dakar Rose Gold Radiance Mask 

The best way to get that lit-from-within glow? Use this mask before doing your makeup to prep your skin. Powered by lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and red Moroccan clay, this mask promises to instantly reduce the appearance of pores, detoxify and leave your skin with a visible glow—not to mention, the amazing, calming geranium scent lingers pleasantly on your skin.

Sonya Dakar Rose Gold Radiance Mask $68.00

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Golde Clean Greens Mask and Lucuma Bright Instant Exfoliating Mask

Golde’s anti-pollution mask speaks for itself. With a surprising only four (!) ingredients, it’s a superfood- and antioxidant-packed food-grade green juice for your face; it promises to detox while promoting cell repair and renewal without drying out your skin. It’s truly the perfect mask to avoid those pesky post-travel breakouts, or for city dwellers who deal with acne caused by environmental stressors, like pollution. When mixed with water, this becomes a thick gel that dries to an almost tissue paper texture; wash off with warm water and your skin will feel instantly softer.

Golde Clean Greens Mask $34.00

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This mask is the quickest pick-me-up for your skin. Is your skin so sensitive that you can’t use most common acids? Enter: fruit enzymes! The papaya fruit extract (a natural exfoliator) and lucuma fruit powder (an anti-inflammatory and more) in this mask create the perfect amount of gentle yet effective exfoliation for even the most sensitive skin types. If your skin is very sensitive, wash it off after no more than five minutes and it will be noticeably brighter and smoother. With continued use, it promises to not only help prevent breakouts from clogged pores but is also meant to help fade acne spots, scars, and sun damage.

Golde Lucuma Bright Instant Exfoliating Mask $34.00

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Skin Regimen Night Detox

If your skin looks dull and tired, slap this one on and wake up with brighter, softer, more moisturized skin. According to the brand, it’s science-powered and full of antioxidants to fight aging and alpha-glucan yeast to reinforce your skin’s natural detoxing processes. It also contains gluconolactone, a poly-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates and improves cell turnover. It has a wonderfully thick, creamy texture you can apply over your nightly regimen or use alone as a heavy moisturizer to wake up to a more radiant complexion.

Skin Regimen Night Detox $95.00

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