It’s the dream to have a full face of clear skin as soon as you wake up. Overnight face masks can be the perfect skin care tool to accomplish that. However, it shouldn’t be at the expense of getting acne. Learn more about your best options. 

Do Night Masks Cause Acne?

Some facial masks may cause acne. Particular formulas are not meant to be worn overnight since overnight wear could cause irritation and pimples. Some products have a recommended application time of only 10 to 30 minutes. It’s important to check the label and ensure you only leave a product on overnight if it’s been tested and created for that purpose. 

For instance, Bentonite clay is an overnight facial mask. It soaks up oil and sebum to keep pimples at bay. However, leaving it on longer than intended can strip your skin of too much of its natural oils, which is counterproductive and leaves it vulnerable to irritants. 

Best Overnight Face Masks of 2025

There are various overnight products you can use in your skin care routine. Here are some of the best overnight face masks to use in 2025:

1. Laneige Bouncy and Firm Radiance Boosting Sleeping Mask

The Laneige Bouncy and Firm Radiance Boosting Sleeping Mask is ideal for anyone looking for a nourishing and moisturizing formula. It’s a collagen overnight face mask infused with peony extract that hopes to firm and shield the skin barrier. 

$36 on Amazon

2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment is a viral overnight face mask. Many people preach its sensational line of ingredients, from the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) complex and hyaluronic acid to the niacinamide and watermelon enzymes. This mask’s formula can help you achieve a radiant glow and smoother complexion. 

$40 on Amazon

3. Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask

The Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask is enriched with retinol. Using it once a week can brighten and plump your skin, enhancing its youthfulness. The mask also uses glycolic acid’s exfoliating properties to achieve smoother skin. 

$26.10 on Amazon

4. Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

If you want the best overnight face mask for glowing skin, pick up the Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask. Its vegan formula is geared toward evening out your skin tone and treating dullness in your complexion. 

$52 on Amazon

5. DERMA E Essentials Overnight Peel

The DERMA E Essentials Overnight Peel is a complex product. While it is an overnight face mask for acne scars, it works more as an exfoliant. Its 5% AHA blend can treat blemishes, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and other lingering signs of redness and inflammation. Jojoba oil smooths the skin. 

$13.35 on Amazon

6. City Beauty MicroBiome Night Mask

The City Beauty MicroBiome Night Mask is a great anti-aging product. As the name suggests, it balances the skin microbiome and builds the moisture barrier, rejuvenating your skin throughout the night. Long-term use can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Some also find the mask gives them a more even complexion.  

$65 on Amazon

7. Sisley Black Rose Cream Masque for Women

Sisley Black Rose Cream Masque for Women is one of the more luxurious products on the list because of its premium effects. It creates visibly plumper skin while lessening the signs of aging. It’s also great for instant hydration, a plus for people with dry skin. 

$94.99 on Amazon

Bonus: Blueberry, Yogurt and Honey DIY Mask 

If you want to go all-natural, make a DIY overnight face mask. Blueberry, yogurt and honey are great sources of AHA, which can solve acne issues and exfoliate the skin. Crush and mix them thoroughly before applying the mixture directly onto your face. Leave on overnight. 

Reminders for Overnight Face Masks

Want to make sure your overnight face masks won’t cause acne? Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your skin clear:

• Cleanse your skin: Placing a face mask directly onto your skin without prior cleansing can trap dirt and debris on your skin’s surface, causing irritation. Complete your usual skin care routine before putting on the overnight product. Some people like to moisturize before putting on a face mask, while others like using it as their nighttime emollient. 

• Schedule your use: As great as an overnight face mask is, it’s important to only use it occasionally. Daily use can be strenuous on the skin and contribute to skin issues like acne. Try to use your night mask only once or twice weekly, like you would an exfoliant. 

• Patch test: Consider patch testing. The mask’s components may contain ingredients or combinations that could irritate you. Dab on a bit of the product to test your skin’s reaction.

Other Tips to Help with Acne

Dealing with acne can be a long process. Here are additional tips you can try aside from using overnight face masks:

• Complete your skin care routine: An overnight face mask is only one step of your skin care routine. Find a good face wash, toner, exfoliant and moisturizer to include in the mix. Ideally, these products are also geared toward managing acne. 

• Manage your stress levels: Stress can cause acne to flare up. Try to avoid pressure and keep yourself as calm as possible. Use stress management techniques like breathing exercises when necessary. 

• Improve your diet: Focus on a diet that avoids inflammation. Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and apricots can fight free radicals and avoid aggravating acne. Leafy greens like kale and spinach are also good at pimple prevention. 

Achieve Clear and Moisturized Skin

Using overnight face masks can help clear and moisturize skin. Just be meticulous when applying your mask and listen to what your skin needs. If you found this post helpful, share it on Instagram!