Buying guide for Best bubble face masks
Written by Sian Babish
Updated November 2022
A selfie-ready face doesn’t just happen:it takes serious commitment to skincare. Since your face is susceptible to product buildup and everyday pollutants, regular detoxification is necessary. That’s where bubble face masks come in to save the day, just in time for your next post-worthy story.
Bubble face masks hail from Korea, where they’ve been used for years as a gentle, fun way to extract blackheads and other pore-clogging particles. The mask starts working as soon as it’s applied to your face, and you can see it in action. In fact, it’s fun to watch the foam and suds grow while you wait to rinse it off. Most bubble face masks work in less than 15 minutes, so it’s a quick and easy treatment that can be added to any schedule.
If you’re ready for this sudsy sensation, it’s time to take a look at our buying guide for bubble face masks. We’ve also highlighted the most popular ones available to help you choose the right one to take your skincare to the next level.
Bubble face masks from Korea may not include directions in English. You can visit the manufacturer’s website to see if it offers a translation. Another option is to scan the list into a language translation device or app.
Key considerations
How bubble face masks work
Bubble face masks are unique in that they change form while they work, transforming from a thin film into a cloud-like sudsy formula. It’s no wonder they’ve gone viral on social media, especially with the fun pictures of fluffy mustaches, beards, and brows floating around everyone’s feeds.
Once you see the suds grow, you know the bubble face mask is working. The masks utilize an oxygenation process that activates when they come in contact with skin and air. As the bubbles get bigger, they pull away dirt and impurities from skin while loading antioxidants back into pores. Skin becomes fresh, free, and clear after a mask treatment and is often much smoother, too.
Application
Applying a bubble face mask is as straightforward as skincare can get. Once you’ve removed all makeup and washed your face thoroughly, your skin is ready for the mask. Apply according to the directions, which will indicate whether to use a thin layer or slather on a liberal amount.
It takes a bubble face mask between 2 and 20 minutes to set and suds up. At the end of that time, rinse off the mask and gently pat your face dry with a towel. It’s recommended that you follow a bubble face mask with a hydrating treatment, such as a moisturizing lotion or serum.
Types of bubble face masks
Sheet masks: Bubble sheet masks are essentially thin layers of fabric infused with the bubbling formula. Like any other sheet mask, these fit over your face comfortably, with cutouts for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Some consumers prefer these to other consistencies, because they feel the pressure and contact of the mask provides a deeper treatment. Others find sheet masks difficult to wear without having them slide off.
Gel and cream masks: Gel and cream masks range from thin, runny formulas to viscous creams. They’re easy to spread around your face, especially since you can control how much product goes where. The consistency of some formulas causes them to slide down the face while they bubble. To minimize this effect, it’s recommended that you lie flat on your back while the bubble face mask activates. While it still may run down the sides a bit, it won’t shift nearly as much.
Paint-on masks: Paint-on masks have a creamy or thinner consistency, so they’re also easy to spread on your face. They usually come with a dedicated application brush. It’s strongly recommended that you use the included brush or another one, because these formulas are quick to activate when they come in contact with skin. It’s also more sanitary to dip a clean brush into a tub as opposed to fingers.
While these masks are popular for their easy application, some consumers feel they use more product per application than with other formulas. As a result, you end up getting fewer uses out of these full-size containers than with a gel or cream mask.
Features
Ingredients
Bubble face masks are known for having an extensive ingredients list. What’s fascinating about bubble face mask formulas is that most of them leave out the harsher ingredients often found in other beauty products and face masks. That’s why you typically won’t find fragrances, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or oils. It comes as no surprise that bubble face masks are popular among those with sensitive skin. Given their detoxifying properties, charcoal and clay are by far the most common ingredients.
Charcoal: Charcoal is naturally antibacterial and pulls dirt and grime from the skin. It also rids skin of tiny particles that settle on the surface and inside pores from product buildup.
Clay: The impressive absorbent properties of clay pull out impurities as well as absorb excess oil, making it an ideal ingredient for acne-prone skin.
Other: Other popular ingredients include green tea extract, aloe vera, seaweed, spirulina, and volcanic ash.
Quantity
Single-use masks come in individual packets. (There are some travel-size dispensers, though you end up paying more for less product in a smaller package.) Single-use bubble face masks aren’t the most economical choice, but they’re a nice occasional treat. They do end up being cost-effective if you don’t intend to use the masks often, especially if you have sensitive skin or you’re trying them for the first time.
Full-size formulas are ideal if you’re simply addicted to bubble face masks. They come in squeeze and pump bottles, jars, and tubs. Depending on the size, the cost per use can work out to less than $1 per application.
Accessories
Makeup remover
Bubble face masks should be applied to a face that’s free of makeup. A quality makeup remover can help.
Spa headband
When you want to use a bubble face mask, pull your hair out of your face to prevent the mask from getting in your hair. A spa headband can help.
Bubble face mask prices
Bubble face masks cost between $6 and $40, depending on the size and the quality of the formula.
Inexpensive
Budget-friendly options cost between $6 and $15, including single-use treatments as well as full-size bottles and tubs. These contain modest ingredient combinations that mildly improve skin.
Mid-range
For robust formulas, expect to spend between $20 and $30. These come from leading skincare and cosmetics brands, so you’ll definitely pay a premium for the brand name. They do, however, include top-quality ingredients not seen in masks that cost less.
Expensive
If you’re willing to spend $30 and above for a bubble face mask, you’ll end up getting near spa-quality treatment. These masks are often sold exclusively at spas and salons, and you may only be able to purchase them for use at those establishments.
Tips
- Test the mask in a small area first. To determine whether you skin is sensitive to the bubble face mask’s formula, test it in a small area before applying it to your entire face.
- Apply the mask above the brow line. Leave a small margin above your brow line to make sure the bubble face mask doesn’t slide into your eyes.
- Sit still after application. While it’s tempting to move around and do chores with your bubble face mask on, it’s best to rest and let it work its magic.
- Take care of your skin. Skincare doesn’t stop with one product, and bubble masks are no exception. You’ll need to adopt an overall skincare routine, which includes your mask, to achieve optimal results.
Some bubble face masks require application with a brush. This is because the formula activates once it comes in contact with your skin, and you obviously don’t want that happening in the jar or tub before you use it.
FAQ
Q. Can I use a bubble face mask on other parts of my body?
A. Some people use bubble face masks on their upper arms and chest area to treat body acne. With that said, the formulas are specifically designed for your face, and the skin on your body is much different. That means you may not see dramatic results, though some consumers report mild improvements. At the very least, they have fun using a bubble mask.
Q. Are there any cruelty-free bubble face masks on the market?
A. Yes, there are quite a few. These bubble face masks openly advertise their certificates of approval or credentials from cruelty-free organizations. Remember that “cruelty-free” isn’t an official term, so if you’re looking deeper into ethical sourcing or eco-friendly practices, you may need to research the bubble mask more, as well as the organization that granted its credentials.
Q. Why should I use a bubble mask instead of other masks?
A. Peel-off masks can be traumatic and strip the skin, not to mention a hassle to remove if they come off in small pieces. Exfoliating masks, which often have rough particles from coffee grounds or pulverized nuts, can be harsh on sensitive or broken skin. Bubble face masks penetrate the skin in a softer, gentler manner. Another perk is the hassle-free removal.
