Face Masks and Skin Health: What Parents and Teens Need to Know
Face masks have become a go-to solution for anyone looking to refresh, hydrate, or detoxify their skin. From Korean sheet masks to luxurious clay masks and trendy peel-offs, the skincare industry offers a wide array of options. But behind the soothing scents and glossy packaging, not all face masks are as beneficial as they claim—especially for people with sensitive skin, teens, and children.
I love trends and new products, but marketing is deceptive and often leads us to products that do more harm than good. As a licensed cosmetologist with over twenty years in the beauty industry and a mom of girls, we have bought our fair share of face masks. It wasn’t until a client showed me a picture of her daughter with chemical burns all over her face that I realized these trendy masks, often marketed to teens, are not as cute and innocent as they may seem.
Let’s unpack what’s really in our skincare face masks, explore which ingredients to embrace or avoid, and offer safe, clean alternatives that deliver results without harming our skin—or our health.
The Rise in Popularity of Face Masks
Face masks have exploded in popularity thanks to social media, self-care trends, and the K-beauty wave. Sheet masks in particular are easy to use, affordable, and offer an instant boost to tired or dry skin. But while they may offer short-term glow, many are laden with chemicals that can cause long-term damage or irritation.
For children and teens, whose skin is more sensitive and still developing, using the wrong skincare products—especially masks—can lead to allergic reactions, hormonal disruptions, and even long-term skin conditions.
Why Face Masks Can Be Harmful
Yes, we choose skincare products for the fun they add to our skincare routine, but is it worth the expense we might be paying because of sneaky ingredients that are harmful to our skin microbiome? These are some of the most common offenders in harmful ingredients to watch for in your favorite mask.
1. Harsh Chemicals and Preservatives
Many sheet masks and traditional face masks contain harsh preservatives to increase shelf life. These include:
- Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.): These are endocrine disruptors linked to hormonal imbalances. Studies have found parabens in breast tissue and suggest a connection to reproductive toxicity.
- Phenoxyethanol: Often marketed as a safer alternative to parabens, this preservative can cause eczema, allergic reactions, and nervous system effects in children.
- Formaldehyde-releasing agents (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea): These release small amounts of formaldehyde over time to preserve the product. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and skin irritant.
2. Fragrances and Synthetic Dyes
The “refreshing” smell in many sheet masks often comes from artificial fragrances, which can cause:
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory issues
- Hormonal imbalances
For sensitive skin, artificial fragrance is one of the top triggers for dermatitis and flare-ups. Synthetic dyes, often labeled as FD&C or D&C colors, are also linked to skin irritation and potential organ toxicity.
As much as we love the pretty smell, avoid artificial fragrance at all costs. The unknown cocktail of chemicals is not worth the risk it poses, especially to young women in the stages of development. Companies do not have to disclose the ingredients in artificial fragrances, so there is no way of knowing what exactly caused a reaction and we often can’t see the damage they cause.
3. Alcohols and Astringents
Some masks—particularly those for acne—contain high levels of alcohol to dry out the skin. This may offer a temporary solution but often damages the skin barrier, leading to more breakouts, dryness, and sensitivity. Ingredients to watch out for:
- Denatured alcohol
- Isopropyl alcohol
- SD alcohol 40
These strip the skin’s natural oils and weaken its protective layer, making it vulnerable to environmental stressors and pathogens. Believe it or not, the sebum our skin produces serves a purpose, and when we strip that away, our skin microbiome is disrupted, allowing harmful bacteria and substances to penetrate our skin.
Plus, these harsh astringents can be too hard on sensitive skin, especially for teens and young adults. Because they strip away natural oils and disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, they can lead to increased dryness, irritation, and more breakouts instead of less.
4. Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
These are especially concerning for kids and teens, as they are ingredients that can interfere with the endocrine system. These have been associated with early puberty, reproductive toxicity, and developmental issues.
- Phthalates (used to carry fragrance)
- BHA and BHT (used as preservatives)
In teens and young women, exposure to these chemicals has been linked to earlier onset of puberty, hormonal imbalances, and increased risk of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Long-term use of products containing these ingredients may also contribute to fertility issues and other chronic health concerns.
With these conditions on the rise, we have to assess why, and scientific studies are now showing the correlation between the products we use containing these chemicals and the detrimental effects they pose to our bodies and the bodies of our sweet and innocent children.
5. Microplastics in Sheet Masks
Some sheet masks and exfoliating masks contain polyethylene or polypropylene—tiny plastic beads or microplastics used for texture. Not only are these damaging to the environment, but they also can scratch the skin’s surface, leading to irritation, inflammation, or even acne.
Microplastics can penetrate the skin or enter the body through inhalation or ingestion, potentially carrying toxic chemicals like BPA and heavy metals that disrupt hormones and damage organs. Emerging research also suggests that microplastics may trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and even accumulate in human tissues over time, posing long-term health risks.
Children and Teens: Why Extra Caution is Needed
The skin of children and adolescents is thinner, more permeable, and more reactive than adult skin. This makes them more vulnerable to harmful ingredients.
In teens, hormonal fluctuations already affect sebum production and skin balance. Introducing endocrine-disrupting ingredients or strong astringents can worsen acne, cause long-term sensitivity, or even impact hormonal development.
Additionally, kids and teens are more prone to:
- Eczema flare-ups
- Contact dermatitis
- Sun sensitivity from certain ingredients like citrus oils or AHAs
Many dermatologists generally advise against face masks for children under 12. For teens, simplicity is key: gentle cleansing, light hydration, and sun protection using a non-nano zinc oxide mineral sunscreen. Often, we get swept up in the skincare crazes, but we don’t need much to properly care for our skin, and neither do our children.
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What to Look for Instead: Clean, Non-Toxic, Safe Ingredients
The best masks are those that deliver benefits using safe, non-irritating, and naturally derived ingredients. Here’s a list of skin-friendly ingredients safe for all ages:
✅ Hydrating and Calming Ingredients:
- Aloe Vera: Soothes inflammation, hydrates, and supports healing.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Calms redness, itchiness, and irritation.
- Cucumber Extract: Cooling, anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants.
- Chamomile Extract: Gentle for sensitive skin and has soothing properties.
- Rose Water: Balances skin pH and provides hydration without heaviness.
- Glycerin (plant-based): A natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid (low molecular weight): Deeply hydrates without clogging pores.
- Raw Honey: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne, soothe irritation, and promote healing of wounds or blemishes
✅ Natural Oils and Butters (Non-Comedogenic):
- Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics skin’s natural sebum.
- Squalane (from sugarcane or olives): Lightweight and deeply moisturizing.
- Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids, nourishing for dry skin.
- Organic, Grass Fed Tallow: Mimics our skin’s fatty acid profile and is deeply moisturizing
✅ Mineral-Based Clays (for oily/acne-prone skin):
- Kaolin Clay: Gentle, non-drying, good for sensitive skin.
- Bentonite Clay: Absorbs excess oil and detoxifies pores.
- French Green Clay: Stimulates circulation and draws out impurities.
- Charcoal: Detoxifies the skin in a gentle manner
✅ Safe Plant Extracts and Actives:
- Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory.
- Fermented Radish Root: Brightens skin and soothes inflammation.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Reduces redness and strengthens skin barrier.
- Centella Asiatica (Cica): Heals wounds and calms sensitive skin.
- Essential Oils: Oils like Frankincense, Lavender, Bergamot, and Sandalwood not only smell great, but have healing properties beneficial for the skin.
Trusted Face Mask Brands
It is vital when choosing a face mask to find brands you trust that only use the highest quality non-toxic ingredients. I have tested and tried a lot of brands and these are a few of my favorites that not only care about the health of your skin and your body, but also deliver incredible results!
Toups + Co. Organics
Toups & Co. Organics stands out because of its unwavering commitment to clean, transparent formulations—every product is free of synthetic preservatives, parabens, sulfates, microplastics, PFAS, and GMOs, with a “Never List” that bans over 2,000 suspect ingredients.
Their masks, like the Glow Face Mask and Resurfacing Mask, feature short, recognizable ingredient lists (such as Australian pink clay, kaolin clay, raw honey, blue C‑phycocyanin algae extract, jojoba oil, and vitamin C ) that are gentle yet effective, and safe even for sensitive skin, babies, and breastfeeding moms.
These masks are thoughtfully crafted to deliver powerful skin benefits while maintaining a gentle profile: the Glow Mask detoxifies pores, calms redness, absorbs excess oil, and brightens with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, all without harsh exfoliants or irritants.
Meanwhile, the Resurfacing Mask pairs blue algae extract (shown to inhibit inflammation enzymes), soothing raw honey, arnica, and light fruit acids for visibly smoother, calmer skin—without stripping or irritation.
Toups masks offer effective ingredients that are gentle enough for all ages and skin types, proving we don’t need a ton of ingredients to be beneficial for multiple skin types. I love the simplicity and intentionality of the ingredients chosen, and my girls and I have found them to be among the best when it comes to spa night!
Learn more about Toups + Co. Organics standards and sweet story here.
Oliveda
Oliveda (Olive Tree People) sets itself apart with its unique waterless or low-water formulations, where olive leaf elixir replaces over 70% of the water typically found in skincare products. This means each mask is highly concentrated in hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant derived from Eco‑Cert certified mountain olive trees.
Oliveda’s masks, such as the Black Olive Face Mask (F18) and Olive Matcha Mask (F77), feature clean, recognizable ingredients—olive leaf extract, olive fruit puree, plant-based emollients like caprylic/capric triglyceride, glycerin, and minimal essential oil fragrance.
The Matcha Mask (F77) absorbs excess oil and calms inflammation, while the Black Olive Mask (F18) deeply hydrates and rejuvenates with high levels of hydroxytyrosol. There are no synthetic preservatives, parabens, sulfates, or microplastics, and their formulations comply with strict European cosmetic standards, which restrict over 1,300 harmful chemicals—far beyond U.S. regulations.
Our family favorites include the Honey Enzyme Mask (F76), which combines papain (from papaya) and honey to gently exfoliate and renew skin without stripping its barrier, and the Blemish Control Face Mask (F84) with the soothing ingredients of sweet potatoe root, honey, and oleuropein free skin from impurities leaving it calm and clean. We love both for their gentle, soothing yet effective deep cleaning and acne-fighting abilities.
Learn more about Olive Tree People and their array of skincare and wellness product lines here.
Primally Pure
Primally Pure’s face masks have earned praise for their minimalist, clean formulations built around raw honey, mineral-rich clays, and botanical actives—completely free from synthetic preservatives, parabens, sulfates, PEGs, and artificial fragrances. With a “fewer is better” motto, each mask condenses effective yet gentle ingredients like kaolin clay, white willow bark powder, turmeric, and lactobacillus ferments into thoughtfully crafted blends that support hydration, healing, and texture improvement without stripping sensitive skin.
Their best-selling Plumping Mask includes pink kaolin clay, bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative), rosehip oil, and raw honey to support cell turnover, firmness, and skin tone while enhancing hydration for glowy, youthful-looking skin.Primally Pure’s Soothing Spirulina Mask calms inflammation, reduces redness, and deeply nourishes sensitive or irritated skin with a blend of raw honey, spirulina, Chorella, and Sandalwood Essential Oil.
The Regenerative Hemp Face Mask combines the finest raw honey, spirulina, chia-like chorella, and kaolin clay to hydrate deeply, rebuild the skin barrier, and detoxify without harsh exfoliants or synthetic preservatives. Cosmo awarded the Hemp Mask the Clean Beauty Awards Best Face Mask and is praised for its ability to brighten and balance the skin.
The Clarifying Mask combines raw honey, kaolin clay, colloidal silver, and turmeric to gently exfoliate, reduce inflammation, heal blemishes, and fade pigmentation without irritation. Us crunchy moms also love the Coffee Mask for its ability to wake up the skin just like your morning cup of joe. It’s filled with revitalizing, antioxidant-rich ingredients that gently exfoliates, brightens dull skin, and reduces puffiness using organic coffee, raw honey, and ginger hydrosol.
If you can’t decide which mask to try or you need a variety for your family spa night, Primally Pure offers a Mask Trio for all your skin-loving needs. The Mask Trio comes complete with one ounce jars of the soothing, clarifying, and plumping facial masks. Whether your needs change per week, per season, or you need a mask for you and your daughters, the Mask Trio is so fun and fulfills all your needs.
Learn more about Primally Pure’s Mission here.
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Sensible Skincare for your Whole family
While skincare is all the rage for moms and teens alike, we need to be mindful and informed of the choices we are making when it comes to anything that comes in contact with our skin. We should never have to compromise our health at the expense of a fun girl’s day out, skincare shopping trip, or spa night at home.
Ingredients matter and marketing is deceptive. Don’t blindly trust the pretty packaging or catchy mask names. Learn to read labels and find brands you trust that won’t compromise the wellbeing of your family for the almighty dollar.
We are so fortunate to have brands available that believe in quality and practice integrity, not only in the products they make but also in the mission behind their brands. Let’s praise and support the brands who support our wellness. They are intentional with every ingredient and give us the ability to enjoy the fun girly things without worries.
I hope you enjoy your next spa night, face mask, cucumber slices, soft music, cushy robes and all. If you love one of these masks let me know!
Hey, Sweet Friend!
Welcome! I’m Ashley, a lover of beauty in all its facets. I am a hairstylist, writer, & girl mom passionate about helping women flourish by seeking beauty beyond the surface. I love to encourage women to create clean & healthy beauty habits & homes grounded in faith and live by my motto…clean, pretty, + simple. I would love for you to join me in your healthy beauty journey!
Sources and references:
Olive Tree People | The Pioneer in Waterless Beauty
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals | Endocrine Society
What is fragrance? | Environmental Working Group
The Toxic Twelve Chemicals and Contaminants in Cosmetics | Environmental Working Group
