Getting a facial or massage is definitely a splurge that I’m guessing most of us reserve for special occasions. But, I’m also guessing that most of us would like the luxury of a facial or massage on a more frequent basis. Unless you can con a friend or your significant other into giving you a daily massage, a facial is the more logical route to take when looking for a quick hit of luxury. So, how do you get an economical facial? Well, you get into face masks like I did. You can either make a homemade face mask, or you can buy one. The problem with your own homemade version is that you have to actually make one, and I don’t know about you, but that sounds like more work that I don’t necessarily want when I am trying to pamper myself. The problem with buying one is that they are usually expensive and full of chemicals that I don’t necessarily want seeping into the pores of my face. I’m usually way too lazy to make my own homemade organic face mask, so I wanted to find organic and natural face masks that actually work and that won’t leave me feeling like I can’t afford to go out to dinner for the next month. Below are what ingredients to stay away from and my top picks for the best natural face masks.
Dangerous Chemicals in Conventional Face Masks
If you’ve read any of my other articles about beauty products and the dangerous chemicals in them, then you will most likely see a pattern of the top offending chemicals that you will want to stay away from. In conventional face masks, the top offenders are:
Fragrance (Phthalates)
If you see fragrance on an ingredient list of any beauty product, you will instantly know that this means that the fragrance is not naturally occurring and that it contains phthalates. Phthalates are dangerous little chemicals that can cause everything from irritation and rashes to reproductive birth defects and cancer. Read more about phthalates in my article Toxic Chemical Spotlight: What are Phthalates.
Parabens
Most people have heard about parabens by this point. Parabens are used as an antimicrobial agent in most skin care and beauty products. They do a very good job of this, preventing most products from growing mold or other nasties. The problem is, they’ve also been linked to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues and cancer.
Hydroquinone
In some face masks, you may see hydroquinone as a skin lightener. It does its job by getting rid of the melanin in your skin, i.e. those nasty dark splotches on your face that you get from aging or the sun. However, hydroquinone causes problems for a majority of people. Many people have allergic reactions and irritation, actually making their skin splotches worse. Hydroquinone, like many other ingredients, has also been linked to being a carcinogen.
PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
PEGs are mainly used as thickeners in the beauty industry. PEGs are commonly manufactured with ethylene oxide or 1, 4-dioxane which are both carcinogens. Ethylene oxide can also cause reproductive abnormalities and harm to the nervous system.
Propylene Glycol and/or Butylene Glycol
Propylene glycol and butylene glycol mainly cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is nothing buy a really cheap moisturizer that does you absolutely no benefit, and can actually block good ingredients from doing their job.
* Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend these products because they are products that I personally use or companies that I have found trustworthy.
The Best Natural Face Masks: My Top Picks
Ok, now that we have all the nasty ingredients out of the way, it’s time to get to the good stuff – organic and natural face masks.
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask
I’m a big fan of the Green Apple line from Juice Beauty, well, just Juice Beauty in general. (True story, my dentist who was suffering from MS told me about Juice Beauty’s line and I’ve been hooked since.) This natural face mask, with almost all organic ingredients is a powerhouse for anti-aging. It helps to slough off dead skin cells to reduce the looks of lines and wrinkles while also helping to even out skin tone and discoloration. They also refer to this product as a peel, so don’t be confused by the terminology. It is all the same product. This one is a little more expensive than the rest, but I think well worth it and lasts forever.
Shea Moisture Raw Butter Hydrating Mud Mask
If you want a no-nonsense hydrating organic face mask that is super affordable, then this is your winner. The organic raw shea butter moisturizes and softens skin while the natural frankincense and myrrh smell fabulous.
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
This is another one of my favorite “secret” natural face masks. Bentonite clay is the ultimate natural pore de-clogger and oil sucking ingredients. It is one whole natural ingredient and if you have oily skin or problems with acne, this will be your new go-to. This is probably the best clay mask in my book.
Honest Beauty Prime + Perfect Face Mask
If you want a quick and effective face mask, then this is your pick. It can be left on for a couple minutes or 20 for a more spa like experience. It leaves your face feeling smooth and a little firmer. It also helps prep your skin for makeup.
Burt’s Bees Refreshing Sheet Mask
If sheet masks are more your style, I recommend trying the Burt’s Bees Refreshing Sheet Mask. It is super affordable and gives your skin a great pick-me-up to start the day while also moisturizing. It is also made from 99% natural ingredients, so you can feel good about what you are putting on your face.
These are just five of the best natural face masks that I recommend that won’t break the bank. There are obviously a ton more out there that you can try out when you are too lazy to make your own. As long as you stay away from the main offenders, you can spoil your face silly without even leaving the house. (Also check out my post The Best All Natural Makeup and Skin Care Brands for more options.)
