Facial masks can be classified according to their effects on the skin, suitable skin types, and form. The most common classification is by form.
Classification by Form
Peel-off masks, wipe-off or wash-off masks, peel-off masks after curing, and the mainstream sheet masks. Each major category can be further subdivided.
Peel-off masks:
Gel-like: Transparent or semi-transparent gel or adhesive sheet, commonly used for nose strips, eye patches, etc. The main ingredient is polyvinyl alcohol, with added moisturizers and humectants as plasticizers. They have moisturizing and blackhead-removing functions, or contain active ingredients for anti-wrinkle effects around the eyes.
Soft mask powder: Primarily powder, usually containing polymers such as alginate, calcium or magnesium compounds (such as talc), and the remainder is filler powder. After being mixed with water to form a uniform paste, it is applied and gradually forms a film (sodium alginate and magnesium combine to form an insoluble gel), which can be peeled off. A shrinking sensation is felt as the moisture evaporates.
Hard Mask Powder: The main component is gypsum, which undergoes a hydration reaction upon adding water, solidifies upon heating, and can be peeled off completely. Sometimes menthol, peppermint oil, or camphor are added to eliminate the heat sensation.
Wipe-off or Wash-off Masks
Cream Masks: Sometimes called sleeping masks, their ingredients are similar to night creams, but they contain a certain amount of polymer film-forming agents, providing a certain occlusive effect.
Clay Masks: Contain clay powders, such as kaolin and montmorillonite, and also include naturally derived volcanic mud and salt lake mud. Besides occlusive, cleansing, and absorbing excess sebum, some naturally derived muds also contain various minerals and other active ingredients, offering certain skincare benefits.
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks include two forms: gel-containing nonwoven fabric sheet masks and impregnated nonwoven fabric sheet masks. Gel-containing nonwoven fabric sheet masks have a layer of gel-based preparation coated on nonwoven fabric, cut into the shape of the face, and then sealed in packaging. Impregnated nonwoven fabric masks are more commonly used; they are made by impregnating nonwoven fabric with a mask liquid.
Sheet masks also come in other materials, such as silk, cotton, and bio-cellulose. They can be categorized as compressed or uncompressed masks based on the finished product.