CLAIM:
Face masks such as sheet masks and charcoal masks are unsafe for the skin and should not be used. The discussion also suggests that trending skincare masks like “bird poop masks” or “menstrual blood masks” are harmful and should be completely avoided.
FACT:
Scientific evidence does not support the claim that all face masks are unsafe. Research shows they can be safe and even beneficial when used correctly, though misuse, such as overuse or harsh formulations, may cause irritation. Overall, safety depends on ingredients, duration of use, and individual skin type, not the category of mask itself.
In a viral Instagram reel posted by Nishant Chaudhary, who has around 26.7K followers and regularly shares health-related content, a clip from Raj Shamani’s podcast featuring dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal is being widely circulated. The reel discusses common skincare trends and whether certain face masks are actually safe for the skin.
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In the clip from the podcast, Raj Shamani asks Dr Madhuri Agarwal about “which are the three masks that should never be applied on the skin and which are the three masks that can be applied.” Responding to this, Dr Agarwal says, “First of all, do not buy a sheet mask at all,” explaining that sheet masks are a trend but may contain fibres and ingredients that are not beneficial for the skin. When Raj responds, “Sheet mask off,” she confirms, “Off.”
He then asks what else should be avoided, to which she says charcoal masks are “absolutely off,” and when asked why, she explains that they can peel off the skin. She further adds that “any weird trending mask like bird poop mask, menstrual blood mask, all the same, please don’t get into it.”
The reel has gained significant traction online, amassing around 1 million views and 17.3K shares.
Are face masks unsafe? What does research say?
Scientific evidence does not support the blanket claim that all face masks are unsafe. Instead, research shows that their effects depend on formulation, duration of use, and skin type.
A 2020 review on activated charcoal in cosmetics highlights the gap between popularity and evidence. The authors note that “activated charcoal has become popular in the cosmetic industry,” with claims ranging from acne treatment to anti-ageing. However, they clearly state that “clinical evidence does not support these claims.” At the same time, the review does not flag charcoal as dangerous, adding that its use is “generally safe,” though largely unsupported by strong scientific proof. It further emphasises that there is “only anecdotal evidence” for its skincare benefits, with “no clinical or laboratory evidence” confirming its effectiveness.
When it comes to sheet masks, a 2022 study focusing on exposure levels provides a more nuanced picture. Conducted on 175 participants, the study examined how long people used masks and how much chemical exposure occurred.
The researchers found that “the sharp increase in the relative exposure… at 25 min and longer suggests applying facial sheet masks for longer than 20 min may drive the exposure to hazardous chemicals to increase significantly.” They concluded that the “appropriate time of application should be less than 20 min,” while also noting that factors like mask material, skin type, and contact area influence outcomes.
At the same time, clinical trials suggest that masks can also offer benefits when used correctly. A 2023 randomised controlled trial involving adults with acne-related concerns found that adding a facial mask to a skincare routine improved multiple skin parameters. The study reported that acne severity, comedones, pigmentation, and hydration “were significantly improved from baseline,” and importantly, “no adverse reaction was reported in either group.” The addition of the mask even enhanced results compared to serum alone.
More recent research continues to reinforce the importance of how masks are used. A 2024 study examining different mask types and durations found that short-term use can be beneficial. It observed that “short-term use of facial sheet masks (<25 min) benefits skin with improved hydration,” while prolonged use led to side effects. The study noted that “the main adverse reactions were redness… and dryness,” particularly when masks were used for longer than 25 minutes.
Similarly, a 2025 randomised controlled trial on a bentonite-based facial mask found therapeutic benefits rather than harm. The study reported “significant reductions in acne severity” and higher patient satisfaction, while also noting that the mask “had no serious side effects.” Researchers concluded that such masks could serve as a “natural alternative or adjunct to conventional acne treatments.”
What experts say?
Dr Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician at Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, explained that scientific evidence did not support the claim that sheet masks are inherently harmful or need to be avoided. “Safe application of sheet masks results in immediate hydration benefits which help maintain the skin barrier function,” he said. He added that while hydration improves when masks are used for less than 25 minutes, “extended usage could lead to increased dryness and redness in some individuals.”
He noted that most concerns arise from misuse or individual reactions. “Masking problems occur when users leave their masks on for extended periods or when formulations contain irritants like fragrance, alcohol, or preservatives,” he explained, adding that this may lead to irritation or breakouts in some people. However, he emphasised that “sheet masks could be an effective skincare step” when used appropriately.
On charcoal masks, Dr Prabhu said they are not inherently unsafe. “Their safety depends on formulation, frequency of use, and the individual’s skin type,” he noted. He cautioned that peel-off charcoal masks may cause irritation or microtrauma while removal, especially in sensitive skin, whereas “wash-off and cream-based charcoal masks tend to be gentler.”
Addressing trending masks, he said safety cannot be generalised. While many commercially formulated masks are safe, “unregulated DIY remedies and viral hacks” using ingredients like lemon, baking soda, or essential oils can cause irritation, burns, and barrier damage. He concluded that safety depends on “ingredients, quality, and suitability for an individual’s skin type, not on whether it is trending.”
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS