Locations:
Search IconSearch

What Are Butt Masks (and Do They Work)?

The scoop on skin care for your derriere

A person dips their fingers into a small topical ointment container.

You have a cabinet full of skin masks, serums and creams. But why should the cheeks on your face get all the love?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Turns out, booty masks are a thing. Skin care companies sell sheet masks designed to deliver a soft, smooth butt. And if that’s not enough, the internet abounds with recipes for DIY butt scrubs and masks.

Could your backside benefit? Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, answers your burning questions about butt masks.

Butt mask benefits

Butt masks got a boost during the coronavirus pandemic when people were getting more serious about self-care and at-home treatments, Dr. Khetarpal says.

You might wonder whether a mask for your bum is really necessary. That depends on your goals. Fans of masks for the derriere use them for a variety of reasons:

  • Moisturizing: Dry, itchy skin is a nuisance anywhere, including on your behind. Some masks contain ingredients designed to hydrate. Besides soothing dry skin, hydrating ingredients might also help the skin on your backside look firmer — at least temporarily. “When skin is more hydrated, it looks plumper and less dimpled,” explains Dr. Khetarpal. For a softer, smoother booty, look for masks with ingredients such as hyaluronic acids or ceramides.
  • Butt acne: Pimples on the butt are common — and annoying. Masks may help zap hair follicle infections that cause butt breakouts. “Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and minimize acne,” Dr. Khetarpal says.
  • Exfoliation: If you’re looking to brighten and smooth the skin on your backside, choose a mask with glycolic acid or lactic acid. Those exfoliating ingredients can improve skin texture and fight dullness — and might also help prevent future butt breakouts, Dr. Khetarpal explains.

Advertisement

How to (safely) use a booty mask

Most butt masks contain the same ingredients you’ll find in products for your face. For most people, these are perfectly safe to use on your bum, Dr. Khetarpal says. “Facial skin is usually more sensitive. If it’s safe for your face, it’s probably safe for your4 buttocks.”

Still, there’s always the possibility that skin care products can cause irritation or even an allergic reaction. To avoid a rash on the rear, Dr. Khetarpal recommends:

  • Do a test: “Try a mask on a small area first to make sure you don’t react, especially if you have eczema or sensitive skin,” she says.
  • Skip scents: Steer clear of masks with fragrance, which are more likely to cause irritation. “Even natural fragrances, such as tea tree oil, can cause reactions. I recommend avoiding fragrance altogether,” she says.

When to see a dermatologist

Home skin care remedies can be helpful and a fun way to pamper your skin. But depending on your concerns, butt masks might not be the best way to a radiant backside.

Pimple-like bumps on your bottom, for instance, aren’t always true acne. They may have other causes, such as:

  • Folliculitis: Sweat and tight underwear can cause folliculitis — inflamed, irritated hair follicles. If it’s severe, you might need antibiotic pills or creams to help clear it up.
  • Keratosis pilaris: These bumps are caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein in the skin. “KP” is harmless but treatable with over-the-counter products.

The takeaway: Go ahead and try a mask, if that’s your thing. But if butt masks aren’t giving you the results you desire, don’t be afraid to see a dermatologist. “We treat skin conditions on any part of the body, ” Dr. Khetarpal says.

With a little TLC, your cheeks — and your other cheeks — will be smiling.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person in bathroom applying lotion to body
January 23, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Colloidal Oatmeal: What Is It and What Are Its Benefits?

These oats can help soothe dry skin and mild rashes and may help improve your skin’s microbiome

Healthcare provider sitting at office desk, talking to pregnant person across from them
January 20, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Botox and Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Botox isn’t your best choice during pregnancy — try topical vitamin C and moisturizers in the meantime

Person holding white washcloth to their face
January 3, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Home Remedies

Aloe vera, warm compresses and diet adjustments can help alleviate symptoms

Person with towel wrapped around wet hair, examining growths in underarm area
January 2, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Popping Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Bad Idea

Popping or prodding at these cysts could lead to infection

Close-up of rash on skin
December 30, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Are Stress Hives a Real Thing?

Tough times can become even tougher if they leave an itchy rash on your skin

Needle being injected into lips by gloved hands
December 4, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Lip Filler Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts To Help You Heal

An ice pack and acetaminophen can help tame initial discomfort

Bottom of foot with peeling skin
November 22, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Why Are My Feet and Toes Peeling?

Causes can include dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and fungal infections

Oversized bar of soap, face split into four skin types, healthcare provider holding oversized magnifying glass
November 21, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
What Is My Skin Type and Why Does It Matter?

Your skin can be either dry, oily, normal, combination or sensitive — and knowing which kind you have can help you take care of it

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad