The right clay mask can help brighten dull skin, reduce excess oil, and shrink pores. It can also soothe and hydrate dry skin.
But there are many options, so it’s important to account for your unique skin type and goals. To help, we rounded up the best clay masks for all different skin types.
Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells
Our skin is bombarded by dirt, pollution, oil, and other environmental impurities throughout the day that seep into pores, clogging them and causing breakouts. Adding a clay mask to your weekly skincare routine helps keep them at bay, keeping pores clean and helping prevent blackheads.
However, not all clay masks are created equal. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to look for soothing ingredients like nourishing shea butter or hyaluronic acid and gentle types of clay, such as white kaolin.
You’ll also want to avoid clay masks that are heavily scented or overly drying, which can throw off the balance of your skin barrier. Aim for gentle clay masks formulated with hydrating ingredients, such as the Buttah Charcoal Detox Mask, which combines powerful detoxifying ingredients (kaolin and montmorillonite clay) with hydrating shea butter and kombucha.
Unclog Pores
Clay masks like the ASEA Redox absorb excess oil, which is helpful for anyone dealing with an overproduction of sebum (excess oil), clogged pores, or mild forms of acne. They’re also great for mattifying greasy skin and help prevent blackheads by absorbing excess dirt and dead skin cells.
A weekly clay mask can keep your complexion in check if you’re prone to oily skin. But if you have super sensitive skin, a dry clay mask could cause redness and irritation so a hydrating clay mask with soothing ingredients like shea butter is recommended.
This luscious clarifying clay mask is loaded with three types of clay (kaolin, montmorillonite, and ghassoul) and charcoal, which helps to double down on excess oil. It’s gentle and nourishing, and our tester reports that it leaves her skin feeling balanced and clean without that gross, tight sensation.
Detoxify
When applied to the skin, clay masks can pull out excess oil and other toxins that can get trapped in pores. This helps keep your complexion clear and prevents mild forms of acne, like pimples or blackheads, from forming.
Certain types of clay have anti-inflammatory properties, so they can also help calm skin and reduce redness or irritation. This is especially beneficial for people who have sensitive skin or rosacea.
This clarifying clay mask utilizes Umbrian clay (a unique, high-mineral ingredient sourced from Italy) to purify and remove impurities that can lead to breakouts. It also features soothing ingredients like lavender and chamomile to balance skin for a smooth, radiant complexion. This mask is formulated without harsh preservatives to ensure it’s gentle enough for weekly use.
Hydrate
The best clay masks leave skin with a healthy glow without stripping it. They can also help balance and maintain healthy sebum levels with other balancing ingredients such as shea butter or argan oil.
Clogged pores are the main cause of blemishes. When clay masks are used regularly, they can “soak up” excess oil and dirt from the pores, leaving them feeling tight and reducing their appearance, which minimizes the occurrence of blemishes, acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Remember that not all clay masks are created equal, as some may be too drying for certain skin types. If you have dry skin, it is best to stick with a mask that contains other balancing ingredients, such as shea or argan oil, and use it no more than two to three times per week. If you have sensitive skin, a mask with hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide is the way to go.
