The 5 Best Clay Masks

If you're dealing with a bad breakout or extra-shiny, extra-greasy skin, a clay mask can do wonders for your complexion. Clay helps to soak up excess oil, reduce shine, and thoroughly cleanse the skin of all dirt and debris, so you're left with a squeaky-clean face and fewer breakouts. Ready to detoxify your skin? Not all masks are created equal, of course. Here are the five best clay masks available, grouped by category.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is one of the best-known beauty tools around, beloved for its ability to vacuum out the pores, remove impurities, and tighten and clear up the complexion like none other. Apart from being a wonderfully detoxifying agent for the face, Aztec clay can be used for a variety of other purposes, as well: You can use it as a hair mask, as a spot treatment for blemishes, or as a foot scrub or soak. You can mix it with sugar to create your own homemade sugar scrub, or use it in the bath for a full-body cleanse. However you decide to incorporate the Aztec Healing Clay into your life, rest assured that you’ll be more than pleased with the results.

Pros:

Super-effective at drawing out impurities and deep-cleaning the pores.
Affordably priced.
Extremely versatile; use it as a foot scrub or soak, as a hair mask, or anywhere else on the body.

Cons:

You have to be careful about how long you leave this mask on for; if you leave it on for longer than 10 to 15 minutes, this will likely irritate the skin.

Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask

The Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask is made from thick, creamy Amazonian clay that glides on like a dream, plus apple fruit extract and cucumber seed extract, which help to maintain hydration and brighten the skin tone. After just one use, skin looks firmer, clearer, and more refreshed; not to mention, this mask is especially great at absorbing excess oil and controlling shine.

Pros:

Readily available at drugstores, at an accessible price point.
Formula is comprised of Amazonian clay, apple fruit extract, and cucumber seed extract, all of which help to purify, tighten, brighten, and hydrate the skin.
Awesome at absorbing oil and reducing shine.

Cons:

If using for acne, you have to be diligent about using it often; otherwise, it’s not effective.

New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask

No matter what type of skin you have, the New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask is highly beneficial. Thanks to a mineral-rich formula that includes Dead Sea mud, calendula oil, sunflower seed, jojoba oil, and aloe vera, this skin-renewing mask is fantastic at unclogging pores, removing oil and dirt, and purifying the skin. Unlike other, harsher clay masks, the Dead Sea Mud Mask is gentle enough for sensitive skin, while still being powerful enough for acne-prone or oily skin.

Pros:

Suitable for all skin types.
Boasts a mineral-rich formula with Dead Sea mud, calendula oil, sunflower seed, jojoba oil, and aloe vera.
Unclogs pores and removes every trace of dirt and oil.

Cons:

The packaging needs to be improved.

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

The Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask contains deep-cleansing clay and double the volcanic ash of that of the original version of this product, so it’s ideal for those who struggle with large pores, dull or uneven skin texture, and excess shine. After using this mask just once, you can expect pores to appear tighter and smoother, thanks to the super volcanic cluster capsules that absorb sebum and lifts away grime and other impurities.

Pros:

Great for those who struggle with uneven skin tone, large pores, and dull texture.
Goes on smoothly and easily.
Pores appear tighter and smoother after just one use.

Cons:

If you have sensitive skin, then this might not be the best type of clay mask for you.

Plantifique Mud Mask with Avocado and Superfoods

Dry skin types, take note: The Plantifique Mud Mask with Avocado and Superfoods is an ultra-purifying clay mask that also contains hydrating, all-natural properties, like avocado, aloe vera, green tea and calendula. As a result, this mask doesn’t just cleanse the pores and firm up the skin (although it does do both of those things); it also provides a mega-dose of nutrients that leave skin radiant, supple, and more youthful-looking.

Pros:

Hydrates and nourishes the skin, in addition to providing a deep-cleanse, which makes it suitable for dry skin types.
Delivers a big dose of nutrients, due to ingredients like avocado, green tea, and aloe vera.
Has a pleasant smell.

Cons:

On the expensive end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using a clay mask?

Clay masks detoxify the skin, tighten the pores, and cleanse away impurities. Those who have breakout-prone or oily skin will reap the most benefits, since clay helps to reduce shine and clogged pores.

Can I use a clay mask if I have sensitive or dry skin?

Clay masks are best for those that have oily or acne-prone skin, although sensitive or dry skin types can use them, too, depending on the mask. If you have skin that’s parched or easily irritated, look for a gentle clay mask that has soothing, moisturizing properties.

How long should I leave my clay mask on?

All masks are different and you should consult your mask’s instructions before using, to see how long you’re supposed to leave it on. With that being said, a good rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t ever let your clay mask dry completely, as this could irritate or inflame the skin.