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The 8 Best Clay Masks for Clear Pores and Smooth Skin
Upgrade your self-care days.
Byrdie
TL;DR
We loved the Innisfree Super Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask—a potent formula that immediately improved our skin after one use. The volcanic clusters and alpha hydroxy acids minimize pores, exfoliate skin, and even out the skin tone. If you’re looking for a clay mask that won’t dehydrate or strip the skin, we recommend the Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask. It has a cooling, thick texture that cleanses while adding moisture.
Whether your skin is dull, congested, or extra oily, a clay mask is hands-down one of the best treatments to help refine and rebalance it. “Clay masks are good for a wide variety of skin types and concerns,” explains Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist. “They can brighten your skin, absorb excess oils and toxins, hydrate, prevent breakouts, restore skin’s balance, regulate sebum production, oxygenate your cells, and more.”
So no matter your skin type, it’s a great product to have on hand as either a quick fix or a weekly ritual. But not all clays (and clay face masks) are the same, so it’s important to choose a formulation that aligns with your needs. For example, oily complexions will fare well with a detoxifying option, whereas dry skin types require additional moisture.
To narrow down the options, we tested 24 of the most popular clay masks, evaluating each one based on feel, consistency, and overall skin appearance. Those that impressed us the most made this list.
Top Picks
innisfree Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask at Amazon$18$13
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Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask at Amazon$20
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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Facial Mask at Kohls.com$40
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Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask at Nordstrom$39
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Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask at Amazon$74
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Fenty Skin Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Pore Detox Face Mask at Sephora$39
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Fresh Umbrian Clay Face Mask at Sephora
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buttah Charcoal Detox Mask at Amazon$26
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Best Overall
innisfree Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask
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Improves skin after one use
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Declogs pores
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Exfoliates dry skin
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Helps fade acne scars
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Acids can irritate sensitive skin
Ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay, volcanic ash, Jeju volcanic clusters, lactic acid | Size: 3.4 oz
If you’re eager to address a pore-related problem, this super-potent clay face mask will have an immediate effect on the skin. “This mask utilizes volcanic clusters and alpha hydroxy acids to minimize the look of pores, absorb sebum, gently exfoliate, deeply cleanse, even out the skin tone, and cleanse away debris,” says Dr. Graf. One tester swears she noticed that the mask improved the look of her skin in just one use. Her skin appeared brighter, and acne scars seemed to fade. Whether you use it on your entire face or as a spot treatment on a problem area, you’ll want to keep this mask on hand for breakout emergencies. Just keep in mind that the potent AHAs may irritate sensitive skin.
Byrdie
Stacey, tester with dry skin: “I noticed an immediate improvement in my pores, and noticed that the mask helped remove dry skin. I also saw improvement in residual scabbing or previous breakouts that were in the process of healing.”
Best Hydrating
Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask
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Leaves skin feeling more hydrated
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Soothing and calming
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Great for dry, dull skin
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Tough to remove
Ingredients: Kaolin clay, oat flour, collagen | Size: 2 oz
Clay masks have a rep for being super drying, but with the right ingredients, they can be really hydrating too. Containing kaolin clay, oat flour, and collagen, this mask from Mario Badescu is a great example. According to our tester, the mask feels good on contact and offers a cooling, hydrating sensation similar to a “thick, refrigerated face cream.” You can expect the mask to sit pretty comfortably on the face (albeit with the dryness that typically accompanies clay masks) without burning, stinging, or tingling. She admitted that since it dried so hard (“rock hard” were her exact words), it was tricky to get off. She recommends using lots of water and a gentle hand to remove the mask. Ironically, after she got every last remnant of the mask off, she said her skin felt “more hydrated than before” and ended up skipping out on moisturizer.
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Erika, tester with combination, acne-prone skin: “My skin felt refreshed and more youthful after using this mask. It looks and feels like any impurities from overnight and my commute have washed away. My skin feels soft to the touch. I actually feel comfortable not putting on makeup for the rest of the work day because my skin looks so good barefaced right now.”
Best for Sensitive Skin
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Facial Mask
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Not overly stripping or drying
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Hydrating and softening
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Minimizes the appearance of pores
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Skin tingles at first
Ingredients: Kaolin clay, hyaluronic acid, watermelon enzymes, beta hydroxy acids, blueberry seed powder | Size: 2 oz
Clay masks aren’t known for being the most gentle, which is why we recommend this soothing weekly treatment from Glow Recipe for those with sensitive skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this mask supports the skin’s moisture barrier while also gently purifying and decongesting pores. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate that skin stays soft and dewy despite the fact that it has microbead exfoliants in the form of blueberry seed powder. One tester described her skin post-mask as “bright, fresh, bouncy, and clean,” which is exactly what one would want after a pore-refining mask. Plus, features like a nice smell and a cute glass pot add to the experience of using it.
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Mariah, tester with combination skin: “After removing, my skin looked brighter than usual and almost dewier than I would’ve expected with a clay mask. It was also very soft.”
Best for Pores
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask
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Refines pores and exfoliates
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Creamy yet gritty
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Hygienic and convenient squeeze bottle
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Can be drying
Ingredients: Kaolin clay, bentonite clay, grapefruit peel oil, sugar cane, willowherb, exfoliating jojoba beads| Size: 2.5 oz
“Kaolin and bentonite clays absorb excess oil and reduce impurities,” explains Dr. Graf, which is why we love this mask from Origins that contains both. To simultaneously exfoliate, smooth, and decongest, you won’t regret giving this one a try. This pretty pink mask is formulated with clay (obviously), exfoliating jojoba beads, and soothing willowherb. The gritty little beads gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, while the willowherb and two types of clay work to restore and clarify. We noticed a real improvement in the appearance of pores and skin texture after using it. It’s also worth noting that the mask comes in a hygienic squeeze tube that deposits the mask into your hands, preventing contamination from grubby fingers.
Because it contains drying ingredients and abrasive little beads, less is more. Try not to rub too hard, and be sure to wash it off once it’s dried onto your skin. To keep your skin from looking extra dry after using it, we recommend following up with a moisturizer.
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Maritza, tester with combination skin: “My skin feels clean and smooth, but it feels like I need to moisturize right away.”
Best Splurge
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
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Thick and luxurious
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Unique warming and color-changing formula
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Provides gentle exfoliation
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Size of the tub is a bit small given the price point
Key Ingredients: Okinawa Kucha clay, Japanese konjac, Japanese volcanic ash | Size: 1.7 oz
If you’re going to splurge on a face mask, it better be good. Tatcha’s The Clarifying Clay Mask isn’t just good (it’s great), and there isn’t anything else on the market quite like it. It goes on gray, but once applied to the skin, it turns pinkish red. Though we aren’t sure of the exact reason why the mask changes color, we believe it has something to do with the Japanese volcanic ash and konjac root infused into the formula. These ingredients help exfoliate the skin and provide a warming sensation.
The texture is luxurious and goopy (in a good way), and actually has some grit to it, making it an ideal exfoliator. It doesn’t need a long time to work its glow-enhancing magic; in fact, you can feel free to wash it off after five minutes. Post-wash, we were pleased with how refreshed, balanced, and soft our skin was. Though the mask is worth the splurge, we wish it came in a bigger size to get more out of one tub.
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Mads, tester with dry, sensitive, combination skin: “I immediately noticed a difference in the appearance of my skin. My pores look smaller, my skin looks refreshed, even in tone, and wildly soft to the touch.”
Best for Acne
Fenty Skin Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Pore Detox Face Mask
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Salicylic acid helps treat acne
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Aids inflammation
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Clears pores
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Thick and sometimes hard to wash off
Ingredients: Kaolin clay, bentonite clay, charcoal powder, salicylic acid, ginger root extract | Size: 2.5 oz
At first glance, this mask from Rihanna’s eponymous beauty brand looks abrasive due to the super-gritty texture. But, to our surprise, it’s actually the complete opposite. In fact, it’s thick and jelly-like, and contains little black beads that break on contact with the skin (instead of scratching it). The mask contains a lovely blend of clays (kaolin and bentonite), charcoal powder, salicylic acid, and ginger root, making it one of the best clay masks for acne. As it dries, it tightens on the skin but doesn’t feel tingly or uncomfortable at any point.
Because the mask is so rich, it can be annoying to get off. We think just hopping in the shower to rinse it off would be best. Nevertheless, our skin appeared glowy and fresh after one use, and tiny clogged pores on our noses looked smaller.
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Samantha, tester with combination skin: “My skin did go up in hydration and looked more glowy and fresh. My pores on my cheeks seemed smaller.”
Best for Oily Skin
Fresh Umbrian Clay Face Mask
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Reduces excess oil without stripping skin
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Suitable for most skin types
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Doesn’t come with applicator
Ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay, volcanic ash, Jeju volcanic clusters, lactic acid | Size: 3.38 oz
Using Umbrian clay sourced from Italy, this mask from Fresh is a favorite among Byrdie editors and testers alike and made our list for the best clay mask for oily skin. Because it’s naturally rich in minerals that promote a calm, clear complexion, the mask works exceptionally well to address a bunch of concerns across a wide range of skin types, such as enlarged pores, excess oil, and uneven skin texture. It has a nice, spreadable consistency that glides on easily and doesn’t dry down as much as one might expect. We love that it absorbs excess sebum without overdrying the skin.
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Julian, tester with oily skin: “The mask reduced the oiliness of my face. My skin feels smooth, supple, and not overly dry.”
Best Charcoal
buttah Charcoal Detox Mask
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Charcoal draws out impurities
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Powerful but gentle enough for sensitive skin
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Affordable
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Results after repeated use
Ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay, activated charcoal powder, argan oil, shea butter | Size: 1 oz
This mask features antibacterial properties that help remove pore-clogging bacteria. Especially if you have skin prone to acne and blackheads, using a charcoal mask every so often (a.k.a. weekly) can be a great addition to your skincare routine. The Charcoal Detox Mask from Buttah wowed us with its super creamy formula, nourishing ingredients, and ease of removal. The combination of clays alongside the charcoal powder can be drying on their own, but the added shea butter and argan oil help balance everything out. The result: Comfortable, hydrated skin. Just note that because it’s so gentle, you may have to use the mask repeatedly for a number of weeks before you see any drastic results.
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Sunita, tester with combination skin: “My skin felt comfortable and hydrated with the formulation of shea butter and argan oil in the product.”
What to Look for When Buying Clay Masks
When used correctly, clay masks can be crucial to keeping your skin clear and glowing. To determine which clay mask is best for you, we recommend considering the following points.
Types of Clay: When deciding between clay mask formulas, Dr. Graf recommends paying attention to the type of clay. “There are four different types of clay that are used in face masks for skin health,” she explains. “Although the types of clay used in skin products are meant to draw out impurities and gently cleanse the skin, some are better than others for your skin type.”
- White Clay: White clay works well with all skin types—especially mature skin. “White clay draws out excess oils and dirt,” she says. “It’s a gentle exfoliant that refines the surface of the skin and works to reduce pore size.” To note: Kaolin clay is a type of white clay.
- Green Clay: Green clay is a good go-to for people with oily, acne-prone skin. This type of clay balances pH levels and acts as a strong cleanser. “It soaks up excess oils that can lead to the clogging of pores and acne,” she adds.
- Pink Clay: Pink clay is ideal for improving skin elasticity and cell renewal. “This is also ideal for mature skin that has begun to lose its elasticity,” Dr. Graf shares. “Pink clay is a gentle exfoliator that’s light on the skin.”
- Bentonite Clay: Bentonite clay is known for its detoxification properties. “Bentonite clay is an extremely efficient detoxing and rejuvenating clay that’s suitable for many skin types, but especially oily and acne-prone,” Dr. Graf says. “It exfoliates and draws out excess oils, impurities, and more, while also restoring mineral levels and removing toxins.”
Additional Ingredients: You should also consider a formula’s additional ingredients when shopping for a clay mask. Extra exfoliating ingredients can help speed the cell-shedding process along, while hydration-boosting elements can prevent irritation.
How We Tested Clay Masks
We tested 24 top clay masks on testers with all skin types. Below are the features our editors and contributors evaluated to determine our top picks.
- Application: While you can apply clay masks with just your hands, we added points for options with applicator tools. We also noted how easy each mask was to apply, passing on options that were too messy, cakey, or patchy.
- Feel & Comfort: No matter how effective a clay mask may be, using one consistently is hard if you don’t enjoy the feel. As such, we observed how each mask felt on our skin, paying close attention to texture. We also noted how comfortable each mask was while drying, docking points for options that cracked too much, stung, burned, or tingled.
- Efficacy: After using a clay mask, results should be seen in the skin immediately and over time. We tracked any differences in our complexions, noting if each mask delivered on its skin-beautifying promises.
Meet Our Experts
We consulted with experts to learn more about what to keep in mind when buying a clay mask. Those experts included:
- Dr. Jeannette Graf, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.
- Melanie Grant is a celebrity facialist, esthetician, and founder of Melanie Grant Skin Health, a clinic with outposts in Australia and Los Angeles.
Why Trust Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn is a former Byrdie associate editor specializing in cosmetics. During her time at Byrdie, she covered all things beauty and fashion. She has used several clay masks over the years, including some on this list from brands such as Glow Recipe.
Emily Algar is an experienced writer who covers all things beauty and has contributed to several skincare pieces for Byrdie. Her work has also appeared in Popsugar, Vogue Australia, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, and more.
For this article, a team of Byrdie testers rated clay masks on application, feel, comfort, and efficacy to help us compile our list of top picks.
Allison Lax
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-clay-masks-4586530