The 10 Best Clay Masks
Special Honors
Sonya Dakar Rose Gold Radiance The combination of red Moroccan clay and white willow bark found in the Sonya Dakar Rose Gold Radiance helps diminish the appearance of your pores, giving you a smooth look and feel. It's designed to remove excess oil, too, so consider this one if you're constantly fighting the shine. sonyadakar.com
The Problem Solver by May Lindstrom Skin An expensive choice, The Problem Solver by May Lindstrom Skin boasts a warming formula, so don't be surprised when your face begins to heat up after you apply it. This sensation is thanks to cayenne pepper, which, in addition to bamboo charcoal and Fuller's earth clay, helps balance your complexion. maylindstrom.com
Tata Harper Purifying If you struggle with blackheads, look no further than the Tata Harper Purifying and its 27 botanical ingredients. All it takes is 10 minutes, once or twice a week, to dissolve oily buildup and reveal fresh-looking skin that feels both clean and hydrated. tataharperskincare.com
Editor's Notes
April 30, 2020:
A clay mask can help draw impurities out of the skin and tighten the pores, but all skin types do not react equally to all masks. For this reason, you may want to test a small amount first, and if you experience redness, swelling, or extreme skin tightness, discontinue use immediately. This is especially important for those with sensitive or dry skin; stronger types of clay can over-dry or irritate the skin. In fact, that's why we've added the Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol, a gentle choice that can be used up to three times per week. There's also the Pure Biology Advanced, designed to combat the effects of aging. It offers kaolin clay, one of the best for those with sensitive skin.
If you have normal to oily skin, and want to exfoliate, the Innisfree Super Volcanic remains a tough choice to top. The lactic acid and finely ground Super Volcanic Clusters can help even out your face's texture by sloughing off dead skin cells, and it feels creamy, so using it is a treat. For those who are looking for pampering on a budget, the Queen Helene Mint Julep and the L'Oreal Paris Pure are both choices to consider. The former takes about 15 minutes to dry, while the latter offers a non-drying formula, but both offer a refreshing feel once they've been rinsed away.
If you don't mind something of a mess, there's the Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated and the Aztec Secret Healing. These can irritate sensitive skin, so skip them if you're worried about redness and irritation. The latter is especially useful for those who can tolerate it, though, as it can also be used for clay baths, foot soaks, and more. For those who are in a hurry, we've added the Bioré Charcoal, a pack of four charcoal masks with clay. They're packaged in single-use portions, making them great for travel. Plus, you'll only need to leave one on for about two minutes — so keep this one in mind for when you're on the go.