Before there were placenta-spiked sheet masks and at-home LED light machines, there was the humble clay mask. It majorly detoxified your pores, treating your breakouts and evening out pigmentation. Now we’re seeing a whole new wave of super-charged formulas. Whether it’s special blends of clay, plussed with acids, or combined with gently cleansing ingredients—these best clay masks are great for clearing the skin of toxins, oils, debris, and dirt when your skin is flaring up or feeling dull. Pro tip: Invest in a quality moisturizer, as clay can be drying.
Contents
- The Best Clay Masks Of 2021
- 1. Fresh Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask
- 2. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
- 3. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask
- 4. L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask
- 5. Acne Free Kaolin Clay Detox Mask With Charcoal
- 6. Herbivore Botanicals All Natural Blue Clay Spot Treatment Mask
- 7. Barbie x GlamGlow Limited Edition Supermud Clearing Instant Treatment Mask
- 8. Clarifying Masque and Scrub
The Best Clay Masks Of 2021
1. Fresh Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask
Upon discovery of this mask, Byrdie Editorial Director Faith Xue’s world was rocked. The clay is sourced from Umbria, Italy, and incredibly mineral-rich, which is how it so thoroughly cleanses and purifies the skin. Sandalwood oil, chamomile flower, and lavender water are also included to calm and soothe your complexion. Just trust us when we say it’s so good.
2. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
This cult-favorite is a 100% natural bentonite clay mask derived from volcanic ash, making it rich in minerals. It comes in powder form in a big tub and only a few teaspoonfuls are needed to make an effective mask. It’s highly recommended to mix with apple cider vinegar, which reacts well with the powder clay and essentially turns it into a sponge that absorbs any excess oil and sucks out all impurities. The result? A brighter and tighter canvas. Because the clay is so potent, use this mask as a deep treatment once or twice a week when you need a major skin boost.
3. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask
Amazonian white clay is the star ingredient in this creamy, powerful face mask. Fairly sourced from the Amazon River, this light clay really dives deep into pores to clean them out. Say goodbye to sebum and dead skin as the product works as a mild exfoliant to remove toxins, dirt, and dry skin cells. Although the formula works well with all skin types, it’s especially useful for acne-prone skin as it gets rid of impurities that can clog pores and cause blemishes. However, this clay isn’t drying thanks to the inclusion of aloe, which majorly hydrates and calms irritated skin.
4. L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask
A favorite clay mask courtesy of the K-beauty world, this one is ace at removing blackheads for clearer-looking skin, but not without tickling the skin with a little bubble action first. After applying this mask, watch in awe as it starts to foam and take on a cloud-like appearance. Snap a quick picture (you won’t be able to resist) and then rinse it off for the ultimate welcome to glowing skin.
5. Acne Free Kaolin Clay Detox Mask With Charcoal
They say two is better than one, and that’s part of the reason why we love this multi-purpose formula. It can be used (you guessed it) in two ways—as a detox face mask AND as a purifying facial cleanser. Charcoal and kaolin clay pair together in a big way, with results made even bigger with the inclusion of vitamin E and zinc to help draw out impurities, purify pores, and reduce the appearance of excess oil.
6. Herbivore Botanicals All Natural Blue Clay Spot Treatment Mask
Try this mask two different ways: as an acne spot treatment for trouble areas or all over for a full-face cleanse. It’s 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, so you won’t need to worry about any weird reactions or unknown ingredients if you have sensitive skin.
7. Barbie x GlamGlow Limited Edition Supermud Clearing Instant Treatment Mask
The packaging on this cult favorite detox mask looks different thanks to a collaboration with Barbie, but inside the jar is black gold. Kaolin clay, activated charcoal, eucalyptus leaf, and six skin-refining acids are whipped together for a treatment that majorly tingles while it dries. Using it just once a week will totally transform your skin.
8. Clarifying Masque and Scrub
Delivered to you in the dry form so it stays potent, this slightly gritty mask has montmorillonite clay, dead sea salt, and activated charcoal to buff and brighten skin. Botanical peptides help deliver oxygen deep into skin, so you’ll look glowy immediately after rinsing it off.
