Clay masks are an underrated way of helping your skin deal with clogged pores, excess oil and blackhead build-up. By adding one to your weekly skincare routine, you can achieve clearer-looking skin after just one use – something that can be particularly challenging if your complexion is naturally oily.
Don't get us wrong: while clay masks tend to work best on those of us with oily skin or those of us with skin that's prone to breakouts, they're still generally suitable for all skin types. Even if you have dry skin, many of the best clay masks nowadays feature a range of active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid that rehydrate your skin while you exfoliate – neat, right?
Best clay masks at a glance – our top picks:
- Best purifying clay mask: Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, £20, The Body Shop
- Best clay mask for declogging pores: Super Pore Detox Purifying Black Clay Mask, £45, Beauty Pie
- Best clay mask with kaolin clay: The INKEY List Kaolin Mask, £5.49, LookFantastic
- Best clay mask for acne-prone skin: Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Mask, £33, LookFantastic
From white clay and red clay to green clay and pink clay – there's a plethora of choices out there. But how do you figure out which one is right for you? We've put together a comprehensive edit of all the best options available now. We've also answered some of your FAQs and made sure to include a range of options to suit all budgets, preferences and skin types. Clearer skin is just one step away – enjoy.
Are clay masks suitable for all skin types?
It depends on the product. While most clay masks are best used on oily and acne-prone skin, this doesn't mean that those of us with combination, dry or even sensitive skin shouldn't be able to enjoy a little at-home beauty treatment. In fact, there are some products such as the Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask that are designed to be suitable for all skin types.
However, the opposite is also true: some clay masks such as the Beauty Pie Super Pre Detox Purifying Black Clay Mask specifically mention that due to their exfoliating properties, they are not recommended if your skin is on the more sensitive side. It's always best to make sure to double-check before you buy.
How often can I use clay masks?
Again, this depends on each individual product. Generally, once or twice a week is more than enough to help minimise oil build-up and keep your skin free from blackheads and other impurities. It's important not to overdo it though, since too much exfoliation can cause irritations and rash-like reactions, particularly if your skin is sensitive. Be sure to not to keep a mask on for longer than 5-10 minutes at a time either to prevent your skin from drying out and becoming damaged.
Scroll down to check out our roundup of all the best clay masks available now…
Why we love it: Looking for a powerful purifying clay mask that can rid your skin of excess oil and impurities? Say no more. Made with bamboo charcoal from the Himalayas, this detox face mask is ideal for unclogging your pores and leaving your skin feeling fresher than ever.
Why we love it: This Australian pink clay mask cleanses the skin and brightens your complexion with ease. It has a detoxifying formula that's designed to lift impurities and pollution from your skin while also smoothening your skin tone. Did we mention that it's suitable for all skin types?
Make sure to bookmark these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Thanks to a range of helpful skincare ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid, as well as kaolin clay, bamboo, liquorice and eucalyptus, this antioxidant-rich mud mask is perfect for declogging pores. Especially effective on oily skin around the T-zone area. However, bear in mind that this product is not suitable for sensitive skin.
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Why we love it: Good clay masks shouldn't have to break the bank. For less than £4, you can get your hands on this product from L'Oreal Paris, which contains a blend of three clays. You can apply it to your face twice a week for up to 10 minutes at a time.
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Why we love it: Made for sensitive skin and dry complexions, this mud mask spreads like butter and acts as a remover that draws out toxins from your congested skin. It will leave your skin looking for clear and matte in just 10 minutes. And the modest price point is a great plus too.
Make sure to bookmark these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Do you have acne-prone skin? Are you having to constantly battle breakouts? Designed to work on combination and dry skin, this clay mask contains ingredients such as willow herb and green tea extract to soothe redness and irritation.
Why we love it: This creamy face mask – made from white clay – is perfect for visibly diminishing pores. Its formula is filled to the brim with minerals and aloe vera to soothe your skin with every use.
Make sure to bookmark these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Let's face it, La Roche-Posay is the best skincare brand when it comes to treating sensitive skin. This face mask/cleanser works to absorb excess sebum from your skin while also preventing the appearance of blackheads. All you need to do is keep it on for 5 minutes and them wash it off.
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Why we love it: This hyaluronic acid-infused clays mask is proven to reduce your pore size within just 2 weeks. It's also made with blueberry seed powder, which helps exfoliate your skin, ridding it of dead skin cells and rough patches.
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Why we love it: Looking to become your own at-home facialist? This brightening clay mask is formulated with a blend of camphor oil, witch hazel, aloe vera and white clay, all of which work together to give your skin a more radiant look.
Make sure to bookmark these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: You can't go wrong with this clay mask. Suitable for all skin types, this product includes rose floral water and white clay as part of its roster of active ingredients. It has a pleasant, gentle fragrance too, with notes of fig and ylang ylang.
Why we love it: Unlike other products on this list, this pure, cruelty-free bentonite clay mask comes in powder form, meaning you just need to mix water into it and apply it to your skin. It's especially good for removing excess oil and toxins, leaving your skin feeling fresher than ever before.
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Why we love it: Created to help fight blemishes, this potent, plant-based face mask is perfect for applying on pimples to draw out inflammation and reduce the spread of bacteria. It's packed with all sorts of helpful ingredients too, from chamomile bud and tea tree leaf to rosemary and sage extracts.
Make sure to bookmark these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Made with broccoli seed oil, spinach, kale and spirulina, this green clay mask is proven to rid you of dead skin and clogged pores. It also offers a pleasant, cooling sensation once applied. What more could you want?
Save money when shopping for the best clay masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Suitable for normal, oily and combination skin types, this clay mask can exfoliate your skin with ease. It also has a non-drying formula that leaves your skin looking clearer and healthier without damaging the skin.
Make sure to bookmark these LookFantastic discount codes.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best moisturiser for dry skin, best moisturiser for combination skin and the best moisturiser for oily skin. We can also help you pick the best vitamin C serums, the best retinol serums and the best face toners.
For more shoppable beauty and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
