10 Oil-Absorbing Clay Masks for a Radiant, Grease-Free Complexion
Breakouts and oil, be gone!
When it comes to having oily skin, occasionally, you need to tweak your go-to products with the seasons. During the warmer months, sweat is at an all-time high, and if you live in an urban area, pollution and microscopic impurities are both bound to be problems for your pores. Chances are, your complexion is greasier during this time, and you're dealing with more blackheads than usual.
Although there are tons of serums and elixirs to choose from, we always break out a detoxifying clay mask to give our pores the revamp they're desperate for.
The Best Clay Masks
- Best Overall: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
- Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Skincare Pure-Clay Face Mask with Charcoal
- 10-Minute Mask: Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
- Dr. King’s Choice: AcneFree Kaolin Clay Detox Mask
- The Internet’s Favorite: Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask
- Best Clean-Beauty Choice: True Botanicals Pacific Glacial Clay Detoxifying Mask
- Anti-Aging Benefits: StriVectin Blue Rescue Clay Renewal Mask
- Deeply Detoxifying: Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack
- The 2-in-1 Mask: fresh Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask
- Best for Breakouts: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask
The Benefits of Clay Masks
Oily skin types, rejoice! According to New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, clay masks are great for balancing your skin while addressing any acne-causing impurities. They typically reveal a more even, smooth, and mattified complexion. "Clay is a popular ingredient because it absorbs sebum and has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties," says King.
Another reason why you’ve seen clay masks slathered on some of your favorite beauty icons: They’re perfect for photos! “I think that one reason clay masks are trending right now is the Instagram effect — clay masks make for the perfect self-care selfie,” King adds.
What to Consider
Type of Clay
If you've used clay masks before, then you've probably noticed that there are a variety of clays used in different formulas. That's because each clay targets different skin issues, according to King. There are tons of clays to choose from, but she says these types are the most common:
- Bentonite: King says that this clay is a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin because of its absorbency, which makes it great for soaking up sebum (also known as that oily, waxy film that gives you a grease-slicked look and feel). She also notes that it has a “slight negative electric charge” that can help pull impurities like acne-causing bacteria out of the skin. “When the clay is mixed with water it becomes very porous, giving it an extensive surface area,” she says. “[It means] that it can absorb more oil and impurities.”
The only downside: King notes that bentonite clay is very absorbent, so dry or sensitive skin types may find it to be too drying. - Rhassoul: This Moroccan clay feels rich and luxurious when you slather it on, and King says it's filled with minerals that make this option less drying. She also notes that this clay has a stronger negative charge than bentonite, so it'll effectively draw out oil and bacteria. It's such an amazing absorbing agent that rhassoul is even used in haircare products to remove excess buildup.
King says rhassoul clay is gentle enough to use daily in small doses (as in, cleansers infused with it), but you may want to stick to two or three times per week if you're using it as a face mask. - French Green: This blend of iron oxide and decomposed plant matter may not sound as sexy as its name, but King says it’s great for exfoliating and absorbing oil. “There are claims that it also helps to boost circulation, but I have not seen studies that demonstrate that,” she says.
- Kaolin: Sensitive and dry skin types, this one is for you. King notes that this clay is gentler and therefore better for drier and more sensitive skin types. But just because it's gentle doesn't mean it's weak. She also says that it provides gentle, mild exfoliation properties to soften the skin.
Your Skin Type and Sensitivity Level
So yes, clay is great for oil control and reducing acne, but if your skin leans toward dryness and sensitivity issues, you may want to opt for something less drying and exfoliating. But that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy any clay masks: Though bentonite-heavy masks are a risky choice for your delicate pores, you can use rhassoul clay once or twice a week to give your complexion a much-needed weekly detox. As King said previously, kaolin clay is another great option for sensitive skin types.
Other Mask Ingredients
The rule of thumb is to always keep every ingredient in mind when it comes to your skincare products, and clay masks are no exception. Before you smear any of these masks on your face, remember your skin goals.
Do you want a radiant, glowing complexion with an improved texture? Then choose a mask infused with brightening ingredients like vitamin C. If you're looking for a mild detox that won't dry out your skin, avoid the harsher actives and opt for a clay mask that's paired with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or glycerin.
Another ingredient that oily and acne-prone skin types should consider is charcoal, which King notes is commonly paired with clay for its many skin-balancing properties. “Clay and charcoal are popular ingredients for oily and acne-prone skin because they absorb sebum and have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties,” she says. But you may want to be mindful of how long you leave these masks on. She advises, “Depending on the formulation, they can be too drying for dry or sensitive skin.”
And as with any new skincare product you incorporate into your regimen, patch test on a usually concealed part of your skin (think your inner arm or wrist) to make sure you won't have any irritation, sensitivity, and/or an allergic reaction from the product.
So, ready to banish oil and breakouts? Then check out our guide to the 10 best clay masks you can buy.
