Upon application, the mask felt comfortable. As it dried, our tester noted that it got tighter and tighter, but never to the point where she felt like she couldn’t move. Once dried (around the 10-minute mark), it washed off easily and left her skin looking “brighter and cleaner than before application.” If you’re going to spend extra money 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. One of the gentlest clay mask I’ve tried that still cleans well. It’s not as powerful as the Kiehl’s but it does leave my skin with a lovely glow afterwards. Another great option to use all over!

These celeb-loved two-step pore cleansing pads from Dr. Dennis Gross will have you hooked after the first use. Each pad is soaked in seven pore-sloughing acids, including glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids. The two-step pads are meant to be used one after the other. The first step gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells (the salicylic acid is key for a clearer complexion, FYI), while the second step encourages skin cell renewal, smoothing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey. Pink clay (like the clay in Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose 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.” I had my doubts about a clay mask—with vinegar (!)—working well on someone with dry skin, but after using it once or twice a week for a few weeks, I was pleasantly surprised. My skin felt overall smoother, and though it's likely coincidental, I haven't had many breakouts either. But the biggest determining factor for me was how well makeup applied to my skin after masking—two words: damn great.When it comes to our skin-care routines, there's no step perhaps more indulgent than doing a face mask. Whether you prefer a deep-cleansing clay mask or a hydrating overnight gel formula, there's no better form of beauty T.L.C. than devoting 20 to 30 minutes to take care of your skin. "[Face masks] are designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to your skin," Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, tells Allure. "Generally speaking, masks are used intermittently to help give your skin a boost when it needs it." I appreciate the simple formula of this mask: no extraneous botanical extracts, just a couple of soothing ingredients to help combat the dryness:

Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank is a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, the CMO and founder of PFRANKMD, and the author of "The Pro-Aging Playbook” Maggie kept her mask on for 10 minutes for her oily skin—the maximum recommend time limit. "Once the clay dried, it felt tight and itchy on my skin," she says. "Not unbearable, but not the most comfortable thing in the world." Maggie has a long relationship with the Aztec Clay Mask, though, and is proudly part of its fan club, so she's very used to the tightness and itchiness (even though we still don't love a product that itches). RESULTS: Love it When it comes to clogged pores, knowledge is key. Now that you know some of the best ways to keep congestion at bay—and the best ingredients to use—take your skin care routine a step further with these best face masks for clogged pores.Because it has such 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, we recommend following up with a moisturizer. Moghimipour E. Hydroxy Acids, the Most Widely Used Anti-aging Agents. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2012;7(1):9-10. Clogged pores—especially the kinds that turn into pimples—can be frustrating, to say the least. But, knowing what causes pores to get clogged in the first place can help you make a more informed decision on how to get rid of clogged pores and prevent future breakouts. Here’s the after—oh, and she’s wearing a Harry Styles tour shirt, ya know, just in case he’s reading this. SKIN TYPE: Oily I’ve been using this deep pore cleansing mask faithfully once a week for the past couple of years. Don’t tell him I told you, but my husband also loves using this mask. I usually mix up enough for both of us so we look ridiculous together. But we both are at skin heaven (you know, that wonderful place that’s not too dry, not too oily and no breakouts) because of it! 🙂 If you give this mask a try, keep me posted on your results – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Hahahahaha! Try not to laugh too hard at yourself 🙂

Kate Somerville is a luxury skincare brand, and the price tag matches the brand’s reputation, making this a pricey cleanser to invest in. If you’re truly in love with the active exfoliating ingredients (and who could blame you?), consider buying the 8-oz value size. Kim SJ, et al. The effect of physically applied alpha hydroxyl acids on the skin pore and comedone. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2015 Oct;37(5):519-25. doi: 10.1111/ics.12244. A pore cleanser is a product that helps remove excess oil, dirt, and dead cells from the pores to keep them clear and help minimize their appearance," says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. These products typically use exfoliating ingredients that slough away dead skin and dirt, to help reduce the appearance of pores. While most of these treatments are actually facial cleansers, there are other deep-cleaning options, including face masks, toners, and even devices (more on that later).This is an excellent treatment for dry, combination, and oily skin that’s prone to dullness, uneven skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles. Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced beauty writer and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has been a staff writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty and fashion. She has used several clay masks over the years, including some on this list from brands like Olehenriksen, L’Oréal, Glow Recipe, and Youth to the People. But really if you can get past these two issues, the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing mask is amazing for clarifying the skin and minimizing the appearance of pores. It always makes my skin feel so refreshed afterwards!

Because the mask is so rich, it can be annoying to get off. Our tester noted that although she got it all off eventually, she said she wishes she could have just jumped in the shower to get it off faster. Nevertheless, her skin appeared “glowy and fresh” after one use, and the tiny clogged pores on her cheeks looked smaller. Oily skin types will enjoy using this as an allover mask, while combo, normal, and dry skin types can use this as a spot treatment on their t-zones. A little goes a long way too. I only use this mask once a week in the summer and once every other week in the winter, or if I’m dealing with a breakout. The full sized jar is more than enough to last me an entire year. And, finally, bentonite clay (like in innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask) 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.”

Pharmacy product

Green clay, like that of the clay in Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask, 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. According to our tester, it feels like a “luxurious cream” that slowly dries down and feels slightly tingly. This didn’t really bother the tester; in fact, she said it was her favorite part about the mask. When she washed it off, she was in complete awe at the state of her skin, going as far as saying that the texture looked as smooth as “a baby’s bottom.” Plus, the pores on her nose—one of her biggest problem areas—looked like they shrunk in a matter of minutes, prompting her to call this mask a “masterpiece.” Salicylic acid: Dr. Jaliman loves salicylic acid for clogged pores because it can “lessen the symptoms of acne.” In addition, “Salicylic acid encourages exfoliation of the skin and unclogging pores,” she adds. Important Note: Do not leave clay mask on skin longer than 5-10 mins for delicate skin; this will prevent redness/drying