Clay masks aren’t known for being the most gentle, which is why we recommend this soothing weekly treatment from Glow Recipe for those with sensitive skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this mask supports the skin’s moisture barrier while also gently purifying and decongesting pores. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate that skin stays soft and dewy despite the fact that it has microbead exfoliants in the form of blueberry seed powder. Our tester described her skin post-mask as “bright, fresh, bouncy, and clean,” which is exactly what one would want after a pore-refining mask. Plus, features like a nice smell and a cute glass pot make it even more enticing. This mask has a rich, dark hue. Be careful not to stain your towels during application and rinsing. The mask also reduces shine and makes skin feel overall fresh, qualities that our tester attributes to the micro exfoliants. “The mask completely extracts dirt and oil from my face, and leaves my skin feeling fresh and so bouncy,” she adds. As a bonus, this is one of those masks that provides results that only get better with long-term use.

Jo-Ann See, MD is a dermatologist at Central Sydney Dermatology, the founder of not-for-profit health initiative All About Acne, and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Reviews

Meanwhile, Aguilar adds, “regardless of skin type, it’s best to space out your masking in the beginning to see if your skin agrees with more frequent use of clay masks.” She also advises testing out a new mask on a smaller area of skin rather than the full face. “By testing the mask first, you can decide whether it’s suitable for your skin.” I tried the mask in all of its multi-use ways: As a cleanser, spot treatment, and and as a mask. As a cleanser, it felt okay — my skin felt clean but a little chalky afterward. I also used it that night as a spot treatment. I woke up the next morning and while the zits weren’t completely gone, they were extremely reduced. The redness went away and continued the following day. Your skin type will dictate the clay mask you should buy, and if you should be using one at all. Clay masks are usually drying, meaning they aren’t great for those with dry or super sensitive skin, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel. Specifically formulated for melanated skin tones, but recommended for use by all skin tones and types, the smooth consistency and easy application set this product apart. Easy to spread with two fingers, our tester notes that it goes on seamlessly, but does produce a light tingling sensation that isn’t too strong — which might not feel great for those with especially sensitive skin.

Hot little tip: If you're looking for an easy way to treat your oily T-zone or perpetually shiny chin, you should def consider adding a clay face mask to your routine. According to dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, clay is a godsend for oily and acne-prone skin, thanks to its ability to gently absorb any excess oil hanging out on your face. And since the majority of clay face masks are also spiked with hardworking ingredients like exfoliating salicylic acid, soothing niacinamide, or hydrating aloe vera, they're also pretty easy to customize to your skin's exact needs. When deciding between clay mask formulas, Dr. Graf recommends paying attention to the type of clay. “There are four different types of clay that are used in face masks for skin health,” she explains. “Although the types of clay used in skin products are meant to draw out impurities and gently cleanse the skin, some are better than others for your skin type.” New Yorkers Should Line Up Behind the City’s Janitors New Yorkers Should Line Up Behind the City’s Janitors 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. 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've been using this mask for at least five years, and it's one of the very few products that I refuse to be without in my skincare rotation," says Alyssa Kaplan, Commerce Writer. "I've dealt with enlarged pores on my nose for as long as I can remember, but when I'm diligent about using this mask weekly, they appear less noticeable. I also find that using it consistently helps me to maintain incredibly smooth, soft skin." 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.” Fresh masks cater to your skin’s ever-changing needs—no matter your skin type—delivering powerful benefits while feeling good on your skin. Whether your skin is craving soothing hydration, gentle exfoliation, or a lifted look, you’ll get instant and long-term beauty benefits from incorporating masks into your daily routine.

I’m a die-hard face mask stan, but that doesn’t mean I love them all. Some dry in strange ways, others feel barely effective. (If I spent the past 20 minutes looking like Jason Voorhees, there ought to be a good reason for it!) I was wary of the way the Fresh Umbrian Clay mask first looked when I applied it; the Vine of the baby covered in peanut butter came to mind. It has a wet consistency, and I was worried about it drying uniformly. The tube (I tried the travel-size version) helps avoid a lot of mess, however, and the thin texture meant product didn’t build up in weird places on my cheeks or forehead. Piskin S, Uzunali E. A review of the use of adapalene for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2007;3(4):621-624. I love using this mask weekly, it improves my skin immediately and purifies the week's worth of pollution on it.

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Very few masks can target a wide range of skincare concerns as effectively as this one from Cetaphil. The mask contains bentonite clay, which is a potent detoxification agent, making it ideal for people looking to combat excess oil and acne. Whether you use your fingers or a brush to apply, we love that it’s super creamy and goes on evenly (aka doesn’t clump or get patchy).

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.” Mario Badescu is famous for their pore-clearing, acne-reducing products that aren’t overly aggressive and safe for sensitive skin. We love this Collagen Mask because it's actually formulated for dry skin and works to clarify while also pumping the skin full of hydrating nourishment that ultimately evens texture and smooths fine lines.Though inducing glow isn’t the main function of a clay mask (detoxing and clarifying are), this one from Glow Recipe pulls through with the added benefit. “After removing the mask, my skin looks brighter than usual and dewier than I would’ve expected with a clay mask,” explains one of our testers. The hyaluronic acid in the formula goes a long way to provide a boost of hydration, while the detoxifying ingredients (including watermelon enzymes and BHAs) completely clear out skin. Whether your skin is dull, congested, or shiny, a clay mask is hands-down one of the best treatments to help refine and rebalance it. “Clay masks are good for a wide variety of skin types and concerns,” explains Dr. Jeanette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist. “They can brighten your skin, absorb excess oils and toxins, hydrate, prevent breakouts, restore skin’s balance, regulate sebum production, oxygenate your cells, and more.” Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS. A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. Published 2017 Dec 23. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006 Dreno B, Martin R, Moyal D, Henley JB, Khammari A, Seité S. Skin microbiome and acne vulgaris : Staphylococcus, a new actor in acne. Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(9):798-803. doi: 10.1111/exd.13296 Yes, so long as you use them correctly (in moderation!) and in accordance with your skin type. “Clay masks are composed of rich minerals that offer various protective properties, such as balancing water levels in skin, fighting excessive sun damage, and assisting in skin healing, especially for those that struggle with acne,” says Natalie Aguilar, aesthetic nurse practitioner at Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr. Kami Parsa's practice.