The 14 Best Clay Masks of 2023

Cetaphil knows a thing or five about sensitive skin. Seriously, they kind of have a trademark on the whole non-irritating thing. So rest assured when developing a detoxifying clay mask, they were going to do so in a way that doesn't strip the skin. “This contains additional moisturizers like glycerin, petrolatum, shea butter, and avocado oil to keep skin moisturized,” points out Dr. Kazlouskaya. There’s also apple fruit extract in the mix to provide gentle exfoliation and get rid of any dead skin cells, dry spots, or rough patches. 

Pros: Derm-approved; Hydrating; Affordable 

Cons: Stronger options for non-sensitive skin 

You know those days where you feel like your skin just hates you? Yea, same. Maybe your redness is acting up, maybe your acne is feeling particularly vengeful, or maybe it’s just all out of whack with the season’s change. Regardless, this is a skin-balancing savior. “Vichy’s clay mask is formulated with volcanic water that was proven to strengthen skin barrier function,” explains Dr. Kazlouskaya. “It additionally contains aloe vera to soothe the skin.” Pair a healthy and strong skin barrier with the calming effect and your skin will be in a happier, less inflamed state after one use.

Pros: Derm-approved; Affordable; Soothing 

Cons: Slight scent; Hard to wash off 

Detoxing the skin is the main goal—that’s obvious. But this specific clay mask has loads of other benefits. As Dr. Kazlouskaya explains, the blue algae, which transforms into a blue shade once it’s massaged in, is able to amp up radiance, soothe the skin, and even reduce the appearance of fine lines. So far, so good, right? Still, there’s more to love about this fun-to-apply product. Red seaweed hydrates the skin and locks in moisture, which is in large part why this mask won’t leave your skin feeling tight, dry, or itchy after use. 

Pros: Derm-approved; Hydrating; Anti-aging 

Cons: Contains fragrance 

"In selecting a blackhead removal mask, I recommend choosing one that has an alpha or beta hydroxy acid like Monat’s Cold Charcoal Mask," explains Dr. Mack. "This mask is infused with mineral-rich clays, charcoal, and salicylic acid. It gently helps to unclog pores and has an instant mattifying effect." The standout feature? This clay mask gives a refreshing cooling sensation as it works. 

Pros: Great for blackheads; Mattifying 

Cons: Drying for some 

If you want to target clogged pores, oil, and rough texture all with one product, this pretty blue jar should be your go-to. "Tula’s Exfoliating Treatment Mask has lactic acid and bentonite clay," notes Dr. Mack. "Lactic acid, a milk derivative, helps to subtly exfoliate the skin, while the bentonite clay helps to remove impurities from the skin, leaving the skin looking brighter and less congested." Rice extract is also in the mix to smooth out skin texture. 

Pros: Balancing; Improves texture 

Cons: Messy to use 

With over 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, you can be confident that this mask is the real deal. It’s a no-frills option that delivers results. With just one ingredient, natural calcium bentonite clay, it’s able to powerfully clear out clogged pores and control oil. All you have to do is mix the powder with equal parts apple cider vinegar and you’re good to go. Feel free to apply it to your face, or, if you’re feeling wild and crazy, use it for a clay bath, a foot soak, or even to soothe a bug bite. 

Pros: Affordable; Multi-purpose

Cons: Too drying for some 

If Charlotte Tilbury knows how to do one thing, it’s how to make skin glow. And sure, Flawless Filter and highlighters galore can amp things up, but real radiance starts with skincare—and this clay mask can’t be beat. It uses Spanish clay to draw out oil and dirt, but is largely focused on restoring hydration, softening the skin, and boosting collagen and elastin production. Just use a thin layer, leave it on for 10 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Trust me: You’ll be amazed by the results. 

Pros: Hydrating; De-puffing; Glow-boosting 

Cons: Fragranced 

If you’ve thrown every acne-fighting mask at your face in an effort to get rid of blackheads and have little to no progress, I challenge you to give this powerful face mask a go. Powered by Amazonian white clay, this insanely effective product absorbs extra oil and sucks gunk out of pores in just about 10 minutes. Once it’s washed off, you’ll be left with a matte complexion (no oil in sight, I promise), smaller, tighter-looking pores, and noticeably fewer blackheads.

Pros: Great for blackheads; Mattifying 

Cons: Some say it’s irritating 

While you can’t *technically* shrink your pores (they are what they are), you can make them look a lot smaller by cleaning out all the dead skin cells and dirt clogging ‘em up. That’s exactly what this clay mask from Caudalie sets out to do. It uses grape seed polyphenols to limit oil production clay to soak up gunk, and caffeine to give a boost of brightness. Once all is said and done, you’ll be left with a complexion that looks and feels brighter and cleaner. 

Pros: Good for pores; Vegan 

Cons: Expensive 

This option is an exfoliating one-two punch. A blend of five fruit acids (malic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and glycolic) gently dissolves dead skin cells and buffs away rough patches to leave a polished, smooth complexion—and help reduce acne. At the same time kaolin and bentonite clays get to work clarifying, reducing oil production, and decongesting pores. Because that whole situation can definitely be a little drying, the derm-developed product also includes soothing and hydrating agents like aloe and chamomile. 

Pros: Exfoliating; Good for acne

Cons: Expensive 

Niacinamide is easily one of the best skincare ingredients out there. Why, you ask? It just does so freaking much. It reduces the size of pores, helps keep acne under control, treats hyperpigmentation, regulates oil—I could go on. That in mind, it’s no surprise that this niacinamide-packed face mask ended up on the list. It takes alllll the aforementioned benefits of niacinamide, plus the exfoliating powers of beta-hydroxy acids and the deep cleansing properties of kaolin clay to create the MVP of clay masks. 

Pros: Multi-benefit; Treats acne 

Cons: Drying 

This guy contains the usual suspects: Kaolin clay and bentonite. But there’s also some interesting ingredients thrown into the mix. First up? Volcanic ash from Jeju island in South Korea. Not only is that just generally cool, but it also serves a purpose—the ash is made of enzymes that fight acne, absorb oil, and tighten the skin. Next in line? Algae, which is nutrient-packed and refreshes the skin. Then, last but certainly not least, is a slew of adaptogens that soothe stressed-out skin. 

Pros: Fights acne; Tightens skin 

Cons: Slight scent 

If you can’t seem to get behind the tightening feeling that comes along with most clay masks, but still want the benefits, reach for this luxury option. Thanks to red clay, a blend of essential oils, and plant extracts, the creamy mask is going to detox your complexion without pulling on the skin. It’s also going to deliver benefits in about half the time—just wash it off in five minutes to reveal glowing skin. 

Pros: Good for sensitive skin; Gentle

Cons: Expensive 

While pimples are much more common among oily skin types, that doesn't mean that those with dry and sensitive skin don’t need a deep clean—pore-clogging debris don't discriminate. If you fall into the latter category, Erno Laszlo has your back. In addition to bentonite and kaolin clay, this detoxifying mask is packed with calamine, a mixture of zinc oxide and iron oxide, and a proprietary moisturizing complex. Together, they’re able to calm and soothe the skin for an irritation-free deep clean. 

Pros: Gentle; Calming 

Cons: Expensive