Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask 3.3oz (100ml)

Product Information

Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S9042 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. Grant suggests painting your preferred clay mask onto the skin directly after cleansing. “Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes and gently rinse away with warm water in circular motions,” she says. 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.” This mask has a rich, dark hue. Be careful not to stain your towels during application and rinsing.

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.Melanie Grant is a celebrity facialist, esthetician, and founder of Melanie Grant Skin Health, a clinic with outposts in Australia and Los Angeles. 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.

You may experience some purging, or the skin’s response to an active ingredient that increases cell turnover, in the form of increased breakouts. But don’t worry—this is totally normal and a sign that the mask is actually hard at work getting rid of the gunk in your pores. To use as a face mask, apply an even coat on damp skin after cleansing, leave on for three to five minutes, and rinse. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for embracing skin texture, but my pores seem exceptionally large, so I've dedicated many years to finding the best products to lessen their appearance. (Despite what you might have read, pores can't actually shrink—they can just appear to.) And I can safely say the best product out there is a great, hard-working clay mask. 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. Ayer J, Burrows N. Acne: more than skin deep. Postgrad Med J. 2006;82(970):500-506. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2006.045377Mario 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. Clay masks are a trusty old friend — they’ve been around forever and utilize fairly simple ingredients to extract impurities and restore skin to its smooth, soft radiance. Though clay masks work best for people with oily-prone skin, all skin types can use them in moderation to achieve a glowing, clear complexion.

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. 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.” 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." Though, she notes that removing the mask was a bit of a hassle. “It required a lot of tugging to fully rinse off and took over five minutes to remove,” she says. For a more seamless removal process, we recommend using a sponge to gently scrub the mask off. 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.You should also consider a formula’s additional ingredients when shopping for a clay mask. Extra exfoliating ingredients, like the TK in TK, can help speed the cell shedding process along, while hydration-boosting elements (like shea butter in buttah Charcoal Detox Mask) can prevent irritation. 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.” 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.”