The 12 Best Clay Masks For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
"At the most basic level, a clay mask works as an exfoliator for the skin. Once applied to the skin, which is best done after steaming or a hot shower so the pores have opened up, the mask dries, and when removed, it takes sebum, debris, and dead skin cells with it," says Lauren E. Adams, M.D., a dermatologist with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates who's board-certified in lifestyle medicine." In this way, these masks are helpful in cleaning out blackheads, making pores temporarily appear smaller, and decreasing oiliness of the skin."
It's important to note, though, that different types of clay may have somewhat different effects on the skin—and your personal skin sensitivity may dictate which type you seek out. "White kaolin clay is one of the mildest options because it is less absorbent than other clays. It provides gentle exfoliation while softening the skin and is a good option for those with sensitive skin or first-time clay mask users," says Dr. Adams. "Bentonite clay, on the other hand, is highly absorbent and ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. It has antibacterial properties as well."
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In fact, one study on men and women with mild acne found that a mask of jojoba oil and bentonite clay1—applied two or three times a week for six weeks—was effective at reducing the number of acne lesions by an average of 54 percent. However, due to the drying nature of bentonite clay, these masks aren't always suitable for people with dry skin (even if you have dry skin with acne) or a history of eczema, says Dr. Adams.
To prevent over-drying, proper application of a clay mask is also crucial, says Nichola Weir, holistic esthetician and founder of Pacific Touch NYC. "Remove the mask when it just starts to dry along the edges—don't let it dry fully," she says. "While the mask is still damp, your skin is able to absorb the minerals from it, but once it's hard, it's actually drawing moisture out of your skin."
Using clay to relieve a variety of skin-related maladies goes back thousands of years—and our love for this mineral-rich mud has never been stronger, with countless clay masks lining beauty shelves claiming to suck pores clean, banish that oily sheen, and eliminate acne once and for all.
But what is it about clay that's so darn special, particularly for oily, acne-prone skin? Here, learn all about clay's skin-clarifying benefits, what other ingredients to look for in a clay mask to boost its effectiveness, and our top clay mask product picks.
How clay masks help combat acne and oily skin.
Other ingredients to look for in clay masks.
Clay can be quite drying without other things to balance it out. So, whether you're making your own clay mask or purchasing one, "look for ingredients that pop moisture back into the skin like honey, yogurt, or a skin-loving oil," says Weir. "With acne, you'll want to look for oils high in linoleic acid such as sunflower oil or rosehip seed oil. A lot of acne sufferers are low in that acid2, which ends up making the sebum thick and sticky."
Botanical extracts like green tea, chamomile, calendula, lavender, and turmeric are also great for their skin-soothing properties3, says Dr. Adams, along with vitamins C and E, which are anti-inflammatory.
Now, onto six of the best clay masks on the market:
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Roccoco Botanicals Sulfur Mask
A personal favorite of Weir's, this mask featuring kaolin and bentonite clays and kale-derived sulfur is formulated specifically for acne-prone skin. It's also ultra-gentle and contains soothing aloe and linoleic-acid-rich sunflower seed oil. "It's probably the first clay mask I've used where I haven't seen any redness or reactivity in sensitive skin," she says.
Sulfur Mask, Roccoco Botanicals ($46)
Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Mask
This Australian kaolin-clay-based mask contains powerful plants like aloe vera, mangosteen, rosemary extract, kelp, and pomegranate to draw impurities from the skin without overdrying. It's a great mask to use year-round but especially in cold, dry weather because it keeps the barrier intact.
Australian Pink Clay Mask, Sand & Sky ($49.90)
Farmacy Bright On Massage-Activated Vitamin C Mask
For skin with noticeable acne scars, this mask may finally help them fade away. In addition to pore-clearing kaolin and bentonite clay, ingredients like micro-encapsulated vitamin C (which changes colors when you spread it on!) and fruit-derived alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) help brighten and even skin tone by supporting cellular turnover. Aloe, sunflower seed oil, and antioxidant-rich botanicals like echinacea and blueberry leave skin hydrated and nourished4.
Bright On Massage-Activated Vitamin C Mask, Farmacy ($38)
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Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask to Purify and Nourish
This kaolin and bentonite clay mask gets an extra detoxifying punch from bamboo charcoal, which acts like a magnet to unclog pores, while caffeine brightens and tightens skin5. But it's also hydrating and softening, thanks to the addition of two natural humectants, hyaluronic acid and wildflower honey.
Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask to Purify and Nourish, Origins ($34)
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Mud Mask
Featuring shea butter, jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, and avocado oil, this mask is incredibly rich and especially well-suited for drier skin types who still want to experience the clarifying benefits of kaolin and bentonite clay. Frankincense and myrrh extracts help soothe skin and fade scars.
Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Mud Mask, Shea Moisture ($19.10)
Burt's Bees Exfoliating Clay Mask
This mask features vitamin-C-rich Kakadu plum, which helps brighten and smooth skin as kaolin clay clarifies pores. Avocado oil and sunflower seed oil6 offer a dose of moisture while antioxidant-rich spirulina calms inflammation, and lactobacillus supports the skin's microbiome.
Exfoliating Clay Mask, Burt's Bees ($15)
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Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask
With french green clay as the base, this purifying mask mixes in hydrating squalene as well as famed acne-fighter tea tree. The result is a oh-so-satisfying mask that cleans out pores, tames inflamed pimples, and leaves you feeling hydrated and smooth.
Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask, Biossance ($39)
Evanhealy French Rose Clay Mask
This very simple, beautiful clay mask is only two ingredients: a kaolinite pink clay and rhassoul clay, also called Moroccan lava clay. Blend it with water or rose water tonic, and apply to oily areas, breakouts, or all over. The two clays are powerhouses for targeting clogged pores.
French Rose Clay Mask, Evanhealy ($27)
True Botanicals Pacific Glacial Clay Detoxifying Mask
This contains a super fine glacial clay and a powerful activated bamboo charcoal, so the end result is equal parts cleansing and gentle. Then it's buffered with soothing squalane oil. Use it weekly for glowier, clearer skin.
Pacific Glacial Clay Detoxifying Mask, True Botanicals ($75)
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Grown Alchemist Deep Cleansing Facial Masque
White clay is only just the beginning of this potent mask. It contains the antioxidants astaxanthin to fight free radicals. Wheatgerm, rich in vitamins A, E, D and essential fatty acids, reduces the appearance of pore size and improve the appearance of firmness and tone.
Deep Cleansing Facial Masque, Grown Alchemist ($39)
The Inky List Kaolin Clay
This new brand is all about making affordable, clean basics. This clay mask is the combines two clay actives: Kaolin clay acts as a physical exfoliator to slough off the dead skin cells, and the smectite clay absorbs excess oil and clears out pores.
Kaolin Clay, The Inky List ($6.99)
Eight Saints No Plans Desert Rose Mask
This contains a bouquet of antioxidants from rose, raspberry, rosehip, and lemon. The rose extract also acts as a mild astringent to tone skin. Then of course there's the kaolin and pink clay. Plus it smells like a delightful rose garden. Cancel your plans and slather this on.
No Plans Desert Rose Mask, Eight Saints ($40)
Stephanie Eckelkamp is a writer and editor who has been working for leading health publications for the past 10 years. She received her B.S. in journalism from Syracuse University with a minor in nutrition. In addition to contributing to mindbodygreen, she has written for Women's Health, Prevention, and Health. She is also a certified holistic health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has a passion for natural, toxin-free living, particularly when it comes to managing issues like anxiety and chronic Lyme disease (read about how she personally overcame Lyme disease here).