Clay is one of the oldest ingredients on earth, used for treating minor ailments and in spa and beauty practices for centuries. These days, we still can't get enough of this mineral-rich matter and the transformative effects it has on our skin.
Whether you are looking to heal your acne, mattify oily skin or want a simple formula to relax and unwind, in this article we help you find the perfect clay mask. Check out our buying guide to the benefits of clay masks to learn how bentonite, kaolin and umbrian clay work to unclog your pores for a brighter complexion. Then take a look at our ranking list of the top 10 best masks available online in the UK from Boots, Amazon and John Lewis!
Quick List - Top Clay Masks
Revolution Skincare
Detoxifying and Moisturising Pink Clay Mask for Healthy Skin
Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
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Table of Contents
Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
Natural clay can absorb oil and other impurities from your skin, preventing mild acne, pimples and blackheads. Popular types of clays used in masks are kaolin and bentonite. Kaolin is a naturally occurring white clay that has been used for hundreds of years as a skincare ingredient in parts of Asia. It is super absorbent, yet gentler than some other types of clay which is perfect for deep cleaning acne-prone skin.
Bentonite is a type of clay derived from volcanic ash. It's named after Fort Benton in Wyoming, where a high density of this clay was discovered. It can remove excessive moisture and protect the skin against toxins, a popular choice for all skin types.
Another lesser used but very effective clay is Umbrian clay, which occurs naturally in the province of Perugia in Italy. Perfect for those with blemish-prone complexions, the alkaline minerals in the clay help to balance acidity and extract toxins from the skin. It's even been found to get rid of nappy rash and soothe insect bites too!
Make sure to properly cleanse your skin before applying a clay mask. Explore our favourite face washes for acne!
Kaolin and bentonite are probably the most well-known sorts of clay. Bentonite is derived from volcanic ash, and it is known for its astringent, soothing and anti-bacterial properties, making it ideal for congested and oily skin. Given its high absorbing power, it's recommended only to use it once a week.
Kaolin is a soft white clay used in porcelain manufacture with less absorbent power than other clays but has exfoliating and moisturising properties, making it more adequate for sensitive or dry skin.
Activated charcoal is what's usually used in cosmetic products. This indicates that the charcoal has been treated, typically with steam, to increase its absorbency. An organic ingredient, it works sort of like blu-tack for dirt, making it extremely effective for cleansing and purifying the skin.
The majority of the benefits of charcoal stem from its high absorbency and capacity to absorb skin stressors, such as pollutants, excess oil, and dead skin cells. So if you have oily, blemished, or combination skin, you'd definitely want to seek out charcoal.
Looking for moisturisers for oily skin? We got you covered!
Salicylic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is a key ingredient in the treatment of oily skin and acne. This ingredient is lipophilic, meaning it attracts oil, and is able to get deep into the sebaceous follicle to draw out oil. This helps to unclog the pore, making it visibly smaller.
You can find salicylic acid in many over the counter products, and also in some prescription strength formulas. While this acid is a lifesaver for very oily skin, it may be too harsh for sensitive skin and could cause redness or irritation.
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that can reach the deeper portion of the pores. This makes it a suitable ingredient for targeting the removal of dead skin cells on the surface of oily and blemish-prone skin.
Therefore, the best acne lesions to treat with salicylic acid are blackheads and whiteheads. It also softens keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. This allows additional medicines to penetrate more effectively into the skin.
If your skin is on the sensitive side, look for products with calming ingredients. Chamomile flower and chamomile oil are particularly notable for their ability to soothe inflammation. These ingredients treat already-present irritation like redness and acne cysts, calming skin down in no time.
Remember, not all clay masks are created equal! Many masks contain preservatives, binding agents, synthetic fragrances and other ingredients to ensure it stays fresh. Unfortunately, some of these ingredients like phenoxyethanol, polysorbate or parfum can potentially cause issues, especially for sensitive skin.
Skin-soothing ingredients are a special group of ingredients that work to visibly calm signs of irritation or sensitivity when applied to the skin. Most of them are plant-derived and are suitable for all skin types.
Some naturally-derived ingredients such as aloe vera and Tea tree oil have proven anti-inflammatory properties on sensitive skin, so that they might offer some relief. Other ingredients with scientifically-proven soothing capacity include allantoin, bisabolol, colloidal oat, panthenol and niacinamide.
The type of container you want your product to be in isn't just about how it looks, the container can also affect how easy the mask is to apply. Masks that come in a jar or tub are great for products with thicker consistency. This will allow you apply a good amount at once, either with fingers or a brush for a fast application.
On the other hand, a tube might be better if the mask is more liquid-like, lessening the chance of any leakage. Tubes will usually preserve the product better for longer too! In terms of application, tubes offer a more mess-free option and does not require additional tools like a brush.
There are a lot of clay masks available on the market, but an easy way to classify them is into dry and hydrated clay masks. One "handicap" of hydrated clay masks is the need for preservatives to keep the active ingredients effective and prevent mould fungi and bacteria from forming within days. Therefore, many people who prefer natural products resort to dry clay masks that usually do not carry preservatives.
Many of us aim to make more ethical choices when shopping for cosmetics. Choosing a mask that's cruelty-free means that the product itself won't have been tested on animals. If you notice that a product is Leaping Bunny Certified, this means that no new animal testing has been conducted during any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or ingredient suppliers.
That said, just because a product hasn't been tested on animals, doesn't mean it won't contain derived ingredients. If you want to ensure that no animals have been harmed in the making of your clay mask, seek out ones that are both cruelty-free and vegan.
“Cruelty-free” means that a product and its ingredients weren’t tested on animals. The import and sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals are banned in the European Union, meaning any brand that manufactures or sells in the EU is de-facto cruelty-free.
They manage to do this by testing the ingredients on Reconstructed human epidermis or using ingredients that have already been established as safe, such as the 20,000 ingredients in the European Union database.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
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1 | Revolution Skincare Pink Clay Detoxifying Face Mask | ![]() | Detoxifying and Moisturising Pink Clay Mask for Healthy Skin | |
2 | Simple Protect 'N' Glow Detox & Brighten Clay Mask | ![]() | Detoxifying and Brightening Clay Mask | |
3 | Origins Original Skin™ Retexturising Mask With Rose Clay | ![]() | A Potent Blend of Antioxidant Ingredients | |
4 | ESPA Clarifying Clay Mineral Mask | ![]() | Enjoy a Spa-Like Experience at Home | |
5 | Glamglow SUPERMUD® Clearing Treatment Face Mask | ![]() | Advanced Clearing Treatment Featuring a Super Six Acid Blend | |
6 | Bulldog Oil Control Face Mask | ![]() | A Purifying Oil-Control Mask for Men | |
7 | Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask | ![]() | A Luxurious Multi-Functional Treatment Mask | |
8 | Super Facialist Anti Blemish Pore Purifying Clay Mask | ![]() | Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Anti Blemish Pore Purifying Clay Face Mask | |
9 | Clarins SOS Pure Rebalancing Clay Mask | ![]() | Rebalances Your Skin and Gives It a Matte Finish | |
10 | L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Charcoal Detox Face Mask | ![]() | An Affordable Clay Mask for Oily Skin |
Revolution Skincare's targeted detoxifying face mask draws out impurities and absorbs oil to provide a healthier-looking skin. It is appropriate for all skin types, even congested skin. The skin feels fresh and healthy after application, thanks to a combination of powerful ingredients such as seaweed extract to moisturize and witch hazel to soothe troublesome areas.
Another reason to adore this product is that it is vegan and cruelty-free, with no animal-derived components. It has also been approved by PETA as being animal test free, so you can use it with a peace of mind. This clay mask is simple yet effective, suitable for a variety of skin types, environmentally friendly, all for a reasonable price.
This clay mask from Simple is your bestfriend for days when your skin is lacking radiance, looking a little bit dull, or just need a boost of skin-loving ingredients. Brightening the skin in just 5 minutes, this mask uses natural bentonite clay to give your skin a deep-cleansing facial, sloughing away the dulling effects of modern life such as harmful UV rays, pollution, and blue light.
Containing Vitamins C, E, and organic Ginger Root, this mask may be applied once a week for clean, bright, and rejuvenated skin. PETA has recognized it as cruelty-free and vegan. Like other Simple products, this one is also free of artificial color and perfume, as well as harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin.
Made with Canadian willowherb, it harnesses the herb's antioxidant abilities to deliver an anti-inflammatory and soothing clay mask. Persian silk tree extract boosts cell energy and supports the skin's natural detoxification process, for a fresh complexion. Suitable for all skin types, this mask is naturally derived and super gentle.
Most facial masks require continued usage for great results, but Original Skin really does deliver a gorgeous glow the first time! Be aware that this cruelty-free mask is not vegan as it contains honey and beeswax.
Made for treating congested skin, this cleansing mask helps to balance excess oils. Kaolin clay and rose geranium expertly remove the build-up of impurities often experienced by those with oilier skin, whilst benzoin, a natural resin obtained from tree bark, helps to protect and soothe irritation.
However, if you have super sensitive skin you may want to do a patch test first. Potentially irritating and sensitising ingredients, like polysorbate 60 and parfum, makes it an almost, but not totally natural mask.
SUPERMUD is an innovative clearing treatment that combines a super six acid blend, activated-x charcoal, and K-17 clay to immediately clean the complexion and refine pores to visibly reduce their appearance. For quick results, the proprietary acid blend of glycolic, salicylic, lactic, mandelic, pyruvic, and tartaric acid is well balanced, penetrating the skin at different speeds and layers.
Toxins are drawn to activated-x charcoal, while excess oils are absorbed by K-17 clay. Meanwhile, TEAOXI Eucalyptus leaves further releases skin-loving phytoactives into the solution. Clearing, clarifying, pore-refining, and oil-absorbing, 96% of customers reported it absorbed excess surface oil, dirt, and debris from skin, 90% said pores felt and looked extracted, and 91% said skin looked healthier overall.
A blend of three natural clays in this mask including Cornish clay, Kaolin, and Vulcanous clay helps remove oil from the surface of the skin, giving it a deep cleansing effect. Added witch hazel, willow bark, and juniper helps to soothe the skin, calming breakouts and inflammation.
Suitable for all skin types, it's particularly good for pre-shave preparation, giving skin a refreshed look and feel. Another reason to love this product is that it does not contain any artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, or materials derived from animals.
In at number one is this cult beauty favourite! A mask with multiple uses, it can be used as a daily deep cleanser and as a spot treatment as well as a face mask. Its texture is creamy and moist, so it won't dry too 'tight', naturally fragranced with sandalwood oil, chamomile flower and lavender water for a gorgeous smelling concoction.
Umbrian clay has a high concentration of alkaline minerals to draw out impurities and lessens breakouts, while balancing skin acidity to calm redness, blotchiness and even insect bites! Absolutely divine skin food at its best.
This mask from Super Facialist is a great choice for those looking to tackle skin problems such as blackheads, whiteheads and mild acne. It contains salicylic acid to exfoliate away dead skin cells and unclog congested pores, while the clay detoxes any impurities left on the skin.
To avoid it becoming too drying, the addition of avocado oil and acacia honey soothe and add moisture to rebalance the complexion. That said, if you're looking to avoid fragranced skincare, be aware that it contains both parfum and essential oils.
SOS Pure is a "clay-based" formula aimed at both oily and combination skin, which tones skin leaving it rebalanced with a matte texture. Organic alpine willowherb extract minimises shine and helps reduce the appearance of pores. White Clay and Green Clay smoothes the skin whilst absorbing any impurities.
Clarins is a brand with a legion of devotees. However, some users claim that a recent formula change has made this mask a little less gentle on the face. Some love the more powerful effect, but others have experienced redness and stinging.
This bestselling clay mask from L'Oreal is our favourite budget buy coming in at less than a fiver. If your issues are related to oily, congested skin and acne breakouts, this mask could work for you. That's because it's made from three different clays combined with charcoal to effectively draw out impurities.
However, if you have dry or is particularly sensitive skin, it can be a little too dehydrating, leaving your face feeling tight and uncomfortable. The inclusion of potential irritants such as polysorbate 20 and phenoxyethanol might exacerbate sensitivities too.
It's natural to think that the longer you leave your mask on, the better it will work. This might be ok for serum-based masks that require a longer application time for the active ingredients to soak in. However, clay has an extraordinary ability to absorb and draw out dirt and oil, so prolonged wear may not be a good idea.
If you have normal to combination skin, your mask should only be left on for around 10 minutes. For oily skin, it can be left on for a maximum of 20 minutes, but if it feels very tight or creates a pulling feeling it's time to wash it off!
Use a clay mask in the evening. First, cleanse with a gentle cleanser and then, apply the mask with a brush or your finger tips, covering all of the skin except around your eyes. Follow the label's directions for how long to wear the mask. Then, rinse it off, and continue with your skincare routine.
Certain clays (e.g. Kaolin) can be used daily to maintain well-balanced skin moisture. Normal skin-types should use a clay mask 1 to 2 times per week. For oily skin or humid conditions, use it 2-3 times per week. For drier skin-types, use it once a week, but no more than twice a week.
Many all-natural masks can be used after their expiration date as long as the product is still viable. As a general rule, toss anything that has dramatically altered in colour, odour, or that has separated or clumped. Unopened clay masks can typically last up to two years. Once opened, they may only last six months.
Written and researched by Melanie McPhail
No. 1: Revolution Skincare|Pink Clay Detoxifying Face Mask
No. 2: Simple|Protect 'N' Glow Detox & Brighten Clay Mask
No. 3: Origins|Original Skin™ Retexturising Mask With Rose Clay
No. 4: ESPA|Clarifying Clay Mineral Mask
No. 5: Glamglow|SUPERMUD® Clearing Treatment Face Mask
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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