The 9 Best Clay Masks for Clear Pores and Smooth Skin

Best Overall

Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask

$16 at Amazon $21 at IHerb View on Healthcentralusa.com

Key Ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay, cucumber seed extract | Size: 0.3 oz

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). It feels like a luxurious cream that slowly dries down and feels slightly tingly, creating a refreshing sensation.

When we washed it off, we were in awe at the state of our skin—it looked incredibly smooth and even. One tester even noticed that 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.”

You may experience some purging (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.

Best Splurge

Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask

$70 at Amazon $70 at Sephora $70 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Okinawa kucha clay, Japanese konjac, Japanese volcanic ash  | Size: 1.7 oz

If you’re going to splurge 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. These ingredients help exfoliate the skin and provide a warming sensation.

The texture is luxurious and goopy (in a good way), and actually has some grit to it, making it an ideal exfoliator. It doesn’t need a long time to work its glow-enhancing magic; in fact, you can feel free to wash it off after five minutes. Post-wash, we were pleased with how refreshed, even, and soft our skin was. Though the mask is worth the splurge, we wish it came in a bigger size to get more out of one tub.

Best Exfoliating

Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask

$20 at Sephora $35 at Ulta $35 at Target

Ingredients: Kaolin clay, bentonite clay, grapefruit peel oil, sugar cane, willowherb, exfoliating jojoba beads | Size: 2.5 oz

“Kaolin and bentonite clays absorb excess oil and reduce impurities,” explains Dr. Graf, which is why we love this mask from Origins that contains both. To simultaneously exfoliate, smooth, and decongest, you won’t regret giving this one a try. This pretty pink mask is formulated with clay (obviously), exfoliating jojoba beads, and soothing willowherb. The gritty little beads gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, while the willowherb and two types of clay work to restore and clarify. We noticed a real improvement in the appearance of pores and skin texture after using it. It’s also worth noting that the mask comes in a hygienic squeeze tube that deposits the mask into your hands, preventing contamination from grubby fingers.

Because it contains drying ingredients and abrasive little beads, less is more. Try not to rub too hard, and be sure to wash it off once it’s dried onto your skin. To keep your skin from looking extra dry after using, we recommend following up with a moisturizer.

Best Detoxifying

Fenty Skin Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Pore Detox Face Mask

$37 at Sephora $45 at Walmart View on Fentybeauty.com

Ingredients: Kaolin clay, bentonite clay, charcoal powder, salicylic acid, ginger root extract | Size: 2.5 oz

At first glance, this mask from Rihanna’s eponymous beauty brand looks abrasive due to the super gritty texture. But, to our surprise, it’s actually the complete opposite. In fact, it’s thick, jelly-like, and contains little black beads that break on contact with the skin (instead of scratching it). The mask contains a lovely blend of clays (kaolin and bentonite), charcoal powder, salicylic acid, and ginger root, making it an ideal treatment for those dealing with inflammation. As it dries, it tightens on the skin but doesn’t feel tingly or uncomfortable at any point.

Because the mask is so rich, it can be annoying to get off. We think just hopping in the shower to rinse it off would be best. Nevertheless, our skin appeared glowy and fresh after one use, and tiny clogged pores on our noses looked smaller.

Best Pore Cleansing

innisfree Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask

$16 at Amazon $16 at Sephora View on Innisfree.com

Ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay, volcanic ash, jeju volcanic clusters, lactic acid | Size: 3.4 oz

This catchall mask is a popular one for many reasons, and Dr. Graf agrees. “Ideal for all skin types, this mask utilizes volcanic clusters and alpha-hydroxy acids to minimize the look of pores, absorb sebum, gently exfoliate, deeply cleanse, even out the skin tone, and cleanse away debris.” If you’re eager to address a pore-related problem, this super-potent mask will have an immediate effect on the skin. One tester swears she noticed that the mask improved the look of her skin in just one use. Her skin appeared brighter, and a breakout looked like it started healing faster than usual. Whether you use it on your entire face or as a spot treatment on a problem area, you’ll want to keep this mask on hand for breakout emergencies.

Best Purifying

Fresh Umbrian Clay Face Mask

$27 at Sephora View on Fresh.com $62 at Neiman Marcus

Ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay, volcanic ash, jeju volcanic clusters, lactic acid | Size: 3.38 oz

Using Umbrian clay sourced from Italy, this mask from fresh is a favorite among Byrdie editors and testers alike. Because it’s naturally rich in minerals that promote a calm, clear complexion, the mask works exceptionally well to address a bunch of concerns across a wide range of skin types, such as enlarged pores, excess oil, and uneven skin texture. It has a nice, spreadable consistency that glides on easily and doesn’t dry down as much as one might expect. We love that it absorbs excess sebum without overdrying the skin, but it might not be intense enough for those with super oily skin.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Facial Mask

$40 at Sephora $40 at Kohls.com

Ingredients: Kaolin clay, hyaluronic acid, watermelon enzymes, beta-hydroxy acids, blueberry seed powder | Size: 2 oz

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. One 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 add to the experience of using it.

Best for Oily Skin

Youth To The People Superclay Purify Clear Power Mask

$38 at Amazon $38 at Sephora $38 at Nordstrom

Ingredients: Kaolin clay, bentonite clay, montmorillonite clay, niacinamide, salicylic acid, kombucha | Size: 2 oz

Shiny skin is no match for this purifying formula, which counts on three different types of clays (kaolin, bentonite, and montmorillonite) niacinamide, salicylic acid, and kombucha to regulate sebum production within the skin. The thick mask is soft and spreadable, which we found especially helpful during the application process. We also love that it creates a subtle cooling sensation on the skin. The formula only needs to stay on the skin for ten minutes to reach its full potential, so take the time to sit back, relax, and let the mask work its magic. When the time is up, and the mask has dried, wash it off and follow up with an oil-free moisturizer for best results.

Keep in mind that because the mask contains microbeads, you should take caution when applying it to the skin. If you’re too abrasive, you can run the risk of causing irritation.

Best Charcoal

buttah Charcoal Detox Mask

$26 at Amazon $26 at Ulta $26 at Nordstrom

Ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay, activated charcoal powder, argan oil, shea butter | Size: 1 oz

This mask features antibacterial properties that help remove pore-clogging bacteria. Especially if you have skin prone to acne and blackheads, using a charcoal mask every so often (aka weekly) can be a great addition to your skincare routine. The Charcoal Detox Mask from Buttah wowed us with its super creamy formula, nourishing ingredients, and ease of removal. The combination of clays alongside the charcoal powder can be drying on their own, but the added shea butter and argan oil help balance everything out. The result: Comfortable, hydrated skin. Just note that because it's so gentle, you may have to use the mask repeatedly for a number of weeks before you see any drastic results.