7 Best Clay Masks for Clearer, Softer, and Glowier Skin

30.09.2025, 22:48 allure.com

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The best clay masks aren’t the moisture-sapping formulas of the past—in recent years, they’ve evolved into skin barrier-friendly staples. Part of that has to do with the actual clay. “Clay masks can benefit most skin types, but the type of clay matters,” says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Danville, CA. In other words, matching your mask to your skin’s needs can make the difference between a glowing complexion and an irritated one. “Kaolin clay is the most gentle and works well for sensitive or dry skin because it absorbs oil without being overly stripping,” Dr. Badreshia-Bansal says. “Bentonite clay is stronger and usually best for oily or acne-prone skin since it can draw out excess sebum and impurities more deeply.” Some masks combine kaolin and bentonite to offer the best of both worlds—deep cleansing power and a comfortable, non-stripping feel.

On top of the type of clay, today’s formulas are far less likely to leave your skin parched. Many are now enriched with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and botanical extracts, such as aloe, which help keep skin hydrated and balanced while clearing pores and absorbing excess oil. (Heads up: Even so, Dr. Badreshia-Bansal recommends using a clay mask once or twice a week for optimal results since excessive use can lead to dryness or irritation.) Read on for our dermatologist-approved picks for the best clay masks that leave your complexion feeling soft, comfortable, and glowing.

Shani Darden

Amazon

Sephora

Revolve

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen applying the Shani Darden Signature Nourishing Facial Mask

Why it's worth it: If it wasn’t obvious by now, at Allure HQ, we’re total Shani Darden stans. The esthetician behind Hollywood’s glowiest complexions (and our editor-in-chief’s, thanks to her chemical peel) has also blessed us with the Signature Nourishing Facial Mask, the next best thing to booking one of her coveted spa treatments. The rich, creamy formula hydrates skin deeply, soothes redness, and helps strengthen the skin's barrier, leaving everything feeling balanced. Hyaluronic acid plumps, colloidal oatmeal soothes, and tea extracts provide skin with antioxidants. Smooth it on with the handy included brush after cleansing, kick back for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse off.

Dall'Asen before applying the Shani Darden Signature Nourishing Facial Mask

Dall'Asen after applying the Shani Darden Signature Nourishing Facial Mask

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

“You might associate clay masks with acne prevention or oil control, but this one goes far beyond that, thanks to the inclusion of squalane and colloidal oatmeal. Its thick, stark-white consistency might make me look like the ghost of a Victorian child for the 15 minutes I wear it, but it's worth it for the supple, soothed, renewed skin it leaves behind.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

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SkinCeuticals

SkinCeuticals

Dermstore

Bluemercury

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

Why it's worth it: SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque is a weekly reset for congested, breakout-prone skin. “This is one of the most elegant medical-grade clay masks, featuring kaolin and bentonite clays to draw out impurities along with alpha-hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate dead skin cells,” says Dr. Badreshia-Bansal. She notes that this balanced formula goes beyond basic pore-clearing to deliver a polished, refined finish. “On top of it being great for patients dealing with clogged pores, uneven texture, or mild breakouts, it doesn’t overdry the skin, especially when used once a week as part of an exfoliating routine,” she says. Soothing botanicals, such as aloe vera and chamomile, keep the skin comfortable as the mask refines pores and absorbs excess oil. Soothing botanicals, such as “aloe vera and chamomile, keep the skin comfortable while reducing redness that often is associated with acne,” adds Adriana Lombardi, a board-certified dermatologist based in Edison, NJ.

Pai before applying the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

Pai after applying the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

“I've hit empty on this jar and then restocked—it's just that good. I love the combo of AHAs and clay, which offer both exfoliation and some good, old pore-clearing goodness. It's super-satisfying to see it dry onto my skin and suck gunk out of my nose, and even as my skin has gotten drier with age, it never feels tight or uncomfortable when I rinse.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

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Origins

Origins

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores

Why it's worth it: There are countless reasons we crowned Origins’ Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores as one of our all-time favorite gems from the ever-reliable skin-care brand. This clarifying clay mask pairs kaolin and bentonite clays with bamboo charcoal to draw out pore-clogging impurities and sweep away excess oil—without leaving your skin feeling parched. Glycerin helps maintain a balanced and comfortable complexion, while antioxidant-rich myrtle leaf water provides a protective boost. The silky formula glides on effortlessly, dries comfortably (without the dreaded “frozen face” stiffness), and rinses clean to reveal fresh, smoother, and visibly clearer skin.

Han with the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores applied to her face

Han after applying the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

"Is there a clay mask that's more deserving of "tried-and-true" status? Don't think so. Origins's is so gentle but not in the sense of pulling gunk out, because it goes all in in that regard—my combination skin loves the weekly reset this mask gives it. Special shoutout to the bamboo charcoal which helps minimize excess oil that can form blackheads, my arch nemeses. Sometimes, I'll slather this on twice a week but just on my T-zone to quell that inevitably temperamental area." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Ole Henriksen

Ulta Beauty

Sephora

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Clay Mask

Why it's worth it: Don’t let the vibrant violet hue fool you, because Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Clay Mask is more than just a cool selfie moment. Purple kaolin clay absorbs excess oil, while the combination of purple willow ferment and salicylic acid works together to refine pores, clear blackheads, and sweep away buildup. As it dries to a marbled finish, the mask delivers a refreshing cooling effect—like a mini cold plunge for your face (hence the name)—that detoxes without stripping, leaving skin feeling clean, nourished, and never tight.

Wohlner before applying the Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Clay Mask

Wohlner after applying the Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Clay Mask

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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Caudalie

Amazon

Nordstrom

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

Why it's worth it: Caudalie has a thing for grape seed polyphenols—the antioxidant MVP behind its entire skin-care lineup—and they shine in the Instant Detox Mask, too. Made with pink clay (a mix of kaolin and bentonite), glycerin, and lactic acid, “it’s a light, fast-absorbing mask with a soft finish that clears pores without tightness,” says Dr. Karcher. To take things up a notch, caffeine energizes dull, tired skin for an instant wake-up call. Even though it's free of synthetic fragrances, the formula still features nourishing botanical oils like sandalwood, lavender, and bergamot to keep your skin moisturized and smelling fresh.

Felbin before applying the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

Felbin after applying the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

“This is the most satisfying clay mask I've ever used. You only need a thin layer, which tightens a TON as it dries. I'm always impressed by how much it pulls out of my pores—you can literally see every individual pore and the oil the mask has absorbed. After I wash it off, my skin has a fresh glow and my blackheads are noticeably smaller. I recommend this mask to everyone I know!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

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Sisley-Paris

Nordstrom

Bluemercury

Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Sisley-Paris Radiant Glow Express Mask

Why it's worth it: Working in just three minutes, Sisley’s Radiant Glow Express Mask with Red Clay is a quick fix for irritation-prone or congested skin. The red and white clays do the heavy lifting by clearing impurities and tightening pores without over-drying. Rosemary and chamomile swoop in to soothe and comfort, while red vine helps even out your skin tone, glycerin replenishes moisture, and rosehip adds a nourishing boost. Unlike some clay masks, it won’t morph into a crunchy layer as it dries—just a smooth, comfortable detox for your skin. “It’s soothing yet effective, improving clarity and radiance without leaving skin dry or tight,” says Dr. Henry.

Shipin before applying the Sisley-Paris Radiant Glow Express Mask

Shipin after applying the Sisley-Paris Radiant Glow Express Mask

Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin

“What a treat this mask is. I use sunscreen, makeup, and plenty of moisturizer throughout the day, and this is what I turn to to slough it all off. Given that I have sensitive skin and eczema, I typically steer clear of clay masks, but this formula never dries me out. It glides on (and smells heavenly while it's at it—hello, rosemary and chamomile!), and is so easy to remove. There's no need for