Using a clay mask is often a catch-22; sure, they help draw sebum and impurities from your pores, but give them ten minutes and they’ve hardened into a concrete-like substance that practically needs to be chipped off and leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and uncomfortable afterwards.
You’ll also enjoy:
A Face Oil Is The Versatile Addition Your Grooming Routine Needs
Reveal Softer, Radiant Skin With These Exfoliating Toners For Every Skin Type
Breaking Out? Try One Of These Face Washes For Acne-prone Skin
The main purpose of clay in a face mask is to draw out excess oil and impurities from your skin, with strategically formulated clay masks also working to refine pores, regular sebum production, exfoliate the skin, and prevent breakouts. Fortunately, the next generation of clay face masks is also non-drying, with these formulas working their magic without completely hardening on the skin and rinsing off easily.
Whether your face regularly plays host to scores of pimples or are looking to refine and clarify your pores, these are the best clay face masks for dry skin.
1. Fenty Skin Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Detox Face Mask
Unfortunately, having dry skin doesn’t preclude you from having acne. If you’ve been lucky enough to be blessed with both, using a non-drying face mask with exfoliating properties can be beneficial. The Fenty Skin Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Detox Face Mask — as the name suggests — has a creamy whipped consistency that doesn’t completely dry down on the skin, preventing it from stripping your skin of moisture. The inclusion of encapsulated charcoal works alongside the clay to draw out oil and impurities and detoxify the pores. Meanwhile, salicylic acid works to exfoliate deep within the pores, clearing out excess sebum and refining the appearance of pores.
2. NIOD Flavanone Mud
The crème de la crème of clay face masks, NIOD Flavanone Mud takes purifying and decongesting the skin a step further than most. Flavanone Mud non only draws out surface impurities and sebum buildup, but shields against external pollution and environmental congestion with the addition of resveratrol, bisabolol, and polysaccharides. Rather than using a single type of clay (such as red or green), Flavanone Mud combines mineral-rich black Amazonian, white, and Brazillian clays to break down impurities and bind to sebum while respecting the skin barrier. While this mask is non-drying, be warned: it stings once washed off. A lot. Follow up with a gentle non-active barrier cream.
3. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Targeted toward improving skin tone and texture, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque combines salicylic acid with charcoal, silica, and kaolin clays. Salicylic acid deep cleans and refines pores while charcoal and clay remove impurities, working to reduce shine and smoothen skin texture.
4. Fresh Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask
Made from mineral-rich umbrian clay sourced from Italy, this mask is a good all-rounder for most skin types, working as a mask as well as a targeted spot treatment. Umbrian clay balances the skin while sandalwood oil acts as an astringent, drying out pimples and acne. The addition of lavender water and chamomile oil soothe and tone the skin, preventing dryness.
5. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Mask
Amazonian white clay takes centre stage in this mask, acting as a gentle exfoliant to refine and clarify the skin while bentonite clay absorbs oil and impurities and reduces shine. Ideal for those with dull, textured, or congested complexions, the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Mask also includes hydrating aloe vera to soothe the skin.
6. Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask
Three types of clay come together in this refining and exfoliating face mask. Volcanic and fresh green clays work to draw out impurities from the skin while mineral-rich white clay lightly exfoliates and absorbs excess oil. The addition of salicylic acid clears out clogged pores and niacinamide helps improve skin clarity while strengthening the skin barrier. A creamy formula, the Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask doesn’t completely dry down on the skin, absorbing sebum without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier.
FAQ
Certain clay masks can dry out sensitive skin, particularly those made with bentonite clay. However, newer clay masks are often formulated with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, which prevent the skin from drying out.
The best clay masks to use on dry skin are those formulated with kaolin or white clay.
Words by T. Angel
Feature image courtesy of Grant James-Thomas
