Once you get over the hurdle of having to personally mix this formula with water (a task that could definitely be made easier with clearer instructions on the brand's part), we promise its deep-cleaning results are worth it. “The mask feels great on my skin with a smooth texture and slight tightening effect,” says our tester. The unique mix of activated coconut charcoal, marshmallow root, gotu kola, and rhassoul clay deeply cleans the skin while also soothing irritation and promoting skin recovery. “My skin looks brighter, clearer, and more even, as if it went through a deep detox,” she marvels. Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS. A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. Published 2017 Dec 23. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006 Though inducing glow isn’t the main function of a clay mask (detoxing and clarifying are), this one from Glow Recipe pulls through with the added benefit. “After removing the mask, my skin looks brighter than usual and dewier than I would’ve expected with a clay mask,” explains one of our testers. The hyaluronic acid in the formula goes a long way to provide a boost of hydration, while the detoxifying ingredients (including watermelon enzymes and BHAs) completely clear out skin.

My skin feels more moisturized than before and hydrated enough that I don’t have to apply a cream after,” our tester adds. Though, be warned, the formula dries very hard and can be tough to remove. We recommend applying this mask 20 minutes before entering the shower for the easiest rinse off.

It’s worth noting that although the mask targets pores, avocado oil (an ingredient present in the formula) can be potentially comedogenic for some skin types. We recommend testing the mask on a small patch of skin to see how it will react before applying it to your entire face. Meanwhile, Aguilar adds, “regardless of skin type, it’s best to space out your masking in the beginning to see if your skin agrees with more frequent use of clay masks.” She also advises testing out a new mask on a smaller area of skin rather than the full face. “By testing the mask first, you can decide whether it’s suitable for your skin.” This mask can be a little bit messy to apply with fingertips. It’d benefit from an applicator tool. If you are prone to dryer skin but suffer from clogged pores or acne flare-ups and are wanting to experiment with a clay mask, look for ones that also contain nourishing ingredients like oatmeal ( Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask is an excellent option) or hyaluronic acid (try Glow Recipe Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial Mask). Licensed esthetician and acne specialist Jessica Clarke Higgins also reminds us to follow up any clay mask with your standard moisturizer to avoid over-drying. To use as a face mask, apply an even coat on damp skin after cleansing, leave on for three to five minutes, and rinse.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for embracing skin texture, but my pores seem exceptionally large, so I've dedicated many years to finding the best products to lessen their appearance. (Despite what you might have read, pores can't actually shrink—they can just appear to.) And I can safely say the best product out there is a great, hard-working clay mask. White clay (like the clay in Mario Badescu’s Super Collagen Mask) works well with all skin types—especially mature skin. “White clay draws out excess oils and dirt,” she says. “It’s a gentle exfoliant that refines the surface of the skin and works to reduce pore size.” To note: Kaolin clay is a type of white clay.I've been using this mask for at least five years, and it's one of the very few products that I refuse to be without in my skincare rotation," says Alyssa Kaplan, Commerce Writer. "I've dealt with enlarged pores on my nose for as long as I can remember, but when I'm diligent about using this mask weekly, they appear less noticeable. I also find that using it consistently helps me to maintain incredibly smooth, soft skin." Inspired by the rejuvenating powers of a Scandinavian cold plunge, this turquoise OleHenriksen mask actually creates a cooling effect through a blend of active botanicals and clarifying acids. “There is a tingly, minty, and cooling sensation with this mask, but it doesn’t sting or burn — it feels comfortable and refreshing,” says our tester. And as someone with sensitive skin, she was pleased to find that the product isn’t irritating and doesn’t leave her with any redness. “My skin is smoother than before, and my enlarged pores are also visibly reduced,” she says. Melanie Grant is a celebrity facialist, esthetician, and founder of Melanie Grant Skin Health, a clinic with outposts in Australia and Los Angeles.

Inspired by the “cold plunge” part of a Scandinavian sauna cycle, the cooling mask deeply purifies the skin and shrinks the look of pores with the help of a powerful blend of antioxidants, active botanicals, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and bentonite clay. As the name suggests, it’s refreshingly cool upon application (thanks to eucalyptus, kelp, and Irish moss extracts) and, according to our tester, even smells like a spa. She described the cooling sensation to be “minty” and “tingly,” but her sensitive skin never felt irritated or uncomfortable. The longer she kept the mask on, the tighter and drier it felt, but she was able to talk, laugh and move her face. When she washed it off, she shared that her enlarged pores were less noticeable, and the tone of her skin appeared more even. For at least an hour after washing the mask off, she still felt refreshed, tingly, and cool. I gravitate towards products that are easy to layer in my skincare routine, and this is one of my favorites," says Alyssa Kaplan. "I apply the thin, fluid formula to my skin directly after cleansing and before moisturizing, and it applies beautifully. I've noticed that when I use it daily, it helps to control my excess oil product and keep my complexion looking radiant." 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. Our 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 make it even more enticing. Solum Fullonum (Fuller's Earth), Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil Sodium Chloride, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Farnesol, Linaloo""

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Fresh masks cater to your skin’s ever-changing needs—no matter your skin type—delivering powerful benefits while feeling good on your skin. Whether your skin is craving soothing hydration, gentle exfoliation, or a lifted look, you’ll get instant and long-term beauty benefits from incorporating masks into your daily routine. Grant suggests painting your preferred clay mask onto the skin directly after cleansing. “Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes and gently rinse away with warm water in circular motions,” she says. I’m Umbrian Clay’s No. 1 fan. I’ve talked about it a lot. I am basically its stage mom — I just believe in it so much! Despite a consistent application of retinoid, my chin still likes to surprise me with the occasional pimple when I’m about to get my period. This clay mask boasts a blend of powerfully detoxifying active ingredients (activated charcoal powder and bentonite clay) with nourishing restorative ingredients (shea butter and argan oil) for an overall balancing effect. “The formula is perfect to balance your skin without stripping moisture or being too harsh,” explains our tester. Piskin S, Uzunali E. A review of the use of adapalene for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2007;3(4):621-624.

She explains that clay created from volcanic ash (known as bentonite clay) is particularly effective for oily skin as it absorbs more than its mass in water and oil. Meanwhile, she advises, “Those with drier or sensitive skin types should choose kaolin clay because it doesn’t absorb as much water as other clays.” Though, she notes that removing the mask was a bit of a hassle. “It required a lot of tugging to fully rinse off and took over five minutes to remove,” she says. For a more seamless removal process, we recommend using a sponge to gently scrub the mask off. Ultimately, how long you use your clay mask depends on the mask being used and your skin type. It’s important to remember that clay can be a powerful ingredient, so try to ease into it by starting to use it once a week. Your personal data is processed automatically by FRESH for the purposes of sending personalized communications from FRESH. You should also consider a formula’s additional ingredients when shopping for a clay mask. Extra exfoliating ingredients, like the TK in TK, can help speed the cell shedding process along, while hydration-boosting elements (like shea butter in buttah Charcoal Detox Mask) can prevent irritation.According to Melanie Grant, a facialist and celebrity esthetician, clay masks can do a lot for the skin. “Clay masks thoroughly cleanse pores by lifting impurities to the surface and drying out any existing blemishes,” she explains. “If dull, congested, oily skin is normal for you, I recommend adding a clay mask to your routine.” When deciding between clay mask formulas, Dr. Graf recommends paying attention to the type of clay. “There are four different types of clay that are used in face masks for skin health,” she explains. “Although the types of clay used in skin products are meant to draw out impurities and gently cleanse the skin, some are better than others for your skin type.” Ayer J, Burrows N. Acne: more than skin deep. Postgrad Med J. 2006;82(970):500-506. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2006.045377 Mario Badescu is famous for their pore-clearing, acne-reducing products that aren’t overly aggressive and safe for sensitive skin. We love this Collagen Mask because it's actually formulated for dry skin and works to clarify while also pumping the skin full of hydrating nourishment that ultimately evens texture and smooths fine lines. New Yorkers Should Line Up Behind the City’s Janitors New Yorkers Should Line Up Behind the City’s Janitors