It’s important to note, though, that different types of clay may have somewhat different effects on the skin—and your personal skin sensitivity may dictate which type you seek out. “White kaolin clay is one of the mildest options because it is less absorbent than other clays. It provides gentle exfoliation while softening the skin and is a good option for those with sensitive skin or first-time clay mask users,” says Dr. Adams. “Bentonite clay, on the other hand, is highly absorbent and ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. It has antibacterial properties as well.” To prevent over-drying, proper application of a clay mask is also crucial, says Nichola Weir, holistic esthetician and founder of Pacific Touch NYC. “Remove the mask when it just starts to dry along the edges—don’t let it dry fully,” she says. “While the mask is still damp, your skin is able to absorb the minerals from it, but once it’s hard, it’s actually drawing moisture out of your skin.” Using clay to relieve a variety of skin-related maladies goes back thousands of years—and our love for this mineral-rich mud has never been stronger, with countless clay masks lining beauty shelves claiming to suck pores clean, banish that oily sheen, and eliminate acne once and for all. But what is it about clay that’s so darn special, particularly for oily, acne-prone skin? Here, learn all about clay’s skin-clarifying benefits, what other ingredients to look for in a clay mask to boost its effectiveness, and our top clay mask product picks. Botanical extracts like green tea, chamomile, calendula, lavender, and turmeric are also great for their skin-soothing properties3, says Dr. Adams, along with vitamins C and E, which are anti-inflammatory. Now, onto six of the best clay masks on the market: Sulfur Mask, Roccoco Botanicals ($46) Australian Pink Clay Mask, Sand & Sky ($49.90) Bright On Massage-Activated Vitamin C Mask, Farmacy ($38) Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask to Purify and Nourish, Origins ($34) Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Mud Mask, Shea Moisture ($19.10) Exfoliating Clay Mask, Burt’s Bees ($15) Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask, Biossance ($39) French Rose Clay Mask, Evanhealy ($27) Pacific Glacial Clay Detoxifying Mask, True Botanicals ($75) Deep Cleansing Facial Masque, Grown Alchemist ($39) Kaolin Clay, The Inky List ($6.99) No Plans Desert Rose Mask, Eight Saints ($40)
