15 Clay Masks That Won't Dry Your Skin Out

Have you heard? Face masks are one of the most-searched skin care topics worldwide, followed by clay as the top trending ingredient, according to a recent report. Put these two pieces of data together and it’s reasonable to assume that clay masks will be stocked on beauty shelves for the long haul. Considering all the skin benefits clay masks can provide, this news doesn’t really come as a shock. Depending on the formulation, clay masks can help keep pore-clogging dirt at bay, reduce the appearance of pores, refine skin, and increase luminosity. Who wouldn’t want a product like that in their arsenal? 

That said, not all clay masks are created equal. While some formulas can help to draw out pore-clogging gunk and grime, others can be drying and lead to a tight, uncomfortable feeling after use. The key is to find a clay mask that purifies your pores without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. It’s no easy feat, but it’s worth the extra effort. Lucky for you, we went ahead and tackled the hard part already. Ahead, we share 15 must-have clay masks—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—that can hydrate and illuminate your skin.

VICHY MINERAL PORE PURIFYING CLAY MASK

 

This creamy, mineral-rich formula with two ultra-fine mineral clays—kaolin and bentonite, to be exact—helps eliminate excess sebum and impurities. Soothing and hydrating Mineralizing Thermal Water from the French volcanoes is also in the formula, as it is in all Vichy products. The result? Skin that feels purified and soft to the touch immediately after application. In one month, pores look less visible and skin is more balanced.

Vichy Mineral Pore Purifying Clay Mask, $20 MSRP

LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR SHINE CONTROL CLAY MASK

One of the best aspects of clay masks are their ability to absorb excess oil and reduce unwanted shine, and La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Shine Control Clay Mask is no exception. Formulated with gentle clays and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, this clay mask helps reduce shine, purify, and mattify the skin while enriching it with minerals. This unique formula is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types and is free of parabens. To use, apply a thin layer to the skin once or twice a week and leave on for five minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Shine Control Clay Mask, $19.99 MSRP

L’OREAL PARIS PURE-CLAY MASK— DETOX & BRIGHTEN TREATMENT MASK

Beautify your skin in no time flat with this super-charged clay mask formulated with kaolin-, montmorillonite-, and Moroccan lava clays, and enhanced with charcoal. The creamy, non-drying formula can draw out impurities like dirt and pollution, reduce dull skin to increase luminosity, and even out skin’s tone. Immediately, skin looks smoother and brighter with a healthy glow, and with continued use, the skin is clean and detoxified and appears more healthy and beautiful.

L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask— Detox & Brighten Treatment Mask, $12.99 MSRP

GARNIER SKINACTIVE CLEAN+ PORE PURIFYING 2-IN-1 CLAY CLEANSER/MASK

What’s better than a clay mask that can deeply cleanse your pores? A clay mask that can deeply cleanse your pores and can double as a daily cleanser. If you love a good double-duty product, look no further than Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask. As a daily cleanser, this creamy clay-based formula removes surface impurities and purifies pores, and as a detox mask, it draws out impurities like a magnet.

Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask, $7.99 MSRP

KIEHL’S RARE EARTH DEEP PORE CLEANSING MASQUE

 

It’s no secret that pore-clogging debris and dead skin cell buildup on skin’s surface can cause a dull-looking appearance. Kick it all to the curb with this deep cleansing mask. The unique formula—rich in minerals and Amazonian White Clay—helps eliminate surface toxins and purify skin, leaving the appearance of pores minimized and skin refined.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, $30 MSRP 

L’OREAL PARIS PURE-CLAY MASK — CLEAR & COMFORT FACE MASK

Formulated to address skin concerns and leave the complexion balanced, comforted, and perfected, Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort draws out built-up impurities, dirt, and oil from the skin, while leaving the complexion refreshed and comfortable. Over time and with continued use, the skin tone appears more even, skin looks clearer, pores appear decongested, and marks and redness due to imperfections look visibly reduced. 

L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask — Clear & Comfort Face Mask, $12.99 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS CLARIFYING CLAY MASQUE

Safe for all skin types, SkinCeuticals’ Clarifying Clay Masque combines natural earth clays—kaolin and bentonite, to be exact— with a hydroxy acid blend to deeply cleanse the pores and refine the complexion. This unique formula helps decongest pores, lift impurities and oils, and exfoliate the skin. For best results, use this clay mask weekly. 

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, $52.00 MSRP 

BIOTHERM PUREFECT SKIN 2-IN-1 PORE MASK

If you’re looking for a product that promotes visibly smoother, clarified, and brighter-looking skin, Biotherm has just the clay mask for you. Keeping normal to oily skin types in mind, The Purefect Skin 2-in-1 Pore Mask is formulated with white clay and diatomeas, and can help draw out impurities within each pore while micro-exfoliating the skin. Upon use, impurities are gently removed, revealing a brighter and less grainy appearance.

Biotherm Purefect Skin 2-in-1 Pore Mask, $30 MSRP

L’OREAL PARIS PURE-CLAY MASK— EXFOLIATE & REFINING FACE MASK

Are your pores appearing large and congested? Take it as a cue to incorporate pore-minimizing products like L’Oréal Paris’ Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Mask into your regimen. This clay mask aims to remove your everyday impurities without over drying the skin. After just one use, the skin is purified of dirt, oil, and pollution, revealing a cleaner appearance. Over time, you’ll notice your pores looking tighter and minimized. 

L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay— Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask, $12.99 MSRP

L’OREAL PARIS PURE-CLAY MASK— CLARIFY & SMOOTH FACE MASK

 

Often times a gentle cleanser isn’t enough to solve the appearance of uneven, rough skin. Instead, reach for a smoothing clay mask that can shed rough, dead skin cells to promote a texture that feels soft to the touch. Enter: L’Oréal Paris’ Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Mask. The clay-mud mask—formulated with kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava clays and enhanced with yuzu lemon extract—draws out the build-up of impurities, dirt, and pollution. Skin is left with a clean glow and appears fresher.

L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay— Clarify & Smooth Face Mask, $12.99 MSRP 

L’OREAL PARIS PURE-CLAY MASK—PURIFY & MATTIFY FACE MASK

Kick an overly oily complexion to the curb with L’Oréal Paris’ Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Mask. Formulated with kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava clays—plus eucalyptus leaf extract—this clay mask can unclog pores, draw out impurities, reduce shine, and refresh the skin. With continued use, skin looks healthy and re-energized.

L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask— Purify & Mattify Face Mask, $12.99 MSRP

ACNEFREE KAOLIN CLAY DETOX MASK

Use this mask—formulated with kaolin clay, charcoal, vitamin E, and zinc—as both a cleanser or a mask to deeply clean pores and refine skin. Expect the formula to draw out impurities for a fresh-faced look!

AcneFree Kaolin Clay Detox Mask, $7.99 MSRP

GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY SUPREME RENEWING MASK

Want to give your skin a luxurious detox? Then look no further than Giorgio Armani’s supreme skin renewing mask, which is formulated with kaolin clay along with a whole array of regenerating ingredients found in Pantelleria (an island off the coast of Sicily). This deep-cleansing treatment mask will give your skin a radiant boost while mattifying and exfoliating for skin that feels soft and smooth.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Supreme Renewing Mask, $125 MSRP 

BIOTHERM SKIN BEST WONDER MUD 

 

While most masks take at least 15 minutes of your time, this one from Biotherm only takes a fraction of that. In just 3 minutes, this mask will get to work and help deep-clean your skin and unclog pores, topping it all off with a healthy-looking glow. Just a few minutes of your day will get you to cleaner skin.

Biotherm Skin Best Wonder Mud, $54 MSRP

LANCÔME PURE EMPREINTE MASQUE

This white clay mask works is meant to be worn for just five minutes. If your skin is in need of a clean sweep, apply this mask and watch it help remove excess oils and reduce the appearance of pores. Because being on a time crunch is no excuse for an abandoned skin care routine.

Lancôme Pure Empreinte Masque, $36 MSRP 

Editor’s note: To help keep unwanted dryness at bay, follow up with a heaping amount of facial moisturizer after rinsing off your clay mask. We share a few of our favorite moisturizers for every budget, here!