7 of the Best Clay Masks That Won’t Dry Your Skin Out

Don’t get us wrong: Clay masks are great, but many can leave the skin feeling parched and dry. Sound familiar? Don’t fret. Ahead, we’re sharing a few of the best clay masks—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—that won’t dry out your skin.

Face masks are one of the most-searched skin-care topics worldwide, followed by clay as the top trending ingredient. 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 seven must-have clay masks to get your hands on STAT. 

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.

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.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Shine Control Clay Mask

One of the best aspects of clay masks is their ability to absorb excess oil and reduce unwanted shine, and this 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.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask — Detox & Brighten Treatment

Deep clean  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.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

Safe for all skin types, the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque combines natural earth clays — like kaolin and bentonite t— 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.

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.

Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask

This vibrant purple mask does a whole lot more than just look Instagram-worthy on your face — its clay is chock-full of AHAs, witch hazel and vitamin E. It works not only to detoxify the skin and suck out imperfections but also to brighten and even out the skin tone with every use.

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