6 Face Masks for All Types of Oily Skin

Raise your hand if you have a love-hate relationship with your oily skin. On the one hand, your skin is naturally dewy and well-lubricated, and you rarely have to deal with dry patches and flakes. On the other hand, your oily skin is more prone to breakouts, clogged (and enlarged) pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and the like. Oh, and let’s not forget that damn oil slick drawing attention to your T-Zone by midday. If your oily skin makes you self-conscious, drives you up the wall, or makes you feel slighted by the skin care gods, we totally get you. That’s why we’re here to help! You see, a big plus to shiny skin (aside from the age-old rumor that oily skin can age better than other skin types), is experimenting with the sheer number of clay masks at your disposal in drugstores and department stores alike. What’s more: They’re fun, easy to use, and can target your biggest oily skin concerns. Below, we’re sharing the face masks for all types of oily skin that we have put to the test and deliver amazing results. Whether your oily skin is covered in pimples or even a little bit sensitive, there’s a mask out there to help save the day!

For oily skin that likes to multitask: Garnier Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask

Attention all multi-taskers! This creamy clay-based formula—infused with charcoal—multitasks as a cleanser and a mask to draw out impurities like a magnet. When used as a detox mask, skin will feel deeply cleansed, impurities will meet their fate down the drain, and luminosity will reign supreme. Win-win-win.

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

For oily skin that’s a little bit sensitive: Vichy Pore Purifying Clay Mask

Believe it or not, even oily skin can get sensitive sometimes—and that can be a real struggle, to say the least. You’ll need to find products that are powerful enough to wash away the excess sebum and impurities lingering on your skin without upsetting its natural balance or causing irritation. If excess shine is your issue, but harsher formulas for oily skin typically cause an adverse reaction, try this gentle mineral face mask by Vichy with a formula that combines two ultra-fine white clays with the brand’s exclusive Mineralizing Thermal Water. It’ll help eliminate excess sebum, purify pores, and soften skin, while also maintaining (and strengthening!) the skin’s moisture barrier function. 

Vichy Pore Purifying Clay Mask, $20

For oily skin that’s really damn oily: SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque 

If your skin looks as oily as a pizza pie before noon rolls around, you’ll need more than blotting papers to get you out of that mess. Incorporate this non-drying masque into your routine to help decongest pores, lift impurities, and remove unwanted grease. But don’t worry—it’s not too harsh on the skin. The formula—infused with kaolin and bentonite earth clays—balances its hydroxy acid blend with aloe and chamomile to calm and soothe the skin, as well.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, $51

For oily skin with enlarged pores: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

Fact: People who have naturally oily skin tend to have larger-looking pores. Basically, when dirt, excess sebum, and impurities pile up on the skin’s surface, it can form a clog. When not properly cared for, these clogs can make pores appear large-and-in-charge, and eventually lead to blackheads and blemishes— and it’s fair to assume that no one wants that! Thus, the key is to kick these clogs to the curb before they have a chance to do any harm. That’s where Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque comes in. It’s formulated with Amazonian White Clay and can gently draw out oil, dirt, and toxins from skin’s surface to. To use, apply a thin layer of Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque and leave on your face for approximately 10 minutes. Once dry, gently remove this masque using a warm, wet towel, then pat dry. For best results, reach for this mask once or twice per week. 

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, $28 

For oily skin that’s dull and tired-looking: L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten Treatment Mask

Formulated with charcoal and three pure clays—kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava clay—this mask can help address your oily skin concerns. The formula cleanses pores and captures deep impurities to leave skin purified, even, and radiant-looking. After just one application, notice skin that looks brighter with a healthy-looking glow, and with continued use over time, the skin is clean as if detoxified, and appears more beautiful.

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

For oily skin that’s irritated: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

There are tons of innocuous things that can throw your skin for a loop. Chief among them are a hot bath, repetitive sun exposure, chlorine, windburn, and even a workout. For some temporary comfort and relief, reach for SkinCeuticals’ Phyto Corrective Masque formulated with highly-concentrated botanical extracts, a calming dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid. It cools on contact, comforts skin, and helps restore natural radiance and smoothness.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque, $55