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Dealing With Oily, Acne-Prone Skin? A Clay Mask Should Be Your Next Investment
They’re basically a magical potion for breakouts.
If I could give an award to one product that has greatly assisted me on my journey to achieving clean, smooth, acne-free skin, it would definitely be a clay mask. Typically reserved for self-care pampering days or silly Instagram selfies, you might only see its crackly, flaky gray veil, but clay masks are touted as an effective method to eliminate any impending breakouts.
“Clay masks are primarily used to cleanse, detoxify, and balance the skin. They remove dirt, oil, and accumulated dead skin cells on the surface. Clay masks also help to remove toxins that could be causing breakouts,” says Joelle O’Connor, a New Jersey-based licensed esthetician at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Perhaps its most important benefit is balancing excessive sebum (oil) production to pull out impurities for those with oilier skin, which typically results in breakouts.
Our picks for the best clay masks of 2025
No matter the skin type, clay masks can help smooth, refine, and unclog the skin—all it takes is the right formula. Many elixirs include popular clays like kaolin or bentonite, but several options marry the detoxifying powers with exfoliating, brightening, and hydrating ingredients to bring you a step closer to the skin of your dreams. While integral to achieving healthier skin, we’re not saying these types of masks should completely substitute the other important steps in your routine—cleansers, serums, and sunscreen are all still essential skin care products to invest in. However, if you veer on the oilier side and you’re in need of another soldier, look no further than these top-rated clay masks listed below.
After perusing our personal stash and polling a skin expert, we sourced the 14 best clay masks to completely transform your skin.
Pros
- Refines pores and reduces acne breakouts
Cons
- Requires a moisturizer after using
Clogged pores and congested skin are no match for this Kiehl’s clay mask. As the name suggests, the formula seeps deep into the pores to sap up excess oil and minimize the look of pores for smoother, clearer skin. Clay masks can be extremely drying, but this one is packed with calming and moisturizing aloe.
Key ingredients: Kaolin clay, bentonite clay, aloe
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I have acne-prone skin, which is the result of too much oil and bacteria building up under my skin’s surface. This clay mask is my go-to warrior to eliminate any and every threat to the clear skin I desire. At the onset of a breakout, I immediately go in with a thin, even layer of this formula. By the time I wake up, my skin is smooth, and whatever bump I had forming flattens.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Gently buffs skin
Cons
- Some users note the scent can be overwhelming
Facial scrubs are typically frowned upon because many contain harsh microbeads that do more damage than good. However, Bioelements’ version is one your skin will love. Think of it as a gentle buffer for your face; jojoba beads provide soft exfoliation, while kaolin clay clarifies the skin. Elsewhere in the formula are aloe and colloidal oatmeal to calm the skin.
Key ingredients: Jojoba beads, ginseng, zinc sulfate, kaolin clay,
Biolements rating: 4.8/5 stars
Our expert says: “This very cool scrub/mask combo harnesses a combination of gentle exfoliating and oil balancing ingredients. Natural jojoba beads provide very gentle surface exfoliation for refined pores and texture. A calming combo of aloe, colloidal oatmeal, and allantoin help to nourish the skin and prevent irritation. The star of the show, kaolin clay, helps to absorb oil, revealing a more luminescent, glowing complexion. After applying, I love to massage gently in circular motions around my face and then leave it to penetrate.”—Joelle O’Connor, licensed esthetician at Schweiger Dermatology Group
Pros
- Lactic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells
Cons
- May not be best for dry skin
In addition to clarifying volcanic ash clusters, this mask utilizes the powers of lactic acid to slough away dead skin cells, unveiling smoother and brighter skin over time.
Key ingredients: Volcanic ash clusters, AHA (lactic acid)
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This mask has taken permanent residence in my travel cosmetics bag. Traveling frequently sometimes wreaks havoc on my skin, but this mask—powered by lactic acid—calms and reduces any bumps forcing their way through.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Improves radiance and firmness
Cons
- Some users note the scent can be overwhelming
Beyond the fun, cute pink hue, this Caudalie mask is anchored by caffeine and pink clay—comprised of kaolin and bentonite—to firm and tighten skin, and impart radiance.
Key ingredients: Pink clay, caffeine
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I didn’t want to like this because of the price, but it completely cleans out my pores and leaves my skin feeling SO soft and clean. I’m gonna have to invest in the full size.”
Pros
- Pore-refining
Cons
- May not be best for super sensitive skin
Masking should be a pleasing experience, and this Fenty Skin mask brings out your childlike wonder. The formula starts white with black microbeads. As you massage the mixture into your face, the beads dissolve to create a light gray color. Fun aside, the mask is made up of salicylic acid, charcoal, and clay, all working to extract impurities and refine pores.
Key ingredients: Clay, charcoal, salicylic acid
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I love using face masks, and I urge almost everyone I come into contact with to use them as well. If not for the skin care benefits, then at least for the sheer luxury of it all. Recently, I used this mask on a friend who was a bit weary about trying clay masks—or masks in general. We sat and watched as the mask turned from a light creamy gray color to a dark charcoal hue as it dried and hardened. Once removed, I asked him how he felt, and he replied excitedly, “Radiant!” The mask is a staple in mine, and probably now his, skin care routine. The exfoliating charcoal beads erupt as you massage the skin and feels so satisfying. The mask leaves the skin feeling clean without stripping it completely. I use it at least once every week or so.”—Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
Pros
- Comes with sponge for easy application
Cons
- Not best for dry skin
The star of any La Mer product is its soothing Miracle Broth, but in this composition, it’s easily the Pretoxifying ferment, which combines charcoal, sea salt, and antioxidants. For the Deep Purifying Mask—an ELLE First Class Beauty winner—the ingredients polish the skin and pull out impurities to ensure smooth and soft skin.
Key ingredients: Miracle Brother, pretoxifying ferment, infused stone matrix
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This purifying mask is amazing! You can feel it pulling out the impurities from your skin. A little bit goes a long way. The included brush and sponge are a great bonus.”
Pros
- Calms active acne
Cons
- Some users note it can be hard to spread evenly
While not technically a clay mask, this acne-fighting formula contains sulfur, which acts in a similar way by reducing oil production and calming acne. Additionally, the mask comprises hypochlorous acid to kill acne-causing bacteria and azelaic acid to brighten skin.
Key ingredients: Colloidal sulfur, hypochlorous acid, azelaic acid
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This mask has been great for managing my acne. I get small clusters of pimples and an occasional deep pimple so I love that this can be used as a mask or a spot treatment. It does have a slight sulfur smell, but I am okay putting up with that for the results it offers!”
Pros
- Cooling sensation
Cons
- May not be best for super sensitive skin
Besides extractions, the best part of a facial is easily the cooling face mask at the end. This mask is both cooling in temperature and in formulation, powered by exfoliating AHAs, peptides, and now for the cooling, bentonite clay. Unlike other clay masks, this one dries down to a comfortable stiffness that unveils refined, smooth-to-the-touch skin after rinsing it off.
Key ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs, silk peptides, colloidal silver, bentonite clay
An ELLE editor says: “I was able to experience the beauty of this calming mask first-hand at a recent Silver Mirror facial and couldn’t wait to try it again at home a few days later. I love clay masks, particularly for the immediate tightening effects, but this version slightly tightens while simultaneously refining the skin via AHAs. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I can already see this formula becoming a key player in my starting lineup.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Can be used for skin and hair
Cons
- Feels extremely tight once dry
You were likely introduced to this mask through a YouTube hair video or a DIY at-home mask tutorial, which proves just how versatile this mask is. The beauty of this mask is that it arrives in powder form, so you can mix it with water for your face, or apple cider vinegar for your hair.
Key ingredient: Bentonite clay
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I recently tried this clay mask, and I’m absolutely thrilled with the results! After just one use, my skin felt cleaner, softer, and looked visibly brighter. The mask goes on smoothly and dries evenly, making it easy to wash off without leaving any residue. I love that it absorbs excess oil but doesn’t leave my skin feeling overly dry.”
Pros
- Ashwagandha soothes the skin
Cons
- Small portion
You’re likely taking spirulina and ashwagandha along with your morning supplements, so you can imagine just how good the duo is for your skin. Ashwagandha offers a calming sensation as the volcanic ash and clays (bentonite, Mediterranean sea clay, and two versions of kaolin) detoxify and purify deep into your pores.
Key ingredients: Volcanic ash, Mediterranean sea clay, kaolin clay, bentonite clay, ashwagandha, spirulina, honey
Revolve rating: 5/5 stars
A Revolve reviewer says: “I can feel this detoxing while it dries, and it didn't make my face feel stripped or dry, love it!”
Pros
- Gentlly exfoliates the skin
Cons
- May not be best for super sensitive skin
Facial scrubs are a tricky thing to navigate. Abrasive formulas can cause micro tears in the skin, making it susceptible to bacteria and breakouts. This formula from Chanel features tiny, gentle microbeads—made from camellia seed shells and jojoba beads—to deeply cleanse and refine the skin.
Key ingredients: White clay, camellia seed shells, jojoba bead
Chanel rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Chanel reviewer says: “Perfectly moisturizes and refreshes the skin.”
Pros
- Calms skin post-treatment
Cons
- Some users note that it can sting for a bit
We may not all be able to book a facial with celebrity esthetician Shani Darden, but this clay mask, inspired by the one she uses post-treatment in her sessions, is just a tiny preview of what clients experience. The mask aims to calm the skin, no matter what it’s enduring, and does this with a blend of colloidal oatmeal, squalane, kaolin and bentonite clay.
Key ingredients: Squalane, kaolin clay, bentonite clay, colloidal oatmeal
Shani Darden rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Shani Darden reviewer says: “Any time my face feels itchy and starts getting hives, I use this product after washing my face and the problems go away!!
Typology P74 - Radiance Mask with Yellow Clay + Organic Turmeric
Pros
- Addresses dullness and texture
Cons
- May not be best for super sensitive skin
You know all those DIY brightening turmeric face mask tutorials you’ve likely seen on your socials? Well, Typology did all the work for you to create a more refined, luxurious version. In this composition, turmeric connects with yellow clay, mango butter, and lemon verbena water to polish and refine the skin while brightening it.
Key ingredients: Turmeric, yellow clay, mango butter, lemon verbena water
Typology rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Typology reviewer says: “I have renewed this purchase because I am satisfied with it. I have better skin texture and less inflammation in pimples. The tube lasts a few months even though it’s relatively small, because you don’t need to use a ton.”
Pros
- Calming, natural ingredients
Cons
- Can feel extremely tight at times
Everything from Bather Skin is made with natural ingredients that soothe and heal the skin. The Palm Trees face mask detoxifies and exfoliates the skin using spirulina, French clay, and papaya enzymes. After a few minutes, your skin feels softer and looks brighter.
Key ingredients: Spirulina, marine collagen, French clay, papaya enzymes
An ELLE editor says: “As a control freak, I appreciate products that allow me to manage how much product I actually need to use. This mask is one of my favorite weekly treats, as it tightens my skin and seeps into it to eliminate any congestion or impurities. Plus, the cool green hue it dries to makes the experience even more fun.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
What skin types benefit most from clay masks? Who should stay away?
The good thing is that clay formulas are beneficial for skin types across the board, but not all clay masks are made equally. “While it is great for everyone, it works especially well for those with excess oil production. White clay, or kaolin clay, is a very fine soft clay, which is gentle and smooth on the skin, making it ideal for normal to dry skin,” Joelle O’Connor, licensed esthetician says.
“Green clay is valued for its mineral content, which makes it highly anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and balancing to calm and soothe redness and inflammation from acne. Pink clay is a combination of both red and white clay that is highly mineralized, making it great for clarifying and brightening. Plus, it gently draws out impurities and absorbs excess oil production, which helps to improve skin tone and texture,” she adds.
How often should you use a clay mask?
Because it’s commonly used to sap up excess oil, clay masks can be very drying. O’Connor advises to start off by using a mask “once a week for a few weeks and graduating up to using no more than two to three times per week,” she says.
Normally, we’d wait until a mask fully dries to remove it, but clay masks are the exception. “One important thing to remember is to not let the clay mask dry fully on the skin, as that can cause increased dryness and be difficult to remove. [Let the mask sit for] no more than 10 to 15 minutes, and use warm water to remove and rinse in a gentle, circular motion,” she shares.
Meet the Experts
Joelle O’Connor is a New Jersey-based licensed esthetician at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
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