Looking to refresh and detoxify? These clay masks are ready for the job

We’re here to make the biggest, boldest claim there is. Ready? Masks are the most versatile skin care tool we’ve got in our skin-loving arsenal. It’s big, we know. But what other product is going from hair, to eyes and even gets scientific-backed technology behind it? None, right? 

Masks are a serious wonder-product in our eyes. And while we love a sheet mask, there’s nothing better than the weekly detox that comes with slathering your skin in a hearty helping of a clay mask. Gone are the days of harsh clay masks completely drying out your skin and leaving them in an absolute state. These days, clay masks come packed with a range of nourishing (and often hydrating) ingredients that make them the perfect once-a-week reset. 

Yep, it’s time to light some candles, draw yourself a bath and pour a glass of wine because it’s time for an at-home facial. And if you need your clay masks broken down further into exact skin concern, we’ve got you sorted. 

But for now, let’s see what detoxifying, clarifying nourishment is in store for you with these clay masks…

2024's Top 3 Best Clay Masks

1. Body Blendz Pink Clay Mask , $29.99, Body Blendz
2. Dope Skin.Co Acai Purifying Clay Mask, $39.95, Dope Skin.Co
3. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, $29, Sephora 

Body Blendz Pink Clay Mask 

From $29.99 at Body Blendz

Made from all natural ingredients, this ‘pretty in pink’ clay mask also boasts the Aussie made claim. Created using Aussie kaolin (known for its low non-irritant pH levels), the vegan mask is here to brighten, boost and refine your skin. And if that trio of skin-boosting benefits isn’t good enough, it even contains age-defying papaya extract and lactic acid. Have we just found the fountain of youth?

Key features:

• Pretty pink colour
• All natural ingredients
• Comes with its own silicone applicator 

Available at:

• $29.99 from Body Blendz

Dope Skin.Co Acai Purifying Clay Mask

From $39.95 at Dope Skin.Co

Look, this mask is pretty dope, like literally if you catch our drift. Vitamins B5 and C and niacinamide along with antioxidant-rich acai work to put your blackhead-prone through skin rehab, detoxing it of any impurities the mask gently lifts away nasties, revealing brightened radiant skin beneath. 

Key features:

• Infused with hemp
• Formulated with antioxidant-rich acai 
• Made fresh in Australia 

Available at:

• $35.95 (usually $39.95) from Dope Skin.Co
• $17.48 (usually $25) from Oz Hair and Beauty
• $34.95 from Woolworths

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

From $29 at Sephora 

Smoothing, refining and oil-busting are all in a day's work for this Innisfree pick. ICYMI: Korean skin care is literally top-notch. The formulas are unique and they’re known for being first on the scene. And this mask is literally no different. Adding in texture refining (and gently exfoliating) ingredients such as AHAs and walnut shell powder along with ultra-rare (found nowhere else), mineral-packed Jeju volcanic clusters, that will have excess oil all but a distant memory.

Key features:

• Infused with unique Jeju Volcanic Clusters™
• AHAs and walnut shell powder help refine skin texture
• Targets excess oil production

Available at:

• $29 from Sephora
• $29 from Adore Beauty 

fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask

From $92 at Sephora

If all things Italian are your speed, then you’ll be pleased to know the main purifying ingredient in this mask comes from centuries old mineral-rich Umbrian (Italian region) clay. But the good vibes don’t stop there. Not only is it a fantastic purifying mask, it can also be used as a spot treatment and it even works as an impurity-busting cleanser. Crack out the limoncello to celebrate the multifunctional glory of this mask. 

Key features:

• Three-in-one mask
• Non-comedogenic
• Won’t strip your skin

Available at:

• $92 from Sephora
• $99 from Cult Beauty

Go-To The Removalist

From $48 at Go-To Skin Care

It might come from a seriously fun brand, but this gorgeous mask comes packed with powerful ingredients. And big claims that it’s ‘not like other masks’; we’ve all been there Removalist. But TBH, this Aussie made glory is actually pretty unique. Safe for a seriously wide range (read: every one) of skin types and enriched with antioxidant and soothing benefits. Talk about your Go-To product!

Key features:

• Free-from sulphates and parabens 
• Infused with antioxidant-rich Tasmanian Pepper Berry Fruit Extract 
• Safe for all skin types

Available at:

• $48 from Go-To Skin Care
• $48 from MECCA

Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Deep Retreat Pore Clearing Clay Mask

From $63 at Sephora

It’s purple and it’s fun. But most importantly it’s here to help your skin. Yep, the clever pore-fecting people at Benefit have only gone and done it again, bringing us this seriously hydrating clay mask that pinpoints all the pesky oily spots on your skin as it dries. Its goal? Giving you the insight into where to focus your oil-reducing efforts on. 

Key features:

• Dermatologist-tested
• Dries spotty to show where the oil was
• Formulated with hydrating Sphingolipids

Available at:

• $62 from Sephora 
• $62 from Myer
• $62 from Adore Beauty

Cosmedix Clear Deep Cleansing Mask

From $66 at Adore Beauty

We put a lot of our skin care trust in cosmeceutical brands, why? Because the ‘long after they’re gone’ benefits are just too good. Made without any artificial fragrance, this mask is ready to clarify your skin. This mask has been formulated with a blend of impurity-absorbing kaolin clay and sulphur along with complexion perfecting niacinamide and tea tree oil. Going against the ‘once a week’ masking suggestion, this bad boy is bringing the deep cleansing multiple times a week!

Key features:

• Mattifies skin 
• pH level of 4.53
• Kaolin clay and Sulphur work to draw out oils 

Available at:

• $66 from Adore Beauty
• $69 from Skin Matrix

What is a clay mask good for?

Clay masks are known for their ‘drawing out’ properties, which makes them perfect for getting rid of excess oils and sebum. But why don’t you want your oils sitting around? Because too much oil on your skin contributes to breakouts (amongst other things). So, be sure to clear those pores out and enjoy the mattified texture that comes with a clay mask.

How often should I use a clay face mask?

Get ready to make a self-care ritual, because you’re going to get the best results from your clay mask with once a week use. You can use them more, and of course if the product itself tells you to, go for it! But we recommend only using them once a week to avoid over drying your skin in the detoxifying process. 

Related links: 

• Got time to snooze away the worries? These overnight face masks will have you waking up glowing…
• Tired of sipping on green tea? How about adding it into your trusty face mask instead?

Main Image Credit: @mimiluzon / @kaiagerber