Hit reset and try a detoxifying face mask

If your skin is feeling congested and it just doesn't seem to want to play nice, it might be time to hit the proverbial reset button. 

You could book an appointment with your favourite facialist and let 'em have at it, or you could save a few bucks and try a detoxifying face mask from the comfort of your own home. 

If the prospect of the latter has piqued your interest then you're in the right spot, because we've done our research and sorted through a slew of top-rated detoxifying face masks to bring you the cream of the crop.

Browse the best the category has to offer and keep scrolling...

2024's Top 3 Best Detoxifying Face Masks

1. Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask, $54, Sephora
2. Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask, $57, The Iconic
3. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, $29, Adore Beauty

Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask
from $54 at Sephora

If congested, large pores are a problem for you, then this mask is one to try. It utilises a blend of coffee, pink clay and tannins to purify and tighten pores, and to smooth rough, textured skin. 

Key features:

Contains coffee, pink clay and tannins
Purifies and tightens pores
Smooths rough and textured skin
Fragrance-free
Available in 35ml or 75ml

Available at:

• $54 from Sephora
• $68.97 from Revolve

Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask
from $57 at The Iconic

Inspired by the ritual of the cold plunge in Scandinavian sauna, this mask has a cooling effect and includes antioxidant-rich botanicals from extremely cold environments. Plus, after you've worn the mask for 15 minutes, a splash of cool water will transform the formula into a creamy lather, which helps to cleanse away excess oil and impurities on the surface of the skin.

Key features:

Contains cooling clay, snow lotus, alpine willowherb, Green Fusion Complex™, lactic acid and salicylic acid
Purifies and refines pores
Absorbs excess oil
Sloughs away dead skin
Nourishes and conditions the complexion

Available at:

• $57 from The Iconic
• $57 from Sephora

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
from $29 at Adore Beauty

Infused with volcanic extracts from Korea's Jeju island, this K-beauty pick prioritises oil clean-up and pore refinement above all else. The clay mask is cool to the touch and contains AHA and walnut powder to gently exfoliate the skin too.

Key features:

Contains clay, volcanic extracts, AHA and walnut powder
Purifies and refines pores
Cools the complexion
Gently exfoliates

Available at:

• $29 from Adore Beauty
• $29 from Sephora

COSRX Poreless Clarifying Charcoal Mask Pink
from $22.40 at Amazon Australia

Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this colour-changing pink clay mask contains soothing and sebum-controlling calamine, and detoxifying charcoal, to smooth and refine skin in just five minutes.

Key features:

Contain kaolin clay, calamine and charcoal
Smooths and refines the complexion
Formulated for sensitive skin
Soothes skin
Controls sebum production

Available at:

• $22.40 from Amazon Australia
• $32.96 from iHerb
• $39 from Adore Beauty

Go-To The Removalist
from $48 at Go-To Skincare

If most detoxifying masks are too drying for your skin, then let us introduce you to The Removalist. Go-To's kaolin clay-based face mask contains a blend of skin-nourishing ingredients, which leave skin feeling bouncy and hydrated, and looking radiant, while still addressing excess oil production and clogged pores. 

Key features:

Comes with a free silicone applicator
Contains kaolin clay, glycerin, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, willow bark extract and fruit extracts
Enhances radiance
Leaves skin feeling bouncy and nourished
Absorbs excess oil and impurities

Available at:

• $48 from Go-To Skincare

What does a detoxifying face mask do?

A detoxifying face mask helps to draw out impurities, dirt, makeup, excess oil and sebum from the skin in order to improve the overall texture, tone and clarity of the complexion. Detoxifying face masks can include a variety of ingredients, but if you take a closer look at the inkey list most of them will include clay or charcoal, which are both highly absorbent ingredients. Depending on your skin type and your skin's needs you may also encounter detox masks with pre-refining properties, however if your skin is one the drier side we'd recommend looking for a formula that includes at least a few hydrating or moisturising ingredients to avoid drying out your skin instead.

Main image credit: @gotoskincare