Clay Face Masks: Benefits, Best Clays, DIY Recipes and More

• Clay masks are formulated with various types of clay to offer a range of benefits.
• Most clay face masks are primarily suited for oily skin.
• These masks have potent antibacterial properties and are less likely to cause irritation than other types of face masks, such as those that contain charcoal.
• Dry and sensitive skin types should opt for masks made with pink or white kaolin clay as they are gentler.

Clay has been used for a wide array of medicinal and skin care purposes throughout history as it is widely known for its antibacterial and healing properties. Clay face mask products harness the natural benefits of clay to reduce excess oiliness and brighten the complexion.

Clay masks are intended primarily for those with oily or combination skin; clay’s absorptive properties have the potential to dry out and irritate dry or sensitive skin. However, certain clays—such as pink clay and white kaolin clay—are gentle enough for sensitive types.

How Do Clay Face Masks Work?

Clay masks are formulated with one or more different types of clay and a range of additional ingredients, which vary depending on their intended benefits. 

When a mask is applied, these ingredients are absorbed into the skin. As the clay dries, it draws out excess oil, contaminants and toxins from the surface skin, leaving it cleansed and refreshed.

Clay’s potent antibacterial properties are due to the ionic charges and chemical compounds found in clay particles, which create a toxic environment for bacteria.

Benefits of Clay Face Masks

In addition to their antibacterial effects, clay masks offer a number of other potential benefits. They can help control an oily shine, reduce the frequency of breakouts in acne-prone skin and brighten a dull complexion.

Absorbs excess oil

As clay particles are highly absorbent, they can effectively reduce excess sebum from the skin’s surface, alleviating oily skin and mattifying shine.

These masks can also be applied to the T-zone to target oiliness in this area and help balance combination skin.

Prevents breakouts

Clay’s oil-absorbent and antibacterial properties make it an effective treatment for acne-prone skin. Clay particles can prevent blocked pores by drawing excess oil and dirt from the skin’s surface and inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria. 

These combined effects can reduce the risk of breakouts; one study demonstrated that using clay masks 2–3 times per week significantly reduces inflammation in mild cases of acne.

Brightens complexion

A dull complexion is usually the result of an accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. This buildup can be a result of insufficient exfoliation or poor hygiene. Clay masks dissolve this surface debris, leaving skin soft and clean, and revealing a bright complexion. 

Best Clay Face Masks

Clay masks are formulated with a variety of different types of clay, which vary in the range of effects and intended skin care benefits.

The powerful absorbency of bentonite and French green clays has the potential to irritate and inflame dry or sensitive skin by aggressively stripping away its natural oils. For this reason, those with dry and sensitive skin should be selective when using clay masks; masks made with pink clay or white kaolin clay are gentler, and are a better choice.

Some of the common types of clays used to make clay masks and their associated benefits are as follows:

Type of Clay	Benefits	Skin Types
Bentonite	Dramatically reduces oiliness Protective barrier effect  Encourages wound healing	Oily Combination
French green	Dramatically reduces oiliness Powerful exfoliation Encourages wound healing	Oily Combination
Pink	Gently reduces oiliness Mild exfoliation Preserves skin moisture	Normal Dry Sensitive
Red kaolin	Reduces oiliness Mild to moderate exfoliation Effects vary depending on color	Normal, oily or combination
White kaolin	Reduces oiliness Mild to moderate exfoliation Effects vary depending on color	Dry or sensitive

Bentonite clay face masks

Bentonite clay is a beige or off-white clay that forms from volcanic ash. It is especially effective at removing sebum from the skin’s surface, and is therefore an ideal ingredient in masks designed for oily skin. It also enhances the skin’s barrier effect and supports wound healing.

Bentonite clay is slightly alkaline when mixed with water, and has a pH of about 8; human skin typically has a pH of 4–7. To avoid disrupting the skin’s natural balance, bentonite clay masks commonly incorporate acids, such as apple cider vinegar, to reduce their pH.

French green clay masks

French green clay owes its unique color to the presence of iron oxides and decomposed plant matter within its particles. It has powerful bactericidal effects, and is understood to support wound healing.

These masks are known for their powerful oil-absorbing and exfoliating properties, however, compared to other clay masks, they are more likely to cause irritation, and are therefore poorly suited for dry and sensitive skin.

Kaolin clay face masks

Kaolin clay is a silicate clay that is typically formed through chemical erosion. Pure kaolin is white in color, however varying concentrations of iron oxide result in a variety of hues, such as yellow, orange and red.

These colors reflect different chemical compositions, and vary slightly in their effects. White kaolin is the least absorbent variety; red is the most absorbent.

Regardless of color, all types of kaolin clay have milder absorbent effects than bentonite and French green clays, and are least likely to cause irritation or inflammation.

Pink clay face masks

Pink clay is the result of a mixture of white and red kaolin clays. It provides a balance of white kaolin clay’s gentleness and red kaolin clay’s effective oil absorbency and exfoliation.

Pink clay masks effectively cleanse the skin without stripping away its natural oils. For this reason, they can be effective for dry skin, especially when formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin or aloe vera.

Should You Use Clay Face Masks?

If you are looking to control shine, balance an oily T-zone or target a dull complexion, clay masks are an ideal choice. Those with acne-prone skin can also benefit from the antibacterial and oil-absorbent effects of these masks.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for the gentle cleansing and exfoliating effects of pink or white kaolin clay masks. However, you should avoid other types of clays, as they are likely to dry out or irritate your skin. Be sure to also select masks formulated with soothing and hydrating ingredients, such as aloe and ceramides, for added benefits.

How often should you use a clay face mask?

Masks made with hydrating ingredients and gentle clays can be applied every day. For stronger formulations, overuse may severely exacerbate skin dryness over time, causing redness and flaking.

To avoid these side effects, use masks no more than three times per week. Those with especially dry or sensitive skin should limit use to once per week.

How to use a clay mask at home

Clay masks consist of smooth, paste-like formulas that can be applied with a clean brush. Before application, wash your face thoroughly with your regular cleanser. Most masks should be removed after 10–15 minutes.

Clay masks can be rinsed off with water or wiped away with a warm, wet towel. Afterward, apply a hydrating serum and then a moisturizer as an extra measure to avoid any dryness.

Clay face mask burns

Leaving a clay mask on the face for too long can potentially cause painful burns; doing so will result in moisture loss from the skin, leading to irritation and inflammation.

To avoid these side effects, clay masks should always be removed before they completely dry, usually within 20 minutes.

DIY Clay Face Mask Recipe

Clay mask formulas can easily be made at home with natural ingredients. Through the careful selection of clays, oils and other ingredients, DIY masks can be custom tailored to address a variety of skin concerns.

Green clay face mask for oily skin

Try this mask to effectively reduce oil buildup with the absorbent effects of French green clay.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp green clay
• 1 tsp apricot kernel oil
• 3 drops palmarosa essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl to form a paste
2. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
3. Wait 10–15 minutes; wash off with warm water or wipe with a towel

Pink clay and rose face mask for dry skin

Combine pink and white kaolin clay with the moisturizing effects of rose hip powder for a face mask that gently cleanses skin without exacerbating dryness.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp pink clay
• 12 tbsp white kaolin clay
• 6 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1 tsp powdered chamomile
• 1 tsp powdered rose hips
• 6 drops rose essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine both clays and gel in a bowl
2. Add the chamomile and rose hips power, and rose essential oil; continue blending to form a paste
3. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
4. Wait 10–15 minutes; wash off with warm water or wipe with a towel

Kaolin clay and pomegranate face mask for sensitive skin

Care for sensitive skin with a gentle kaolin clay mask formula that incorporates the soothing, anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate and aloe vera.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp pomegranate juice
• 1/2 tsp aloe vera juice
• 5 drops pomegranate seed oil
• 1 tsp white kaolin clay

Instructions:

1. Combine the pomegranate and aloe vera juice, and pomegranate seed oil in a bowl
2. Add the kaolin clay; continue blending to form a paste
3. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
4. Wait 10–15 minutes; wash off with warm water or wipe with a towel

Bentonite clay mask for acne-prone skin

Target acne-prone skin with bentonite clay’s powerful antibacterial and oil-absorbing effects. Apple cider vinegar contributes further antibacterial benefits, and serves to balance out the formula’s alkalinity, making this mask less likely to disturb the skin’s natural pH.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp bentonite clay
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp purified water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl until they form a paste
2. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
3. Wait 10–15 minutes; wash off with warm water or wipe with a towel

Kaolin clay and papaya face mask for aging skin

Combine kaolin clay with the rich antioxidant properties of papaya and citrus for a soothing face mask formula that protects aging skin from free radical damage.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp papaya
• 1/4 tsp fractionated coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp kaolin clay

Instructions:

1. Pureé the papaya until smooth
2. Combine the papaya, coconut oil and lemon juice in a bowl
3. Add the kaolin clay; continue blending to form a paste
4. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush
5. Wait 10–15 minutes; wash off with warm water or wipe with a towel

Alternatives to Clay Face Masks

Other skin care products that can effectively care for oily skin include the following:

• Charcoal masks are known for their oil-absorbing properties and provide an exfoliating effect due to the slightly abrasive texture of charcoal particles
• Salicylic and glycolic acid cleansers contain powerful oil-dissolving ingredients 
• Toners with astringent ingredients, such as green tea and witch hazel, will help to balance oily skin
• Topical retinoid creams have been proven to effectively reduce sebum buildup.

Takeaway

Clay face masks are an effective solution for balancing oily skin, killing acne-causing bacteria and restoring a glowing complexion. They can also be formulated with a range of additional ingredients to address other skin concerns.

Clays are available in several varieties, each with their own unique properties and benefits. Bentonite and French green clays have more powerful absorbing and exfoliating effects; kaolin and pink clays are less effective, but more gentle on skin.

Bentonite and green clays may cause irritation for those with dry or sensitive skin and should only be used on oily or combination skin. Those with dry or sensitive skin should opt for pink or white kaolin clay that includes soothing, moisturizing ingredients.