The Best Natural Clay Masks

I am clayzy for clay masks (sorry for that).

Clay has been used for centuries to improve the appearance of the skin. Although contemporary brands do try to utilize the power of science to make new beneficial combinations, sometimes plain old clay is sufficient as a face mask.

Below, I review my favourite expensive and cheap clay masks. Whether you prefer them simple or complex, there’s something on this list for you!

Evanhealy french rose clay mask

Pai Skincare Review (Cruelty-Free, Certified Organic, Vegan, Natural, Clean) - Moisturizer, Serum, Cream, Facial Oil, Eye Cream, Cleanser

I adore this mask!

Composed of only two ingredients (Pink Clay/ Kaolinite, Rhassoul Clay/ Moroccan Lava Clay), this is a fantastic and powerful product to cleanse and exfoliate sensitive skin.

As some with acne-prone skin, this helps settle down and reduce the redness of my spots. As it is very potent, I wouldn’t suggest doing it more than once a week. However, you can always use it as a spot treatment for particular acne spots if needed.

The mask does take a bit of “assembly”, but it’s very easy to do. Just mix together 1 tsp of the mask to 1/2 tsp of water in a bowl, and apply the mixture to your face. I don’t mind doing that bit myself, because it means the product doesn’t contain any preservatives or fillers. It’s just the ingredients you want! Amazing!

For further information on other EvanHealy, be sure to check out my full review of the brand!

Type of Clay: Pink Clay, Rhassoul Clay

Recommended? Yes

Dr. Roebuck’s Uluru Purifying Mask

This mask is a potent blend of Australian Red and White Clay. Each of these clays delivers different benefits, that together help to purify and detox the skin.

The Australian Red Clay, while rich in iron and other essential minerals, also acts as a gentle exfoliant. This leaves my skin feeling soft after I take it off. It also helps remove dead skin, which allows my skin to “glow”.

The Australian White Clay helps to reduce inflammation, and remove excess oil from the skin.

I find this mask incredibly effective at keeping my skin blemish-free and supple. It tingles pleasantly when applied, but I never find it irritating. As someone with sensitive skin, I have never been left blotchy or with “tight” skin after using this past.

I find this mask leaves me with noticeable results, and it is gentle enough to use 2-3 times a week.

My only suggestion is to put this mask on while wearing an old shirt, or a robe that you can remove. It can stain, so just be aware of that when using it.

Overall, this is a definite standout product that I have repurchased it more than once.

If you’re curious about Dr. Roebuck’s, read my entire. review of the brand!

Price: $ $ $ $

Type of Clay: Australian Red Clay, Australian White Clay

Other Star Ingredients: Desert Harvest

Recommended? Yes

Now European clay powder

The only ingredient in this clay mask is Montmorillonite.

Given its simplicity, it’s no surprise that this is a cheap clay mask. While different stores sell it at different price points, I have never spent more than $10.00 on it. It also takes a long time to get through a bottle.

You can use this mask on its own with the addition of water, but something that is nice about it is its versatility. You can add various essential oils or extracts to it, in order to tailor it to your skincare needs. I personally like adding blue tansy oil, tea tree oil, or Vitamin E.

For a basic clay mask, you NOW know you don’t need to look any further than this!

Price: $ $ $ $

Type of Clay: 100% Montmorillonite Clay

Recommended? Yes

Province Apothecary Detoxifying + Clarifying Cay Mask

If you love clay masks, then this is the the clay mask.

Featuring no less than 4 different types of clay, this face mask really detoxifies pores, and helps the skin become overall more clear and smooth.

This clay mask is very potent, and it deeply cleanses the skin. I wouldn’t recommend it for people with very sensitive skin. However, one way to make it less reactive would be to mix in honey (instead of water) with the mask. That’s the way I personally like to use it.

I definitely notice my pores looking smaller, and my skin looking smoother, after use. It’s a deep cleanser, for sure!

Province Apothecary even includes a list of suggested customizations for this mask on their website, depending on the needs of your skin. However, it does work beautifully on its own, if you don’t have access to the other ingredients mentioned.

All in all, despite the price tag, this is a very good mask that delivers noticeable results.

Price: $ $ $ $

Type of Clay: Rhassoul Clay, Kaolin Clay, Bentonite Clay, BC Glacial Marine Clay

Other Star Ingredients: Canadian Algae, Maple Syrup

Recommended? Yes

Lush Cosmetics Mask of Magnaminty

Photo courtesy of Lush Cosmetics official website.

Lush Cosmetics has Mask of Magnaminty as its “Cult Classic” (their words) face mask, and with good reason.

This cooling mask combines kaolin clay and peppermint oils to help clear out your pores of pesky dirt and debris. It leaves skin feeling refreshed and tingly after use.

The addition of honey helps to hydrate and soothe the skin despite the other heavy-duty cleaning out ingredients. The mask also acts as an exfoliant, due to its inclusion of aduki beans.

If you’re a fan of mint, you’ll adore the scent of this mask, which is strong enough to evoke a Moroccan tea salon.

I will note that the aduki beans can be a bit harsh for people with very sensitive skin. If you have very reactive skin, it may be wise to skip out on this mask. Otherwise, it works well to leave skin soft and glowing, and I recommend giving it a try!

Price: $ $ $ $

Type of Clay: Kaolin Clay

Other Star Ingredients: Honey, Peppermint Oil, Aduki Beans

Recommended? Yes

Skin Essence Facial In A Jar

For a soothing clay mask that is perfect for extremely sensitive and reactive skin, this is a good option.

This clay mask features oats and marshmallow root, which help to soften and soothe the skin. It also has jasmine oil, which gives it a floral scent.

I find this mask is suitable to use more than once a week since it’s so gentle. I find it very hydrating, and calming on my skin.

Something that I like about tis mask is that the oats act as a natural exfoliant. When removing the mask, I make sure to lightly rub my face in circles to help remove any dead skin cells.

I do find the mask a bit “messy” in the sense that it isn’t the easiest to apply evenly. However, I suspect that is a result of the oats. As long as you have some patience, it isn’t too much of an issue.

In essence, this is a good clay mask option for those with sensitive skin, or who find clay masks on their own too drying. The addition of the other ingredients help make it suitable to a wider range of skin types, and I personally really like that!

Type of Clay: Kaolin Clay

Other Star Ingredients: Marshmallow Root, Oats, Jasmine Oil

Recommended? Yes

Scrub Inspired Matcha Mud Face Mask

Matcha isn’t just for your tea anymore!

This face mask uses matcha tea, rice flour, and wintergreen essential oils, as key ingredients to aid in the benefits already offered by the French green clay.

The mask also has a very pleasing scent, that isn’t too strong. The matcha also acts as a gentle exfoliator, which is great for ensuring skin looks soft and refreshed.

The one thing I didn’t love about this mask was that I found it difficult to spread evenly. It clumped up quite easily, and I had to spend some more time than usual applying it. I want to play around with adding in some drops of essential oils or Vitamin E to see if that solves the problem.

All in all, this is a nice face mask, that is perfect for anyone who likes matcha. I find the scent soothing, and I also enjoy the combination of ingredients in the mask - you get far more than simply the benefits of French green clay!

Price: $ $ $ $

Type of Clay: French Green Clay

Star Ingredients: Matcha Tea, Rice Flour, Wintergreen Essential Oil, Vitamin E

Recommended? Yes