How to Find a Clay Mask for Your Skin Type

Clay masks are hands-down one of the best skincare products to have whenever your skin feels congested or has lost its glow. They’re easy to use, cause little to no side effects, and boast some pretty amazing benefits for all skin types. However, this mask comes in different formulas, each focusing on various skin concerns.

Some clay masks are suited for those with clogged pores, while others work better on dry, mature skin. To help you find your match, here’s a guide to understanding the types of clay and their benefits.

You don’t have to look hard to find bentonite clay. It pops up everywhere in various formats, from powder to peel-off masks. What makes this mud-like substance so beloved is its unparalleled pore-cleansing properties.

When applied to the skin, bentonite clay sucks out excess sebum, oil plugs, leftover makeup, and those itty-bitty pollution particles trapped within your pores. This deep-cleansing action can give a temporary pore-tightening effect, which helps mattify your face. In addition, its high mineral content can also calm down any redness.

Broadly speaking, bentonite clay is reserved for normal to oily skin as it may be too drying for other skin types. If you have combination skin, it’s best to apply this clay mask only on your T-zone.

Those with dry skin types often shy away from clay masks, fearing they might be too harsh. However, kaolin clay helps revive lackluster and tired skin without stripping away essential moisture.

Kaolin clay has a soft, grainy texture from the tiny minerals and crystals. This structure allows it to gently remove dead skin cells, revealing a smoother and more luminous complexion underneath. Moreover, kaolin clay has a relatively neutral pH level (around 5 to 6), meaning it won’t disturb the skin’s lipid barrier.

Many skincare products harness the clarifying power of kaolin clay, including POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Pore Clear Facial Scrub. Infused with salicylic acid and niasorcinol, it clears 99% of acne-causing bacteria, purges blackheads, and brightens your skin. 

Anyone can experience acne, whether it’s a full-face breakout or an occasional spot on your chin at that time of the month. It can be frustrating, but there are treatments to make the whole ordeal more bearable, and Dead Sea mud is one of them.

Face masks with Dead Sea mud are suitable for all skin types because they do everything. The high concentration of salt soothes skin inflammation while also removing impurities. Most importantly, experts have tested the antimicrobial effect of this black mineral mud, proving that it can curb bacterial growth on the skin’s surface.

Moroccan red clay (or Rhassoul clay) is naturally rich in iron oxide – an essential mineral for collagen production. Your skin needs collagen to maintain its elasticity and firmness. Not only that, but iron oxide also helps stimulate microcirculation in the blood vessels, which in turn promotes a healthy, rosy complexion.

Red clay mask benefits those with rough or flaky skin texture, too. The magnesium and potassium inside it helps nourish and maintain the skin’s moisture balance. For extra hydration, add a few drops of essential oils like argan, frankincense, or chamomile.

Green clay has the highest absorption level among all clay types, which is why it’s considered one of the best natural exfoliants. It helps balance sebum production, reduce the appearance of pores, and fade blemishes in one go. However, it may cause heightened sensitivity and flakiness when applied in excess. Skip on it if you have drier or reactive skin types.

Products with green clay can be hard to come by since this type of clay is only available in select regions of the world, primarily France. Charcoal is a great and affordable alternative, which you can find in POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Oil Control Facial Foam. It combines activated charcoal with niasorcinol to effectively soak up oil and decongest pores without any unpleasant tightness.

Clay masks are a nice treat for your skin, especially when it needs a little pick-me-up. If you want to know more about your skin type and current condition, check out BeautyHub PRO quiz! It will provide you with personalized insights about your skin health, such as hydration and pigmentation levels, and give you skincare tips based on the quiz results. 

One last advice: Be careful not to over-mask your face. Limit your use of clay mask to just once or twice a week and don’t keep it on the skin longer than 10 minutes to prevent dryness.