6 Best Clay Masks for Clear Glowing Skin

Masking has become a popular beauty trend that many of us incorporate into our weekly routine. Like most people who strive for a flawless complexion, I am determined to find amazing formulas that transform my skin from dull to fabulous! I have a few drawers full of great products but today’s list features purifying clays that prevent blemishes and improve texture, tone and radiance with anti-aging ingredients and nutrient-rich extracts.

1. GLAMGLOW SuperMud Clearing Treatment (50g $75.00 – beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca)

The price of this popular super mud may be enough to deter most people but if you really want to improve your complexion, GLAMGLOW is definitely worth the splurge.

This particular mask is #1 on my list because it is the most effective clearing treatment I’ve used. After a hectic week, long trip or exposure to harsh weather, this rich, invigorating clay does wonders to resurrect and heal problem skin. It is formulated to refine pores, diminish imperfections, mattify, clarify and fight acne.

In just 20 minutes SuperMud balances pH, dissolves dirt and eradicates harmful bacteria with a potent blend of eucalyptus, aloe leaf, licorice root, cucumber, comfrey leaf, ivy, peppermint and 6 purifying acids.

The Pore Matrix Activated Charcoal extracts toxins, blackheads, whiteheads and oil from the deepest and toughest areas while K17-Clay smooths roughness, reduces the occurrence of ingrown hair, controls shine, brightens and softens.

Due to its potency, I only use this amazing mud when my skin needs it most or as an overnight spot treatment. The jar is not filled to the top and the freshness seal doesn’t quite fit so I cover the top with plastic wrap before fastening the lid.

2. The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask

(75 ml $28.00 – in-store and online at thebodyshop.ca)

This revitalizing vegan mud awakens dull skin and draws out impurities with a blend of Japanese green tea, organic tea tree oil from Kenya and bamboo charcoal.

The decadent clay looks like it was scooped right out of a volcanic hot spring and plopped in a jar. It is loaded with chunky exfoliating particles and natural extracts that flush out dirt and pollutants that cause breakouts, dark spots and scarring. After each treatment my skin feels silky, clean and completely revitalized.

As with most clay masks, this one dries in stiff layers that limit facial movement. If this happens before you’re ready to rinse, spritz with water to moisten the clay. To avoid a messy cleanup, I prefer to wash it off in the shower but you can also use a damp cloth to gently wipe away the residue. Follow-up with a hydrating serum, oil or moisturizer and your skin will feel completely renewed.

3. StriVectin Multi-Action Blue Rescue Renewal Mask

(3.2 oz $49.00 – beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and strivectin.com)

Key ingredients in this rejuvenating mask include blue algae, probiotics, red seaweed, white clay and shea butter. The powerful regenerating cocktail fights wrinkles, boosts radiance, draws out toxins and moisturizes dry skin. As the aquatic extracts begin to work, the color transforms from white to blue.

In just 10 minutes the mask visibly improves clarity, signs of fatigue, large pores, environmental damage and redness without stripping or hardening into a flaky mess.

4. Elizabeth Grant Collagen Re-Inforce 3D and Wonder Effect Retinologist

(50 ml $35.00 – elizabethgrant.com)

If you want a mask that fights daily pollution, UV damage and harsh weather, Collagen 3D is for you. Infused with rooibos tea, pink clay, flavonoid-rich antioxidants, bilberry, sugar cane, lemon, peptides, phyto-collagen and torricelumn - (aquatic vitamins and nutrients,) this creamy formula purges skin of excess oil and impurities. The anti-aging ingredients lift, tighten, contour and fades wrinkles while shea butter and ginseng hydrate, plump and fortify.

Retinologist is enriched with ginger, moringa seed, vitamin C, antioxidants and green clay to balance, detoxify, soothe, brighten and protect against free radicals. It also contains 5 types of retinol that targets large pores, wrinkles, fine lines, uneven texture, sagging and discoloration so skin appears fresh, lifted and youthful. The lush texture does not harden so removal is easy.

5. Mary Kay Clearproof Deep Cleansing Charcoal Mask (4 oz $26.00 – marykay.ca)

I was pleasantly surprised by Mary Kay’s reviving mask infused with activated charcoal, honeysuckle, rosemary and stimulating peppermint. The clay corrects, balances, fades blemishes, calms redness, eliminates bacteria and absorbs excess oil making it very effective for congested, acne-prone skin.

6. 7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud (175g $8.99 – Pharma Plus, Rexall and farleyco.ca)

Montagne Jeunesse was the first mask brand I ever used and since my early teens it has been a staple in my beauty routine. The formulas are replenishing and very affordable.

My favorite has always been the Dead Sea Mud infused with pressed lavender, chopped seaweed, crushed sea salt and fruit oil. In just 15 minutes it unblocks pores, reduces the appearance of mild blemishes, cleanses and boosts your natural glow.

If you want to stock-up on stress relieving, pampering formulas, I also recommend the Charcoal Mud to remove toxins, exfoliate and promote clarity with crushed walnut shells, black lava, spring water and Mediterranean clay. To balance oily skin and prevent pimples, try the Argan Oil Mud, enriched with antioxidants, acai berry and rosehip. These supercharged ingredients bring tired skin back to life so you look and feel amazing!

7th heaven is vegetarian and cruelty-free plus each tube provides up-to 12 uses which is about $1.33 per treatment.

For more great skincare tips check out - 10 Best Serums and Facial Oils for Glowing Hydrated Skin