Every clarifying face mask worth its wages includes at least one of these three skincare heroes: clay, charcoal, and/or mud. You would be forgiven for getting the three ingredients mixed up. They look very similar, and without delving into too much research, it’s easy to think that they do the same too.
But clay, charcoal, and mud actually have very different effects on the skin and each work better on particular skin types. So, let’s break it down. Clay masks are best for owners of oily and breakout-prone skin as clay is a natural skin drying agent. If you’re a seasoned clay mask user, you’ll know the vitamin rich formulas are best for unclogging and detoxing congested skin in minutes.
Mud, on the other hand, is a skin healer and is water-based, making mud masks best for hydrating the skin rather than drying it. But that doesn’t mean they are only useful when used on dry skin; mud masks can be used to detoxify all skin types, leaving a dewy, facial fresh glow.
Charcoal masks come in all shapes and sizes, from sheet to clay base, but they’re all the boss at tackling blackheads and oily patches. Charcoal acts as a magnet on the skin, attracting dirt, oil, and daily grime from the surface of your pores, stopping fresh blemishes from forming.
Now, let’s find the clay, charcoal, or mud mask for you…
By BEAUTY BAY Skin Fixer Clay Mask
Mask Type: Clay
Super affordable, super cute, and super effective, the Skin Fixer Clay Mask is ideal for refining oily, breakout prone, and stressed skin in need of a little TLC. Formulated to help mattify the complexion, the clay mask is made with a trio of clays packed with naturally occurring minerals and boosted with exfoliating PHA to absorb excess oils, clarify the skin, and decongest pores. The Skin Fixer Clay Mask can be mixed with any of the By BEAUTY BAY SkinHit serums to customise and suit your skin’s needs.
Revolution Skincare Charcoal Purifying Mask
Mask Type: Charcoal and mud
Talk about unmasking your best skin! Revolution Skincare’s Charcoal Purifying Mask has a mud mask base with charcoal infused making it a double threat against any trouble makers on your skin. Combining the cleansing power of activated charcoal with the detoxifying effects of mud, the mask also features AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid to chemically exfoliate the skin while targeting hyperpigmentation, dullness, and the appearance of pores.
Carbon Theory Charcoal and Tea Tree Oil Mineral Breakout Control Facial Wet Mask
Mask Type: Charcoal and mud
Carbon Theory know how to bring a breakout to its knees and their Charcoal and Tea Tree Oil Mineral Breakout Control Facial Wet Mask is an essential weapon in the battle against acne, oily skin, and clogged pores. The detoxifying mud mask is infused with activated charcoal to draw out dirt and unclog pores, mineral rich mud to replenish the skin, and the day one acne enemy, tea tree to kill bacteria and fight inflammation with its antiseptic properties.
Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying & Hydrating White Charcoal Mud Mask
Mask Type: Charcoal and mud
The staff at BEAUTY BAY HQ are big fans of the Detoxifying & Hydrating White Charcoal Mud Mask’s work thanks to its hydrating and detoxing effects on pretty much every skin type. Made with white charcoal, the mud mask works in the same way a regular charcoal mask would but without being overly harsh on dry and sensitive complexions. Plus, the built-in sponge applicator will change the way you apply and target breakouts.
Aēsop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque
Mask Type: Clay
Aēsop are the bouj Australian brand that we cannot stop recommending and you’ll be the same once you’ve slathered their Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque over your face. Hailed as the ultimate quick fix to a bad breakout, the mask has a purified clay base to draw out impurities from the pores and infused aloe vera to keep skin from tightening and becoming more stressed. If you aren’t already sold, the added nourishing antioxidant boost from rosehip and parsley seed extracts are sure to help you to the checkout.
Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask
Mask Type: Clay
An OG of the clay mask category, Sand & Sky’s Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask is the clay mask that all other clay masks have to live up to. The mask is made with Australian Pink Clay collect toxins from the skin while deeply cleansing, tightening pores, and waving away congestion and breakouts. Added kelp and witch hazel refines pores and soothes irritation while Kakadu plum brightens for glowy finish skin.
Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask
Mask Type: Mud
Harvested in the Irish countryside, Peter Thomas Roth’s Irish Moor Mud Mask has an exceptionally high level of organic content that your skin is going to guzzle. The purifying mud works to draw out dirt, oil, and impurities from within the pores to banish blackheads without stripping and drying the skin. Infused with hijiki seaweed to hydrate skin and a blend of volcanic ash and activated charcoal, both rich in healing minerals, to tackle free radicals and leave skin clear and fresh.
