People have been putting on mud since prehistoric times. Not only is the earth soothing, but it’s also rich in skin-nourishing minerals.

Today, the best mud masks for the face blend nature and science for maximum benefits. After only a few minutes of wearing one, you can see a visible improvement. Let’s talk about why.

Are mud masks good for your face?

Yes, mud masks are beneficial for the face. There are masks made for all skin types from oily to dry and sensitive.

Many mud masks are made with Dead Sea silt. Studies show that it’s packed with magnesium that heals the skin and reduces inflammation, making it helpful for clearing up acne. It also improves hydration and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. (1)

Meanwhile, volcanic mud appears to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It’s suitable for treating acne-prone skin and helps purify the complexion.

Another type of mud comes from the moor. It’s loaded with nutrients from plants and offers astringent properties. Then, there is silica mud with bioactives that slow down aging.

You may see clay masks lumped in with mud masks. Let’s look at what clay masks have to offer.

Which is better: a clay or a mud mask?

While mud masks may target all skin types, clay masks tend to be drying. That’s excellent if you have oily or combination skin.

Clay masks also exfoliate and refine pores. They are like sponges that soak up excess oil and dead skin.

Both mud and clay masks are excellent for the face depending on the treatment you desire. As we go through the reviews below, we’ll endeavor to point you in the right direction.

Best Mud Masks for the Face in 2023

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask

What is the best mud mask for dry skin? Beauty experts recommend this one. It’s like bringing the spa into your home.

Unlike some masks, this one won’t dehydrate the skin. It moisturizes and nourishes with Irish moor mud and black Hijiki seaweed.

On the other hand, it will decongest pores with the help of volcanic ash and activated charcoal. It leaves the complexion radiant and smooth.

Reviewers say it has a thick texture that is easier to remove in the shower.

GlamGlow Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask

Everyone’s raving about this mud mask. They gush about how it clears up pimples, blackheads, milia, and more. It’s best for oily skin.

Although it’s described as offering “gentle resurfacing exfoliation”, it seems to feel a bit painful for some, and it leaves the skin bright red. But if you use it at night, your face will have a healthy glow by morning.

The key to success when using a mud mask is to follow the directions and not leave it on too long.

We investigated the ingredients and saw kaolin clay and pumice at the top of the list. Those are powerful natural exfoliants.

But the formula also features anti-aging powerhouses like grapeseed extract, green tea, and lavender.

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment

Another of the best mud masks for acne does more than cleanse pores. It rapidly diminishes redness and irritation, balancing oil production.

Happily, it also gets rid of blemishes, razor bumps, and ingrown hair.

Once you’ve cleansed, smooth on a thin layer and leave it for up to twenty minutes. It’s mild enough to use up to three times per week (if you have oily skin).

AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask

The best face mask for sensitive skin detoxifies without causing dryness. It sucks out impurities and oil while conditioning with vitamin B5 and jojoba seed oil.

It’s made with authentic mud from the Dead Sea. Therefore, the skin benefits from those restorative minerals as well.

It only takes two minutes for the mask to work its magic. Once you rinse with warm water, it leaves the skin brighter and smoother.

Moreover, you can use it as a spot treatment on pimples. Leave it on overnight to minimize the blemish.

Ebanel Magnetic Dead Sea Mud Mask

Which is the best clay mask for blackheads? Well, it’s a Dead Sea mud mask that contains two different clays. It also happens to be magnetic.

It combines kaolin and bentonite clay to suck out impurities and exfoliate. But it does this job in an unusual way.

The base ingredient is iron powder, so the mask smells like metal. If that doesn’t bother you, you’re in for an entertaining experience.

Smooth on a layer of the silky mud. Then, use the included magnet to literally pull the gunk out of your face. It’s a fun variation of a peel-off mask.

Furthermore, it leaves the skin touchably soft and brighter.

Users recommend wrapping the magnet in wax paper or plastic to keep it clean.

Grace & Stella Dead Sea Mud Mask

Who knew a mud mask could smell this good?

As much as we’ve seen it on Instagram and YouTube, you’d think we would’ve tried it before now. It comes sample-sized in those little beauty boxes, too.

It’s noteworthy not just because of the pleasant fragrance but also for how well it improves the complexion. It treats pimples, blackheads, redness, and signs of aging.

It’s the Dead Sea mud and kaolin clay that pull out the impurities. Then, the moisturizers like aloe, shea butter, and sunflower plump and pampered. There’s even soothing calendula to help scars and blemishes heal.

Honest Beauty 3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask

Jessica Alba’s company leaves out those nasty ingredients like parabens, formaldehyde donors, and synthetic dyes and fragrances. All the products are cruelty-free and tested by dermatologists for safety. Therefore, you can relax into the natural goodness.

This mud mask blends activated charcoal, refined white bentonite clay, and Jeju volcanic ash for the ultimate in skin purification. It also has Manuka honey, a potent antimicrobial that speeds up healing.

Reviewers are pleased with how it refreshes the face and diminishes acne.

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Radiance Mud Mask

Here is a clay mask masquerading as a mud mask. It’s suitable for oily skin or the T-zone of combination skin. Otherwise, it’s going to be too drying.

It gets right down to business with kaolin and bentonite to absorb excess oil and cleanse pores.

But then shea butter and coconut oil condition the skin. Lastly, hibiscus and jasmine boost radiance. The attractive fragrance is all-natural from essential oils.

New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask

It’s a best-seller, and it’s paraben-free. Happy users say just a little goes a long way, so the jar lasts for a long time. Take a closer look if you’re on a budget.

The formula uses mineral mud from the Dead Sea instead of clay, allowing the mask to moisturize while it purifies.

Plus, it has essential healing ingredients like calendula, aloe, and vitamin E.

Freeman Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Facial Mask

Freeman makes several different kinds of facial beauty masks. This one has a velvety texture, and it’s gentle enough to use up to three times per week if you have combination or normal skin.

It features mineral mud from the Dead Sea, activated charcoal, and black sugar. The purpose is to exfoliate, pulling out debris and oil without dehydrating the skin. Interestingly, it’s the sugar that helps with hydration.

Users say they see results immediately after using it.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

If it’s been hard to make it into the spa, bring the spa home to you. This mask won a Best of Beauty award from Allure in 2020.

It’s designed for all skin types yet works special magic on oily skin. Tests show it reduces sebum production by almost half. Try it as a spot treatment if you don’t have time for a full facial.

The key is Amazonian white clay. It clears up congested skin and refines pores. But there are also oatmeal and aloe for soothing moisture.

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

We think everyone should try a bubble mask at least once. It’s not just fun to use, but it’s also surprisingly effective.

How does it work? Spread a thin layer on your face (avoiding the eyes) and wait. Within moments, it starts to bubble. After a couple of minutes, the mask will be as foamy as a shaken bottle of soda.

All those little bubbles tingle a tiny bit as they draw out oil and impurities. Once you rinse, the skin feels extra clean.

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Reviewers compare this mask favorably to the GlamGlow Supermud.

It’s a K-beauty product that incorporates volcanic ash from the Korean Jeju islands. The ash is blended with kaolin clay to sweep away debris and sebum.

The whipped texture is surprisingly smooth and gentle. Still, it’s best for oily skin.

Aztec Secret – Indian Healing Clay

Is it a cult favorite or really the best clay face mask? In any case, you’re going to want apple cider vinegar to use this one. That’s because it’s simply dry powder in a jar – you have to mix your own mask.

But this isn’t just any clay; it’s calcium bentonite, known for its potent effect on oily and acne-prone skin.

There are no other ingredients whatsoever. It’s the purest facial mask around.

It only takes five minutes to exfoliate and cleanse. You’ll feel it tightening on the skin.

Don’t leave it on for longer than twenty minutes because it may cause redness and drying. Fortunately, applying moisturizer and waiting half an hour should take care of any side effects.

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask

Here’s the best mud mask for sensitive skin. It’s allergy-tested and free of nuts, gluten, and a long list of artificial ingredients.

Moreover, it’s a peel-off mask, which makes it strangely more satisfying than one that rinses off.

It uses mineral-rich red clay to soak up sebum and debris, purifying the skin. We liked it because it also lessens redness.

It takes about twenty minutes to dry and can be used up to twice per week.

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask

If there were a clay mask that could ensure that your face gets less shiny throughout the day, would you try it? Users have noted a definite improvement after using this mask. They require less blotting and touch-ups.

The active ingredient is a pink-colored clay from Down Under. It reaches deep into pores to pull out toxins and oil.

Plus, there’s witch hazel, an excellent natural astringent that tightens pores. (If you’re on the lookout for toner, try one with witch hazel. It’s not drying like alcohol).

But don’t forget the Kakadu plum, pomegranate, and mangosteen. These three infuse the skin with antioxidants and Vitamin C to brighten the complexion and fade discoloration.

It only takes ten minutes for the mask to leave the skin more radiant.

L’Oreal Paris Skincare Pure Clay Face Mask with Yuzu Lemon

L’Oreal’s drugstore clay masks are inexpensive and targeted to specific concerns. For example, the one with Yuzu lemon sweeps away dead skin to leave the face smooth and soft. It also helps with uneven skin tone, not just texture. It’s hydrating enough to use up to three times per week.

Also, there’s a charcoal mask for dull skin, eucalyptus to soak up oil, seaweed for fewer blemishes, and red algae to decongest pores.

Olay Clay Charcoal Facial Mask Stick

Mud masks can be messy. But what if you could apply it just like roll-on? Olay’s charcoal mask comes in a chunky stick applicator. Draw it across the whole face or only the T-zone; it’s up to you.

The charcoal and kaolin get rid of dead skin and excess oil. Thankfully, the formula has moisturizers and conditioners to plump the skin, too.

Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask

If you enjoy using mud masks, it’s kind of disappointing to have to wait a few days between applications. The solution comes from Cetaphil. Their gentle clay mask can be used daily on oily skin.

It has a creamy texture that’s so smooth it’s hard to believe how well it works. Yet, it contains kaolin, bentonite, and silica for maximum oil absorption and exfoliation.

There’s apple extract and cucumber seed to brighten dull skin and help with hydration, too.

Conclusion

Adding a mud mask to your self-care routine might be exactly what you need for healthier skin. A facial mask can enhance your complexion.

Different masks provide specific benefits like exfoliation, hydration, and diminished oiliness and acne.

We hope you found your new favorite mud mask today. If so, tell us about it in the comments below.

Source:

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02079.x by Proksch E, et al. (2005). Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin, accessed March 5, 2021