6 Detoxifying Clay Masks To Draw Out Deep Impurities

Evidence of the Aztec’s lathering clay onto their skin as part of beauty rituals dates back as far as 4,000 years. Fast forward to the present day, and mineral-rich clay masks have well and truly secured their seat at the skin care heavy-hitters table.

Best known for their ability to draw out oil, dirt and other impurities, clay masks make way for clear skin and unclogged pores in as little as a 10 minute session. Not to mention, they make the best accessory for a cute ‘self-care Sunday’ selfie. 

However, when it comes to these congestion-fighting masks, there’s clay and then there’s clay. 

While some products boast the usual detoxifying benefits, they can also leave behind dryness and irritation. And others, formulated with a far higher quality clay, mixed with soothing botanicals and hydrating vitamins, will make for a far more gentle exfoliation. Leaving the skin clean, not cleaned out.

Here are our top six picks of the best detoxifying and skin brightening clay masks on the market…

2024’s Top 3 Clay Masks 

1. L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Anti-Blemish Mask, $19.99, Priceline
2. Sukin Naturals Pink Clay Masque, $9.46, Amazon Australia
3. Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Clay Mask, $23.49, Swisse

L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Anti-Blemish Mask

From $19.99 at Priceline

We say: Clay masks are known for their oil-absorbing properties. Pair that with breakout-prone skin and you’re onto a winning combo. Formulated with not one, not two, but three different types of clay, this mask is here to soak up all the unwanted oil, while leaving your skin fresh and rebalanced. 

Want to read more? Read L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Anti-Blemish Mask Reviews here…

Key features:

• Formulated with three clays 
• Marine algae extract cleanses blackheads
• Designed to rebalance skin

Available at:

• $19.99 from Priceline
• $7.95 (usually $19.95) from Cosmetic Capital

Sukin Naturals Pink Clay Masque

From $9.46 at Amazon Australia

We say: Sukin’s Pink Clay Masque, formulated with aloe vera and cucumber, will nourish delicate skin by gently drawing impurities and environmental pollutants to the surface. The result? Skin that’s radiant and clear.

You say: “I LOVE LOVE LOVE this mask. I don’t usually see an immediate difference when using face masks but every time I wash this one off, my skin looks so much brighter.” – anitata1

Key features:

• Designed for combination skin
• Pretty pink colour 
• Enriched with rosehip, Kakadu plum and quandong for ultra-hydration

Available at:

• $9.46 from Amazon Australia 
• $19.99 from Priceline
• $9.97 (usually $19.95) from Chemist Warehouse

Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Clay Mask

From $23.49 at Swisse 

We say: If you’re after a salon-quality treatment for a fraction of the cost (ummm, who isn’t?), the Manuka Honey Detoxifying Clay Mask from Swisse is formulated with charcoal and Australian white kaolin clay to provide a luxurious facial from the comfort of your couch.  

You say: “The mask left my skin feeling soft and smooth… I could see the mask working as it was changing colour from light grey to almost black in the areas where I have most oily skin.” – Edita

Want to read more? Read Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Clay Mask Reviews here…

Key features:

• Enriched with antibacterial (and hydrating) manuka honey
• Formulated with pore cleansing charcoal 
• Designed to boost natural radiance 

Available at:

• $23.49 from Swisse 
• $12.30 (usually $21) from Catch 
• $19.99 (usually $23.49) from Chemist Warehouse

Alya Skin Pink Clay Mask

From $49.95 at Oz Hair and Beauty

We say: If acne and stubborn pimples are your biggest skin care qualm, Alya Skin’s Pink Clay Mask is the clay mask best suited to you. This vegan, antioxidant-rich formula uses kaolin clay to soothe acne-related congestion and witch hazel to speed up the healing time of red, angry pimples.

You say: It has significantly improved my skin tone, by brightening up and shrinking pores. One of the reasons I instantly fell in love with it, was the fact that you may see results quite after the first time trying.

Want to read more? Read Alya Skin Pink Clay Mask Reviews here…

Key features:

• Works to tone your skin 
• Formulated with detoxifying Kaolin clay 
• Protects your skin against environmental aggressors 

Available at:

• $45.45 (usually $49.95) from Oz Hair and Beauty
• $49.99 from Priceline 
• $42.99 (usually $49.99) from Chemist Warehouse

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

From $99 at Myer

We say: Well worth the price tag, SkinCeuticals have formulated their Clarifying Clay Masque with the highest quality natural clays on offer. The mixture of kaolin and bentonite plus botanical and minerals such as zinc oxide will leave your skin calm, purified and completely decongested.

Want to read more? Read SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque Reviews here…

Key features:

• Cosmeceutical formula
• Infused with an exfoliating five per cent hydroxy acid 
• Enriched with soothing chamomile 

Available at:

• $99 from Myer
• $99 from Adore Beauty
• $99 from SkinCeuticals 

Burt’s Bees Detoxifying Clay Mask

From $19.99 at Catch

We say: Lift dirt, oil and toxins from deep within the skin and reveal a clean, balanced and healthy complexion thanks to the 99 per cent natural formula made from powerful antioxidants.

You say: “This is the face mask I have been reaching for after a long week to detoxify and feel refreshed! It really is a great and effective face mask for the price and it’s full of amazing natural ingredients.” – RM123

Want to read more? Read Burt’s Bees Detoxifying Clay Mask Reviews here…

Key features:

• 99 per cent natural formula 
• Housed in an easy-to-use tube
• Enriched with powerhouse antioxidant acai 

Available at:

• $10.99 (usually $19.99) from Catch
• $19.99 from Woolworths
• $10.99 from Amazon Australia 

Main Image Credit: @kimkardashian

Do you use clay masks? Do you like the deep cleansing benefits of a clay mask?