Relax & Refresh In One Hit With These Detoxifying Face Masks

Is your skin telling you it’s time to take a break? Reflect, and start over? It might be trying to, and you might be none the wiser! Sometimes our skin needs to have a big deep clean out (think of your skin like that draw you keep shoving things into). Other products, like hydrating masks, can only do their best work once the canvas is clear. Even if you don’t suffer from any skin congestion, a detoxifying mask is always the way to make sure your skin stays in tip top shape.

We even warrant a guess that you’ve got a classic old-school clay mask in your bathroom cabinet right now… But unless you actually can remember buying said mask, it’s best you stick to a fresh (not expired) version. So, let’s get to our detoxifying mask recommendations and see which is right for you…

2024’s Top 3 Detoxifying Face Masks

1. Frank Body Charcoal Face Mask, $24, Frank Body
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Mask, $32.95, Adore Beauty
3. Body Blendz Pink Clay Mask, $29.99, Body Blendz

Frank Body Charcoal Face Mask

From $25 at Frank Body

If you’re looking for an affordable Aussie option, then look no further than Frank Body. This detoxifying mask is cutting the drama out of purifying your skin. Made with pore-refining charcoal, it’s able to dive deep into your pores, allowing them to open up and let go of the build-up they’re holding onto. It’s still worthy of ‘all-rounder’ accolades, though, as it’s also bolstered with skin-soothing ingredients such as chamomile, honey, lavender and evening primrose oil. 

Key features:

• Skin-soothing lavender 
• Calming smell
• Works to calm skin

Available at:

$25 from Frank Body

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Mask

From $32.95 at Adore Beauty

If there’s one thing La Roche-Posay are known for (aside from being a world class leading French beauty brand) it’s their gentle formulas that work to address the appearance of acne. This fast-acting mask works to unclog pores in a matter of only five minutes. You might have a preconceived notion that clay masks (especially ones labelled as detoxifying) will leave your skin feeling as dry as the Sahara, but this sensitive skin-friendly mask is made from a mix of ultra-hydrating kaolin clay and glycerine. So, if oily sebum soaked skin is your kryptonite, then it’s time to board the La Roche-Posay train.

Want to read more? Read La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Mask Reviews here…

Key features:

• Sensitive skin-friendly
• Controls sebum production
• Fast-acting, only takes five minutes

Available at:

$32.95 from Adore Beauty

$31.99 from Priceline

$22.99 from Chemist Warehouse

Body Blendz Pink Clay Mask

From $29.99 at Body Blendz

Are we taken by the fact this pretty mask is pink? Absolutely, but pink clay does a lot more than just look sweet on our bathroom shelves. This Aussie clay is infused with a range of ultra-gentle natural ingredients. The pink clay sets out to detoxify your skin (and even addresses hyperpigmentation concerns as it goes) while ingredients like macadamia oil, vitamin E and shea butter all work together to deeply nourish your skin. 

Key features:

• Made from natural ingredients
• Brightens skin
• Works to lighten pigmentation

Available at:

$29.99 from Body Blendz

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque

From $99 at Myer

If you’re suffering from congested skin, then there’s no better option to turn to than a hard-hitting cosmeceutical option. This SkinCeuticals mask incorporates hydroxy acids to gently buff away at dead skin, all while a natural blend of minerals and botanicals work to soothe the skin, leaving behind a more radiant version of you. FYI, a little bit of this mask goes a long way so be sure to follow the instructions to get the most out of your pot. 

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

Key features:

• Artificial fragrance-free
• Cosmeceutical mask
• Hydroxy acid works to gently exfoliate 

Available at:

$99 from Myer

$79.20 (usually $99) from Adore Beauty

$99 from SkinCeuticals 

Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Clay Mask

From $12.30 at Catch

Who would’ve thought that incorporating honey into skin care would make all the difference to our skin? This deliciously detoxifying mask incorporates hydrating kaolin clay in with barrier repairing manuka honey. And that’s not all the manuka honey does! Aside from being a tasty treat on a slice of toast,  this honey works to help the clay draw out impurities, soothes your skin and even has antibacterial properties. And we’ve been wasting it away on our toast! 

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

Key features:

• White Kaolin clay draws out impurities
• Give skin a healthy glow
• Manuka honey helps restore skin barrier

Available at:

$12.30 (usually $21) from Catch

$23.49 from Swisse

$19.99 (usually $23.49) from Chemist Warehouse 

Paula’s Choice CLEAR Purifying Clay Mask

From $33.60 at Paula’s Choice

This multi-clay mask works hard to reduce clogged pores and blackheads, but also contains a wide range of skin brightening, soothing and irritation-reducing ingredients. These super star extras include green tea extract and willowherb extract, known for their antioxidant properties. But of course we can’t forget to shine a (much deserved) spotlight on dead skin cell-sloughing salicylic acid. 

Key features:

• Mix of three skin-purifying clays 
• Works to absorb excess oils
• Potent formula works to deeply cleanse inside pores

Available at:

$33.60 (usually $42) from Paula’s Choice

ACEOLOGY Detoxifying Treatment Mask

From $48.30 at Myer

If we were to pick our detoxifying masks on ‘cool’ factor then this one surely has to be top of the list. With a unique ‘peeling’ formula, you’ll apply this mask just like any other, only for it to set into a peel-off-able consistency. Fun and functional will get us every time. Not only is it smoothing and soothing bumps (as these face masks do) but it also works to boost your skin elasticity; regenerated radiant skin is just a satisfying peel away! 

Key features:

• Cruelty-free
• Designed with Korean technology
• ‘Peel off’ mask formula

Available at:

$48.30 (usually $69) from Myer

$44.85 (usually $69) from Look Fantastic

$69 from Sephora

BEAUTY OF JOSEON Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask

From $34.40 at Adore Beauty

Look, as far as we’re concerned we’ll hand over the skin care reins to Korea. There is not yet a single Korean beauty product we’ve come across that hasn’t boosted our skin to a whole new level. So, this red bean mask is no exception. Now, like you, we didn’t realise red beans had a place outside the kitchen (it’s the manuka honey all over again), but thankfully Korean skin care has informed us of their long-standing benefits. The haenam red bean extract works to absorb excess sebum, while also exfoliating your skin; and don’t be alarmed, this mask is designed to have a refreshing cooling effect as it dries.

Key features:

• Refreshing cooling feature
• Free from essential oils
• Inclusion of multi-purpose Haenam red bean extract 

Available at:

$34.40 (usually $43) from Adore Beauty

$43 from Boniik

$25.65 (usually $31) from Beauty Amora

Alpha H Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask

From $54.95 at Adore Beauty

The vegan mask works to balance your skin through a mix of cleansing and pore-refinement. While lots of these detoxifying masks work in skin-buffing active ingredients, this Alpha H mask has made a conscious decision to leave them out, as to not interfere with the anti-blemish treatments you may already be using. However, this decision doesn’t mean the mask isn’t equally as effective. Formulated with skin-purifying white clay, along with antiseptic eucalyptus oil, anti-inflammatory aloe vera and of course a mix of hydrating jojoba and macadamia oils for skin suppleness, it’s got multiple concerns (including congestion) covered.

Key features:

• Inclusion of antiseptic ingredients
• Mix of purifying and skin-balancing 
• Won’t dehydrate the skin

Available at:

$54.95 from Adore Beauty

$25 (usually $55) from Alpha H

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask

From $39 at The Body Shop

We love that The Body Shop products have been given a vegan, cruelty-free tick of approval, so there’s absolutely no questioning any product you pick up from them has been made in an ethical effort. But just because they’re concerned about doing good for the world doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about helping your skin. This mask has been sourced and sought after from afar, with Himalayan charcoal packed in to bless your skin with its incredible purifying properties. And of course because blemish-prone skin needs an antibacterial back up, they’ve included naturally refreshing, skin-balancing tea tree oil. 

Want to read more? Read The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask Reviews here…

Key features:

• Vegan formula
• Dermatologiaclly tested
• Recyclable packaging 

Available at:

$39 from The Body Shop

Antipodes Halo Mud Mask Tube

From $46 at Adore Beauty

With a radiance-encouraging combination of volcanic mud, this mask is the holy grail for all-natural detoxifying nourishment. Suitable for all skin types, the formula is here to support your skin through the detoxification process, while still ensuring that what it’s leaving behind is on its way to being renewed and brightened. Extra added bonus? It smells like vanilla and raspberries. Could it get any better?

Want to read more? Read Antipodes Halo Mud Mask Tube Reviews here…

Key features:

• Infused with mineral-rich volcanic mud
• Vanilla and raspberry scented 
• Works to improve appearance of pigmentation

Available at:

$36.80 (usually $46) from Adore Beauty

$46 from Nourished Life (currently out of stock)

What does a detoxifying face mask do?

Well we’re pretty sure after reading through this article (and reading the name) you may have taken a good guess as to what a detoxifying mask does. But don’t stress, we’ll give you a bit more info. These masks work to reach deep into your skin drawing out any impurities that lay below, leaving behind brightened, smoothed and soothed skin. But it’s important not to stress if you have a few ‘purge’ pimples after, that’s just the mask doing its job!

How often should you use a detoxifying face mask?

Because these masks aim to dry out deep imperfections, it’s best to not overdo it. Aim to use them once a week. We suggest making a self-care night of it, light a candle, take a steamy bath (perfect for opening up those pores) and relax. 

Related articles:

• Need to ramp up your mask game? Why not fully commit with these LED masks?
• Only need to do a detox every so often? Here is a comprehensive list of all the best masks in the game…

Do you feel like your skin needs a detoxifying mask? How do you unwind?