5 Clay Face Mask Recipes for Clear and Glowing Skin

Deep Cleansing Mask with Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is one of the most popular cosmetic clays. It is valued for its high absorbing capabilities, which make this type of clay a great cleanser, especially for oily and problem skin. This mask will suck impurities out of your pores, kill pathogenic bacteria that cause acne and inflammation, and prevent greasy complexion.

Mix 1 tsp of bentonite clay with 0.5 tsp of powdered chamomile and calendula flowers. The powdered herbs are optional, but if you have acne-prone skin, we suggest that you add them because of their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Add 1 tsp of raw honey and mix all the ingredients together to form a thick paste. Then add 1 tsp of water (or more if needed) to make the paste thinner. Finally, add 2 drops of lavender essential oil and stir until well-blended.

Apply the mask to your face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes or until the mask dries completely. Remove with a washcloth soaked in hot water and moisturize.

Detoxifying Black Mask with Activated Charcoal

Although bentonite clay already has strong detoxifying properties, you can boost them even further by mixing it with activated charcoal. In addition, this mask contains essential oils that help detox the skin and prevent inflammation.

In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp of bentonite clay and 1 tbsp of activated charcoal. Add 1.5 tsp of rosemary flower water, 2 drops of grapefruit oil and 1 drop of lemongrass oil. If you don’t have rosemary flower water at hand or simply don’t like it, you can use other flower water or just plain water instead. Stir all ingredients together until you get a thick, lump-free paste.

Apply the mask and let it sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse it off.

Exfoliating & Moisturizing Clay Mask

Bentonite clay isn’t the only type of clay that you can use for DIY face masks. In fact, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you should steer clear of it; kaolin or French green clay are much better for your skin type. This mask contains both clays. Kaolin acts as a gentle exfoliant, while French green clay gives the skin a mineral boost.

Mix 1.5 tsp of French green clay and 0.5 tsp of kaolin clay. Add 1.5 tsp of aloe vera gel (a moisturizing agent), 1 tbsp of rose water (for a healthy and glowing complexion) and 2 drops of any acne-reducing essential oil (for example, rose, tea tree, lavender, lemon, geranium, rosemary). Mix all the ingredients together until well-blended.

Apply the mask to your face, wait until it begins to harden, and rinse off.

Lightening Clay Mask with Fuller’s Earth

Fuller’s earth (known in Ayurveda as multani mitti) is a sedimentary clay that has lightening properties. It is great for treating pigmentation and improving complexion.

To make this simple mask, mix 2 tsp of fuller’s earth with 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of rose water. Stir until well-blended, apply for 10 minutes, then rinse. To achieve a visible and long-lasting lightening effect, apply the mask 1 or 2 times a week.

Rhassoul Clay Mask for Soft and Smooth Skin

Rhassoul clay originates from Morocco; it has been used as a skincare product since the 8th century. Moroccan women mix this amazing clay with other ingredients to make their skin look and feel soft, smooth, fresh and clear.

In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp of rhassoul clay, 1 tsp of argan oil, 1 tsp of raw honey (preferably organic), and 4 drops of lavender essential oil. Add enough rose water to form a semi-thick paste and stir until smooth. The resulting mask should be neither too thick nor too drippy.

Apply the paste all over your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat your face dry and apply moisturizer.