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Looking to add some extra TLC into your skincare routine? Well you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to introduce you to 10 of the best Japanese facial clay masks out there and why you should include them in your usual routine.
What Is A Clay Mask?
In case you’re unfamiliar with clay masks, let’s briefly discuss what they are. Clay facial masks are made of, of course, clay. Japanese clay facial masks use many different kinds of clay, depending on the mask, formula, and brand, of course, but some common types of clay are Kaolin White clay, Moroccan Ghassoul clay, Sea clay, and sometimes for an added effect, charcoal.
Of course, clay masks are not just made up of clay, they also contain skin-friendly ingredients like argan oil and hyaluronic acid, and plenty more.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Clay Mask?
There are many benefits of including a clay mask in your skincare routine. Here are just a few of the many benefits:
- Deeper cleansing – Clay masks are able to provide your skin with a deeper cleanse than your conventional face wash. The absorption properties of clay draw excess impurities, oil, and other gunk out of your skin, especially the pores.
- Pore cleansing – Along with deep cleansing, clay masks have many pore cleansing benefits. Clay is able to seep deep into the pores to cleanse them, as well as eliminate blackheads and keratin plugs.
- Exfoliating – The fine particles in clay are able to draw out dead skin cells, especially in the removal process of a clay mask which leads to smoother, softer skin.
- Oil control – Clay effectively absorbs oil. This is especially ideal for those with oily or combination skin.
- Toning, tightening, and brightening – When clay masks dry on the skin, they tone and tighten the skin. This reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles and enlarged pores. Not to mention, the properties of clay also help brighten the skin’s appearance.
How Long/How Many Times A Week Should I Use A Clay Mask?
As we’ve seen, clay masks provide many benefits to the skin, but as they are quite powerful, oftentimes should not be used daily. While there is no one-size-fits-all guide to using clay masks, many manufacturers recommend using their clay masks 2 to 3 times a week. However, there are some clay mask products gentle enough to be used daily, as you’ll discover in this article.
It’s also a good idea to keep your skin type in mind when using a clay mask. If you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, you might benefit from using a clay mask 3 times or more in your skincare routine. If you have sensitive, dry, or normal skin, then maybe using a clay mask twice or even only once a week might be more beneficial for your skin. It’s always good to check the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer of the clay mask before using it too.
How To Remove A Clay Mask?
Removing a clay mask requires a few more steps than a sheet mask, but it’s not difficult. When you want to remove your clay mask, simply wash your face with warm water while gently massaging your skin to wash off the mask. Take special care not to rub your skin too aggressively. After ensuring that all of the mask has been removed, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. You can continue with your normal toner and moisturizer, or even sunscreen if using the clay mask in the morning.
Now, onto our favorite clay masks!
How we decided
- Skin ConcernBased on main skin concerns, like clogged pores, blackheads, oily skin, dullness,
- Skin Type CompatibilityMatch the product texture and formula with skin types (oily, combination, dry, sensitive, or normal)
- Ingredients & BenefitsKey clays (Ghassoul, sea clay, charcoal) and ingredients (hyaluronic acid, sake lees) for hydration, brightening, oil control
- Convenience & UsageTime, application type (wash-off or peel-off), multi-functionality, and packaging size
1. IPSA Luminizing Clay Mask 100g
If you’re new to clay masks, this is a great one to start with. The IPSA Luminizing Clay Mask effectively cleanses the skin and removes the most stubborn-to-remove dirt from the pores. It also contains plenty of moisturizing ingredients like Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate which is highly nourishing for the skin. The effect? Soft and transparent clear skin.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses pores
- Highly moisturizing
- Leaves skin soft, radiant
Cons
- Expensive compared to other masks
- Removal can be time-consuming
2. BCL Tsururi Herbal Facial Cleansing Paste Mud Pack 120g
BCL Tsururi mud mask is a versatile cleanser and facial pack that deeply purifies pores, removes blackheads, and controls excess sebum. Infused with white clay, Centella Asiatica, honey, and herbal extracts, it gently exfoliates while maintaining hydration.
Suitable for daily use or as an intensive mask, it leaves skin clean, smooth, and radiant with a calming herbal scent. Made in Japan for effective skincare.
Pros
- Removes impurities and excess sebum
- Hydrates and soothes with herbal extracts
- Multi-purpose: daily wash or mask
Cons
- Can be drying for very dry skin
- Slightly gritty texture
3. BCL Tsururi Point Clay Pack Peel Off Mask 55g
This peel-off mask is intended specifically for the nose area and pores. Infused with Morocco Ghassoul and Red Clay, this clay mask absorbs residue, blackheads, and other impurities from pores. It also contains skin-tightening ingredients like witch-hazel leaf extract to keep your skin feeling youthful. You’ll be surprised at how much smoother and softer your skin feels after removing this mask!
Pros
- Fun peel-off application
- Tightens and refines pores
- Removes blackheads and residue
Cons
- Only suitable for the nose area
- Peeling can be tricky
4. Edobio Saketernal Radiance Booster Facial Mask 70g
For those looking for a more luxurious clay mask, check out the Edobio Saketernal Radiance Booster Facial Mask. While this clay mask of course tackles clogged pore concerns, its main objective is to target UV rays and environmental pollutants like temperature fluctuations, dryness, and even the effects of blue light exposure – all concerns that your skin faces on a daily basis.
This clay mask utilizes Okinawan Kucha a kind of clay unique to the island of Okinawa known for its wide array of beauty benefits. This rare type of clay effortlessly draws out impurities including oil, dirt, and sebum from the skin, giving it a much-needed deep pore cleanse. Edobio’s unique lactic acid fermented sake lees, an ingredient found throughout the Saketernal series is also included in this mask to contribute moisture and refine skin texture.
5. Kanebo Scrubbing Mud Wash Moroccan Clay Facial Cleanser 130g
For those looking for a cleansing clay mask, this clay facial cleansing mask from Kanebo is a great choice. What’s great about this particular Japanese clay mask is that it doubles as a facial cleanser, providing your skin with cleansing, exfoliating, and brightening properties all in one. The best part is that it doesn’t dry your skin out at all or leave any kind of unwanted tightness.
It contains Moroccan lava clay which absorbs the excess sebum in your skin, washing away dead skin cells and pore-clogging dirt. It’s even suitable enough to be used as your daily cleanser.
Pros
- Doubles as daily cleanser, clay mask
- Exfoliates gently while removing dead skin
- Brightens, softens skin without drying
Cons
- Can be messy to apply
- Not ideal for travel due to size
6. Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip White Clay Pore Cleanser 120g
If you regularly struggle with blackheads and enlarged pores and are looking for a clay skincare option that’s budget-friendly, then this White Clay Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip Cleanser will do just the trick! It features mineral-rich white clay and charcoal to remove blackheads and other impurities and brighten your skin’s overall complexion.
Pros
- Affordable and widely available
- Removes blackheads, excess oil
- brightens skin tone
Cons
- Can leave skin feeling dry if overused
- May not remove very stubborn impurities
7. Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Micro Wash 130g
This Japanese clay facial wash contains Kaolin white clay and Moroccan clay to remove pore impurities and dead skin cells. It even doubles as a face mask, catering to those with more serious pore or blackhead concerns. Cater this clay facial product to your skin by using it as a daily cleaner or weekly facial mask.
Pros
- Gentle enough for daily cleansing
- Removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores
- Doubles as a mask for extra deep cleansing
Cons
- Small quantity per pack
- Requires water activation for full effect
8. BCL Tsururi Ghassoul Mineral Clay Facial Pack
Tsururi ghassoul mineral clay mask is formulated with Moroccan clay, brown sugar extract, and honey to deeply cleanse and exfoliate. It removes dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells while unclogging pores and improving rough texture.
Regular use promotes translucent, smooth skin. Apply a thin layer, let it dry, then rinse thoroughly. Suitable for achieving refreshed, radiant skin with gentle mineral-based care.
Pros
- Absorbs impurities and unclogs pores
- Gently exfoliates dead skin
- Leaves skin smooth and translucent
Cons
- Can dry out very sensitive skin
- Slightly messy to apply and rinse
9. Ishizawa Toumei Shirohada Foaming Face Wash 100g
This foaming clay face wash is a great option for those wanting brighter skin. This face wash contains Bentonite clay and charcoal to effectively tackle pore concerns and remove melanin from the skin. It also contains konnyaku which gently scrubs the skin without damaging it. All in all, this is a facial clay product that can be used as a daily treatment to take care of clogged pores and lead to a brighter complexion.
Pros
- Brightens skin by removing excess melanin
- Gentle scrub avoids damage to skin
- Foaming action removes impurities
Cons
- Foaming may leave skin slightly dry
- May need additional moisturizer for hydration
10. Rosette Cleansing Paste Sea Clay Smooth Foam Cleanser 120g
This long-time best-selling Japanese cleanser uses sea clay to tackle pore concerns and blackheads. Sea clay is rich in minerals and contains countless fine particles with the ability to seep into the skin and remove impurities. This clay cleansing paste is an especially great option for those with rough skin.
Pros
- Mineral-rich sea clay removes blackheads
- Smooths rough skin texture
- Fine particles penetrate pores deeply
Cons
- Can be drying for sensitive skin
- Foamy texture may feel abrasive
Which clay mask will you be adding to your routine? We’d love to know in the comments below.
Want to learn more about Japanese detox skincare products? Be sure to check out this article. You can also find even more clay masks and facial masks on our website.
