Whether you're facing oily skin issues, congested pores, or a dull complexion, a clay mask can be effective in helping you to refine and rebalance your skin. It's a great skincare product to have on hand as either a quick fix or part of your weekly self-care ritual.
How do clay masks work?
Clay masks are an oily skin gal's best friend!
Clay masks have been a favourite of skincare lovers for centuries now, and it’s because of their ability to draw out impurities from the skin’s surface to reveal a brighter, clearer-looking complexion. Compared to sheet masks, which are usually designed to provide a dose of hydration to the skin, clay masks are recommended for those with oily skin as they can help to absorb excess sebum from the skin.
Many beauty brands now offer products with new, innovative formulations that allow people with different skin types to enjoy the benefits of clay masks. However, not all clay masks are made the same, so it's important to choose a formulation that aligns with your skin needs. Here are 10 skin clay masks for your skin type that you can get in Singapore.
You’re familiar with the calming benefits of drinking tea — similarly, the Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque (SGD63) has soothing tea-related ingredients that are suited for blemished, troubled skin too. This clay-based masque contains chamomile bud, tea tree leaf and evening primrose to deeply cleanse the skin.
How to use it: Cleanse, then slather on a thin layer. Leave on for 15 minutes, rinse well, and follow with your preferred hydration toner and other hydrators.
Key Ingredients: Chamomile bud, tea tree leaf, and evening primrose
If there was one clay mask that ruled #SkincareTikTok, that would be none other than the Caudalie Vinergetic Instant Detox Mask (SGD48). This clay-meets-cream textured mask has coffee, pink clay and tannins to purify the skin, remove excess oil and tighten pores.
Suitable for: Oily skin types since the blend of ingredients can absorb excessive pools of oil that can make your face look greasy.
How to use it: Apply a thin layer of the Instant Detox Mask. Leave on for five to 10 minutes, then rinse.
Key Ingredients: Pink clay and caffeine
Compared to other clay masks on this list, the SKIN1004 Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask (SGD81.75) offers a more convenient way to unclog pores and refresh your skin. Formulated with finely milled red bean powder, white mud, and kaolin, it helps absorb excess sebum and slough off dead skin cells. It also has a skin-soothing cocktail mix of centella asiatica, aloe, and calamine, which can help calm irritation and promote healthier-looking skin.
Suitable for: Oily and combination skin types. The product contains five types of clay that remove sebum and impurities from the pores without irritation.
How to use it: Apply an appropriate amount onto the face and leave it on for three to five minutes. Then gently rinse off with lukewarm water
Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, kaolin, bentonite, white mud, aloe barbadensis leaf extract
The FRESH Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask (SGD38) promotes a calm, clear complexion thanks to its active ingredients of bentonite clay, kaolin clay, and volcanic ash. It works to address different skin concerns such as enlarged pores, excess oil, and uneven skin texture.
Suitable for: Oily skin. The clay has a spreadable consistency that doesn't dry down as much as you would expect for a clay mask. So, it reduces excess oil without stripping or overdrying the skin.
How to use it: Apply an even coat on damp skin after cleansing, leave on for three to five minutes, then rinse. You can follow it up with your choice of essence.
Key Ingredients: Bentonite clay, kaolin clay, volcanic ash, Jeju volcanic clusters, and lactic acid.
Has it been a minute since you last exfoliated your skin? If so, you should break out the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (SGD23) as it offers an “all-in-one” pore-caring solution and calms your skin. It is formulated with Jeju Volcanic Clusters & Spheres™, which helps absorb 98% of pore-clogging sebum.
Suitable for: Oily and combination skin, this clay mask hydrates while targeting inner dryness, excess sebum, and irritation.
How to use it: After cleansing, apply a thin layer to dry skin — either all over the face or on areas with visible pores. Leave on for 10 minutes or until fully dry. Rinse off with lukewarm water, gently massaging in circular motions.
Key Ingredients: Volcanic Clusters and AHA (Lactic Acid)
Homegrown beauty brand Sigi Skin is throwing a garden party and you’re invited. Garden Party (SGD72) contains a special blend of ingredients including kaolin clay and Camu Camu extracts to “deeply” purify the skin while rebalancing the skin’s microbiome and pH levels.
Suitable for: All skin types, but it’s advised for those with oily and combination skin to use the clay mask at least two to three times a week for better results.
How to use it: Apply a generous layer to freshly cleansed, damp skin. Leave on for five to 10 minutes, or until the mask begins to tighten. Rinse off gently with lukewarm water.
Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay, astaxanthin extracts, camu camu extracts, and grapeseed extracts
The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask (SGD12) contains Himalayan bamboo charcoal, green tea leaves and Community Fair Trade tea tree oil to unclog pores and reveal clearer-looking skin. Don’t be surprised if you experience an intense tingling sensation after applying this onto your face — the brand shares that it’s the product working its magic in purifying your skin.
Suitable for: All skin types, but it’s advised for those with oily and combination skin to use the clay mask at least two to three times a week for better results.
How to use it: Apply a thin layer on your face after cleanser and leave it on for five to ten minutes. You will feel a slight tingle (that’s a sign it’s working). Rinse off thoroughly with water.
Key Ingredients: Himalayan bamboo charcoal and tea tree oil
Matcha doesn't just have health benefits, it can be good for your skin too. The Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Purifying Clay Mask (SGD26.90) contains Super Matcha that cleanses the skin and pores. It's supported by beta hydroxy acids and clay that also help clear out your pores from dead skin cells and excess sebum.
How to use it: After cleansing, gently pat your face dry and evenly apply a thick layer of the clay mask. Allow it to dry completely for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water using soft, circular motions.
Key Ingredients: 102,000 ppm of matcha water, white willow bark extract, centella asiatica, tea tree, and houttuynia cordata
If you want to see that super satisfying moment when the clay mask absorbs all the oil and gunk from your face, pick up the Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Deep Retreat Pore Clearing Clay Mask (SGD68). It's enriched with kaolin clay and sea fennel extract that creates this mattifying effect. However, your skin will still stay soft and comfortable thanks to the bisabolol, jojoba seed oil, and plum kernel oil in its formula.
Suitable for: Combination, dry, and oily skin types. It’s recommended for combination skin to use the clay mask only on oil-prone areas of the face to avoid over dryness.
How to use it: Apply evenly to clean, dry skin on your face. Leave on for up to 30 minutes, or until fully dry. You’ll notice dots forming as the mask draws out excess oil. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Key Ingredients: Mineral-rich kaolin clay, sea fennel extract, and sea fennel extract.
Achieve skin as smooth as Rihanna's with her beauty line's Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Pore Detox Face Mask (SGD56)! This non-drying whipped clay mask will extract all the dirt, oil, and impurities with its blend of clay, salicylic acid, and charcoal.
Suitable for: Combination and sensitive skin. The lightweight whipped clay helps smooth out texture, reduce the look of pores, and control excess oil without drying you out.
How to use it: Apply an even layer to clean, damp or dry skin. Gently massage to activate the charcoal as the mask turns from white to grey. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off.
Key Ingredients: Clay, charcoal, salicylic acid, rhubarb, and ginger extracts.
This article was first published on 3 March 2022. Updated on 22 April 2025.
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