The Best Detoxifying Face Masks

The Best Detoxifying Face Masks

Face masks can come across as a bit gimmicky, but actually they can be a pretty effective way of treating your skin. These days, there’s one for every need and detoxifying formulas are proving to be the most popular, with Google searches up by 50%. Designed to penetrate the skin deeply, they help to gently exfoliate and in turn, create a smoother, brighter surface while boosting the effectiveness of other products in your regime. Here are nine of our favourites for every skin type and budget…
Image: STOCKSY UNITED / JAVIER DIEZ

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask Vinergetic C+, £23

Best For: Better Luminosity
 
Why We Love It: Still one of the best detoxifying masks on the market, this uses pink clay and papaya enzymes to alleviate dirt and thus congestion. The added grape extract cushions the delivery of both ingredients so your skin never feels too reactive or dry. Unlike Glow Recipe, it takes several uses to see results, but if you persevere you’ll soon see better luminosity, tighter-looking pores and fewer blackheads. A must-try if your skin feels dull, lifeless or in need of a full detox. As it’s clay, leave on for no more than 10 minutes to avoid irritation. 
 
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner Pore Purifying Mask, $42

Best For: Gentle Exfoliation

Why We Love It: This regularly wins awards and it’s easy to see why. Dubbed a pore-purifying powerhouse, it utilises glycolic and salicylic acids to ‘vacuum’ up excess oil, while gently exfoliating. As the beads inside are so small, it never causes aggravation. The added iris root and rose extract keep skin hydrated as the mask begins to tighten upon contact. Even after you’ve rinsed this away, skin will feel moist and plumped with a much more refined texture. 
  
Available at DrBrandtSkincare.com

No. 7 Laboratories Cica-Rescue Skin Paste Mask, £17.95

Best For: Soothing Redness
 
Why We Love It: When these masks launched, they sold out within days and the Cica-Rescue formula is still a fan favourite. Brimming with centella asiatica (also known as tiger grass) it targets redness within minutes, so it’s great when time is at a premium. There’s also chamomile extract which is an anti-microbial ingredient to keep dirt at bay and deliver speedy moisture. With regular use, you’ll notice skin is calmer, fresher and less reactive. 
 
Available at Boots.com

Dr Roebuck’s Purifying Mask, $35

Best For: Overall Benefits
 
Why We Love It: This clever mask from Dr Roebuck’s is well reviewed for its ability to do a bit of everything. Powered by Australian red clay, iron and minerals, it can be used as a spot treatment, or a mask for extra nourishment and clarity. The ingredients inside quickly soak up any unwanted oil, as well as grime stuck inside your pores. This one will also restore suppleness via moisturising ingredients like jojoba and castor seed oil. Expect better glow and radiance too. The smoothness it leaves behind makes it great for use pre-make-up application. 
  
Available at DrRoebucks.com

Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Mask With Colloidal Sulfur, £26

Best For: Acne-Prone
 
Why We Love It: Colloidal sulfur is a key ingredient for fighting acne that’s loved by experts as it’s not too harsh or abrasive. You’ll find it in this clarifying mask from Dr. Dennis Gross, which was formulated to stop blemishes in their tracks, reducing both redness and size. There’s also bentonite and kaolin clay inside, both of which suck up grime for a healthier complexion overall. You can wear it overnight to see a noticeable difference to your skin come morning – expect smoothness and less inflammation. 
 
Available at SpaceNK.com

Paula’s Choice Purifying Clay Mask, £29

Best For: Oiliness & Shine

Why We Love It: Everything by Paula’s Choice just works, and this purifying mask is no exception. Brimming with three types of clay, it quickly absorbs excess oil, reducing shine and making enlarged pores less visible. It’s great if you’re prone to breakouts, thanks to antioxidants like green tea extract and willow herb which take down redness quickly and shrink under-the-skin spots that can often be painful. Apply it all over, or use a small amount on targeted areas to stop breakouts from getting too big or red. 
 
Available at SpaceNK.co.uk

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask, £29.50 (was £36.90)

Best For: Softening Skin  
 
Why We Love It: This has been selling out regularly since first hitting shelves. Why the fuss? Detoxifying and skin brightening, it works fast to draw out impurities, refine pores and keep the surface smooth and plump with softening kaolin, vitamin A, exfoliating liquorice and brightening vitamin C. In short, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to a skin-smoothing mask – plus it works fast. 
 
Available at SandAndSky.com

TonyMoly I’m Rice Clarifying Blemish Mask, £11.18

Best For: Affordability 

Why We Love It: Don’t let the informal packaging put you off, this is one of the best affordable masks for soothing irritated skin. Using ingredients like fermented rice, kaolin clay and hydrating glycerin it gets to work quickly, drawing out oils, dirt and trapped bacteria. You only need to leave it on for 10-15 minutes – for instance while you wash your hair – to see results. It’s incredibly gentle, so everyone can get involved and the brightening results it yields are second to none. A must-try.
 
Available at Amazon.co.uk

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial, £36

Best For: Enlarged Pores
 
Why We Love It: This is rich in clay, but not as you know it. Forget dry, tight, stripping clays, this one is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid to boost moisture as it removes any trapped build-up that’s sat within your pores. The result? A smoother surface with better tone and texture. The added chemical exfoliations – including watermelon enzymes and polyhydroxy acids – keep skin looking bright by removing dead skin cells that have sat on the surface too long. You only need to use this once to see results. Up to 94% of testers said they noticed pores were smaller and their skin felt more quenched after just two weeks. It’s gentle enough to be used daily, but your skin will probably only need application once or twice a week for five minutes at a time. 
 
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

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