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This hero skin product will transform your skin in 2025
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Image / Beauty

Clay masks that really detox the skin


By Aisling Keenan
21st Oct 2019
Clay masks that really detox the skin

Clay masks are your skin’s best friend when you need more than  just a cleanse, or more than an exfoliation. These get right in there, detoxing and purifying before your eyes…


These three are completely different from each other in terms of experience, but fairly similar in terms of what they try to achieve. Depending on your budget and needs, there’s something here to suit. Clay gets in there and draws out imperfections, pulling oils and dirt from the skin.

For a soothing detox…

clay masks

Yon Ka Paris Masque 103

€37 from millies.ie

YonKa Masque 103 is a detoxifying mask that contains three kinds of clay. It really works well on excess oil, if you have any, and leaves the pores tightened and the complexion brightened.

I use this one about once a week after cleansing. You leave it on for 15 minutes, and can keep it damp by spraying it intermittently with thermal water. The skin feels unreal after use, I can testify to that.

For getting rid of impurities…

clay masks

Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask

€3.99 from hollandandbarrett.ie

Okay so it’s not strictly clay, but charcoal and clay are one in the same when it comes to clearing and clarifying the skin. This one is budget friendly, but single-use, with 96% naturally derived ingredients.

This is the one I’d lash on the week of a big weekend – so I’d probably do it the Monday before a weekend where I want to be glowing. It gives the skin time to expel anything icky and then you can be guaranteed a glow for the weekend.

For a deep cleanse…

clay masks

Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask

€57 from Space NK

Great news – Fresh has just launched into Space NK on Grafton St. Meaning this product is readily available to Irish customers now.

This multitasking product can be used as a mask or as a cleanser. The key ingredient, Umbrian clay, works to provide oil control and spot treatment for imperfections. In other words, a full skin detox. It’s suitable for all skin types, and it helps to minimise pores and reduce shine without dehydrating or dulling the complexion.


Read more: The IMAGE Beauty Awards: the winning masks

Read more: Beauty desk drops: three go-to masks

Read more: New gen hair masks – which ones are worth the spend?

Photo from Unsplash