Ask the Expert: Are Mud Masks the Secret to Clear-Looking Skin?

We’ve discussed the hype around peel-off masks, bubble masks, sheet masks, clay masks, and more, but there’s another praise-worthy mask that’s popping up quite a bit: mud masks. Mud masks sound like a total mess to apply, and in most cases, they are, but trust us when we tell you it’s worth getting a little dirty in order to get clean (skin) afterwards. Dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, and Skincare.com consultant, agrees in the benefit of mud masks saying, “Mud masks can be great for those with acne prone or oily skin, since the mud component can draw out excess sebum and congestion from pores.” He continues, “some mud masks even have a sulfur component that has beneficial properties for acne-prone skin.” Ready to give mud masks a try? We’re laying out a handful of our favorites, below.

LagunaMoon Dead Sea Mud Mask

One of the most popular activities at the Dead Sea is to coat the skin from head to toe in the location’s mineral-rich mud, which is widely regarded for its skin care benefits. However, not everyone can make it out to the Dead Sea on a whim and take part. If you’re itching to get the benefits without booking an impromptu trip to the Dead Sea, opt for a face mask that’s enhanced with Dead Sea mud, like this one from LagunaMoon.

April Skin Mummy Mud Mask

Want to use a mud mask without the mess? Reach for these pre-coated sheet masks enhanced with nutrients like volcanic ash, green tea extract, and witch hazel.

Remy Laure Natural Black Mud Mask

Few things are better than unwinding after a stressful day with a mud mask. But don’t just opt for any old mud mask. Instead, choose one that can calm and soothe tired skin. This anti-stress purifying mud mask is one of our favorites.

The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Mud Mask

You don’t have to take a trip to Jeju Island to reap the benefits of the island’s nourishing volcanic ash. You can treat your pores to a mud mask rich in its minerals from the comfort of your own home thanks to The Face Shop’s Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Mud Mask. 

AHAVA Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask

Show clogged pores who’s boss with a purifying mud mask that deeply cleans and detoxes skin for a fresh and even-looking complexion. Formulated with jojoba oil, let AHAVA’s Time to Clear Dead Sea Mud Mask nourish and moisturize your skin.

Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque

One of the best ways to cap the night is to treat your skin to a mud mask formulated to address signs of aging skin. Need a rec? Try Queen Helene’s Mud Pack Masque. This mask takes beauty sleep to the next level, helping you wake up to better-looking skin. 

Alaska Glacial Mud Mineral Masque

If you thought mud masks were reserved for facial use only, think again. With Alaska Glacial’s Mud Mineral Mask, the skin on your body, hands, and feet can join in on the masking session as well. Not sure when you incorporate a mud mask like this? There are ten times when you should definitely use a face mask.

Art Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask

Three’s a charm and with this deep skin cleansing dead sea mud mask. You can indulge in a face, body or hair treatment. Vitamins E, A, and F and added shea butter are also included. Why only mask your face, when you can mask your entire body?

Omorovicza Budapest Ultramoor Mud Mask

This mud mask combines the benefits of gentle exfoliation with deep pore cleansing for a masking experience you won’t soon forget. The purported benefits include sharply defined facial contours and a brighter-looking complexion.

Anjou Dead Sea Mud Mask

Lift away dullness and impurities with this high-quality dead sea mask. Enjoy a true masking experience as this paraben-free product draws out dirt and other impurities for a smoother, cleaner-looking complexion.

Alchemy Dual Activated Charcoal Mud Mask

After a long week, relax and give your skin some much needed attention with this dual-activated charcoal mud mask. The formula is said to work on all skin types and gentle enough for daily use. In addition to cleansing the skin, this mud mask claims to reduce excess oil on the skin’s surface and reduce the look of pores.

Editor’s note: No matter which mask you decide to use, just remember to always follow up with a layer of hydrating moisturizer after rinsing.