Charcoal has been used for hundreds of years to soothe your stomach, lower cholesterol levels and (apparently) alleviate hangover symptoms. Its latest benefit? To cleanse your face like never before.
Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, explains: “Charcoal face masks are said to be good for those who suffer with excess oil and acne-prone skin as they have the ability to lift more toxins, which also allows for the unclogging of pores and an overall clearer complexion. It’s thought that charcoal face masks can draw more dirt and bacteria from the skin’s surface than traditional face masks, whilst lifting blackheads.
“The charcoal used is a black powder which is produced when common charcoal is exposed to high heat. This creates tiny holes within the powder which enables it to trap chemicals and toxins.
How to use a charcoal face mask?
“Any type of face mask shouldn’t be used more than twice a week”, says Dr Perry. “It’s best to start with thoroughly cleansed skin in the first instance. Apply the face mask with your fingertips and massage it into the skin. Allow the mask to dry before gently rinsing off with a face cloth and patting the skin dry. If you find your skin is dry after using a charcoal face mask, limit to using once a week”.
How to choose a charcoal face mask?
Dr Perry walks us through it. “As there’s lots of choice in choosing a charcoal face mask, make sure you choose one that’s suitable for your skin type. For those with oily skin, look for a mask which also contains clay which helps soak up excess oil and fight acne. For those with dry skin, look for ingredients such as jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid.”
Sheeva Fallahi, Beauty Editor at LOOKFANTASTIC added: “A charcoal face mask is ideal for those who are suffering from blemishes, dullness and congested skin. They come in many forms, from sheet masks and creams to powders and foams, so choose one depending on your personal texture preferences.
“As an all-natural ingredient, charcoal is brilliant to use even if you have sensitive skin. It won’t add extra chemicals to your cells, meaning you’re less likely to have a reaction. It’s super detoxing effects are brilliant for clearing out blocked pores and restoring congested complexions.’’
We’ve rounded up all of the best charcoal face masks.
PIXI Glow Mud Mask
PIXI’s Glow Mud Mask is a goodness-packed, mineral-rich treatment that absorbs oil, draws out impurities and fights breakouts while giving an energising boost to the complexion.
This popular charcoal face mask is jam-packed with all of the good stuff, like kaolin and sea salt to purify and ginseng and aloe vera to balance. Known as the brand’s signature 15-minute facial, it’s an easy way to balance and clarify the skin without hours spent applying different products.
Buy now £18.00, Sephora
The Outset Purifying Blue Clay Mask
This is perhaps my favourite product in the range. Now, I’m not usually a fan of clay masks - no doubt in part due to the drying L’Oreal Detox Mask that was a regular feature in my childhood. I find the texture too stripping on my already-dry skin, but this formula takes a different, more nourishing approach that has a real noticeable effect on blemishes in just one use thanks to the inclusion of salicylic acid. Plus, it’s more sustainable that my traditional sheet masks with a multi-use pot. I’ve had three full-face masks and I’ve barely made a dent.
The texture is creamy and glides onto the skin with enough time to evenly layer over your whole face; lesser clay masks tend to crack or flake almost instantly. It uses the brand’s Hyaluroset Complex as well as blue clay that sets the colour, niacinamide for brightening, gardenia extract to counteract the effect of free radicals and pansy extract for calming. The mineral-rich combination can be applied all over but you can also just set on problematic areas to draw out impurities and even out skin’s tone. All told, it’s a 10 minute treatment.
I agree with Johansson that it “stays really, really moist and it just packs so much moisture into your skin, while still remaning purifying”. She adds, “it is also redness reducing, so you can do it right before you go out for dinner, while you watch TV and it’s not going to be that painful tightening like you’re used to with clay masks”.
Buy now £46.00, Cult Beauty
Paula’s Choice Pore Clarifying Charcoal Gel Mask
Paula’s Choice usually always comes out on top when it comes to skincare - and the brand’s Pore Clarifying Charcoal Gel Mask is no exception. A charcoal gel mask that decongests and minimises pores, while balancing skin, it’s a little gentler than your standard charcoal mask, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
The biggest difference between the Pore Clarifying Gel Mask and other Paula’s Choice masks is the texture. It feels lighter on the skin and has a super-soft finish after drying.
Buy now £31.00, Paula's Choice
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
The Ordinary: AKA one of our favourite budget friendly skincare saviours. And the brand’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is a top choice for continuing its theme of heavily successful and impressively budget-friendly skincare.
This face mask is most suitable for oily and blemish prone skin, helping to reduce the appearance of imperfections, while revealing the more radiant skin underneath. Its blend of charcoal and clay provides an ultra-deep cleanse helping to draw out impurities while salicylic acid exfoliates deep into the pores, promoting a smoother and clearer complexion.
Buy now £12.60, lookfantastic
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
After cleansing, layer on this mask from Kiehl’s to detoxify and refine the skin’s surface. It is made up of Amazonian white clay that is commonly found in Brazilian skincare products for its mineral-rich qualities.
For oily skin types, this product will form a staple part of your routine thanks to the mattifying finish that it provides and its ability to counteract excess oil production. There’s also aloe vera in its ingredient line-up that acts as a soothing and hydrating counterpart to the drying effects of clay.
Buy now £26.80, lookfantastic
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask to Purify and Nourish
The Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask feels a little more luxurious than most charcoal masks and comes with a slightly higher price tag to match. But, in the world of charcoal masks, this one is definitely a winner, providing an endless stream of benefits that’ll have your skin feeling softer and smoother than ever.
Formulated with bamboo charcoal and a blend of nourishing golden wildflower and fermented honey, the delicate mask performs a deep detox on pores while conditioning skin. It’s another top choice for sensitive skin, too.
Buy now £23.80, John Lewis
Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask
If you have oily skin and tend to find hormonal breakouts par for the course of your cycle, you will notice improvements by incorporating this clay mask into your routine. The formula is rich in minerals and soothing ingredients like chamomile flower, sandalwood oil and lavender water and these ensure that while you are clarifying the skin and purging impurities, you are doing so without causing further irritation.
The Umbrian clay at its heart is a detox for the skin, minimising the appearance of pores, counteracting shine and purifying in just the three to five-minute treatment.
Buy now £50.01, John Lewis
L'Oréal Paris Pure Clay Detox Mask
L’Oréal Paris’ Pure Clay Detox Mask has more than 1000 positive reviews and is a popular choice for providing all of the benefits without a huge price tag attached.
This mask combines three powerful pure clays to unmask beautiful skin and is enriched with black charcoal, which acts like a magnet to draw out impurities. Its creamy texture detoxifies the skin’s surface and works deep into the pores, leaving the skin looking clarified and beautified without any harsh chemicals in sight.
Buy now £7.89, Amazon
The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask is a best seller that leaves skin glowing and feeling extremely clean. Like all charcoal masks, this one goes deep under the skin’s layers to ensure it’s impossibly smooth, soft and cleansed, with minimised pores and an overall feeling of cleanliness.
Made with bamboo charcoal from the Himalayan foothills, green tea leaves and a little Community Fair Trade tea tree oil, this charcoal clay mask is a powerful little pot of goodness to help unclog pores. It’s a budget friendly staple that ticks all the boxes.
Buy now £8.00, The Body Shop
Clinique All About Clean 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask & Scrub
If you’re looking for a proper deep cleanse, look no further than Clinique’s All About Clean 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask & Scrub. One for those with oily skin, this two-in-one formula draws out impurities and finishes with an intense scrub for good measure.
With bamboo charcoal and kaolin clay, it is designed to be more powerful than a mask alone, making it ideal for those who are short on time or prefer to keep their beauty cupboards stocked with only the essentials.
Buy now £28.00, Boots
Garnier SkinActive Charcoal and Algae Hydrating Sheet Mask
Garnier’s SkinActive Charcoal and Algae Hydrating Sheet Mask is simple to apply and simple to remove. An easy way to reap the benefits of charcoal without having to invest in a whole pot, this effortless mask provides all of the benefits with slightly less of a mess.
It’s another that comes bolstered with extra moisturising properties like algae extract, hyaluronic acid and hydrating active to comfort and purify skin and tighten pores. These nourishing elements quench the skin’s surface, while the charcoal works its purifying magic.
Buy now £3.49, Superdrug
Dr Organic Charcoal Face Mask
Those looking to keep their skincare organic and gentle need look no further than Dr Organic’s Charcoal Face Mask. Specifically developed to combat urban stress and pollution, this mask is a top choice for commuters or anyone who spends a lot of time in cities.
As well as its central charcoal, this mask comes combined with Dr Organic’s proprietary blend of bioactive and organic extracts like aloe vera juice and china clay.
Buy now £9.49, Holland & Barrett
Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Charcoal Detox Mask
Thought a 15-minute facial was impressive? Meet Sanctuary Spa’s 5 Minute Thermal Charcoal Detox Mask - a third of the time but still all of the benefits of charcoal skincare. While its main component is that all-important charcoal, this mask also infuses a range of oils to nourish and protect the skin from the inside out.
Myrrh oil works to soothe any irritation, whilst kaolin oil sweeps away shine for a mattifying effect. The ultra-nourishing mask also washes off easily to leave behind a hydrated, clarified and healthy-looking complexion.
Buy now £7.15, Amazon
UpCircle Kaolin Clay Face Mask
Detox your skin and combat bacteria with the award-winning, vegan clay face mask from UpCircle. The luxurious product counteracts blackheads and prevents breakouts, meaning you can feel confident in your skin at all times. It’s suitable for all skin types, thanks to a blend of olive powder with white kaolin clay, coconut powder and baobab oil. Treat your skin to some serious TLC with this mask to hand.
Buy now £20.99, UpCircle
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
Best for: a detox for hungover skin
Time: 5-10 minutes
With over 100 million views on TikTok, Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask is certainly a crowd-pleaser. The extracts of pink clay and coffee cleanse whilst removing excess sebum and tightening pores, leaving you looking fresh, clear, and glowing - and it can be used on all skin types. The perfect skin detox after a late night.
Buy now £26.00, lookfantastic
Verdict
While some charcoal masks can be too harsh on the skin, PIXI Glow Mud Mask hits the perfect balance of cleansing and moisturising with an impressive variety of skin-loving ingredients.
