The 8 Best Face Masks for Virtually Poreless Skin

By
Maya Allen
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Maya Allen
Maya Allen is a beauty editor with over five years of experience covering hair, makeup, skin, and nails. She is currently the beauty director for InStyle Magazine.
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Updated on Mar 05, 2022
Medically reviewed by
Lucy Chen, MD
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Medically reviewed by Lucy Chen, MD

Lucy Chen, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, FL. She specializes in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology.

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Pores: can't live without them. We all have them, as they're part of our skin's natural makeup. Pores tend to have a negative connotation, but there isn't anything wrong with them. However, you have every right to want to minimize the look of enlarged or congested pores due to excess oil, dead skin cells, environmental stressors, dirt and debris buildup, and more. Clogged pores can lead to bacterial buildup and acne.

Masking, known as one of the most praised self-care rituals, can be helpful when trying to tackle pores. It can give your pores some much-needed TLC and a good deep clean. When it comes to masks for pores, spoiler alert, they're not all created equal. Luckily, we're here to break down the best products to address all your pore concerns. Warning: Always spot test before trying a new mask on your face. Your skin will thank you later!

Keep scrolling for the best face masks for pores when your skin needs a re-up.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment Mask at Sephora
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Best Budget:
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay at Amazon
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Best Splurge:
Biologique Recherche Crème Masque at Shoprescuespa.com
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Best Vegan:
Volition Beauty Detoxifying Silt Gelée Mask at Sephora
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Best Clay:
Kiehl's Deep Pore Cleansing Mask at Sephora
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Best Facial:
Olga Lorencin Facial in a Box at Dermstore
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Best for Wrinkles:
Elemis Face Mask at Dermstore
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Best for Removing Makeup:
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask at Sephora
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In This Article

Best Overall: GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Instant Clearing Treatment Mask

4.7
GlamGlow Supermud

  Courtesy of GlamGlow
View On Sephora View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales
What We Like

  • Clears pores

  • Clarifies skin without overdrying

  • Available in multiple sizes

What We Don't Like

  • Strong scent

Who else recommends it? Allure, StyleCraze, and Harper's Bazaar all picked the GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment Mask.

What do buyers say? 6,200+ Sephora reviewers rated this product 4.2 stars or above.

This mud mask takes a no-holds-barred approach when clearing congested skin to make way for a brighter complexion. Equipped with six acids, this powerful blend deep cleans your pores, which helps in making them look noticeably smaller. 

Benefits: Clears pores, reduces excess oil | Active Ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), activated charcoal | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 0.5 / 1 / 1.7 / 3.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Budget: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

4.6
Aztec Secret – Indian Healing Clay
View On Amazon View On IHerb View On Walmart
What We Like

  • Comes in a large tub

  • Effective formula

  • Contains just one ingredient

What We Don't Like

  • Can be a little drying

The internet absolutely loves this best-selling clay mask, which consistently flies off the shelves. It's an intense one, that's for sure (speaking from experience here). But if you want your pores to feel brand-new, this is the product for you.

Benefits: Clears pores, reduces excess oil | Active Ingredients: Calcium bentonite clay | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 lb. / 2 lb. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Splurge: Biologique Recherche Crème Masque Vernix

Biologique Recherche Creme Masque Vernix
View On Shoprescuespa.com
What We Like

  • Softens skin

  • Super hydrating

  • Can be used daily

What We Don't Like

  • Contains BHT

Key Ingredients

Emollients serve as softening and moisture-locking agents, like butters, oils, esters, lipids, and fatty acids. They can also be used to describe a category of products that contain these ingredients, such as lotions, creams, and ointments.

Highly praised by Byrdie's associate editorial director, Hallie, who relies on this creamy mask to save her hungover skin, the brand created this to give you "baby skin" that provides a "second birth." With emollients in the formula, your skin will feel like it's enveloped in hydration after using this.

Benefits: Moisturizes, repairs | Active Ingredients: Amniotic fluid, hydrolyzed placental protein, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

The 15 Best Face Masks to Try If You Have Oily Skin

Best Vegan: Volition Beauty Detoxifying Silt Gelée Mask

Volition Detoxifying Silt Gelee

Courtesy of Volition
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Clears pores

  • Clarifies skin without overdrying

  • Skin feels cleansed and hydrated

What We Don't Like

  • Messy to use

One downside to pore-fighting masks is they can feel incredibly harsh and uncomfortable on the skin. With the mission of moisturizing and purifying the skin at the same time, this gel-based mask promises to get rid of buildup while adding ample hydration thanks to its mineral-rich black silt.

Benefits: Clears pores, reduces excess oil, hydrates | Active Ingredients: Black silt, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Clay: Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask

 Courtesy of Kiehl's
View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Bloomingdales
What We Like

  • Soothing on skin

  • Smooths out texture

  • Thick consistency

What We Don't Like

  • Could be more hydrating

Key Ingredients

Aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The aloe plant's inner gel mucilage (the part that's used in skincare products) is made up of 99.5% water.

You can find bentonite in this whipped clay formula, which may help control shine; along with aloe vera, known to soothe skin; and Amazonian white clay, used to absorb excess oil and remove impurities, according to the brand. Afterward, your skin will feel deeply cleansed and refreshed. 

Benefits: Clears pores, reduces excess oil | Active Ingredients: White clay, aloe | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 / 4.2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

The Best Clay Masks That Your Skin Will Love

Best Facial: Olga Lorencin Deep Detox Facial in a Box

Olga Lorencin Deep Detox Facial in a Box
View On Dermstore
What We Like

  • Helps treat and prevent breakouts

  • Calms redness

  • Exfoliates without stripping skin

What We Don't Like

  • Routine has three steps

The name says it all: a deeply purifying facial in a box. Keep congestion and pollution-generated clogged pores at bay with this mask of active ingredients that can help target oil imbalances while providing gentle exfoliation.

Benefits: Clears pores, reduces excess oil, helps clear acne | Active Ingredients: Salicylic, mandelic, and phytic acids | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1.7 / 2.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Wrinkles: Elemis Peptide4 Thousand Flower Face Mask

Elemis Peptide 4 Thousand Flower Face Mask
View On Dermstore View On Elemis.com View On Skinstore.com
What We Like

  • Smooth, rich texture

  • Skin looks more radiant

  • Smooths out texture

What We Don't Like

  • Could be more hydrating

This comforting mask has a velvety texture that feels so good on your skin using a combination of peptides and Nordic Peat. The brand describes the latter as "organic matter from thousands of flowers rich in humic and fulvic acid" that is meant to break up excess oil in your pores and bring on glowing, radiant skin.

Benefits: Clears pores, balances skin | Active Ingredients: Peptides, Nordic Peat soil | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

These Face Masks Will Soothe Your Sensitive Skin ASAP

Best for Removing Makeup: Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask With Rose Clay

origins original skin retexturizing mask with rose clay
View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Macy's
What We Like

  • Removes traces of makeup and dirt

  • Gently exfoliates

  • Softens skin

What We Don't Like

  • Can irritate very sensitive skin

Key Ingredients

Jojoba oil is a natural oil produced from the seed of the chinensis plant, a drought-resistant shrub native to southern Arizona, California, and Mexico. Jojoba oil mimics natural sebum and conditions, and it also also seals moisture in the skin without clogging pores or exacerbating acne.

This rose clay mask stays front and center in my routine after nights when I've had way too much fun and forget to take my makeup off (not proud of this, but it's the truth). It's a restorative mask that features Mediterranean rose clay, Canadian willow herb, and exfoliating jojoba beads.

Benefits: Exfoliates, reduces excess oil | Active Ingredients: Rose clay, willow herb, jojoba beads | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1 / 2.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Experts Say These Face Masks Actually Help Heal Acne Scars

What to Look for in Pore-Cleansing Face Masks

Clay

Typically, clay-based masks made with acids are recommended to take on your clogged or enlarged pores. Clay helps draw out impurities from the skin, aiming to leave it fresh, smooth, and clean. Note that when working with a clay mask such as Aztec Secret's Indian Healing Clay, do not leave on the skin for more than five to 10 minutes depending on your skin's sensitivity level.

Acids

Acids help unclog and minimize the look of your pores. Look for commonly used acids, such as lactic and salicylic acids, when scanning the ingredient lists before your purchase.

Emollients

Pore-cleansing products and masks can often be rough on the skin while going to work. Seeking masks with skin-soothing formulas to offset any wear and tear and help nourish the skin after your pores have been cleaned.

FAQ
  • What should I look for in products to avoid clogged pores?

    According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should look for at least one of the following terms on everything you apply to your face: "non-comedogenic," "oil free," and (obviously) "won’t clog pores."

  • How often should I wash my face to avoid clogged pores?

    Cleansing twice daily can help prevent clogged pores, unclog existing pores, and reduce oiliness. Always be gentle when washing your face. Avoid using hot water, which can irritate the skin and lead to pores looking larger in size.

  • After masking, what other steps can I take to avoid pores?

    On top of masking, you can take other preventative options in your skincare routine to combat large pores. The proper exfoliators, toners, cleansers, retinoids, and hydrators can all contribute to helping minimize pores.

We Found the Best Drugstore Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne: who gets and causes.

  2. The 23 best face masks to revitalize your complexion. Allure. https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-face-masks

  3. 15 best face masks to shrink pores. StyleCraze. https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/best-face-masks-to-shrink-pores

  4. The 30 best face masks for all skin types. Harper's Bazaar. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g22612355/best-face-masks

  5. Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML. Moisturizers: the slippery road. Indian J Dermatol. 2016;61(3):279-287. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427

  6. Guo X, Mei N. Aloe vera: a review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects. J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2016;34(2):77-96. doi:10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826

  7. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070

  8. Williams LB, Haydel SE. Evaluation of the medicinal use of clay minerals as antibacterial agents. Int Geol Rev. 2010;52(7/8):745-770. doi: 10.1080/00206811003679737

  9. American Academy of Dermatology Association. "What can treat large facial pores?"

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