If you are a facial mask fan, keep that butt where you are, because today’s topic is Charcoal Vs clay masks, where I talk a little bit about each one of them and place a quick comparison so you get the best of these two A-M-A-Z-I-N-G facial treatments!
Take your notebook and start your facials as soon as possible, because I can guarantee you will only experience great things by trying these masks out.
Let’s get started and have you any further questions, please feel free to send you beautiful comments! And if you like this, remember to share with your lovely beautiful friends!

Charcoal Masks Summary
Charcoal Masks are one of the best (oftentimes forgotten) treatments for purifying your skin. It is a great ally on oiliness balancing, pore minimization, great protection from free radicals (pollution, toxins) and perfect for removing makeup residuals.
In addition to all that, it has a light exfoliating effect, which helps you renew skin cells, giving you a glowy, soft and smooth complexion. You can find charcoal as a cosmetic cream, or you can bow it in form of powder or capsule and mix it with water.
Skin Types
Charcoal Masks are suitable for all skin types, but they can be very special for those with oily and acne prone skin. This is because its exfoliating effect can provide a deeper cleanser which will remove inflammatory toxins.
Benefits
- Adstringent, antibactericidal and healing
- Great for deep cleansing
- Absorbs impurities and toxins from your skin leaving it purified
- Great for minimizing spots
- Balances the skin, controls excess of oil, hydrates and adds nutrients to the skin.
How To use Charcoal Mask
You can buy a charcoal mask that’s already made, or you can make it yourself, by adding charcoal powder to chamomile tea and aloe vera gel. Apply it on the face and leave it for about 20 minutes.
You can also mix charcoal masks with different skincare products such as moisturizers, serums, and things like that. A good tip is to combine charcoal with colloidal oatmeal, which is hydrating and will balance your skin.
Contra Indications
Unfortunately, not everyone can benefit from charcoal masks, as the use of this item is not recommended for those who are experiencing certain skin conditions such as rosacea, allergy, sensitivity and excessive dryness.
Learn More:
Clay Masks Summary
Clay masks are composed of processed silicate microparticles, some metals such as aluminum, manganese, sodium, iron, among others. They can be found in a form of a powder that should be mixed with water and applied to the face.
You can find different types of clay masks with different colors, compositions and functions. For example, they are pink, gray, black, green, white, red and brown colors.
Skin Types
Like the charcoal mask, clay masks are suitable for all skin types having a special love for oily skin, as they tend to absorb the oleosity to leave the skin purified.
If you have dry skin, you may still prefer clay masks as they are less drying than charcoal masks. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll love clay masks as they are anti-bacterial,
Benefits
Down below you can find a table with the benefits of clay masks and their metals associated.
Aluminum | Heals and tonify the skin |
Iron | Good for hydration and elasticity |
Magnesium | Boost hydration and collagen |
Manganese | Healing and anti-allergic |
Silicon | Hydrating, firming, purifying |
Sodium and Potassium | Hydrating and Balancing |
The white clay mask for example, helps you minimize spots, get rid of excess oil, evens skin tone and can be a good option for those with melasma. Red clay masks can renew skin cells, are firming, anti-aging, purifying and great for sensitive, acne prone skin.
At the same time, green clay masks are astringent, anti-bacterial, and serve as a great pore minimizer treatment. Very similar to pink clay mask, that is also anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, ideal for sensitized skin.
If you want to learn more details about clay masks and what types of benefits each one of them can bring to you, then you can check this clay mask guide.
How To Use Clay Masks?
Pretty much like the charcoal mask, you can find cosmetics that contain clay masks and even clay masks that are ready for you. If you prefer, you can buy the clay powder and mix with a little water and apply on the face for about 20 minutes. You don’t have to wait until it is totally dry to
To potentialize its effects, you can also mix clay masks with essential oils, moisturizers, capsules and other nourishing products. A good tip is to use different colors of masks to target different areas and concerns on your face.
For example, you can use the pink mask in some areas of the face and the green on other parts.
Contra Indications
Some people may not like to use clay masks, as they reported their skin to get overly dry and irritated. The best way to know if this mask is good for you, is by performing a patch test in a small area of the side of your neck before applying it on your face.
Learn More:
- Clay Masks Benefits, Types & How To Use [For A Total Glow UP!]
- Clay Mask vs Exfoliator: What’s The Difference
Charcoal Vs Clay Masks: Which One Is Better?
Even though Charcoal Masks and clay masks are not the same, they are very similar in terms of benefits. Both masks are natural, purifying, adstringent, healing, control oleosity and provide deeper cleansing.

- Clay masks: Better for sensitive, dry and normal skin
- Charcoal Masks: Better for Normal, Combination and oily skin
To define which is better, you need to consider your skin type and what type of concern you are planning to treat. For example if you have dry skin, it is best to choose a clay mask because it is less drying than charcoal masks.
Consequently, if your skin is too oily, you may give preference to charcoal masks and will be more effective while controlling the oils from the skin. For those with sensitive skin, it can be a good idea to pick clay masks, as the pink and the white clay mask is ideal to treat this kind of issue.

Can I Use Combine Charcoal And Clay Mask?
If you want to combine both charcoal and clay masks, know that you can do that without problems. You can find some cosmetics that contain both ingredients, but you can do your own DIY mix at home as well. Another idea is to apply a clay mask in one area of the face and the charcoal mask in a different area.
How to Choose Charcoal or Clay Masks?
For clay masks, take a look at the colors and the properties of them and check if there is something that will treat your concern. If you are worried about dosage, and are unsure on how to make clay and charcoal masks, it is best to find a cosmetic that already contains these ingredients. When you buy the powder, make sure it is a shop with a good reputation that will deliver the original product.