The Best Charcoal Masks For That Clearer Complexion

Charcoal is the hottest ingredient in skincare right now, and it’s no coincidence.

This magical ingredient acts as a magnet to draw out dirt, build-up, and oil from the surface of your pores.

The result? Clean and less oily skin. 

To give your face a real treat, check our reviews for the Best Facial Steamers, they are a vital part of any professional facial treatment which you can do at home. They are the ultimate skin decongestant tool, allowing any active ingredients you use on your face afterwards to more effectively sink into your skin.

Best Charcoal Masks

So, if you suffer from oily skin or stubborn blackheads, check out one of these 12 best charcoal masks.

Just be careful – charcoal can be super drying (especially if you have dry or sensitive skin) so limit yourself to one mask a week, or even less frequently if your skin is extremely dry or easily irritated.

Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub

If you’re after a deep-cleaning facial, from the comfort of your own home, this charcoal mask is the one for you.

This mask helps to remove oil and build-up from pores.

It also contains gentle silica beads that work to buff away dead skin cells for a softer more even texture. 

L’Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Face Mask with Charcoal

This softening charcoal mask contains three different types of clay with charcoal to help bring out dirt, oil, and any other build-up in your pores.

It is made from a creamy formula that doesn’t crack or pull on your skin.

This is a good option if you have dry skin, as this mask feels less drying than the typical charcoal mask.

Not only this, but it has tonnes of great reviews and it’s easy to see why. Plus, it’s super affordable!

PCA Skin Detoxifying Mask

This mask contains detoxifying Japanese white charcoal and kaolin clay, which is effective, yet gentle enough for sensitive or irritation-prone skin.

It also contains bisabolol (which is a part of the chamomile plant renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties) and glycerin, which works to hydrate the skin too. 

Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask

This charcoal mask from Origins is another great option if you have dry skin.

This mask combines charcoal which helps to purify the pores, and honey which is a humectant which draws in moisture to encourage plumpness in the skin and provides nourishment.

Once this mask is rinsed off, your skin will be left hydrated, soft and super clean.

boscia Luminizing Black Mask

This charcoal mask by Boscia has more than 2,000 five-star reviews, and for good reason.

This mask promises to clear up your skin and give you a healthy-looking glow. 

To use, simply apply a thick layer and wait for the charcoal and vitamin C to soak into your skin to give you a radiant and clear complexion.

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment

GlamGlow was one of the first mainstream brands that brought charcoal into their products, and this product is a favorite of many.

It’s great for acne-prone skin, as it contains salicylic and glycolic acid both of which work to exfoliate the skin.

This product will help to smooth and even out your complexion.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

If you’re looking to target blackheads and whiteheads. this is the mask for you.

This product by The Ordinary combines two of the most effective anti-acne ingredients, charcoal, and salicylic acid.

These ingredients work together to minimize excess sebum, tackle inflammation and dissolve dead skin cells and oil that can clog pores and result in breakouts.

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Face Mask

This mask by The Body Shop is a great vegan option for a charcoal mask.

It contains bamboo charcoal, green tea, and tea tree oil which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. 

If you have oily skin, this mask is a life saver, as it delivers a clearer, smoother, and balanced complexion.

Bioré Charcoal Self-Heating One Minute Mask

This water-activated charcoal mask provides you with a spa-like treatment without having to leave your home.

Once rubbed into your skin, this mask heats up and helps to open up your pores, allowing the charcoal to penetrate more deeply and absorb the dirt and oil.

Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask (Single)

This mask is a fantastic option if you’re shopping on a budget.

This mask is super affordable and does an amazing job on irritated skin. It’s also extremely hydrating.

It’s best for acne-prone skin, it provides aloe vera, witch hazel, tomato juice, charcoal powder, and green tea.

These ingredients combine to provide the perfect calming, nourishing, and purifying effects to your skin. 

This mask might leave your skin looking a little red after using it, so it’s best to use this product before bed.

Fresh Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask

This mask has been specifically created to help those with sensitive skin.

Often charcoal masks are not suitable for those with irritated skin, but this mask combines clay and charcoal to purify the skins and chamomile extract and lavender water to cleanse your face.

Olay Masks Pore Detox Black Charcoal Clay Stick

This detoxifying mask removes impurities and decongests your pores to leave you with a soft and clear complexion thanks to the winning combination of charcoal and clay.

This mask is also unique in that it comes in twist-up packaging. This eliminates the most annoying part of applying masks, as this mask is completely mess-free.

Just swipe the mask onto your face, you don’t even have to rub it in and dirty your fingers! Leave the mask on for ten minutes, and then rinse it off.