Charcoal Face Masks That Work Better Than Blotting Paper

Oil control without the over-dry.

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Face masks are for four seasons but nothing comes to the rescue of oily skin faster than an oil-absorbing, complexion balancing, and mattifying charcoal mask in summer! I mean even the moisturizer can feel heavy on the skin in hot, humid weather.

I feel like no amount of keeping makeup minimal, cleansing twice daily, and exfoliating is enough to make my skin feel light and clear. So a good charcoal mask is my go-to when I want to wipe the summer sweat and dirt off my skin.

If you’ve never used one before, a charcoal face mask is used for absorbing oil and clearing out clogged pores. It dries down on the skin and sticks to whatever is on your face.

So when you remove it, you also remove a good layer of dirt, residual makeup, sweat, and oils. It is incredibly satisfying! It’s also not as hard as a clay mask, which is why it doesn’t dry your skin.

I can’t think of any reason why anyone would not need one! Here are the absolute best charcoal face masks that save me a few trips to the bathroom and a handful of blotting papers!

1. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask - Best Charcoal Face Mask

SEPHORA $36

ULTA $36

This is one of the first charcoal face masks I’ve ever used on my skin. And it’s seen me at my worst and my best. Through my teenage years and my 30s. It worked every single time! It’s made with bamboo charcoal but it’s also infused with clay. So it’s the perfect combo for minimizing oil, unclogging pores, and mattifying the skin. It has a very creamy texture that makes the application easy and the removal mess-free.

It doesn’t smell like anything and the best part is that I love how gentle it is on my sensitive skin. It never dries my skin, breaks me out, or causes redness. I can use it as often as daily. After rinsing, it kind of normalizes your skin so all that clogged, congested feeling is gone. It also helps make pores appear smaller. I love the fact that it comes in a mini size, so you don’t have to put a dent in your wallet to give it a try!

Key Ingredients: Charcoal, clay
Size: 2.5 oz/75 ml
Good To Know: Vegan

2. Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask - Best Charcoal Face Mask

SEPHORA $60

PETER THOMAS ROTH $60

This is another charcoal mask I love to use on my sensitive skin. This has an even lighter consistency that applies almost like a thin peel-off mask. It’s pitch-black and formulated with charcoal, mud, and clay. It doesn’t dry and harden on your face like a heavy clay mask would do. It doesn’t stiffen.

I mean I can comfortably move my face without having mask particles falling down from my face. Plus, it leaves my skin feeling really nice and calm. It has helped me so much with the blackheads on my chin and around my nose, which are really stubborn and can only handle gentle, non-drying formulas. This is pricey but it lasts long worth every penny! I love applying this after I dermaplane.

Key Ingredients: Charcoal, mud
Size: 5.1 oz/150 ml
Good To Know: Fragrance-free, paraben-free

3. Glamglow Supermud Charcoal Mud Mask

GLAMGLOW $22

I love exfoliating with chemical exfoliants in mask form. They make it easy and practical to incorporate exfoliation into my daily routine. The only downside is that chemical exfoliants require you to be very mindful of sun protection. Otherwise, they can increase the likelihood of sunburn and really irritate your skin. That’s why I prefer applying this one once a week as I love being out and about in the sun.

Its base is charcoal and clay. And it’s made with salicylic acid and lactic acid to refine skin texture and calm acne. I absolutely love how it brightens my skin, brings out my tan, and makes my skin glow. It’s almost like an exfoliating face toner but much more fun. It also has tiny granules peppered in to make the formula work like a scrub mask.

Key Ingredients: Charcoal, salicylic acid
Size: 1 oz/30 gr
Good To Know: Scented

Whichever you go for, know that charcoal masks can be incredibly helpful when you don’t know how to quickly calm your skin, minimize shine, and get a handle on clogged pores. So I think it’s a must for anyone who is taking the slightest interest in their skin with a skincare routine.