Environmental pollution, busy lifestyles and everyday stress can make our skin look tired and lifeless. The best pore minimising masks can unblock clogged pores, remove dead skin cells and even reduce toxins. They can even reduce breakouts that lead to blackheads, whiteheads and discolouration.
Pores are tiny little openings generously sprinkled along the surface of the skin. Our pores are crucial for releasing sweat, toxins and the natural skin oil, sebum. They also ensure the skin stays hydrated and supple by absorbing moisture.
10 Best Pore Minimising Masks
We picked the top 10 best pore minimising masks that are deeply purifying, gentle to all types of skin and deliver excellent results. Each is formulated with natural, organic ingredients and packed with the very best nature has to offer.
1. Sand & Sky – Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask
Review
The Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask from Sand & Sky is a magic 4-in-1 formula, packed with natural, organic ingredients. Free from artificial colouring, parabens, silicones or sulfates, it contains all the goodness that Australian nature has to offer.
Intensely detoxifying and pore purifying masks helps to fight day-to-day pollution, protecting and soothing the skin. The prime ingredient, pink clay, is a powerful skin-refining agent.
Paired with witch hazel, it deeply cleanses the skin, clearing it from toxins and other impurities, reducing the breakouts, minimising and tightening pores. Kelp speeds up the recovery of the skin, leaving it feeling healthy and soft.
The vitamin C bomb, Kakadu plum, together with antioxidant fruits pomegranate and mangosteen evens the skin tone, reducing blemishes and discolouration, and giving the complexion a brighter and glowing appearance.
How To Apply
Apply a small amount of clay using the brush provided, spreading evenly over the cleansed skin. Leave for 10 minutes allowing the mask to dry completely. Gently remove with warm water and pat dry using a soft towel.
Use 1-2 times a week if you have dry, sensitive skin. For oily and combination skin use 2-3 times a week.
Benefits
- Detoxifying
- Brightening
- Pore refining & tightening
- Reduces pigmentation, congestion & oiliness
- Clears the skin from toxins
- Reduces breakouts
- Balancing
- Smoothing
- Healing
- Even skin surface
- Antioxidant
- Aids skin renewal/restoration
- Purifying
- Free from silicone, parabens, phthalates, sulphates
- Suitable for all skin types including dry and severe acne skin
Main Active Ingredients
- Australian Pink Clay
- Witch Hazel
- Kemp
- Mangosteen
- Pomegranate
- Kakadu plum
Summary
The deeply detoxifying and pore refining Australian pink clay facial mask is an absolutely stunning, full of benefits skin-perfecting product. It will transform your complexion in no time, detoxifying, exfoliating and boosting it with radiance. Just in one week, the skin will feel balanced and refreshed, thanks to the magic formula packed with vitamins and natural botanicals.
Price & Reviews
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2. Innisfree – Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X
Review
The multi-beneficial Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X from natural, eco-friendly brand Innisfree is an effective pore minimising treatment formulated using volcanic clusters. This second-generation mask is very potent and deeply cleansing, able to absorb a large amount of oil (sebum) and impurities.
Volcanic cluster is finely grounded hardened volcanic lava, formed over millions of years by repeated volcanic eruptions. The rocks and ash are found in the small island of Jeju in South Korea, known for its beauty and pure nature. The ash is grounded to the finest powder and is incredibly absorbent and rich in minerals.
Also enriched with walnut shells and AHA water-soluble acids that help the skin rejuvenate, minimise and tighten the pores. Its creamy consistency is gentle to the skin, ensuring deep purification, smoother texture and brighter skin tone.
The innovative formula detoxifies and treats multiple skin concerns, restoring its healthy balance.
How To Apply
Gently smooth the clay mask onto the cleansed, dry skin avoiding eye and lip areas. Leave it on for approximately 10-15 minutes until dry. Rinse with warm water, gently massaging the mask off with your fingertips and pat dry with a soft towel. Use 1-2 times a week.
Benefits
- Minimises pores
- Exfoliating
- Purifying
- Brightening
- Antioxidant
- Improves skin texture
- Decreases skin oiliness
- Evens skin texture
- Free from parabens, mineral oils, colourants or fragrances
- Suitable for normal, combination and oily skin types
Main Active Ingredients
- Jeju Volcanic Clusters™
- Lactic Acid
Summary
Refreshing and soothing after just one use, the Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is not only good for congested pores but can help acne-prone skin also. It will bring the oil levels down, clearing and cleaning the skin without drying it out. This leading clay masks works from day one, visibly improving the condition of the skin, leaving it soft and well balanced.
Price & Reviews
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3. Caudalie – Instant Detox Mask
Review
The 10-minute pore minimising Instant Detox Mask from the French skincare company Claudalie is a pioneering formula targeting stressed, tired, toxin and free radical damaged skin. The mask, packed with many potent ingredients, will refine the skin’s texture by removing dull, dead-looking skin and making it smoother and more radiant.
Intensively detoxifying pink clay works towards all forms of impurities, reaching the deepest layers of the skin and clearing out any congestions, dirt and toxins. This active ingredient purifies the pores, making them less visible, giving the complexion a fresher and more even look. It also helps to reduce the formation of breakouts and blackheads, reducing blemishes and discolouration.
The potent antioxidant grape marc (made from grape skins) paired together with papaya enzymes and tannins minimise and tighten pores, brightening and rejuvenating the skin texture for a more healthy appearance.
The Caudal Instant Detox Mask works for all skin types and is free from any skin-damaging products such as parabens or mineral oils.
How To Apply
A small amount of mask smear evenly over the face and leave to dry for 5-10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Use once or twice a week.
Benefits
- Detoxifying
- Reduces stress
- Smoothing
- Evens skin texture
- Purifies and tightens pores
- Smoothing
- Antioxidant
- Contains natural ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
Main Active Ingredients
- Rose Clay
- Papaya Enzyme
- Tannings
- Grape Mark
Summary
This powerful detoxifying complex is perfect for a quick purifying treatment, whether to relax your skin after a long week’s work or to get ready for some special occasion or a night out with friends. Its pioneering formula will wipe off the tiredness, balancing and visibly improving the complexity, strengthening and giving it a luminous glow.
Price & Reviews
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4. Sisley – Paris Radiant Glow Express Mask
Review
The Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask is a powerful treatment that immediately takes away the stress, refreshes and soothes the complexion.
Formulated with a selection of high-quality natural ingredients, including botanical extract and essential oils, the Radiant Glow Express Mask provides a deeply purifying cleanse, lifting away dirt and impurities.
White and red clays are the core ingredients of this fantastic mask. They help to reduce the skin oiliness, gently clearing and tightening the pores. The chamomile and rosemary essential oils mixed with carrot and rose-hip extracts revitalise and tone the skin.
Deeply moisturising antioxidants protect the multiple skin layers, calming irritation and enhancing microcirculation. Its soft, non-drying consistency does not pull the skin but leaves it feeling relaxed, clean, supple and well hydrated.
This fast-acting Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask evens the complexion, reducing blemishes and discolouration. After just one or two uses, skin feels more refreshed and glowing.
How To Apply
Apply to clean, dry skin two, three times a week. Smear a thick layer of mask over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area and leave to dry for 3-5 minutes. Rinse gently with warm water.
Benefits
- Antioxidant
- Reduces skin oiliness
- Gets rid of impurities
- Fast absorbent
- Soothing
- Suitable for all skin types
- Brightening
- Moisturising
- Calming
- Purifying
- Evens skin surface
- Revitalising
- Rich in herbal extracts and essential oils
Main Active Ingredients
- Red Vine
- Carrot
- Chamomile (essential oil)
- Rosemary (essential oil)
- White Clay, Red Clay
- Rosehip
- Vegetable Glycerin
Summary
If you have dull, tired-looking skin, consider pampering it with this luxurious face mask. Its unique, fast-acting formula, packed with rich, active ingredients will help to enhance the skin’s natural health and radiance, erasing stress and creating a protective barrier from pollution and free radicals.
Perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin, the mask is suitable for frequent use or as a quick beauty booster. Don’t forget to check out my article on the Most Popular Sisley Perfumes.
Price & Reviews
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5. Ole Henriksen – Cold Plunge Pore Mask
Review
The Cold Plunge Pore Mask from Ole Henriksen is an intense, innovative treatment, inspired by a “cold plunge” sauna routine, a common practice in Scandinavia. The blend of powerful active ingredients and botanicals works towards improving the skin texture, balancing and restoring multiple layers of the epidermis.
Its cooling clay formula deeply purifies the skin, clearing it from toxins and impurities, while AHA acids help to unblock the pores by loosening and lifting the dead skin cells.
With the power of the Green Fusion Complex™, rich in green tea, eucalyptus, kelp and Irish moss extract, the formula instantly reduces the surface oils (sebum) gradually tightening pores and visibly diminishing their appearance.
Formulated with potent antioxidants willowherb and snow lotus, the Cold Plunge Pore Mask not only protects the skin from free radicals, nourishing and conditioning it but also helps to maintain its even complexion, brightening and reducing the discolouration. The cooling effect stimulates the cells, improving blood circulation, soothing and relaxing the skin.
How To Apply
Smear an even layer of the mask over the clean, dry face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with the cool water.
Follow with the serum or moisturiser of your choice. Use 2-3 times a week. It is advisable to use SPF cream and avoid direct sunlight during the first week of using the mask.
Benefits
- Minimises pores
- Deeply purifying
- Mattifying oil controls for up to 8 hours
- Calming
- Soothing
- Healing
- Brightening
- Reduces skin oiliness
- Removes dead skin cells
- Reduces discolouration
- Evens skin tone
- Antioxidant
- Nourishing
- Free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates
Main Active Ingredients
- Clay
- Green Fusion Complex
- Snow lotus and alpine willowherb extracts
- Lactic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA)
Summary
This refreshing, calming formula is especially suitable for oily skin with visibly enlarged pores. The cool water, added to this deeply purifying clay mask, will change its texture into a luxuriously creamy wash, instantly removing the dirt and oiliness. It can transform your skin from dull and tired, to refreshed and glowing.
Price & Reviews
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6. Origins – Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
Review
The Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask by Origins is a formula inspired by the power of nature. Blended with naturally obtained, highest quality, potent ingredients, this is a clean, free from nasties product, friendly to the skin and environment.
This detoxifying and intensively purifying complex is formulated with activated charcoal and white china clay to help to clear the pores from blockages, impurities and environmental pollution. It reaches the deepest skin layers drawing out and dissolving the dirt, thanks to the active additive lecithin. The skin instantly looks brighter and feels clean and pure.
The healing agent activated charcoal, mixed with bamboo extract gently tightens up the pores, reducing their appearance. The formula smoothes the surface of the epidermis, giving the skin a brighter and more even look. It reduces blemishes and protects from free radicals.
Designed for oily with enlarged pores skin, the Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask visibly reduces skin sebum, balancing and nourishing the complexion.
How To Apply
Place a warm, damp towel over a clean, make-up free face and leave it on for a few minutes. This will help to prepare the skin and open pores. Layer the mask on and leave it to dry. Rinse off with warm water. Use once a week or more often if the skin is oily.
Benefits
- Detoxifying
- Healing
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Purifying
- Smoothing
- Deeply purifying
- Pore minimising
- Oil control
- Free from Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol & Mineral Oil
Main Active Ingredients
- Bamboo Charcoal
- White China Clay
- Lecithin
Summary
If you struggle with open or visible pores, the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask is definitely the product for you. This fantastic mask will clear dirt and impurities so your skin will regain its radiance, looking perfectly balanced and relaxed.
Price & Reviews
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7. Kiehl’s – Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Review
If you are looking for an intensely purifying, delivering successful results skin product, check out Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque. The deep-cleansing mask is designed for all skin types and is formulated to detoxify, refresh and balance the skin.
Blended with Amazonian minerals and rich white clay, the mask helps to clear impurities and blackheads, reducing surface oil and diminishing the appearance of pores.
It draws out dirt and toxins from the multiple layers of the epidermis, purifying and balancing the skin. Known as the “Magic Earth” Amazonian white clay, this potent ingredient is widely used as a stress-relieving and antioxidant agent. It helps to eliminate dead skin, effectively minimising the pores.
The combination of aloe vera and oatmeal within the formula stabilises the complexion, soothing and healing it from within. The surface of the skin appears more even, brighter and refreshed, ready for the application of your daily moisturiser.
How To Apply
Thinly layer on the mask over damp, clean skin, avoiding eye area, and leave to dry for 10 minutes. Use a warm, wet towel to carefully remove the clay mask, patting the skin dry.
Use once or twice a week.
Benefits
- Smoothing
- Brightening
- Antioxidant
- Balancing
- Purifying
- Reduces pore appearance
- Evens complexion and skin tone
- Healing
- Suitable for all skin types
Main Active Ingredients
- Amazonian White Clay
- Aloe Vera
- Oatmeal
Summary
The Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque from Kiehl’s will deliver immaculate, soft to the touch skin, free from enlarged pores, dirt and oil. Blemished areas will soon become a matter of the past with and the entire complexion looking fresher and more refined.
Price & Reviews
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8. Tata Harper – Clarifying Mask
Review
Designed with problematic skin in mind, Tata Harper Clarifying Mask is a 100% natural product, blended with highly effective botanicals. Its unique formula is rich in restoring, soothing and exfoliating ingredients, 50% of which comes from organic farming.
A super-powerful, deeply clarifying natural mask targets skin’s impurities such as blemishes and redness, smoothing its texture, balancing and restoring its healthy complexion.
The AHA superfruit, in combination with quartz sand micro-crystals, purify the skin, gently exfoliating it at the same time. This potent blend not only clears the pores from dirt and pollution but shrinks and tightens the pores, visibly reducing their appearance and maintaining the excess oil production.
The salicylic acid trio contains meadowsweet, wintergreen extract and white willow bark, soothes and calms skin’s irritations, preventing it from breakouts and inflammations. Raw honey, on the other hand, moisturises the complexion to give an evenly-toned, brighter and fresher looking skin.
How To Apply
Apply a thick layer of the mask over the cleansed face and neck and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Massage in with warm water to gently exfoliate the skin before rinsing it off.
The AHAs contained within this product may increase skin’s sensitivity to direct sun, causing a sunburn. Therefore it is advisable to wear a sunscreen with high SPF avoiding direct sun exposure after using this product for one week afterwards.
Benefits
- Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
- Exfoliating
- Softening
- Nourishing
- Hydrating
- Pore minimising
- Smoothing
- Reduces skin oiliness
- Reduces redness and blemishes
- Anti blackheads, breakouts and acne visible pores
- Rich in vitamins and fatty acids
- Suitable for all skin types
Main Active Ingredients
- AHA Superfruits
- Quartz Micro Crystals
- Superseeds
- Honey
Summary
This fantastic, super-natural clarifying mask is the best that nature has to offer. Gentle to the skin, it works instantly, healing and purifying it. It restores a healthy complexion without drying or irritating the skin. Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, the Tata Harper Clarifying Mask will ensure softer and clearer looking skin, calm and protected from environmental damage.
Price & Reviews
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9. Shiseido – ‘Waso’ Purifying Peel Off Face Mask
Review
The Waso Purifying Peel-off Face Mask from Shiseido is an emergency skin-resetting treatment designed to balance and restore skin’s natural barriers, protecting it from pollution and environmental damage.
Formulated with red Shiso Basil, a powerful botanical, rich in minerals and antioxidants, the mask will help to absorb the impurities, reducing breakouts and minimising the appearance of pores.
This bright colour peel-off mask intensely purifies the skin encouraging cell renewal, reducing signs of fatigue and giving the skin a fresh, healthy glow. It strengthens the skin’s resistance to stress, smoothing its texture and reducing oiliness.
The Waso Purifying Peel-off Face Mask ensures constant hydration into multiple layers of the epidermis, peeling away the dirt and removing dead skin cells. Its creamy consistency and easy to rinse off formula allow flawless, regular use giving the appearance of visibly clearer and well-rested skin.
How To Apply
Apply evenly over the clean, dry skin. Avoid eye area, brows, its and hairline. Leave on for approximately 20 minutes until the mask is no longer sticky to touch and gently peel off from forehead to chin.
Use once or twice a week.
Benefits
- Targets dull, tired skin
- Reduces skin congestion
- Minimises appearance of pores/imperfections
- Purifying
- Deeply cleansing
- Smoothing
- Aids stressed skin
- Encourages skin renewal/restoration
- Non-comedogenic
- Hydrating
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Exfoliating
- Nourishing
- Free from Mineral oil, parabens, plastic microbeads
- Suitable for all skin types
- Reduces skin oils
- Non-comedogenic
Main Active Ingredients
- Red Shiso
- Phytoresist System
- Anti-Solution powder
- Kaolin
- Tanakura clay
- Eucalyptus
Summary
Busy lifestyle, everyday stress and polluted air add a lot of strain to our skin, causing irritation, imbalance and making it look distressed. Shiseido Waso cleansing mask, inspired by the traditional Japanese dish of Washoku, will peel off the dullness and impurities giving a fresh new start to your day. The skin will feel protected, balanced and revitalised. It will clear the complexion without causing dryness or irritation, leaving it soft and well hydrated.
Price & Reviews
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10. GlamGlow – Supermud Clearing Treatment
Review
The GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment is an innovative formula targeting common skin concerns such as redness, blemishes or oiliness. Suitable for women and men, this advanced treatment is a first stop shop for those who suffer from acne, scars or ingrown hair.
The purifying mask, containing eucalyptus leaves, activated charcoal and super six acid blend work together in fighting pollution, dirt and impurities. This powerful combo clears the pores from toxins and gently tightens them, so the pores are visibly reduced. It also helps to remove the dead skin cells encouraging its rejuvenation.
This incredible product helps to reduce the excess sebum and balances skin tone. It works against blemishes and spots, significantly decreasing their appearance, gently smoothing complexion. The GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment not only fights everyday aggressors but visibly brightens the face, giving it a natural radiant glow.
Suitable for every skin type, the GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment mask will give your skin a second breath – a pure, smooth finish for a healthy look.
How To Apply
Apply a thin layer of the mask to a cleansed skin and leave it on for 5-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Use as often as required.
Use SPF protection and avoid direct sun exposure while using it and the week afterwards.
Benefits
- Purifying
- Reduces excess sebum
- Softening
- Pore refining
- Clarifying
- Soothing
- Toning
- Tightening
- Brightening
- Pore minimising
- Mattifying
- Suitable for all skin types
Main Active Ingredients
- Teaoxi Eucalyptus Leaves
- Activated-V Charcoal
- Super Six Acid Blend
Summary
Initially created for Hollywood screen-ready skin, GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment offers a fast and effective solution to your skin. After just one treatment, the complexion is visibly improved, nourished, and more refined. It clears any congestion leaving the skin smooth and silky to touch.
Price & Reviews
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Facial Masks – Q&A
Are Facial Masks Good For Your Skin?
Face masks are an excellent treatment for various skin conditions. They can help remove excess skin oils, clear the skin from impurities and unclog blocked pores. Facial masks also work well on sensitive and inflamed skin.
How Many Times A Week Should You Mask Your Face?
Most pore minimising facial masks should be used once or twice a week, depending on the brand and the active ingredients contained in their formula. Milder facial masks are also available for more frequent use.
How Soon Do Facial Masks Work?
Facial masks get to work straight away and their effect is almost immediate. You should see noticeable results within 7 days of use, depending on the brand.
Conclusion
An effective way to combat enlarged pores can be achieved by using a skin cleansing mask once or twice a week, giving your pores a deep clean. Pore minimising masks (especially clay-based) that contain antioxidants and natural acids are best to leave your skin smooth and revitalised.
The best pore minimising facial masks offer a fast and effective solution to your skin. After just one treatment, the complexion can be visibly improved, nourished and more refined, leaving the skin smooth and silky to touch. Every girl should add facial masks to her beauty routine.