Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask 3.3oz (100ml)

Product Information

According to Melanie Grant, a facialist and celebrity esthetician, clay masks can do a lot for the skin. “Clay masks thoroughly cleanse pores by lifting impurities to the surface and drying out any existing blemishes,” she explains. “If dull, congested, oily skin is normal for you, I recommend adding a clay mask to your routine.” Once you get over the hurdle of having to personally mix this formula with water (a task that could definitely be made easier with clearer instructions on the brand's part), we promise its deep-cleaning results are worth it. “The mask feels great on my skin with a smooth texture and slight tightening effect,” says our tester. The unique mix of activated coconut charcoal, marshmallow root, gotu kola, and rhassoul clay deeply cleans the skin while also soothing irritation and promoting skin recovery. “My skin looks brighter, clearer, and more even, as if it went through a deep detox,” she marvels. To use as a face mask, apply an even coat on damp skin after cleansing with Soy Face Cleanser, leave on for 3-5 minutes, and rinse. Follow with Kombucha Treatment Essence for smooth, luminous skin.

I’m a die-hard face mask stan, but that doesn’t mean I love them all. Some dry in strange ways, others feel barely effective. (If I spent the past 20 minutes looking like Jason Voorhees, there ought to be a good reason for it!) I was wary of the way the Fresh Umbrian Clay mask first looked when I applied it; the Vine of the baby covered in peanut butter came to mind. It has a wet consistency, and I was worried about it drying uniformly. The tube (I tried the travel-size version) helps avoid a lot of mess, however, and the thin texture meant product didn’t build up in weird places on my cheeks or forehead. Kaolin and bentonite clays absorb excess oil and reduce impurities,” explains Dr. Graf, which is why we love this mask from Origins that contains both. To simultaneously exfoliate, smooth, and decongest, you won’t regret giving this one a try. This pretty pink mask is formulated with clay (obviously), exfoliating jojoba beads, and soothing willowherb. The gritty little beads gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, while the willowherb and two types of clay work to restore and clarify. Our tester, who regularly uses a mask in her skincare routine, was surprised by how refreshing this mask felt, calling it a “deep cleanse.” After use, her skin felt clean and smooth. It’s also worth noting that the mask comes in a hygienic squeeze tube that deposits the mask into your hands, preventing contamination from grubby fingers. Though the mask will feel dry in about 9 minutes, the brand recommends keeping it on for 15 to 20 (on the longer end of products we tested). This largely depends on the product you’re using. Typically, exfoliating cleansers can be used once or even twice daily, while leave-on serums, masks, and peels can be used a few times per week. This clay mask utilizes real-life hardened volcanic lava from South Korea’s Jeju Island to unclog your pores (how cool is that?). Together with lactic acid, these two ingredients absorb excess oils and restore your complexion to smooth brilliance. “There’s an immediate improvement in my pore size and the mask helps remove dry and dead skin. It also speeds along the healing process of residual scabbing from previous breakouts,” shares our tester. Expect a cooling sensation and slight tightening, but not to the point of tingling or burning. The formula feels creamy, yet light, and spreads easily across the entire face for an overall brightening effect.When deciding between clay mask formulas, Dr. Graf recommends paying attention to the type of clay. “There are four different types of clay that are used in face masks for skin health,” she explains. “Although the types of clay used in skin products are meant to draw out impurities and gently cleanse the skin, some are better than others for your skin type.” It has a somewhat strong peppermint scent. (We think it adds to the overall experience, but several online reviewers find it to be overwhelming.) Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS. A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. Published 2017 Dec 23. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006 Hot little tip: If you're looking for an easy way to treat your oily T-zone or perpetually shiny chin, you should def consider adding a clay face mask to your routine. According to dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, clay is a godsend for oily and acne-prone skin, thanks to its ability to gently absorb any excess oil hanging out on your face. And since the majority of clay face masks are also spiked with hardworking ingredients like exfoliating salicylic acid, soothing niacinamide, or hydrating aloe vera, they're also pretty easy to customize to your skin's exact needs. Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced beauty writer and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has been a staff writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty and fashion. She has used several clay masks over the years, including some on this list from brands like Olehenriksen, L’Oréal, Glow Recipe, and Youth to the People.

Your personal data is processed automatically by FRESH for the purposes of sending personalized communications from FRESH. Keep in mind that because the mask contains microbeads, you should take caution when applying it to the skin. If you’re too abrasive, you can run the risk of causing irritation. The texture—which our tester described as “luxurious” and “goopy in a good way”—actually has some grit to it, making it an ideal exfoliator. It doesn’t need a long time to work its glow-enhancing magic; in fact, you can feel free to wash it off after five minutes. Post-wash, our tester was pleased with how refreshed, even, and soft her skin was. Though the mask is worth the splurge, we wish it came in a bigger size to get more out of one tub. Inspired by the “cold plunge” part of a Scandinavian sauna cycle, the cooling mask deeply purifies the skin and shrinks the look of pores with the help of a powerful blend of antioxidants, active botanicals, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and bentonite clay. As the name suggests, it’s refreshingly cool upon application (thanks to eucalyptus, kelp, and Irish moss extracts) and, according to our tester, even smells like a spa. She described the cooling sensation to be “minty” and “tingly,” but her sensitive skin never felt irritated or uncomfortable. The longer she kept the mask on, the tighter and drier it felt, but she was able to talk, laugh and move her face. When she washed it off, she shared that her enlarged pores were less noticeable, and the tone of her skin appeared more even. For at least an hour after washing the mask off, she still felt refreshed, tingly, and cool. Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S9042

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To use as a face wash, massage a small amount onto damp skin for 30 seconds, avoiding your eyes, and rinse.