The Best Charcoal Face Masks

Do you often face acne breakouts? Are you tired of all those blackheads and large pores on your face? If Yes! Then it is time to invest in a good quality charcoal facemask.

Over the course of last year, many facemasks with new ingredients and new promises were launched. The only thing consistent in these masks was the activated charcoal. It is, without a doubt, the best detoxifier for your skin. When the charcoal is activated, it acts as a magnet for all the dirt and impurities residing in your pores. Hence, after applying a charcoal mask, you will see a visible difference in the size of your pores and the blackheads on your nose and chin.

However, if you are going through a skin condition such as cystic acne, eczema, dryness, or any sort of rash, before applying a facemask consult with your doctor. The masks mentioned in this post might have ingredients that can trigger an underlying condition.

That said, in this article, we have listed down the 11 best charcoal masks that you can use to rid your face of the impurities sitting in the pores.

#1 New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask

Rating: 4.5/5

• Made with dead sea mud.
• For all skin types.
• Infused with essential oils.
• Cruelty-Free.

This charcoal mud mask is a mineral-infused mud mask that is designed for all skin types. Whether you have oily skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, or combination skin, you will get worthwhile results.  The mask has been formulated for everyday use. Hence, it is not at all harsh and can be used as a simple acne treatment as well.

Apart from activated charcoal, it packs minerals from the dead sea infused with Calendula Oil, Jojoba oil, Sunflower seed oil, Vitamin-E, and Aloe Vera. Thanks to all these essential oils, unlike other masks with activated charcoal, this one does not rip your skin off of the necessary oils. Instead, it leaves it plump and hydrated. Most professionals have been known to use this mask in their spa mud treatment.

The best part is that this product is completely paraben and alcohol-free. Moreover, it has not been tested on animals and is cruelty-free.

Pros

• Shrinks the pore size within a few uses
• Easy to apply due to smooth consistency
• It does not rip your skin off natural oils
• Helps with impurity-induced acne

Cons

• It burns and stings a little when you apply it

#2 SHVYOG 3-in-1 Blackhead Remover Mask

Rating: 4.3/5

• Tea tree infused.
• For all skin types.
• Bamboo extract added.
• Anti-aging and skin purifying.

This is one of the best charcoal peel-off masks available in the market. It comes with natural tea repairing serum and works best for individuals with combination skin. Since it comes with a large percentage of activated charcoal, it is quite strong and is not recommended for sensitive skin.

The activated charcoal gets rid of all the impurities, dirt, and excess oil deposits from your skin within 10 minutes. Apart from tea serum and activated charcoal, this peel mask is also infused with a bamboo extract which has been known as a repairing and relaxing agent for the skin for centuries.

Unlike other peel-off masks that leave the skin red and dry, this one makes the skin hydrated and plump. Moreover, for ease of use and to give your skin a complete spa treatment at home, it also comes with a brush and an after mask repairing tea tree serum.

Pros

• It comes with an after-mask treatment
• The peel of the mask doesn’t leave your skin dry and red
• It works well for all skin types
• Comes with an applicator

Cons

• It is strong and can irritate very sensitive skins. Hence, do a patch test before using

#3 Sunatoria Blackhead Remover Mask

Rating: 4.3/5

• Peel of mask.
• MSDS, GMP, and ISO certified.
• Exfoliating and purifying.
• Uses natural ingredients.

Next up is this blackhead remover mask developed for acne-prone skin. It is the best charcoal mask for acne since it comes with calendula oil, citrus nobilis fruit, Rosmarinus, oat extract, and grape seed extract infused along with the activated carbon. All these ingredients combined remove the excessive oil from the skin along with the impurities.

Since it has been formulated using all-natural ingredients it does not leave your skin itchy and red. Rather your skin will feel hydrated and smooth. All these ingredients deep cleanse the pores starting a self-repairing process where the skin itself starts healing. Apart from this, the mask also has a gentle exfoliating action that brings out the impurities, gets rids of the dead skin cells, and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Before applying the facemask, it is advised that you clean your face thoroughly and steam on it to soften the impurities. Moreover, apply a thick layer of the mask so that peeling it off is easier.

Pros

• It comes with an applicator
• The consistency is smooth which makes it easy to apply
• It does not take a lot of time to dry out
• It even works for deep blackheads but for that, you have to apply it regularly

Cons

• If you don’t apply enough the mask starts breaking and does not peel off properly

#4 Aliceva Black Mask

Rating: 4.3/5

• Bamboo extract infused.
• Black charcoal mask.
• Thick consistency.
• Applicator included.

If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a charcoal mask that will not cause any redness or itchiness, then this is the best black charcoal mask for you. It comes with a variant of black charcoal that is known for its extraordinary impurity absorption capabilities. Apart from removing blackheads and impurities that clog your pores, the black mask is also a great way to get rid of the annoying peach fuzz and fine hair on your skin.

Apart from this, it is also the best charcoal mask for oily skin. It not only gets rid of the excess oil but also helps you with strawberry nose and large pores. Since the mask is made of completely natural ingredients, it takes a few uses to see drastic results. After the first application, you might not see a huge difference in your face but if you consistently use it, you will definitely see a change in the health of your skin.

Moreover, unlike other masks, this one comes with a 30 days money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the results.

Pros

• It has a high impurity absorption rate
• Also removes fine hair from your face
• 30 days money-back guarantee
• The applicator makes the application easy

Cons

• The product breaks while peeling making it harder to remove

#5 Freeman Facial Mask Variety Pack

Rating: 4.6/5

• Pack of 4 masks.
• For all skin types.
• Peel of mask.
• 6 oz. tubes.

This is a pack of four different facial masks by Freeman. It is ideal for anyone who wants a variety of masks to apply. The Freeman masks bring you the goodness of dead sea minerals, oatmeal, sugar, and cucumber in one package.

The pack includes cucumber peel-off gel masks that have a cooling effect on your skin. Apart from removing impurities from your skin, it also helps with suntan due to the cooling effect. The second mask is a dead sea mineral clay mask with exfoliating and purifying sugar and charcoal. There is also a black sugar and gel mask as well as an Avocado and oatmeal clay mask.

All these masks are formulated to rid your skin of impurities to re-balance the skin’s PH and leave it replenished and radiant.

Pros

• It is a set of four masks
• All masks leave your skin replenished and repaired
• The black sugar exfoliating masks remove the deal skin
• The set gives you a complete spa treatment at home

Cons

• Not for sensitive skin

#6 L’Oreal Paris Clay Facial Mask

Rating: 4.6/6

• Made with 3 clays.
• Creamy texture.
• Removes impurities.
• Activated charcoal infused.

Manufactures using three different types of pure clay, this mask by L’Oreal Paris provides the goodness of clay minerals and the purification of activated charcoal. It is one of the very few facemasks that provide instant results. It leaves your face glowing, luminous, and smooth.

The activated charcoal acts as a magnet for impurities, removing the excess dirt and the oils that clog the pores. At the same time, the three different types of clays replace the natural oils and minerals of skin that could not be absorbed due to impurities. It has very creamy and non-drying textures that make it easy to apply. Since it does not dry and cracks on your face, it does not cause any redness or rash.

For best results, it is advised that you use this mask three times a week and leave it on for 15 minutes.

Pros

• Best charcoal mask for acne
• Reduces the size of pores and appearance of a strawberry nose
• The texture is great
• Leaves your skin moisturized

Cons

• The size of the product is quite small

#7 Freeman Polishing Charcoal Gel Facial Mask

Rating: 4.6/5

• Gel mask with an exfoliant.
• Black sugar and charcoal.
• Non-drying mask.
• 2-in-1 functionality.

This Freeman Polishing Charcoal Gel Facial Mask is for anyone who does not like how a mask feels when it dries and who doesn’t want to go through the hassle of a peel-off mask. It is a gel mask so it does not dry out on your face. Moreover, it is a scrub and a mask which means you can exfoliate your face with the gel and then leave it on for 10 minutes.

This process will remove all the dead skin and will such out the impurities from your pores, leaving them cleaner and smaller. The purifying agent in the gel is the charcoal mask which is incorporated with black sugar for exfoliation. Along with these two, the mask also has Banana essence, Fruit Extract, coconut extract, and ginger. All these products promote skin health.

Pros

• Since it is non-drying, it will not leave a rash
• It exfoliates and purifies at the same time
• The gel has a soothing effect
• It does not come with any harsh chemicals

Cons

• Not suitable for sensitive skin types

#8 Freeman Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Facial Mask

Rating: 4.5/5

• Purifying mask.
• Black sugar and mud.
• Fruit extract infused.
• Creamy texture.

Freeman’s soothing and purifying mud mask is the best charcoal mask for oily skin. If you are looking for a cheap charcoal mask that will give you the best results and uses natural ingredients, look no further.

This mask incorporates dead sea mud that is loaded with minerals along with charcoal-infused black sugar. These two ingredients work in combination with fruit extract and essential oils to keep your skin cleansed and hydrated. It also has a creamy texture that not only eases the application process but also feels great on the skin.

The minerals and the sugar work together to get rid of the dead cells that have been accumulating. Once the dead skin is removed, the activated charcoal sucks out the impurities leaving the skin soft. This also lets the skin breathe.

Pros

• The texture is creamy which feels good on the skin
• Comes with fruit extract infused
• The essential oils hydrate the skin
• Good for sensitive skin

Cons

• While applying, you might feel a slight stinging discomfort

#9 Men’s Face Mask by Beau Brummell

Rating: 4.5/5

• Kaolin clay and activated charcoal.
• Beau Brummel signature scent.
• Exfoliating and purifying.
• SLS Free.

In general, men have tougher skin and their pores are larger. This makes them more prone to impurity-induced acne. Even though they can use the commonly available charcoal masks to remove the impurities, they will not get the desires results. However, this facemask by Beau is specially curated for men. It uses the all-natural Kaolin clay that acts as a pore tightener.

The clay is infused with charcoal which acts as a catalyst for the process. The charcoal rids the pores of impurities and oil making it easier for the clay to reduce its size. Apart from this, the mask is infused with oils and extracts that have been known to tighten the skin. Within a few days of use, you will see that your skin is becoming firm, plump and smooth. This happens because the mask also has collagen production enhancement capabilities.

Pros

• The product is completely sulfate and SLS Free
• It uses natural ingredients
• The mask does not come with any artificial mineral oils
• It does not smell bad

Cons

• It is difficult to take off

#10 Revive Science Clay Mask with Activated Charcoal

Rating: 4.5/5

• Activated charcoal.
• Three types of clay.
• Fragrance-free.
• For all skin types.

This is one of the best detoxifying charcoal masks available on the market. It is designed using three different types of clay Kaolin clay, which is known for making the skin firm, the pink clay which is loaded with natural minerals; and blue clay which not only removes the impurities but also helps reduce acne.

All these ingredients when used in combination with the activated charcoal, give the best results. The mask has an overall hydrating and cleansing effect. It leaves the skin hydrated after removing the impurities that clog your skin.

Apart from this, the Revive Science Clay Mask with Activated Charcoal also packs exfoliating agents that can remove the dead skin from your face without scrubbing. It is completely SLS, sulfate, and GMO-free and works well for all skin types.

Pros

• It works great even for sensitive skin
• The three-clay combination used in this mask is the best
• It is SLS and sulfate-free
• Application is straightforward

Cons

• The spatula that comes with it is tiny

#11 SHILLS Charcoal Mask for Men

Rating: 4.1/5

• Activated charcoal.
• Peel off mask.
• Designed for men.
• SLS free.

This is the best charcoal peel-off mask for men. It removes all the impurities, whiteheads, and blackheads from the skin on first use. While peeling the mask off, you will clearly see all the impurities stuck to the mask.

It has been designed for acne-prone skin. However, it is quite harsh and if you have sensitive skin, you will face some rash and redness. The formula is completely natural. It does not use any artificial ingredients that are usually found in the peel of masks.

However, since men have thicker skin, they might not see results if the mask is put on directly. For best results, clean your face thoroughly with a face wash and then take steam for 4 to 5 minutes. This will help in loosening the pores and softening the dirt.

Pros

• You will see great results in first use
• Comes with aloe vera infused
• Paraben and silicone-free
• For acne-prone skin

Cons

• It is harsh and can result in rashes on sensitive skin

Charcoal face mask buying guide

As far as facemasks are concerned, there are a lot of gimmicks on the market that only use potato starch and some school glue to make up beauty products. These products will damage your skin to a great extent. Hence, while investing in a facemask, some of the factors that you should consider are:

Ingredients

All of the facemasks come with ingredients written at the back. The ingredients that appear early in the list are used in large quantities while the ones that appear later are used in smaller quantities. Moreover, you should avoid masks with ingredients like parabens, SLS, and GMOs. These will damage the protective layer of your skin exposing it to harmful sun rays and dust particles.

Brand

You don’t have to be an elitist or have to buy products as a brand-conscious shopper. However, while investing in a facemask, it is better to go for brands that have a standing in the market. Also, while looking for a facemask, make sure you search the internet to see whether any lawsuits are going on with a certain brand. For example, Tresemme is facing a lawsuit for its keratin shampoo lineup. This way you will know that the product will do more harm than good.

Skin type and concern

If you have normal or combination skin, you can use most masks available on the market. However, those with sensitive skin must take care while investing in a facemask. Skincare products cater to different skin types. So, make sure you go for the one that caters to sensitive skin.

Apart from this, if you have cystic acne or have any other skin concerns like eczema, don’t use a product without consulting your doctor.

Ease of application

Using your fingers to apply a facemask is extremely unsanitary. This will lead to the contamination of the product in the box and might result in acne breaks. Hence, you can either invest in a mask that comes with an applicator or buy an applicator separately.

Type of mask

There are usually three types of masks.

• Peel of mask that dries out and can be peeled off of the skin.
• Drying mask has to be put on the face until it dries.
• A non-drying mask that does not dry out and is washable after 15 minutes.

Usually, all types work well for combination skin. However, for sensitive skin, non-drying masks are better. The same goes for men.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you find the best charcoal facemasks, we have compiled this list of frequently asked questions.

Which charcoal face mask is best?

From the products mentioned in this article, the Revive Science Clay Mask with Activated Charcoal, the L’Oreal Paris Clay Facial Mask, and the Sunatoria Blackhead Remover Mask has been known to produce the best results.

Conclusion

With dust pollution increasing in the atmosphere, applying purifying masks has become the need of the era. You cannot go out of your house without your skin absorbing a hundred different types of microscopic impurities. These impurities not only clog your pores but also results in a haphazard product of oil by the oil glands. This in return, results in acne, uneven skin tone, bumpy skin texture, and blackheads.

A charcoal mask is one of the best ways to get rid of the impurities taking refuge in your pore. In this article, we have listed the best charcoal facemasks for you. From the ones mentioned, our favorites are the Revive Science Clay Mask with Activated Charcoal, the L’Oreal Paris Clay Facial Mask, and the Sunatoria Blackhead Remover Mask.

For best results, don’t forget to clean and steam your face before applying the mask. Moreover, post mask application, applying a hydrating mask or a hydrating toned will leave your skin plump and glowing.