11 Best Face Masks for Clogged Pores for Soft, Smooth Skin

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Clogged pores are usually caused by excess oil production, a buildup of dead skin cells, and other debris that accumulates on the skin throughout the day. For some, it’s genetic; for others, it comes down to daily habits—how often you wash your face, clean your makeup brushes and pillowcases, or even where you live and how much pollution you’re exposed to. The good news is that the best face mask for pores can help no matter the cause, so long as you choose one that suits your skin type.

Vogue’s Favorite Face Masks for Clogged PoresFeatured in this articleBest Clay Mask

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

Jump to review

Best for Enlarged Pores

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Face Mask

Jump to review

Best Collagen Mask

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Jump to review

Ahead, we asked leading experts to break down what really causes clogged pores, whether pore masks actually work, and which formulas they recommend. Read on to discover our favorites—from classic clay masks to shockingly-effective sheet masks.

In This StoryWhat causes clogged pores?Do pore masks really work?Meet the ExpertsBest Clay Mask: Caudalie Instant Detox MaskCaudalie

Instant Detox Mask

Why We Love It: There’s a timeless ritual to applying a clay mask, especially when shared with friends. This sleepover approved detox mask from Caudalie uses pink clay and caffeine, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman says help draw out impurities, regulate oil production, and reduce the appearance of pores. For best results, she recommends using it twice a week and leaving it on for exactly 10 minutes, no more and no less. And while many clay masks can leave the skin feeling tight, Murray assures us, “the results of this mask are quite the opposite—it leaves the skin clear and hydrated.”Key Ingredients: Caffeine, natural grape extract, sustainably sourced clayType: Clay maskSize: 75 mLBest Collagen Mask: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep MaskBiodance

Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Why We Love It: You might recognize this mask as a viral TikTok favorite, but it’s just as effective as it is trendy. When Vogue’s senior beauty writer Kiana Murden put it to the test last summer, she was shocked at the results. According to Dr. Spearman, this formula is designed to boost collagen production with a blend of collagen peptides, galactomyces, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Together, these ingredients help minimize the look of pores, improve skin elasticity, refine tone and texture, boost hydration, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For best results, she recommends leaving the mask on overnight so the skin can fully absorb it—surprisingly, it stays put and does not leave your pillow goopy.Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides, galactomyces, hyaluronic acid, niacinamideType: Sheet maskSize: N/ABest Mud Mask: Blue Lagoon Skincare Silica Mud MaskBlue Lagoon Skincare

Silica Mud Mask

Why We Love It: Renowned for its use of Icelandic Blue Lagoon microalgae and silica, this mask is a clarifying option for those prone to oily skin or excess buildup. “It helps minimize the appearance of pores and even out the complexion,” says Dr. Spearman. “This is suitable for all skin types and fragrance-free, which I love.” Use it multiple times a week, leaving it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing gently with a washcloth.Key Ingredients: Blue lagoon mineral salts, blue lagoon silicaType: Mud maskSize: 30 mL, 75 mLBest for Enlarged Pores: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Face MaskKiehl’s

Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Face Mask

Why We Love It: According to esthetician Amity Murray, the Kiehl’s cleansing face mask gives the sensation of “shrunken” pores thanks to a blend of Amazonian white clay and aloe, which also help hydrate the skin. The clinicals are promising too: clogged pores were visibly reduced by 44% after two weeks. Murray notes, however, that while skincare cannot actually change pore size, masks like this can complement regular cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration. For best results, apply a thin layer and leave it on for 10 minutes before removing with a warm, damp towel to avoid leaving behind any residue.Key Ingredients: Amazonian white clay, aloe barbadensisType: Clay maskSize: 125 mLBest Korean: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Pore MaskBeauty of Joseon

Red Bean Pore Mask

Why We Love It: As with many K-beauty products, this mask puts hydration first. Murray explains, “It’s one of the most hydrating of these masks. It contains kaolin clay, which leaves the skin feeling hydrated and not overly tight.” The formula pairs the clay with antioxidant-rich red bean extract, delivering both purifying and brightening benefits. “It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, but still effective at refining texture and clearing pores. I appreciate the smooth, slightly whipped texture that’s easy to apply and rinse,” adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Bowles.Key Ingredients: Haenam red bean extract, kaolin clayType: Clay maskSize: 140 mLBest for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Clay Face MaskLa Roche-Posay

Effaclar Clarifying Clay Face Mask

Why We Love It: “This dermatologist-tested mask is perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, helping to balance oil and calm irritation,” says Dr. Bowles. A French pharmacy favorite, it has a creamy clay texture that spreads easily and rinses clean without leaving residue. Murray notes, however, that she would reserve this mask for truly oily skin, since it also contains salicylic acid—a potent exfoliant best suited for oily or teenage skin—that helps banish breakouts and refine pores.Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay, glycerin, niacinamide, salicylic acidType: Clay maskSize: 100 mLBest Cooling: Olehenriksen Cold Plunge Pore MaskOlehenriksen

Cold Plunge Pore Mask

Why We Love It: As the name suggests, this mask by Olehenriksen delivers a refreshing, cooling effect on application that quickly tightens pores and brightens the complexion. Per Dr. Bowles, this is via a combination of clay and cucumber extract that detoxifies while keeping skin hydrated and balanced. Think of it as a mini spa treatment at home, complete with a subtle, fresh scent and a bright blue hue—we dare you not to take a selfie.Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay, purple clay extract, salicylic acidType: Clay maskSize: 90 mlBest for Acne-Prone Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Acne Therapeutic Sulfur MaskPeter Thomas Roth

Goodbye Acne™ Therapeutic Sulfur Mask

Why We Love It: For those who are acne-prone, this mask is a great option, says Dr. Spearman. “It is made with 10% sulfur, kaolin, and bentonite clays, which help reduce the frequency of breakouts, exfoliate the skin, and absorb excess oil. It also contains aloe vera, which naturally soothes the skin and calms redness.” And if you prefer not to apply it all over your face, uou can use it as an overnight spot treatment to help clear active breakouts.Key Ingredients: 10% sulfur, kaolin, bentonite clay, aloe veraType: Sulfur maskSize: 150 mLBest for Congestion: Dr. Jart+ Dermask Porecting Solution Face MaskDr. Jart+

Dermask Porecting Solution Face Mask

Why We Love It: A K-beauty favorite, this sheet mask uses charcoal and clay to draw out impurities and control excess oil, making it a smart pick for congested skin, explains Dr. Bowles. “It has a smooth, gel-like texture that adheres comfortably to the face and doesn’t dry uncomfortably,” she says. “I like how it leaves the skin feeling clean without stripping natural moisture.” As a sheet mask, it is especially convenient for travel or for multitasking while at home; though, don’t be surprised to see that this one bubbles after a few minutes of wear.Key Ingredients: Charcoal, clayType: Sheet maskSize: 1 MaskBest Purifying: La Mer The Deep Purifying MaskLa Mer

The Deep Purifying Mask

Why We Love It: Although a bit of a splurge, Dr. Bowles explains that La Mer’s mask is indulgent and mineral-rich, delivering a luxurious, spa-like treatment. It purifies pores while keeping skin soft, hydrated, and comfortable, with none of the tight or dry feeling some clay masks can leave behind. “I love how creamy it feels going on, and the subtle, soothing scent adds to the pampering experience. It is a perfect choice for a weekend self-care ritual when you want a little extra luxury,” she says. A slight tingle is normal, but be sure to remove it once the color shifts from deep kelp green to a lighter shade, using the enclosed sponge.Key Ingredients: Miracle broth, pretoxyfying fermentType: Clay maskSize: 1.6 oz.Best Calming: Hero Cosmetics Pore Purity Cleansing Clay MaskHero Cosmetics

Pore Purity Cleansing Clay Mask

Why We Love It: This mask is gentle yet effective, drawing out debris and excess oil without the irritation that some clay formulas can cause. “Its creamy clay texture spreads easily and dries down just enough to feel purifying. I like that it balances the skin and leaves it looking fresh and healthy,” says Dr. Bowles. It also works quickly, so ten minutes is all you need. The light, earthy scent adds a calming touch, so if you’re foregoing therapy and meditation this might do the trick.Key Ingredients: Spirulina, glacier sea clay, volcanic clay, sea kelp bio-fermentType: Clay maskSize: 70 mLEverything You Need to KnowWhat causes clogged pores?

According to Dr. Bowles, clogged pores happen when oil, dead skin cells, dirt, or other debris get trapped inside the tiny openings on your skin. “These pores are home to hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which release oil and sweat, so when they get congested, imperfections like blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts can appear.” While clogged pores are most common on the face, they can also show up on the neck, back, chest, or even the scalp. Clogged pores can happen to anyone, though it’s more frequent in adolescents and young adults because hormones ramp up oil production. Genetics also play a role, so if acne or oily skin runs in your family, your risk may be higher. “Everyday habits, like skipping makeup removal, touching your face, wearing helmets or tight clothing, and even environmental factors like pollution, can make clogged pores worse.”

Do pore masks really work?

Pore masks, especially those with activated charcoal, have become popular for targeting clogged pores and excess oil. And while there are a few snake oil options out there, our experts agree that the right mask really can help.

Murray notes that, depending on their formulation and ingredients, these pore masks can exfoliate the skin and draw oil from the pores, leaving skin looking and feeling clearer and more refined. Dr. Bowles is particularly fond of activated charcoal, which is made from naturally carbon-rich materials like bamboo, coconut, or wood that are heated into a fine powder filled with tiny micropores. These pores can trap toxins, dirt, and bacteria on the skin’s surface. “When applied as a mask, it can really help draw out impurities and leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed, making it a great option for those with blackheads or acne-prone skin,” she explains.

That said, Dr. Bowles cautions that while charcoal masks are effective at removing surface debris and oil, they do not magically erase pores or deliver long-term exfoliation or anti-aging benefits. “I always stress how important safety is with pore masks. Peel-off masks can irritate sensitive skin or, in extreme cases, cause peeling, scarring, or allergic reactions.”