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

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 Pores

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Best for Enlarged Pores

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Face Mask

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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.

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Best Clay Mask: Caudalie 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 clay
• Type: Clay mask
• Size: 75 mL

Best Collagen Mask: Biodance 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, niacinamide
• Type: Sheet mask
• Size: N/A

Best Mud Mask: Blue 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 silica
• Type: Mud mask
• Size: 30 mL, 75 mL

Best for Enlarged Pores: Kiehl’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 barbadensis
• Type: Clay mask
• Size: 125 mL

Best Korean: Beauty 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 clay
• Type: Clay mask
• Size: 140 mL

Best for Oily Skin: La 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 acid
• Type: Clay mask
• Size: 100 mL

Best Cooling: Olehenriksen 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 acid
• Type: Clay mask
• Size: 90 ml

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Peter 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 vera
• Type: Sulfur mask
• Size: 150 mL

Best for Congestion: Dr. 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, clay
• Type: Sheet mask
• Size: 1 Mask

Best Purifying: La 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 ferment
• Type: Clay mask
• Size: 1.6 oz.

Best Calming: Hero 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-ferment
• Type: Clay mask
• Size: 70 mL

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