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If you’ve been noticing that charcoal is in just about every face mask right now, well, you’d be right. This magical black ingredient is ev-er-y-where, and not just because it looks cool in selfies (although, like, it does). It's because charcoal acts like a magnet to attract and suck out dirt, gunk, and oil from the surface of your pores when you slather it on your face, leaving you with cleaner-feeling, less oily skin after you rinse it off.
So if oil slicks and blackheads are your skin’s MO, do yourself a favor and pick up one of these 17 best charcoal masks ASAP. Just don’t get too overly excited—charcoal can be hella drying (especially on anyone with dry or sensitive skin), so limit yourself to one mask a week, and skip altogether if you've got incredibly dry, easy irritated skin (hi, rosacea).
On the nights I get home late and pass out in my makeup (whoops), I’ll wash my face the next morning and pop on this charcoal sheet mask.It’s like a 10-minute undo button that helps suckup all the excess oil and oldmakeupthat’s stuck in my pores.
Thisexfoliatingcharcoal mask is the closest thing to adeep-cleaning DIY facial. The charcoal helps remove oil and buildup from pores (just like pro extractions), while gentle silica beadsbuff away dead skin cells for a softer, smoother surface.
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In addition to purifying bamboo charcoal and circulation-boosting Hawaiian chili pepper, this mask contains a dose of turmeric to help fade dark spots and brighten your skin tone. Once a week, massage a small amount across your face (a little tingling is normal), leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse.
Thanks to soothing bisabolol (a part of the chamomile plant know for it's anti-inflammatory properties) and hydrating glycerin, this detoxifying Japanense whitecharcoal and kaolin claymask never makes mysensitive, irritation-prone skin red or itchy. The dream.
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Most charcoal masks have a tendency to be drying, which is why I'm a big fan of this nourishingoption from Origins. It combines pore-purifying charcoal with honey (a humectant that draws in moisture to nourish and plump skin). Once you rinse it off, your skin will feel nice and clean, but not at all tight or dried out.
This multitasking powder mask legit does it all. It uses charcoal to detox pores, coconut milk extract to hydrate and smooth skin,essential minerals and vitamins to strengthen your skin barrier, and anti-inflammatory plant extracts to soothe inflammation. Mix it with a little bit of water, smooth it over your skin, and leave it on for up to 40 minutes for clearer, healthier looking skin.
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I always bring this charcoal mask with me on vacay in case of anacneemergency (the purifying charcoal helps zap zits super fast).But most important,the little single-usepacket takes up, like, zero roomin my bag and is totally leakproof too.
There’s a reason this charcoal-infusedpeel-off maskhas more than 2,000 five-star reviews on Sephora: It truly makes your skin look insanely clear and glowy. Just slather on a thick layer and let theactivated charcoal and vitamin C work their magic to smoothand brighten your skin.
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9
Best Charcoal Mask for Acne-Prone Skin
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
This charcoal mask attacks blackheads andwhiteheads by combining two of the best anti-acne ingredients out there: salicylic acid and charcoal. They work together to reduce excess sebum, cut down on inflammation, and dissolve the dead skin cells and oil that clog pores and trigger breakouts.
Thiswater-activated charcoal mask heats up as soon as you rub it onto yourdamp skin. The spa-likewarmth doesn’t just feel nice, it also helps openup your pores so the charcoal can really get in there and suck up dirt and oil.
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Not only does thispurifying charcoal mask de-gunk your pores and degrease your skin, butit also instantly cools and refreshes your face thanks to a hydrating gel texture that never gets hard or crunchyas it sets.
12
Best Charcoal Mask for Dry Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask
Yes, you can still use a charcoal mask if your skin is on the dry ordehydrated side. Just grab one that’s infused with hydrating ingredients (Peter Thomas Roth’s is full ofmoisture-rich mud and seaweed extract). The end result: skin that’s clean and moisturized.
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13
Best Charcoal Mask for Sensitive Skin
Fresh Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask
If your skin is prone to redness or irritation, clarifying charcoal masks can sometimes make things worse. Not this one though. The gentle formula for sensitive skincombines purifying clays and charcoal with chamomile extract and lavender water so your face feels super clean and calm.
Deep-clean your pores and boost your glow with this charcoal-spiked bubble mask. Just pat ona thick layer to clean, dry skin and let the mask bubble up for 15-ish minutes. When you wipe it off, your face will look super fresh and dewy.
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Thanks to itstwist-uppackaging, this charcoal mask stick eliminates the most annoying part about masking...the mess.Just swipethe stickall over your face (no need to rub it in or get your fingers dirty), let the mask sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse.
In addition to purifying charcoal, this treatment mask contains a potent blend ofalpha and beta hydroxy acids. Why? Well, for one, these chemical exfoliators can help minimize your pore size and soften rough spotsanduneven texture. And second, they can smooth outfine lines to give theappearance of healthier, brighter-looking skin.
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If you’re into clean beauty, then add this charcoal mask from One Love Organics to your cart ASAP. It’s made withcertified natural and organic ingredientslike aloe, sunflower oil, kaolin clay, and charcoal powder to deep-clean your pores without over-drying your skin.
Lauren Balsamo
Deputy Beauty Director
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.