Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
11 Best Charcoal Face Masks to Clear Skin and Unclog Pores
These masks get rid of the gunk that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
By 
Clogged pores and excess oils are often a recipe for unwanted blackheads, whiteheads, and zits. Keeping your pores clear of that gunk can be helpful in maintaining clear skin. A tried-and-true beauty staple, charcoal is laced with cleansing benefits that makes it a trusted ingredient in toothpaste, facial cleansers, and face masks. You've probably come across TikToks of people trying out charcoal face masks while scrolling through your FYP, and aside from just being interesting to look at, charcoal face masks really work wonders for your skin.
Charcoal face masks are enriched with a special material that helps remove dirt and oil from the skin. New York-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp notes that charcoal is an "adsorbent compound" that "acts like a sponge," drawing onto materials and removing them from the skin's surface. Along with sucking chemicals, dirt, oil, and other pore-clogging debris out like a magnet, board-certified dermatologist and Girl + Hair founder Dr. Camille Howard says charcoal face masks help gently exfoliate the skin's surface.
Acne-prone and oily skin types typically yield the best results from charcoal face masks. Dr. Howard recommends those with "particularly dry skin" to "use charcoal masks with caution as excessive use can strip the skin of essential oils." It can also lead to "further dryness, redness, and irritation," which is the ultimate faux pas when you're trying to keep your pores fresh and clear. Dr. Howard notes that while charcoal works well on breakout-prone skin, this skin type can also be susceptible to "redness, dryness, irritation, and more blemishes" if used more than 2-3 times a week. For those with sensitive skin, Dr. Camp suggests applying a thin layer of the mask onto the arm in a patch test to see how the "skin reacts before applying it to your face."
Charcoal face masks aren't the only type of skincare that works wonders to refresh the skin. Clay face masks and micellar cleansers are two other trusted pore cleansers that work similarly to charcoal. Both clay and charcoal face masks absorb excess oil, reduce acne, and exfoliate your skin, but they are quite different. According to Dr. Camp, "clay tends to have more minerals than charcoal and is thought to be less abrasive and drying." Micellar cleansers, on the other hand, are more gentle cleansing options. Board-certified dermatologist and More Than a Pretty Face podcast host Dr. Azadeh Shirazi says micellar cleansers are better options for "sensitive skin types as they are more gentle and hydrating." According to Dr. Camp, micellar cleansers are often "diluted concentrations of surfactants that lift oil and debris and facilitate its removal without drying."
Are you ready to clear away blackheads, whiteheads, and other pore-cloggers? This dermatologist-approved list of the best charcoal face masks will help purge the gunk and refresh your skin.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
With the help of bamboo charcoal and white China clay, this mask draws out excess oil and absorbs environmental toxins to deliver soft, smooth, clog-free pores.
Key Ingredients: Bamboo charcoal, White China clay
Size: 2.5 ounce
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-prone
L'oréal Paris Pure Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask
L'oréal Paris Pure Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask
A recommendation from Dr. Shirazi, this mask revives dry, dull skin while brightening and leaving a radiant glow.
Key Ingredients: Charcoal powder
Size: 1.7 ounces
Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Many skincare treatments focus solely on the face, but other parts of your body can experience breakouts too. Kiss backne and chest pimples goodbye with this full-body exfoliator.
Customer Review: "Used the unscented scrub today for the first time. I’m very happy with the result! It not only exfoliated dead skin and made it so soft. Left no mess or slippery tub after the shower. No greasy feeling on the skin either."
Key Ingredients: Bamboo charcoal
Size: 6.1 ounces
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Excess oil is often a culprit for clogged pores and pimples. This rinse-off masque balances the skin's pH to help achieve a smooth and clear complexion.
Customer Review: "I've been using this for over a year. My face feels soft, pores tighter, and clean after using."
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Vegetable charcoal
Size: 1 ounce
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-prone
Burt's Bees Detoxifying Charcoal Sheet Mask with Honey
Burt's Bees Detoxifying Charcoal Sheet Mask with Honey
Give your skin a little extra TLC while removing dirt and debris. According to Dr. Shirazi, this individual sheet mask gently hydrates skin as it cleanses.
Customer Review: "I love using this product after a long day. It's soothing, makes my pores feel smaller, and it hydrates my skin. The mask itself feels like a soothing weight."
Key Ingredients: Charcoal, Honey
Size: 1 single sheet mask
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-prone
Get ready to take your skin on a luxurious adventure. Clogged, dull pores typically lose their luster when they're congested. This mask is enriched with niacinamide to unclog congestion and soothe skin, while volcanic ash, seal silt, and bamboo extract work to exfoliate the surface, relieve dry skin, and leave a brightened glow.
Customer Review: "I just started using this product, and it seems to be working okay. My face feels soft."
"Key Ingredients: Volcanic Ash, Sea Silt, Bamboo Extract, Niacinamide
Size: 2.5 ounces
Skin Type: Oily, Normal
Ulta Beauty Detoxifying Charcoal Deep Cleansing Clay Mask
Ulta Beauty Detoxifying Charcoal Deep Cleansing Clay Mask
Finding the perfect charcoal face mask takes a lot of trial and error. Ulta Beauty's Detoxifying Charcoal Deep Cleansing Clay Mask is a single-use sheet that pulls out gunk for the ultimate deep clean.
Customer Review: "Use as directed, I would definitely buy again but only use occasionally."
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Charcoal powder
Size: .52 ounces
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone
Clinique All About Clean 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask + Scrub
Clinique All About Clean 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask + Scrub
We stan a multi-purpose skincare must-have. This 2-in-1 removes pollution and excess oil from pores and helps smooth skin texture.
Customer Review: "I have been using the 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Scrub and I've visibly noticed a difference in my skin texture, I'm really enjoying my results!"
Key Ingredients: Bamboo Charcoal Powder, Kaolin Clay
Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive
Carbon Theory. Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Mineral Mud Breakout Control Facial Wet Mask
Carbon Theory. Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Mineral Mud Breakout Control Facial Wet Mask
Not only does this vegan, gluten-free mask help refresh skin, but it uses magnesium to exfoliate, shea butter to hydrate, and organic tee tree oil to reduce inflammation that leads to puffy zits.
Customer Review: "I got this when I had a couple terrible breakouts and within a week you could definitely tell a difference! It healed my acne so fast and effectively. I definitely recommend you get this if you're trying to clear up a break out."
Key Ingredients: Magnesium, Shea Butter, Tee Tree Oil
Size: 1.69 ounces
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-prone
The Body Shop The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
The Body Shop The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
Get ready to experience renewed and refreshed skin. This mask removes the gunk that leads to clogged pores and breakouts while minimizing pores at the same time. Love that for us!
Customer Review: "I have been using this for years and this is still my favorite detox treatment! I have normal skin type but with rosacea but I do get some black heads around my nose area. This does not irritate my skin and I notice clearer and smaller pores after I use this."
Key Ingredients: Castor Oil, Pumice, Aloe Leaf Juice Powder, Menthol, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Leaf Oil
Size: 3 ounces
Skin Type: Combination, Acne-prone, Oil
Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask
Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask
Along with knocking out grime, this mask uses salicylic acid to smooth roughly-textured skin and lactic acid to lighten dark spots and clear dead skin cells.
Customer Review: "Mini spa experience at home. My fiancé and I love this mask! I have sensitive skin and this mask did not irritate it. There is a scent to the mask, but I enjoy it. Easy to remove and doesn’t stain. Great for putting on your larger pore areas like your nose and chin."
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid
Size: 3 ounces
Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
Watch Next
9 Best LED Light Makes to Achieve Glowing Skin
10 Places to Buy "Euphoria"-Inspired Face Gems
18 Best Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals Under $20
Editor-Approved Sunscreens on Sale for Prime Day
