Clay masks are primarily designed to absorb excess oils from the skin, which can provide a temporary matte effect and a smoother surface, but they don’t offer long-lasting results. Although I’ve used many clay masks—currently working through a Peach & Lily mask—I view them as a supplementary skincare step. I use a clay mask about once every week or two, usually when my skin starts to look or feel dull. It’s a nice way to unwind in the evening, applying the mask and letting it sit for 20 minutes to an hour, enjoying the cool, refreshing sensation on my skin.

A great example is the Benefit Porefessional Speedy Smooth Pore Mask, which contains beneficial ingredients like kaolin clay, bisabolol, and hyaluronic acid to control oil without overly drying the skin. The brand claims this mask provides a “flash facial” effect in just five minutes by visibly refining pores, smoothing texture, and absorbing surface oil to create softer, more refined-looking skin.

When I first tried this mask, I recorded my experience and noted how cooling it felt on my skin—pleasant and non-irritating. After rinsing, I noticed my pores looked smaller, though I suspect this was due to the mask’s residue partially filling in the pores rather than truly minimizing them. As with many clay masks, this effect is only temporary. Once the product fully washes off, any “pore-shrinking” effect fades, as the initial improvement comes from a reduction in surface oil rather than any lasting change to the pores themselves.

The main takeaway here is to approach such products with a healthy dose of skepticism. Look critically at product claims—particularly anything promising “instant” results—as these rarely translate to long-term benefits. For lasting improvements, consistency and products with ingredients tailored to your skin’s unique needs will make a much bigger impact on your skincare journey.