Unless you’ve got a burning passion for pottery, you probably don’t have much opinion on the earth-derived material that is clay. Ceramics aside, slathering moist clay on skin is actually a beauty ritual that’s been around since the beginning of time, and for good reason. When used topically, it cleanses and rids our pores of all that gunk, rescuing our congested complexions from an onslaught of greasy buildup. While they may be naturally derived, potent skin purifiers, clay has also earned itself a reputation for being too harsh and excessively dehydrating – a big no-no for skin that reacts negatively to anything and everything.

Well, a good way to counteract that blotchy, itchy aftermath is to rinse your clay mask off before it dries completely. Yes, yes, we know. “Isn’t that the fun part? Waiting for it to crack and flake?” Sure, it may be fun for those with resilient skin, but for sensitive skin types, it’s definitely a lot less fun. When a clay-based formula is damp, your skin will sop up its beneficial minerals right before you feel the start of its drying phase, which stimulates blood flow as it contracts. As soon as it goes past that stage and dries up a little too much, it’s not a good sign. The clay will inevitably suck the life out of your skin, causing possible dehydration and irritation. So, the next time you use a clay mask, keep a close eye on it – when the clay becomes a tad lighter in colour but still feel moist to the touch, then it’s time to wash it off.

Ready to give them a second chance? Have a look at our clay-based picks that are as gentle as they are effective.

Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask (Limited Edition)

Umbrian clay originates in the Italian City, Umbria (of course), and it’s pretty much a sponge for all oil slicks, particularly the one that plagues your T-zone. Well, Fresh has combined that proprietary ingredient with sandalwood oil, white chamomile flower and lavender water that takes the clay one step farther by soothing and balancing the skin. You can use this lightly-scented multitasking wonder as a daily cleanser, a face mask, or a spot treatment, depending on your needs. And look, they’ve even given the packaging a little artistic renovation courtesy of the Rometti ceramic workshop in Umbria. How cute is that?

$95, available at Fresh stores and Sephora.

Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask

Indigenous to Morocco, Rhassoul clay is ridiculously rich in minerals, and since it’s negatively charged while most toxins in the skin are positively charged, it functions like a magnet that draws out all the impurities like dirt, sebum, and blackheads. What it won’t do is dry out your skin. Rhassoul clay is known for its elasticity and texture-smoothing magic, so when it’s combined with argan oil and acai oil, it cleanses deeply while feeding your skin with antioxidants.

$88, available from charisnaturals.com.

May Lindstrom Skin The Honey Mud Cleanser

A member of the kaolin family, halloysite is great at gently cleansing the skin. In May Lindstrom’s Honey Mud, the white halloysite clay is blended with antibacterial honey and plant oils to infuse your skin with active enzymes as it washes away grime and pollutants. “Gentle cleansing silk” is accurate too – you won’t want to wash off this pudding-like treat once you’ve tried it. (But in all seriousness, please remember to wash it off.)

$127, available from naturallybetterco.com.

Handmade Heroes Beauty Warrior Face Mask Purifying Clay Mask

Now, we all know where French green clay is from. Yup, that’s right. Italy. (Just kidding.) French green clay is pretty much a go-to for a deep cleanse and some pore-tightening action. Add a bit of antioxidant-rich turmeric in there and some nourishing vitamin E, and you’ve got one hell of an effective brightening clay mask that draws out toxins for a fresher, less angry complexion.

$24.90, available from handmade-heroes.com.

Herbivore Botanicals Blue Clay Spot Treatment Mask

Cambrian blue clay is a rare one that’s found in Siberian lakes (oooooh), and it’s prized for its ability to clarify and balance out the skin. This Spot Treatment Mask is able to penetrate deep into the pores to treat existing blemishes while it keeps the skin’s moisture at an equilibrium. Blended with kaolin clay, it extracts impurities and toxins as it delivers essential nutrients and minerals to the skin. Bonus: the rose geranium essential oil in it will calm your senses as well as any visible inflammation.

$35, available from Sephora.