Part of the MAIA Guide to Natural Skincare series.
Clay masks all get lumped together as "detox" products, but the four clays MAIA works with are genuinely different minerals with different jobs — one is built for acne, one for anti-aging exfoliation, one for sensitive skin, and one for oil control. Picking blind means you might end up with a mask that fights your skin instead of helping it. Here's what each one actually does.
If you're dealing with acne, blemishes, or eczema
Its cool blue hue comes from algae and minerals, and it's built to flush toxins from the skin surface while nourishing at the same time — a rare combination that makes it useful for acne, pimples, blemishes, and eczema without over-stripping the skin.
₹990Shop Cambrian Blue Clay →
If you want anti-aging and exfoliation
Loaded with natural enzymes, this one gently sloughs off dead and damaged skin cells while encouraging fresh tissue and collagen growth. It's the pick for anyone treating dullness or early signs of aging rather than active breakouts.
₹990Shop Glacial Marine Clay →
If your skin is sensitive or reactive
Rose clay absorbs impurities while gently exfoliating and calming inflammation, itchiness, and swelling. Kaolin — the mildest of all cosmetic clays — keeps oil in check without over-drying, which is exactly why this pairing is the safest starting point for sensitive skin.
₹900Shop Rose Clay & Kaolin →
If you need serious oil control
Multani mitti — Fuller's earth — is the strongest oil-absorber of the four, regulating sebum production while unclogging pores. It's the most traditional pick in Indian skincare for oily, acne-prone skin, and it also fades scars and brightens over time.
₹950Shop Multani Mitti Clay →
How to Use Any of Them
- Cleanse first. All four masks work best on a clean face, applied with a brush or your fingers.
- Avoid the eye and lip area when applying, and let the mask sit for 10–15 minutes — the tightening sensation as it dries is normal.
- Rinse with warm water in circular motions. This gives you a light exfoliation on the way off, not just a wash-off.
- Moisturise immediately after. Clay is absorbent by design, so it will draw some moisture from your skin along with the impurities — always follow with your regular moisturiser.
The Takeaway
Four different clays, four different jobs — Cambrian blue for acne and eczema, glacial marine for exfoliation and glow, rose and kaolin for sensitive skin, multani mitti for oil control. Match the mask to what your skin needs this week rather than reaching for whichever one is already open.
Explore MAIA's full range of natural skincare.
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