10 Popular Natural Face Masks For All Skin Types
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Image | Beauty Pie / Tata Harper / Face Theory / Five Dot Botanics / Illustration by TSD
Every woman wants gorgeously flawless skin without a blemish in sight - no question!
And of course, we are magicians with the right foundation and contouring kit, but once that is all washed off, clear and healthy skin is still #skincaregoals!
In fact, you even had the “no-makeup” trend where you’d essentially apply makeup to make it look like you are not wearing makeup - confused?
So was I! I mean why not just take care of your own skin right?
But taking care of your own skin starts by identifying what type of skin you have first.
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Normal — “Normal” skin, also scientifically known as “eudermic” skin is characterised as being good or well-balanced skin.
Dry — Dry skin doesn't produce as much sebum as normal skin so it loses its lipids barrier it needs to retain moisture. As a result, the skin can end up feeling tight and looking dull.
Oily — Oily skin overproduces sebum which is also known as ‘seborrhea’. Oily skin tends to show enlarged pores, a shiny complexion and is more susceptible to spots and pimples.
Combination Skin — As the name would suggest, combination skin is a mix of all skin types that may vary in different areas of your face such as your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin).
Many well-known skincare brands deliver on their promises to brighten, regenerate, moisten, and tighten your skin, but many of their products contain harmful ingredients that can do more harm than good over the long run, to you and the environment.
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Adverse Effects — Many synthetic skincare products that are essentially developed in a lab are pumped full of preservatives, parabens, artificial fragrances, phthalates and many other ingredients that might leave your face feeling dry and irritated.
Toxic Penetration — An article written by Lisa Guerrera on Apostrophe, states that “some ingredients can get into the stratum corneum, some deeper into the epidermis, and a few can get to the dermis”. That’s a scary thought considering many of these toxic ingredients commonly used in skincare products like formaldehyde and parabens have carcinogenic properties.
Could Compromise Other Bodily Tasks — Ingredients like synthetic fragrances and artificial colours can clog the pores after a while, which could create irritated and acne-prone skin.
Fragrance Sensitivity — Hormone disruptors, asthma triggers and neurotoxins! Just some of the ingredients to create that sweet-smelling ‘poison’ found in many skincare products. In fact, a study carried out on 4,435 people from four countries by Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health concluded that more than 1 in 3 people claim to have experienced health problems caused by fragrance products ranging from watery eyes to respiratory issues, yikes!
Imitates Real Ingredients — If the chemicals in synthetic products are supposed to imitate real natural ingredients, why not just use those natural ingredients in their purer state.
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It’s Cheap — It’s cheaper to bulk up a product with synthetic filler ingredients than using real natural ingredients that would cost them more.
Long Shelf-life — In an interview with Byrdie, Teresa Stenzel, an esthetician and director of education at Bioelements, states that opened products can last up to two years, but unopened products can last up to one year - always look out for the tiny open jar symbol on the container with a number on it telling you how many months its good for!
The long shelf life comes from using preservatives so you can enjoy the product longer than you would with natural products (and the companies know it too!)
Mass Production — Companies know they can make a ton of it by using these synthetic filler chemicals, so rather than waiting for plants to grow, they can easily pump out millions of products from the factory pipeline in virtually no time at all.
Poor Regulations — Less consequence means more opportunity for some companies, but some countries regulate toxic chemicals in cosmetics better than others.
For example, the European Union consisting of 27 countries has restricted over 1300+ chemicals in cosmetics while the U.S FDA has restricted only 11. In fact, the EU plans to include 23 more chemicals to the banned list effective from March 2022 that have been classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) under Article 15 of the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
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May Not Work For All Skin Types — Natural doesn't necessarily mean that your skin will agree with it - citrus fruit like lemon or oranges for example might irritate some people's skin. So it really depends on your skin type and how sensitive it is, so be sure to check the bottle!
Short Shelf Life — They don’t last as long as synthetic ingredients so you’ll be buying them more regularly.
Some Can Still Block Pores — Some natural ingredients like coconut oil and cocoa butter can clog your pores.
While many of the synthetic skin care products out there do effortlessly get your skin popping and close-up ready for that ‘Insta-selfie’, there is something deeply satisfying and purifying about applying natural ingredients to natural skin.
Home-made masks are great for knowing exactly what is in the bottle, but if you can’t be bothered to whip up a DIY concoction in the kitchen, check out these 10 popular natural face masks you can buy instead!
1. SAND & SKY AUSTRALIAN PINK CLAY POREFINING FACE MASK
Ingredients | Australian Pink Clay, Kelp & Witch Hazel, Mangosteen & Pomegranate, Kakadu Plum
Perfect For | Improving pigmentation, evens skin tone
Overview | The Australian Pink Clay face mask from Sand & Sky promises to deeply detoxify your skin, draw out impurities, pollutants and toxins.
Promising Product Review | “This mask is my saviour for helping me clear my congested pores. It makes my skin feel so soft and radiant after one use!” — Sand & Sky Customer
2. TATA HARPER RESURFACING MASK
Ingredients | Willow Bark, Kaolin Clay, Calendula, Elderberry, Lemongrass
Perfect For | Restoring radiance, improving the appearance of big pores, dull and rough skin
Overview | Packed with skin-glowing enzymes like white willow bark and pomegranate. This mask is Tata Harper’s best-selling face mask.
Promising Product Review | “This resurfacing mask is so gentle and creamy on the skin! It has a lovely fragrance that helps to calm the senses. Love it!” — Tata Harper Customer
3. UPCIRCLE KAOLIN FACE MASK
Ingredients | White Kaolin Clay, Coconut Powder, Baobab Oil
Perfect For | Gentle detoxifying, skin rejuvenation, breakout prevention
Overview | This award-winning mask is made with the finely-ground powder of discarded olive stones, gently detoxifying your pores, fighting blackheads and minimising pores.
Promising Product Review | “Fabulous product! Lovely scent and texture, you only need a bit of it to work. Skin feels and looks lovely after using it.” — UpCircle Customer
4. ESPA CLEAN & GREEN DETOX MASK
Ingredients | Broccoli Seed Oil, Spirulina, Kale & Spinach Extract, Kaolin
Perfect For | Detoxing, softening, deep-cleansing
Overview | This veggie-packed mask has a rich blend of minerals, vitamins and omegas, giving dull and tired skin a reboot.
Promising Product Review | “Feels cooling, great mask to use to help cool my face down in the warm climate and ease any sensitivity. After washing off, my face feels refreshed and clean too.” — Espa Customer
5. BEAUTY PIE OXYGEN INSTANT FACIAL REFUELLING MASK
Ingredients | Active Oxygen, Vitamin A, Salicylic Acid
Perfect For | Moisturising & re-energising the skin, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydration, reducing visible pore size
Overview | This ‘Oxygen Facial’ mask is richly formulated with Salicyclic acid for preventing breakouts & Vitamin A for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Promising Product Review | “A great one to use, it's not sticky, it's got a lovely consistency, it feels like a treat on the skin but without that heavy ickiness some masks have” — Beauty Pie Customer
6. FACE THEORY PINK CLAY AHA FACE MASK
Ingredients | Koalin Clay, Vitamin C, Pomegranate, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil
Perfect for | Skin brightening, skin cell exfoliation and renewal
Overview | Face Theory’s face mask uses jojoba oil and argan oil will hydrate the skin while the premium French clay will draw out impurities and brighten up dull skin.
Promising Product Review | “Quite pleasantly surprised by this mask, smells natural, clears pores, brightens complexion, what more could you want? It's also super gentle. I'll be purchasing again.” — Face Theory Customer
7. GLOSSIER MOISTURISING MOON MASK
Ingredients | Sweet Almond Oil, Licorice Root, Lemon Fruit Extract, Honey, Aloe Vera
Perfect For | Deep hydration, evens skin complexion, smoothing fine lines
Overview | Glossier markets this mask as “the most intensely hydrating mask we could make”. This creamy and “dreamy” mask is soothing, conditioning and hydrating.
Promising Product Review | “I use this at least 2x a week! I have sensitive & oily skin, and this leaves such a bright smooth result!” — Glossier Customer
8. FIVE DOT BOTANICS PURE REWIND RESTORATIVE FACE MASK
Ingredients | Rose Clay, Lavender, Safflower Seed Oil
Perfect For | Drawing out impurities, unclogging pores, calming and soothing skin
Overview | This face mask has only a few yet powerful ingredients like lavender oil which is known to soothe skin and safflower seed oil which reduces blackheads, scars and blemishes.
Promising Product Review | “I love this product, it’s my favourite self-care time - skin feels soothed after and smells amazing” — Five Dot Botanics Customer
9. HERBIVORE BLUE TANSY RESURFACING CLARITY MASK
Ingredients | Blue Tansy Oil, Fruit Enzymes, White Willow Bark, Aloe
Perfect For | Resurfacing and revitalising, uneven skin tone, dullness
Overview | This gentle mask is formulated with blue tansy oil which is known to have anti-inflammatory and skin-calming effects.
Promising Product Review | “I’ve been using this mask for a couple of months now and it’s simply the best! I will never use any other facial. It makes your skin so soft and shiny!” — Herbivore Customer
10. GOLDE CLEAN GREENS FACE MASK
Ingredients | Chlorella Powder, Spirulina Powder, Marshmallow Root Extract, Mango Juice Powder
Perfect For | Detoxifying, boosting radiance, dullness, redness
Overview | This refreshing mask is basically a green smoothie for the face made with 100% edible superfoods.
Promising Product Review | “Clean Greens Masks is an awesome product. My face feels refreshed, clean, and extra tight after using this great product! I have desired a good face mask for years. I finally found one.” — Golde
