Splurge. Origins Clear Improvement Mask ($25 for 3.4oz). This Origins mask is a great product for acne sufferers, enlarged pores, and dull complexion. The white clay and activated charcoal detoxify your pores while gently exfoliating the skin. Over time, you’ll notice a clearer, more even complexion.
Save. Glacial Detox Healing Clay ($35 for 2lbs). I’m always looking for cheaper replacements for my favorite products. At a reader’s recommendation, I switched to the Aztec Healing Clay ($8 or 1lb.) But unlike the Origins mask, I found that it really dried out my skin over time. So I switched back. However, keeping myself in facial mask soon became an expensive proposition.
This Glacial Clay came highly recommended. Like the Aztec Clay, it comes in powder form and you have to mix it yourself. Mixing it can be a little messy, but once you come up with a process, it’s much easier.
It isn’t as drying as the Aztec Clay. I also like that the finer powder yields a smoother mask, so my skin doesn’t get over-exfoliated during removal. And as a bonus, it works great as a cellulite treatment. I just apply a bit of the mask and wrap it in Saran Wrap. Leave it on for a couple of hours, and then rinse it off.
Bottom Line. The masks are equally effective, but the Glacial Clay is 6x cheaper. Decision made.
8 comments
Lauren says:
I’m fascinated with the clay! Do you just mix it with water, or are the additional ingredients you would add for a mask?
Gabrielle says:
I use Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar for the Aztec mask. I like that one for my body, and feet if I give myself a pedicure. I use a 2″ paintbrush from the hardware store and it’s quite soothing! Add in a glass of wine with a good book, and it’s a spa-like experience.
Monica says:
I used to buy the expensive premixed masks until I realized that they mostly use the cheapest kind (white or kaolin) and added a few other ingredients, including preservatives and water, for a big price tag.
Now I buy dry French Green clay from Mountain Rose Herbs and mix it up myself with a little aloe vera gel, some rose or calendula water and a teaspoon of Thyme infused jojoba oil. Keeps my skin happy if I can do it twice a week, and the raw ingredients are cheap!
If you are mixing this up and want it to be more soothing for your skin def try using Aloe Vera in place of water, I do this for exfoliating with baking soda as well and it’s great!
Heather says:
What do you mean by cellulite treatment? Is that a thing?
H. says:
How does this work as a cellulite treatment? I’ve never heard of this! Details please!
Belle says:
There is no such thing as a cellulite cure, but I’ve found that the clay minimize sits appearance. It’s still there but probably 50% better, though the effect is temporary, lasting about a week.
Molly says:
Only half as cheap as Origins’, but I LOVE this dead sea mud mask: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C8YCFU4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
Joanna says:
I like the Kiehls rare earth clay mask. It really tightens everything up!