Your grooming routine may already include a great face wash, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen (don’t forget the sunscreen!), but if you’re still not seeing the results you want, it could be time to start using a face mask. One to two applications per week may help to decrease fine lines and wrinkles, add moisture back to dehydrated skin, and potentially help to fight off future breakouts. If you’re new to the face mask world and aren’t sure where to start, we recommend a mask that uses activated charcoal.
Activated charcoal is produced when charcoal is exposed to high temperatures. The charcoal gets tiny holes in it when placed under extreme heat and these holes make charcoal absorbent, helping to trap things like oil, toxins, dirt and more. A charcoal mask can help to pull out dirt and bacteria from skin. Many charcoal masks also include additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps to replenish water your skin naturally uses, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles appear.
As with any skincare product, it’s always recommended to test a small section of skin with a new product before covering your face. If you’re ready to give charcoal masks a try, here are four products we recommend.
1. Men’s Face Mask by Beau Brummell
The Men’s Face Mask by Beau Brummell has properties that will help users cleanse their skin. The mask is made with natural kaolin clay and helps to eliminate excess oil build-up, which can wreak serious havoc. Kaolin clay also has the effect of tightening skin and reducing fine lines, giving skin a more youthful appearance and feel. Beau Brummell uses organic essential oils to create a masculine scent for their face mask. Sensitive skin users will like that the face mask is free from parabens, sulfate, SLS, phthalates, dye and mineral oil.
Pros: The Beau Brummell hardens and can be removed after seven to 10 minutes, making it the least time-consuming option on our list.
Cons: Some users may not like that the face mask is scented. The mask can require multiple splashes of water to remove.
2. Revive Science Clay Face Mask
The Revive Science Clay Face Mask is designed to deep cleanse the skin without drying it out. Made with activated charcoal, kaolin clay, pink clay, blue clay, and lecithin, Revive is a great option for guys looking to improve their routine. Excess oil and dirt are removed, leaving skin looking bright. The activated charcoal helps to even skin tone and is safe for use on all skin types. The Revive is cruelty-free and made without GMOs, parabens, talc and sulfate.
Pros: The Revive is made with organic lecithin, which helps skin to retain moisture and protects against over-drying, which can often happen with charcoal masks.
Cons: The Revive has a big price tag.
3. Symbom Binchotan Charcoal Face Mask Sheet
Symbom Binchotan Charcoal Face Mask Sheet comes in a 10 pack of one-use masks that helps to freshen your face. Symbom uses hyaluronic acid to add moisture back into the skin and caviar extract, which stimulates collagen production to fill in wrinkle lines. Made without complexion-dulling toxins, skin looks brighter and refreshed after each use. Safe for sensitive skin, Symbom uses 100% plant fiber in their masks, which are also free from alcohol, dyes and parabens.
Pros: The sheet mask style of the Symbom makes it the cleanest option for users who don’t want to peel or wash off grey or black charcoal in their sink.
Cons: The Symbom masks are designed for men and women and some men may find them a bit small and difficult to line up with their eyes, nose and mouth.
4. SHILLS Charcoal Mask for Men
For an affordable face mask that has results you can see and feel, try the SHILLS Charcoal Mask for Men. The charcoal mask helps to unclog pores and remove blackheads, decrease the appearance of scars and dark spots. Pores can appear smaller and skin can look clearer after each use. The mask is made with natural, organic ingredients and doesn’t use parabens, silicon or alcohol, which can over-dry skin. We also like that Shills is designed to regulate oil production to help prevent future breakouts.
Pros: The Shills comes with a large plastic applicator that makes it easy to apply the mask without getting the actual cream on your hands.
Cons: The Shills takes between 20 and 30 minutes to dry before it can be peeled off, making it the most time-consuming option on our list.