This $16 cult-favourite clay mask has more than 2,000 five-star reviews — but does it work?
I have oily skin, and I occasionally experience breakouts, but when I do, they can get pretty gnarly. And after much trial and error with various products, I’m pretty hesitant when it comes to jumping on any skincare bandwagon. But there’s one $16 product I came across a few years that the internet is still raving about.
At first glance, it’s hard to believe that this product would ever be considered as a skincare product, let alone one of the best-selling beauty and personal care items on Amazon with more than 2,000 five-star reviews. But although its packaging is far from luxury, the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay continues to be praised for its ability to treat severe cases of acne.
Claiming itself to be the “world’s most powerful facial,” its formula is simply just 100 per cent natural calcium bentonite clay, an ingredient which is known for deeply cleansing pores. The clay can be used as a traditional face mask and can be applied all over the body to help eliminate visible signs of aging and even treat insect bites. Quite a lot of for just one ingredient, if you ask me. But does it actually work?
According to one review, the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay works better than traditional pore cleansing products.
“Oh my gosh - does it ever clean out blackheads from my nose. I've tried some pretty expensive products but this one works better than anything else I've used, including nose strips. It's a bit tricky to get to a non-clumpy consistency but even if it's lumpy it still works,” raved one five-star reviewer.
The directions on the label say to mix clay with equal parts apple cider vinegar or water and stir until the mixture turns into a paste and then directly apply on skin and let it dry between five to 10 minutes. But be warned that you can also“feel your face pulsate.” According to some reviews, the pulsating sensation is comparable to a cooling and tingling feeling.
“I use it with organic apple cider vinegar and i have been using it 2-3 times a week and I have noticed a difference in my acne. It has cleared things up and I can really feel if pulsate on my face. Never getting any other face mask from Sephora again. This is my go to face mask from now on,” said one review.
However, other reviewers warned that the clay does cause dryness.
“You do need to use a really good moisturizer afterwards though as it is really drying. If you have sensitive skin I highly recommend testing out a small patch on your inner wrist and letting it dry, then wash it off and see what your skin looks like,” cautioned a reviewer. “If it is really badly irritated, I would not use it.”
And even with it’s massive cult-following and its top spot on Amazon’s best-sellers list, I’m still on the fence about this product. But then again, it is only $16.
Have you used this mask? Let us know if it’s actually worth giving it a try in the comments.
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