How to create a clay face mask in 5 simple steps

Diane Grover 09.2025

Looking to create your own clay face mask formulas and achieve a creamy, smooth product every time — without needing advanced formulation skills?

Our Create Cosmetic Formulas guide simplifies the process!

Follow our comprehensive 5-step guide to start crafting your own clay face mask formulas today.

Read on to learn how!

Start by logging into your Create Cosmetic Formulas subscription then…
 

How to create a clay face mask in 5 simple steps

1. Select skin and hair care, clay/charcoal mask, as the type of formula you would like to create today, then click Create.

Clay Mask: In the Create Cosmetic Formulas program, water or water alternatives form the base of clay and charcoal mask formulas. To create a deeply hydrating clay mask, I’ve included 5.00% w/w honey for its natural humectant properties, which help attract and retain skin moisture. Honey also enhances the mask’s texture, making it smoother and easier to spread. Because clays can naturally contain trace metals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium-known to catalyse oxidation-I have also added Dermofeel® PA-3, a naturally derived chelating agent, to support formula stability. The program automatically adjusts the remaining water content to maintain overall balance.

2. Choose your rheology modifier.  

I’ve included xanthan gum in the mask because clays are naturally heavy and tend to settle in water-based systems. Xanthan gum increases viscosity and helps keep the clay particles evenly suspended, preventing separation or the formation of a watery layer on top. To aid incorporation, I slurry the xanthan gum in propanediol, a natural humectant that also acts as a wetting agent, ensuring the gum disperses smoothly and hydrates evenly.
 

3. Choose functional ingredients.


For the functional ingredients, I’ve chosen Dracorine CE, an anionic emulsifier, and Olivem 1000, a high HLB non-ionic emulsifier. Clays are negatively charged when dispersed in water, and anionic emulsifiers carry the same charge. This repulsion helps keep clay particles separated and suspended, preventing clumping or settling. Meanwhile, high HLB non-ionic blends help maintain clay dispersion, stability, and a pleasant skin feel without destabilising the system.

To personalise the mask, I’ve included Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, a naturally derived lipid rich in erucic acid, which is ideal for mature skin and offers anti-ageing and skin-firming benefits.

For the clays, I’ve used a combination of red clay and kaolin clay. Kaolin clay is gentle, soothing, and absorbent, providing a smooth texture that helps cleanse, detoxify, and hydrate the skin. Red clay is energising and revitalising, making it ideal for dull skin and helping to rejuvenate the complexion.

Not sure which clay is best suited to your skin’s needs? No problem, just tap “Select 1–2” to explore a description of each option and find the perfect fit for your skincare routine.
 

4. Choose your supportive ingredients.

 

I have selected Naticide, a broad-spectrum preservative at the maximum input, to protect the clay mask from microbial contamination. No additional fragrance has been added, as Naticide has a subtle almond aroma. I’ve also included Phytelene EXG245, an anti-ageing complex, to hydrate the skin and support collagen and elastin synthesis, along with Gotu Kola extract for its skin-firming benefits.

To protect the formula and the oils from oxidation, I’ve added mixed tocopherols, providing broad-spectrum antioxidant support to ensure stability and extend shelf life.

5. Click generate method

 

Then here is my formula, and here is the method!  

 

Now all you need to do is find your nearest cosmetic ingredient suppliers, order the materials, and get making your fantastic shampoo formulas!

Once you’ve made one formula, you’ll be keen to make more! With Create Cosmetic Formulas, you have almost limitless formulation creation, and just one low annual subscription.

It really is that simple.

Happy formulating!

 

Take our quiz: should you use a program to create cosmetic formulas or learn cosmetic science?
Find out which solution is best for you with our simple quiz!
 

Try the create cosmetic formulas program today! We’re so confident you’ll love how it helps you create cosmetic formulas, it comes with a 24-hour money back guarantee.

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