Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body
Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body
Product Description
A spa-quality, mineral-infused wash-off clay mask from New York Biology that pairs authentic Dead Sea mud and kaolin clay with soothing aloe, jojoba oil, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. It draws out excess oil and impurities to refine pores on both the face and body, while hydrating actives help the skin feel clean and smooth rather than stripped.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Dead Sea Mud + Kaolin
Two mineral-rich clays work together to absorb excess sebum, lift surface buildup and visibly refine the look of pores.
Hydration Built In
Aloe vera, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and allantoin help offset the dryness that clay masks can cause, so skin feels balanced.
Face & Body Multitasker
The generous 8.8 oz jar is designed for both facial use and larger areas like the back, chest and shoulders.
Spa Quality, Drugstore Price
A family-run US brand offering a clarifying treatment at an accessible price, with a low cost-per-use thanks to the large jar.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone and no chemical sunscreen filters β generally considered low-risk for pregnancy and nursing.
Contains jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter and beeswax β fatty-acid-rich ingredients that Malassezia yeast can feed on.
Scented with lavender essential oil (tea tree and eucalyptus variants also exist). A potential irritant for very reactive skin β patch test first.
As a rinse-off step it layers fine with most serums and moisturizers. Avoid using on the same day as strong exfoliating acids or retinoids.
Do not apply to broken, cracked or sunburned skin. Avoid the delicate eye and lip area during application.
The formula contains beeswax, an animal-derived ingredient. It is, however, cruelty-free and suitable for vegetarians.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Sea Silt (Dead Sea Mud) High Proven
The hero ingredient and one of the highest-placed actives in the formula. This mineral-rich mud sourced from the Dead Sea draws out excess oil and surface debris while delivering skin-friendly minerals.
- Source: Naturally rich in magnesium, calcium and potassium that support skin renewal.
- Action: Acts like a sponge for excess sebum and impurities as it dries on the skin.
πͺ¨ Kaolin Clay High Proven
A gentle white clay placed high in the ingredient deck. It absorbs sebum and helps mattify and decongest the skin without the harsh tightness of pure bentonite.
- Source: Kaolinite clay valued in skincare for oil control and pore minimizing.
- Bonus: Provides mild physical exfoliation when worked into the skin.
π± Jojoba Seed Oil Mid Proven
One of the most well-studied plant emollients. Because it is mostly wax esters, it closely mirrors human sebum, making it lightweight and barrier-supportive.
- Research: Jojoba formulations have been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss and improve barrier recovery.
π§ Glycerin ~3β10% Proven
A powerhouse humectant naturally found in skin that pulls water into the surface layers. It helps counterbalance the drying effect of the clays.
- Research: Non-irritating, compatible with nearly every ingredient and effective across all skin types.
πΏ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Mid Promising
Best known for soothing skin, aloe is anti-inflammatory and moisturizing, and carries antioxidant vitamins A, C and E plus moisture-binding sugars.
- Benefit: Helps calm and hydrate, easing potential redness from the clay base.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ~0.1β1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution before they can cause oxidative damage, while conditioning the skin.
- Research: Regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2β4 weeks.
π¦ Sodium Hyaluronate ~0.1β1% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid. As a humectant it binds water to the skin surface, helping the mask leave skin feeling plump rather than parched.
- Research: Smaller molecular weights have been linked to improved hydration and barrier repair.
πΌ Allantoin ~0.1β0.5% Proven
A quiet workhorse soothing agent that supports skin renewal and helps calm irritation, while gently loosening dead surface cells.
- Research: Recognized by the FDA as a skin protectant; stable, non-sensitizing and non-irritating.
π» Calendula Flower Oil Low Promising
Derived from marigold, this extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its flavonoid content, helping soothe the skin.
π Trehalose Low Promising
A sugar-based humectant that draws moisture to the skin and offers antioxidant support, helping maintain hydration during and after the mask.
- Bonus: Its antioxidant activity may contribute mild anti-aging benefits.
24 ingredients
Potato Starch Modified, Sea Silt, Water, Zea Mays Starch, Kaolin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Carya Ovata Bark Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Dimethicone, Trehalose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beeswax, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use 1β3 times per week as a treatment step on freshly cleansed skin, before the rest of your hydrating routine. Always follow daytime use with sunscreen.
π How to Use
Cleanse First
Wash your face or body area thoroughly and pat until slightly damp so the mask spreads evenly.
Apply a Thin Layer
Spread an even layer over the skin, avoiding the eyes and lips. A little goes a long way.
Let It Set (~10 min)
Leave on for about 10 minutes until it dries. A mild tingling can be normal; reduce time if skin is sensitive.
Rinse & Hydrate
Remove gently with warm water, pat dry, then follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or congestion-prone skin
- You want to refine the look of enlarged pores
- You like a multitasking face-and-body treatment
- You want a budget-friendly, large-size clay mask
- You enjoy a light, natural lavender scent
β Consider alternatives if:
- You are managing fungal acne (malassezia)
- You are sensitive to essential oils or fragrance
- You have very dry or compromised-barrier skin
- You strictly need a vegan formula
- You want a fragrance-free clay mask
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Dead Sea mud and kaolin absorb excess oil and help control shine β this is the formula's strongest match.
Targets oilier zones while added humectants keep drier areas comfortable.
Helps decongest pores, but note it is not fungal-acne safe and isn't a substitute for active acne treatments.
Usable with a rich moisturizer afterward, but clays can feel tightening β limit wear time and frequency.
Many find it gentle, but the lavender essential oil is a potential trigger β patch test before full use.
π Results Timeline
Cleaner, Smoother Feel
Skin feels purified and noticeably smoother right after rinsing, with a fresh, matte finish.
85% noticedLess Visible Oil & Congestion
With 2β3 uses per week, many users report reduced shine, fewer clogged-looking pores and a more even texture.
70% noticedRefined, Balanced Complexion
Consistent use is associated with a clearer, more refined appearance. Results plateau here β it's a maintenance step, not a dramatic anti-aging treatment.
55% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Effective at absorbing oil and decongesting pores
- Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth, not stripped
- Large 8.8 oz jar lasts a long time β strong value
- Gentle enough for many sensitive-skin users
- Pleasant, calming lavender scent
- Works on both face and body
β Criticized
- Not fungal-acne safe due to oils and beeswax
- Lavender essential oil may irritate reactive skin
- Can feel tight/drying if left on too long
- Jar packaging is less hygienic than a tube
- Not vegan (contains beeswax)
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A near-twin US-made Dead Sea mud formula with a very similar clay-and-oil base. Comparable performance at a slightly lower price.
Pure bentonite clay powder you mix with water or vinegar. Far cheaper per gram and more intense, but DIY, messier and with no added hydrators.
Another ready-to-use Dead Sea mud mask in a similar size and price bracket. Comparable clarifying purpose with a slightly different supporting cast.
π Comparison with Competitors
New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask (Featured)
~$16.95Majestic Pure Dead Sea Mud Mask
~$13.00Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
~$11.00innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
~$18β23π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening (check the jar's PAO symbol). Use clean, dry hands or a spatula to keep it fresh.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures to maintain consistency and effectiveness.
Screw-top jar (tub). Convenient for scooping but less hygienic than a tube β avoid double-dipping.
The 8.8 oz (250 ml) full size exceeds the 100 ml carry-on limit β pack it in checked luggage or decant a smaller amount.
β Frequently Asked Questions
The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, which are the ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy, so it is generally considered low-risk. One thing to note is the lavender essential oil; topical essential oils are usually considered low-concern, but if you prefer to avoid them you can choose a fragrance-free clay mask. As always, check with your OB-GYN or midwife before introducing new products while pregnant or nursing.
No. The formula contains jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter and beeswax β all of which carry fatty acids in the C11βC24 range that Malassezia yeast can feed on. If you are specifically managing fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis), this mask is not recommended; look for a fatty-acid-free clay mask instead.
Yes, but space them out. Because this is a clay-based clarifying mask, using it on the same day as strong exfoliating acids or retinoids can increase the risk of irritation or dryness. A good approach is to use the mask on a separate day, or in the same routine as gentle hydrating serums rather than potent actives. Vitamin C is generally fine to layer afterward once skin is clean and rinsed.
It is best suited to oily and combination skin, and anyone wanting to refine the look of pores or reduce congestion. Acne-prone skin can benefit too (aside from fungal acne). Dry and sensitive skin types can still use it occasionally, but should limit wear time and always follow with a moisturizer.
Most people notice cleaner, smoother-feeling skin immediately after the first rinse. With consistent use 2β3 times a week, reduced shine and less visible congestion typically show within 1β2 weeks, with a more refined complexion around 4β6 weeks. It is a maintenance treatment rather than a dramatic transformer.
Use it as a treatment step right after cleansing, on clean, slightly damp skin. Apply, leave on for about 10 minutes, then rinse and continue with your toner, serums and moisturizer. If using during the day, always finish with sunscreen.
It has a low comedogenic profile (around 2/5). The clay base is actually designed to draw out oil and decongest pores, and most of the supporting ingredients rate low for pore-clogging. Because it is a wash-off product with short contact time, the risk is further reduced. If you are very breakout-prone, patch test and monitor how your skin responds.
Around 12 months after opening, in line with the jar's PAO symbol. Keep it stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and use clean, dry hands or a spatula to scoop product so the jar stays fresh for its full shelf life.
Verdict: The New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask is a reliable, great-value clarifying treatment that genuinely earns its loyal following β especially among oily and combination skin types. The Dead Sea mud and kaolin do the heavy lifting on oil and pores, while aloe, glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep skin from feeling stripped, and the generous jar makes it one of the better cost-per-use options out there. It loses points for not being fungal-acne safe, for relying on lavender essential oil that sensitive skin may react to, and for jar packaging. If you want an affordable, effective face-and-body clay mask and don't have fungal acne or fragrance sensitivities, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Potato Starch Modified
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Zea Mays Starch
Absorbent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Kaolin
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Skin Protecting, Slip Modifier, Cosmetic Colorant
|
Ache-fighting
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|