Ever wondered whether a new beauty launch or trending product is truly worth the hype? If so, you’re in the right place. I Just Tried… is our beauty column where we test out everything from new formulations to cult classics to find out whether they’re really worth your money. Oh, and we’ll answer the most-searched-for questions so you don’t have even have to ask.
When it comes to affordable skincare, there's one country that always gets it right: France. In fact, whether I'm interviewing a dermatologist or a celebrity about their skincare habits, there's one common denominator: People with great skin have a plethora of French pharmacy brands in their beauty stashes. So when I got wind that yet another beauty product was trending on TikTok, I wasn't hugely surprised to hear that it was a face mask from French skincare brand Caudalie. After all, the brand's cult Beauty Elixir already has everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Victoria Beckham raving about it, and a bottle of Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum sells every 30 seconds somewhere in the world. This time though, it's the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask that has been causing waves—a beloved clay formula that already has a permanent home in my bathroom cupboard.
Ahead, keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the trending face mask, including which celebrities swear by it and my honest review.
Despite having combination, blemish-prone skin, I am often wary about clay face masks that claim to be particularly deep-cleansing or pore-minimising, as experience has taught me that such formulations can often leave my skin feeling stripped, irritated and worse in the long run. The Caudalie Instant Detox Mask is different, however. Sure, it makes all of those bold claims on the tube, but this mask feels seriously gentle on the skin.
First up, it uses pink clay, which is probably the gentlest of all clays thanks to its light texture and nourishing properties. It also uses Caudalie's trademark ingredient, grapes, which are natural antioxidants, protect skin from damage and boost glow. Alongside papaya enzymes to nibble away dead skin cells and coffee to decongest pores and invigorate a tired complexion, this mask is genuinely a bit of an all-rounder.
I apply it to clean, dry skin and then wait 10 minutes while it works its magic. Once I've rinsed it away, my skin always looks brighter, more even in tone, and, most importantly, soft and replenished rather than stripped and dry.
And I'm not the only fan.
When sharing her nightly skincare routine with Harper's Bazaar, Kourtney Kardashian revealed that she loves using the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask to keep her complexion clear. "My skin can break out very easily," Kardashian explained while applying the face mask. "It's important to me to use products that are as clean as possible."
Joining me in the fight against adult acne, Drew Barrymore also swears by this purifying mask to keep "weird hormonal breakouts" in check. In an Instagram video, while applying the product, Barrymore questioned why she was "45 with the skin of a prepubescent boy" and hoped that Caudalie would save the day with this skin-soothing formulation.
It isn't just celebrities, either. Chic French women genuinely swear Caudalie as well. And that's reason enough for me to adore it.
The Product 101
How do you use Caudalie Instant Detox Mask?
It's simple. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin, and leave it on for five to 10 minutes. Rinse away—I like to use a muslin cloth to remove it thoroughly—and then follow with your usual serum or moisturiser. For best results, use once or twice a week.
What are the benefits of a detoxifying face mask?
For oilier or blemish-prone complexions like mine, the real benefits of using a face mask like this are that it can absorb excess oil, reduce shine and deep-cleanse pores to prevent congestion and spots. The Caudalie Instant Detox Mask has the added benefit of leaving skin hydrated, bright and healthier-looking.
Can a clay mask remove blackheads?
The Caudalie Instant Detox Mask contains pink clay to draw oils and toxins to the surface of the skin and prevent the build-up of dead skin cells that can cause blackheads. However, extraction and exfoliation are also beneficial in removing existing blackheads from your skin.
Shop the best detoxifying face masks:
This mask currently has over 20 million views on TikTok, with influencer Hyram giving it his seal of approval. Trust me, though—this product is worth the hype.
This sulphur-based mask really helps to decongest and clarify my skin in the midst of a breakout. Plus, it's satisfyingly old-school in its green appearance.
It's not often that a mud mask is suitable for all types, but this one works on dry, oily and sensitive complexions to imbue skin with that Jessica Alba glow.
This multipurpose product can be used as a face mask, wash or spot treatment. Detoxifying formulations often don't feel particularly luxurious to use, but this is brimming with sandalwood and lavender, so it smells amazing and feels like a real treat on the skin.
A gentle blend of Spanish clay and sweet almond oil balances oilier complexions while leaving skin with that trademark Tilbury glow.
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