What's the difference between clay and mud face masks?

Clay masks (bentonite, kaolin, volcanic) are mineral-based and tend to absorb oil and tighten as they dry, while mud masks (such as Dead Sea mud) often stay slightly more pliable and combine minerals with added humectants. In this pool, raw bentonite picks like Aztec Secret dry hard and pull, whereas Dead Sea and Korean mud formulas lean more balanced. Oily and acne-prone skin generally gravitates to clay; drier or sensitive skin may prefer a mud or hydrating formula.