The most searched-for skin care ingredient in the US is unlikely to surprise you.

*based on Google Beauty Trends report 

As far as beauty rituals go, there's no doubt that a face mask is the perfect way to pamper your skin with some extra attention after a long day. Pair this mask with a glass of wine - hint: we've rounded up the best combinations here - and your night has just received a next level upgrade. But even if the disguise is your typical Sunday or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (we don't judge) nighttime ritual, you're unlikely to be alone. Most likely, many beauty fans do the same from the comfort of their sofa, not only in America, but throughout the world. How can we know? This new information comes from a new report that says face masks are a popular search topic around the world, including in the US, France and Japan. 

Of course, there is no shortage of protective masks. These masks, from charcoal masks to sheet masks, are designed to address a variety of skin concerns. Curious to know what skin concerns and mask-related ingredients have been the most searched for? Pimples and blackheads have been among the top skin concerns associated with mask searches globally, according to the findings. In terms of the most popular ingredients, the clay ranked first in the US. Since the mask is the most popular product along with clay, it is safe to say that in 2017 we will see a lot of clay-based masks. In honor of a trend that has sparked interest from many, we share the beauty benefits of clay, as well as an overview of our favorite masks created using an ingredient from the L'Oreal brand portfolio, below.

BEAUTY BENEFITS OF CLAY

Clay masks are all the rage right now and can make your skin glow. Sounds great, right? Before following this trend, you should learn a little about the benefits of skin care with different clays. Among the many that are used in skin care formulations, kaolin and bentonite are popular. According to Jennifer Hirsch, beauty botanist at The Body Shop, white kaolin clay is the softest of all clays, making it less effective at drawing out oil and dirt. Thus, use a kaolin clay mask if your skin is dry and sensitive. (However, check the label first.) Bentonite, on the other hand, boasts powerful absorbent properties for deep cleansing, making it an ideal choice for oily skin types.

To learn more about the benefits of various clays for skin care, read this!

THE BEST GLASS MASKS TO TRY

SkinCeuticals Purifying Clay Mask

Do you have congested skin? Enjoy this mask for all skin types that combines natural earth clays, kaolin and bentonite, plus a hydroxy acid blend to unclog pores, remove impurities and oils, and exfoliate the skin. Use it once or twice a week for cleansed skin. 

SkinCeuticals Purifying Clay Mask MSRP $55.

Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask

Remove unwanted debris and dead skin cells that can clog pores and make skin look dull! Rich in minerals and Amazonian White Clay, this unique formula helps flush out surface toxins from the skin. It also helps to purify the skin by minimizing the appearance of pores and clearing the skin.

Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask MSRP $28.

L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brightening Treatment Mask

Beautify your skin in minutes with L'Oreal Paris' line of clay mud masks. Each mask is made from three different pure clays and enriched with natural ingredients. In particular, this cream, containing kaolin, montmorillonite and charcoal-enriched Moroccan lava clay, removes accumulated impurities, dirt and impurities, reduces skin dullness, enhances radiance, evens out skin tone and refreshes.

L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten Treatment Mask MSRP $12.99.