We put Innisfree’s Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.
Sunday is my self-care day. I dedicate the entire day to getting organized for the week, which means washing my hair and slathering on a face mask. To be honest, the last couple of months, I’ve fallen off my masking routine, and my pores are clogged because of it. Specifically, the corners of my nose where whiteheads like to hang out and along my jawline where hormonal breakouts crop up. Self-care, we know, is a must, but sometimes the act of caring for ourselves can feel like a chore.
But now I’m back to taking this time myself. However, I realized a couple of weeks ago, I’d run out of my usual clay mask. So it was time to seek out something new. Because my skin is on the sensitive side, I like to use fragrance-free products that have solid reviews to back them up. After a long-winded Google search, I decided to give Innisfree’s Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X a try. I have had a great experience with their sheet masks, and the reviews of this beloved mask took away the new product jitters.
Keep reading to see how my experience with this fan-favorite face mask went.
About My Skin: Combination
It’s my skin’s world, and I’m just living in it. However, the more I pay attention to how my skin reacts to products, the easier it is for me to care for my skin the way it deserves. I have given up trying every new product that hits the market and, now, only use products that have moisture at the forefront of their formulations. Each day I cleanse day and night with a cream cleanser. I follow-up cleansing with products that treat my hyperpigmentation and balance my combo skin: vitamin C (daytime), retinol (nighttime), the occasional toner, a chemical exfoliant (once a week), a sheet mask (twice a week), and a clay mask (once a week).
The Packaging: You have two options
The pore clearing mask comes in two vessels: a jar and a can that reminds me of one you’d use for hair mousse. Pretty cool, right? I’ve tried both. I personally prefer the mouse canister. For hygienic reasons, I don’t like to dip my fingers into my skincare products.
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
The Feel: Creamy with a little texture
I loved the way this creamy mask felt. The whipped, gray clay smoothed across my face with ease. As it dries, you can feel a little tightening, but nothing that hurts or is uncomfortable.
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
Ingredients: Exfoliating and cleansing
The clay formula is infused with hot lava fragments formed into clusters from Jeju Island. The naturally porous clusters are packed with minerals that help absorb excess oil and impurities from pores. In addition to this, Lactic acid is found in this formula. It is an AHA that smooths fine lines and evens the skin tone. The naturally derived acid exfoliates by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells.
The Results: Smoother skin with fewer whiteheads
The clay brought my whiteheads up and soaked up the excess oil from my t-zone and cheek areas on the first use. I still have breakouts, but I think over time, using this mask will help stop my pesky hormonal breakouts in their tracks.
Clay masks can be drying, especially when left on too long or used too often. Because the mask feels so gentle on the skin and reveals softer skin when removed, I can see how tempting it might be to use it more than twice a week. But, I recommend only once or twice a week, especially if you have combination skin. I followed up my mask with face oil and skipped my retinol to prevent any potential irritation.
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
The Value: Worth it
For around $15, this mask is totally worth the price. How many masks deep clean and exfoliate without disrupting the balance of the skin? Not many that I’ve tried.
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
Similar Products: A range of price points and ingredients
Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask ($60): Made with black moor mud harvested by hand on the Irish countryside, alongside Hijiki seaweed, volcanic ash, and activated charcoal, this face mask hydrates, purifies, and decongests.
Ayuna Balm Volcanic Revitalizing Mask ($138): Formulated with volcanic glass, active carbon, pullulan, and lemon water, this clean mask rejuvenates and wakes up your skin.
Armani Beauty Crema Nera Reviving Volcanic Mask ($300): Infused with volcanic powder from the Italian island of Pantelleria and macadamia oil, this splurge-worthy mask purifies, nourishes, and exfoliates the skin in 10 minutes.
