Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask 3.3oz (100ml)

Product Information

Mario Badescu is famous for their pore-clearing, acne-reducing products that aren’t overly aggressive and safe for sensitive skin. We love this Collagen Mask because it's actually formulated for dry skin and works to clarify while also pumping the skin full of hydrating nourishment that ultimately evens texture and smooths fine lines. Your skin type will dictate the clay mask you should buy, and if you should be using one at all. Clay masks are usually drying, meaning they aren’t great for those with dry or super sensitive skin, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel.

Though the mask will feel dry in about 9 minutes, the brand recommends keeping it on for 15 to 20 (on the longer end of products we tested). Our tester notes that because this product didn’t have the classic “tingly” sensation of most clay masks, she missed out on the “feeling” of it working. I’m Umbrian Clay’s No. 1 fan. I’ve talked about it a lot. I am basically its stage mom — I just believe in it so much! Despite a consistent application of retinoid, my chin still likes to surprise me with the occasional pimple when I’m about to get my period.Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S9042 Piroctone olamine is a compound often used in cosmetic products as an antifungal treatment and has been found to help balance the skin microbiome and reduce the incidence of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Consider this an excellent alternative if you can't tolerate super potent exfoliants. Once you get over the hurdle of having to personally mix this formula with water (a task that could definitely be made easier with clearer instructions on the brand's part), we promise its deep-cleaning results are worth it. “The mask feels great on my skin with a smooth texture and slight tightening effect,” says our tester. The unique mix of activated coconut charcoal, marshmallow root, gotu kola, and rhassoul clay deeply cleans the skin while also soothing irritation and promoting skin recovery. “My skin looks brighter, clearer, and more even, as if it went through a deep detox,” she marvels. Melanie Grant is a celebrity facialist, esthetician, and founder of Melanie Grant Skin Health, a clinic with outposts in Australia and Los Angeles. Solum Fullonum (Fuller's Earth), Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Sodium Chloride, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Farnesol, Linalool

This largely depends on the product you’re using. Typically, exfoliating cleansers can be used once or even twice daily, while leave-on serums, masks, and peels can be used a few times per week. Ultimately, how long you use your clay mask depends on the mask being used and your skin type. It’s important to remember that clay can be a powerful ingredient, so try to ease into it by starting to use it once a week. Jo-Ann See, MD is a dermatologist at Central Sydney Dermatology, the founder of not-for-profit health initiative All About Acne, and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Green clay, like that of the clay in Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask, is a good go-to for people with oily, acne-prone skin. This type of clay balances pH levels and acts as a strong cleanser. “It soaks up excess oils that can lead to the clogging of pores and acne,” she adds.

Reviews

The texture—which our tester described as “luxurious” and “goopy in a good way”—actually has some grit to it, making it an ideal exfoliator. It doesn’t need a long time to work its glow-enhancing magic; in fact, you can feel free to wash it off after five minutes. Post-wash, our tester was pleased with how refreshed, even, and soft her skin was. Though the mask is worth the splurge, we wish it came in a bigger size to get more out of one tub.