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Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask
Benefit Cosmetics

The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask

Decent 3.6 / 5

A rinse-off clay mask for the face that targets excess oil, visible shine, and the look of clogged pores. The formula combines kaolin and silica with humectants and emollients to reduce oil while keeping the mask from feeling overly stripping, but it also includes fragrance and colorants that may limit tolerance for sensitive skin.

What people say online

Pros

▲reduces greasiness for several days
▲comfortable, cooling clay texture
▲effective pore-clearing feel
▲skin feels refreshed after rinsing

Cons

▼half-empty packaging complaints
▼price feels high for the amount
▼some users wanted a spatula or easier application
Skin

How it’s judged

Scored for skin — based on what its ingredients contribute.

What it may help with

UV protection i3.8 / 4

Whether it provides direct protection against UV radiation.

From Titanium Dioxide

Hydration i3.5 / 4

Whether the ingredient helps increase the skin’s water content — humectants that attract water, ingredients that reduce water loss, or ones that make skin feel less dry.

From Glycerin, Sphingolipids, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract

Barrier support i3.5 / 4

Whether it supports the skin barrier — restoring lipids, reducing water loss, aiding barrier repair, or strengthening the skin’s protective function.

From Sphingolipids, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Texture i3.0 / 4

Whether it can improve smoothness and surface texture — roughness, flaking, clogged pores, or unevenness. Exfoliating acids, retinoids, and smoothing moisturizers may score here.

From Citric Acid, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Kaolin, Glycerin

Oil control i2.8 / 4

Whether it can reduce excess sebum, shine, or greasiness — absorbents, sebum-regulating ingredients, and some acne actives.

From Kaolin, Silica, Citric Acid

Things to watch

Sensitization i3.0 / 4

Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.

From Fragrance, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid

Irritation i2.5 / 4

Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.

From Fragrance, Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol

Photosensitivity i2.5 / 4

Whether it can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, raising the risk of sunburn or UV-related irritation. Relevant for some exfoliating acids, retinoids, and certain plant-derived ingredients.

From Citric Acid

Eye irritation i1.5 / 4

Whether it may sting or irritate around the eyes. Relevant for sunscreens, fragrances, acids, surfactants, and volatile ingredients.

From Fragrance, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid

Systemic exposure i1.0 / 4

Whether it has meaningful potential to be absorbed into the body at levels that may matter biologically. Most cosmetic ingredients score low unless there is known concern or high exposure.

From Fragrance

About this product

Good signs
  • Strong oil-absorbing base with kaolin and silica.
  • Humectants and soothing emollients help offset the drying feel common in clay masks.
  • Suitable for a wide range of skin types when used intermittently.
  • The formula is positioned for visible pore and shine reduction rather than just surface cleansing.
Watch-outs
  • Contains fragrance, so it is not ideal for fragrance-sensitive or easily irritated skin.
  • Clay masks can become drying or tight if used too often or left on too long.
  • Added colorants make the formula less minimal without adding clear skincare benefit.
Best for
  • People wanting a weekly deep-cleaning clay mask for oily areas.
  • Skin that wants visible oil reduction and a more matte finish.
  • Users who prefer a creamy clay texture over a harsh drying mask.
How to use it
  • Apply to clean, dry skin and rinse after it dries.
  • Best used about once or twice weekly, especially on oil-prone areas.
  • A patch test is sensible if skin is reactive or fragrance-sensitive.
See how this matches your skin

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