Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
Product Description
A fast-activating, fizzing clay-and-sulfur treatment mask from Clear Start by Dermalogica, designed to target stubborn blackheads and congested pores. Powered by 3% Sulfur and oil-absorbing Kaolin Clay, it self-activates on contact to help open pores, dislodge blackheads, and absorb excess oil β all in a satisfying 3β5 minute fizz, with no harsh scrubbing.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Active Fizz Technology
The formula self-activates on contact, foaming to help open and decongest pores so the actives can reach trapped sebum and blackheads.
3% Sulfur
An OTC-level antimicrobial and keratolytic that helps clear and prevent congestion while keeping skin balanced.
Kaolin Clay
Gently mattifies by absorbing excess surface oil and drawing out impurities, leaving skin visibly purified.
Soothing Botanicals
Ginger, Turmeric and Rosemary extracts are added to help calm the look of redness and irritation as the mask works.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
A rinse-off, oil-absorbing formula rated 1/5 β unlikely to clog pores when used as directed.
Contains esters and oils (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, plant oils) that can feed malassezia.
Sulfur is generally considered low-risk, but the essential-oil blend means you should consult your doctor first.
Sulfur and clay can dry skin if overused. Stick to 2β3Γ weekly and always follow with moisturizer.
No artificial fragrance or color; vegan and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and PETA.
Avoid entirely if allergic to sulfur. Sensitive or reactive skin should patch test before first use.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ͺ Sulfur 3.0% Proven
The hero active. A long-established acne ingredient that gently exfoliates inside the pore, absorbs oil and provides antimicrobial action to help clear and prevent blackheads and congestion.
- Mechanism: Keratolytic + sebostatic β softens pore-clogging keratin and reduces surface oil.
- OTC standard: Sulfur is recognized as an over-the-counter acne active at concentrations up to 10%.
ποΈ Kaolin Clay Key Proven
A soft white clay prized for its ability to absorb excess sebum and lift impurities from the skin's surface without being overly stripping, leaving a clean, matte finish.
- Action: Adsorbs oil and debris, helping to physically purify congested areas.
- Gentleness: One of the milder cosmetic clays, suitable for most skin types.
π§ Glycerin Humectant Proven
A well-studied humectant that draws water into the skin, helping to offset the drying tendency of sulfur and clay so skin feels balanced rather than tight after rinsing.
- Role: Maintains hydration and supports a comfortable skin barrier during treatment.
π Apple Fruit Extract Botanical Promising
Pyrus Malus (apple) fruit extract is a natural source of mild fruit acids and antioxidants that can support gentle surface exfoliation and skin conditioning.
- Note: Adds a light conditioning and antioxidant benefit; not a primary acid treatment.
πΏ Botanical Oil Blend Soothing Promising
Ginger, Turmeric, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Peppermint extracts/oils provide the herbal-minty scent and are included to help calm the look of redness and add a refreshing finish.
- Benefit: Several of these botanicals have traditional soothing and antimicrobial associations.
41 ingredients
Water, Disiloxane, Sulfur, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Kaolin, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polyacrylate-33, Hectorite, Butylene Glycol, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Quartz, Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Abies Sibirica (Siberian Fir) Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Citronellal, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Sodium Cocoyl Threoninate, Xanthan Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Citrate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenoxyethanol.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as a 2β3Γ weekly treatment step right after cleansing on damp skin. Because sulfur and clay can be drying, always follow with a hydrating moisturizer, and never skip SPF the next morning.
π How to Use
Cleanse First
Wash and lightly pat skin so it's clean and slightly damp. Apply only to areas of congestion.
Apply to Problem Zones
Spread a thin, even layer over the nose, chin and forehead β or anywhere blackheads gather.
Let It Fizz (3β5 min)
You'll feel the mask activate and foam as it opens pores. Leave it to work for 3 to 5 minutes.
Rinse & Moisturize
Rinse thoroughly with tepid water, then follow with your moisturizer (and SPF in the morning).
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin
- Blackheads and congested pores are your main concern
- You want T-zone shine control without harsh scrubbing
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free formulas
- You like a fast, satisfying targeted treatment
β Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is very dry or dehydrated
- You have a known sulfur allergy
- You're treating fungal acne (malassezia)
- You want a leave-on or overnight treatment
- You're sensitive to herbal / essential-oil scents
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Sulfur and kaolin absorb excess oil and decongest pores β exactly what oily skin needs.
Ideal as a targeted T-zone treatment while leaving drier cheeks untouched.
Great for blackheads and oil-related congestion β but note it isn't fungal-acne safe.
Can feel tight or drying. Use sparingly as a spot treatment and moisturize well after.
Sulfur and essential oils may irritate reactive skin β patch test before regular use.
π Results Timeline
Instantly Cleaner Feel
Skin feels noticeably cleaner, smoother and matte right after rinsing, with a refreshed sensation.
~80% noticedFewer Visible Blackheads
With 2β3 uses a week, the nose and chin start to look clearer as surface congestion loosens.
~65% noticedReduced Congestion & Oil
Pores appear more refined and skin tends to look less shiny throughout the day.
~55% noticedMaintained Clarity
Used consistently, it helps keep blackheads from rebuilding and maintains a clearer T-zone.
~45% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Satisfying fizz that you can feel working
- Visibly cleaner, smoother pores after use
- Effective oil control and matte finish
- Vegan, cruelty-free, no artificial fragrance
- Affordable for a professional-grade brand
β Criticized
- Can be drying if used too frequently
- Strong herbal-sulfur scent isn't for everyone
- Best as a targeted, not all-over, mask
- Not fungal-acne safe
- Deep blackhead results can take time
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Shares the core sulfur + bentonite/zinc oil-absorbing action at a fraction of the price. No fizz technology and a more basic, drier clay texture, but a strong value sulfur option.
A gentle clay-based detox mask aimed at younger, oily skin. Decongests and mattifies but relies on clay alone rather than sulfur, so it's milder on blackheads.
A purifying clay mask with a clean, fragrance-light feel. Good for general oil control but lacks the active sulfur and fizzing experience that target blackheads.
π Comparison with Competitors
Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
$27.00Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque
~$52.00Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
~$23.00La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Clay Mask
~$22.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Squeeze tube
Yes β 50ml is under the 100ml carry-on limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
The main active, sulfur, is generally considered a low-risk acne ingredient during pregnancy. However, this mask also contains a blend of essential oils (such as clary sage, peppermint and rosemary) that some sources advise being cautious with. Because individual circumstances vary, we recommend checking with your doctor or midwife before adding it to your routine while pregnant or breastfeeding.
No. The formula contains ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin and several plant oils. If you're specifically managing fungal acne, this mask is not the ideal choice β look instead for a sulfur or clay product without esters and oils.
Yes, with a little care. Since this is a rinse-off mask used only 2β3 times a week, it's best to use it on its own and on a different day or time from strong actives like retinol or AHA/BHA, as layering multiple exfoliating or potentially drying ingredients can cause irritation. Vitamin C can generally be used in your morning routine on non-mask days. Always moisturize after rinsing.
It's best suited to oily and combination skin dealing with blackheads, congested pores and T-zone shine. Acne-prone skin also tends to do well with it. Dry and sensitive skin can use it as an occasional targeted spot treatment but should apply sparingly and follow with a rich moisturizer.
Most people notice cleaner, smoother, less shiny skin immediately after the first rinse. Visible improvement in blackheads on the nose and chin typically shows after 1β2 weeks of consistent use (2β3 times weekly), with more refined-looking pores around the 4-week mark. Deeper, more stubborn congestion can take longer.
Use it as a treatment step right after cleansing, on clean, slightly damp skin. Apply to congested areas, leave for 3β5 minutes while it fizzes, then rinse with tepid water and continue with your toner/mist, treatments, and moisturizer. Always finish with SPF the following morning.
It's very unlikely to clog pores. As a rinse-off, oil-absorbing clay-and-sulfur mask, it scores low on the comedogenic scale (around 1/5). It's designed to do the opposite of clogging β to draw out and clear pore-blocking debris.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. A 50ml tube used 2β3 times a week as a targeted treatment typically lasts around 6 weeks to a couple of months, depending on how much you apply. Store it cool, dry and tightly closed to keep the formula fresh.
Verdict: A genuinely effective, beginner-friendly pore treatment for oily and combination skin. The 3% sulfur and kaolin combo β plus that satisfying fizz β delivers visibly cleaner pores and a matte finish, and the vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free formula keeps it skin-friendly and affordable. Just treat it as a targeted, 2β3Γ weekly T-zone decongestant rather than an all-over daily mask: it isn't fungal-acne safe, can be drying if overused, and the herbal-sulfur scent won't suit everyone. For blackhead-prone skin that wants a quick, no-scrub clean, it earns its spot.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Disiloxane
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sulfur
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent -Miscellaneous, Antiseborrhoeic
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Kaolin
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Skin Protecting, Slip Modifier, Cosmetic Colorant
|
Ache-fighting
Pores
|