Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Product Description
Product overview
Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask is a creamy, wash-off Korean clay treatment formulated with 120,000 ppm Kaolin clay and 102,000 ppm Camellia Sinensis (Matcha) Leaf Water. Powered by naturally derived BHA from Willow Bark and soothing Centella Asiatica, it deeply absorbs sebum, dissolves dead skin and decongests pores in 10–20 minutes — without the tight, parched after-feel of traditional clay masks.
High-Concentration Matcha
102,000 ppm Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water delivers polyphenol antioxidants that calm visible redness and refine pore appearance.
Texture & feel
SENSORYHigh-Concentration Matcha
102,000 ppm Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water delivers polyphenol antioxidants that calm visible redness and refine pore appearance.
Dual Clay Complex
Kaolin (120,000 ppm) gently absorbs surface oil, while Bentonite + Manicouagan Clay binds impurities trapped on the skin surface.
Naturally Derived BHA
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract and Capryloyl Salicylic Acid loosen dead cells inside pore openings without the sting of synthetic acids.
Centella + Tea Tree Soothing
A full Cica complex (madecassic acid, asiaticoside, asiatic acid) plus Tea Tree Leaf Water counters the drying tendency of clay.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (a BHA derivative). Most dermatologists clear leave-on BHA up to 2% during pregnancy, but as a wash-off mask the exposure is brief. Confirm with your OB-GYN before use.
No fatty acids, esters, oils, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Considered safe for fungal acne and seborrheic dermatitis-prone skin.
Clays, glycerin and humectants dominate the formula. No comedogenic oils. Suitable for blackhead- and clogged-pore-prone skin.
Free from drying alcohols (denat, SD alcohol), silicones, parabens and sulfates. SkinSort confirms this matches the brand's "20 free-from" claim.
The matcha scent comes partly from added Parfum and Raspberry Ketone. Patch test if you have very reactive or rosacea-prone skin.
Wash-off, so layering with retinol, vitamin C or daily AHA/BHA on other days is generally fine. Avoid combining with another exfoliating treatment on the same day.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSKaolin Clay 12% (120,000 ppm)Proven
A soft, white aluminum silicate clay and the #2 ingredient in the formula. Kaolin is the gentler cousin of bentonite — it adsorbs sebum and surface debris without heavily disrupting the skin barrier, making it the workhorse behind that velvety post-mask feel.
- INCI Decoder: Comedogenicity rating of 0; irritancy rating of 0 — well tolerated by most skin types.
- Function: Absorbent, gentle abrasive, mattifier — ideal for oily and combination skin needing oil control without dryness.
Camellia Sinensis (Matcha) Leaf Water 10.2% (102,000 ppm)Proven
The brand's hero ingredient and the largest active by concentration. Matcha is rich in EGCG, a green-tea polyphenol with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Provides the signature green color and the calm post-mask glow.
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Topical EGCG shown to reduce sebum production and inflammatory acne markers.
- SkinSort analysis: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water is classified as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Bentonite + Manicouagan Clay ~3–5% combinedProven
Bentonite carries a negative ionic charge that pulls positively charged toxins, sebum and bacterial residue from the skin surface. Manicouagan Clay is a rare Canadian glacial clay rich in trace minerals (silica, magnesium, iron).
- Iranian Journal of Public Health (2017): Bentonite demonstrates broad antimicrobial activity, supporting use in acne-prone skin.
- Note: Higher absorbency than kaolin — explains the "instantly matte" feeling after rinse.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract + Capryloyl Salicylic Acid ~0.5–1%Promising
Willow Bark is the natural source of salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid (BHA). Paired with Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA), the duo provides oil-soluble exfoliation that travels into pore openings to dissolve the dead-cell "plug" behind blackheads.
- WIMJ (What's In My Jar): Capryloyl Salicylic Acid is the confirmed exfoliating actor in this formula.
- Note: Concentration is low — works as a gentle assist rather than a primary BHA treatment.
Centella Asiatica Complex (Cica) ~1%Proven
Full-spectrum Cica: extract plus all four isolated centelloids — Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid and (implied via the extract) Madecassoside. This is a gold-standard barrier-supporting and redness-calming combo in K-beauty.
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Centelloids stimulate collagen synthesis and accelerate barrier recovery.
- Skin Pharmacology & Physiology: Demonstrated reduction in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) after irritation.
Glycerin + Allantoin ~5%Proven
Glycerin (the #3 ingredient) is a humectant that pulls water into the upper skin layers — counter-balancing the drying nature of clays. Allantoin smooths skin and supports cell turnover.
- WIMJ: Estimated glycerin concentration of 4.30%–5.20% — high for a clay mask.
- Function: Why this mask feels closer to "creamy" than "drying chalk."
33 ingredients
Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, CI 77891, Bentonite, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Silica, Manicouagan Clay, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Houttuynia Cordata Powder, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Rosa Rugosa Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Allantoin, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Polyvinyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Raspberry Ketone, Parfum.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply right after cleansing on dry skin, 1–2× per week. Always follow with hydrating toner + moisturizer to restore the moisture clay temporarily lifts.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Wash your face with your usual cleanser and gently pat dry. Skin should be clean and dry — not damp.
Apply an Even Layer
Scoop with clean fingers or a spatula and spread a medium-thick layer across the face, avoiding the eye and lip area.
Wait 10–15 Minutes
Don't let the mask fully crack — that's a sign it's pulling water from your skin. Rinse before complete dry-down for best results.
Roll & Rinse
Wet hands and gently roll the mask off in circular motions (the leaf flakes give a light scrub), then rinse with lukewarm water.
Hydrate Generously
Immediately follow with toner, hydrating essence and a richer moisturizer to lock in water. Use SPF in the morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with visible blackheads or whiteheads
- You struggle with enlarged pores around the nose, chin or forehead
- Traditional clay masks have left you tight and irritated in the past
- You prefer naturally derived BHA over synthetic salicylic acid
- You enjoy K-beauty multi-step routines and want a weekly pore-care anchor
- You have acne-prone skin that also reacts to fungal-acne triggers
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin year-round
- You're fragrance-sensitive (formula contains Parfum)
- You're already using daily strong actives (retinoids + prescription BHA)
- You have an active eczema or rosacea flare
- You want a heavy-duty bentonite detox — this is a balanced, not aggressive, formula
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDual-clay system absorbs surface sebum on contact and visibly reduces shine for 24–48 hours after rinsing.
Best balanced fit. Clarifies the T-zone while glycerin and Cica keep cheeks comfortable. Most-recommended skin type.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe. Tea Tree, Cica and natural BHA target both bacterial and inflammatory acne triggers.
Brand passed sensitive-skin irritation testing, and Cica complex is calming. Patch test first because of added fragrance.
Use sparingly (every 10–14 days), keep wear time short and follow with a richer cream. Spot-apply on T-zone if needed.
Antioxidant matcha and Cica support the barrier. Limit to once weekly and avoid full dry-down to preserve hydration.
Results timeline
AFTER 8–12 WEEKSSmoother, mattified skin
Visible reduction in shine, softer skin texture and a refreshed feel from the matcha and carbonated water. Pores look momentarily refined.
~85% report instant smoothnessFewer surface blackheads
Loosened sebum plugs at pore openings start to clear. Less congestion on the nose and chin; foundation sits more evenly.
~65% notice visibly cleaner poresBetter oil balance
With consistent weekly use, midday shine becomes less aggressive and breakouts in oil-heavy zones reduce in frequency.
~55% report improved sebum controlRefined pore appearance
"Tightened" pore look (cosmetic, not permanent) plus more even skin tone from cumulative matcha antioxidant exposure. Best when paired with a daily BHA toner.
~45% see lasting pore refinementRatings by platform
8K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Doesn't leave skin tight or stripped — uncommon for a clay mask
- Pleasant, mild matcha-green tea scent (not synthetic-floral)
- Visible immediate smoothness and matte finish
- Cica + Tea Tree make it gentle enough for sensitive acne-prone skin
- Generous 100g jar lasts 2–3 months at 1–2 uses per week
- Fungal-acne safe (rare among acne-targeted products)
- Free from drying alcohols, silicones, parabens and sulfates
Criticized
- Contains added Parfum — not for fragrance-sensitive users
- Doesn't ship with a spatula despite being a jar product
- Doesn't dramatically remove deep-set blackheads
- Tea-leaf flakes can feel grainy when rinsing
- BHA concentration is low — won't replace a daily BHA toner
- Drier skin types must use sparingly to avoid tightness
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESClosest K-beauty alternative. Uses Jeju volcanic clusters and AHA instead of matcha and BHA. More aggressive on oil control but slightly more drying. Better for very oily skin without sensitivity.
Pure 100% bentonite clay (you mix it with water/ACV). Far stronger detox effect, but no soothing actives, no BHA, no humectants. Can feel intensely drying if overused.
Also matcha-led K-beauty wash-off mask. Slightly thicker texture, contains Houttuynia and green tea — very similar concept but with less BHA action and a higher price-per-gram.
Drugstore classic. Provides similar oil-absorption and refreshing finish, but uses harsher kaolin without Cica or BHA. No K-beauty soothing layer — riskier for sensitive skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEThe INKEY List Kaolin Clay Mask
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Check the open-jar symbol "12M" on the packaging.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the lid sealed tightly between uses to prevent the clay from drying out.
Frosted plastic jar, 100g. No spatula included — use a clean spatula or wash hands before scooping to limit bacterial transfer.
Yes, under 100ml liquid restriction by weight, but jar packaging is bulkier than tubes. Decant a small amount into a travel container for short trips.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The mask contains Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, a derivative of salicylic acid (BHA). Most dermatologists consider topical BHA at low percentages safe during pregnancy, especially in wash-off products where contact time is brief. However, every pregnancy is different — confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using. There are no retinoids, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters in the formula.
Yes. The full ingredient list contains no fatty acids, fatty alcohols longer than C12, esters, oils or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. This makes it one of the few targeted pore-care masks suitable for people prone to fungal acne or seborrheic dermatitis flares.
Yes, but space them out. Because this is a wash-off mask used 1–2× per week, it doesn't sit on the skin between active treatments. To minimize irritation, avoid combining it on the same evening as a retinol, prescription tretinoin or a leave-on AHA/BHA. Vitamin C in the morning and this mask in the evening on a different day is a safe rotation.
It is best suited for oily, combination and acne-prone skin — particularly those with visible blackheads, enlarged pores or breakouts in the T-zone. The Cica and Tea Tree make it gentle enough for sensitive oily skin, and the brand has officially completed irritation testing on sensitive skin. Dry skin types should use it sparingly, every 10–14 days, on the T-zone only.
Smoothness and oil control are immediate after the first use. Visible reduction in surface blackheads typically appears after 2–4 uses (1–2 weeks of consistent weekly application). Lasting pore-appearance refinement requires 8–12 weeks of regular use, ideally combined with a daily BHA toner and a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Apply directly after cleansing on dry skin, before any toner or serum. After rinsing the mask off, continue your normal routine: hydrating toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning. Use it 1–2 times per week in the evening, replacing your usual exfoliation step on those days.
No. The formula has a comedogenic rating of 1/5 (very low risk). It is dominated by clays, water, glycerin and plant extracts — there are no comedogenic oils, butters or silicones in the INCI. SkinSort lists it as suitable for acne-prone skin and reducing pores.
Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Used 1–2× per week, the 100g jar typically lasts 2–3 months for face-only use, well within the safe window. Always close the lid tightly and avoid water contamination by using clean fingers or a spatula.
Verdict: Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask is one of the smartest "balanced" clay masks on the K-beauty market. The combination of high-concentration matcha water, dual clays, naturally derived BHA and a full Cica complex delivers immediate smoothness and oil control without the tight, parched after-feel that ruins most clay masks. It's fungal-acne safe, low-comedogenic and irritation-tested for sensitive skin — making it a strong weekly anchor for oily, combination and acne-prone routines. The added fragrance and the absence of a spatula are minor letdowns, and dry skin types should use it sparingly. For anyone targeting blackheads and visible pores without disrupting the moisture barrier, this mask earns its bestseller status.
Product Overview
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.
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
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 «promises» 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 |
Kaolin
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Skin Protecting, Slip Modifier, Cosmetic Colorant
|
Pores
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking, Perfuming, Tonic
|
|
|
| 0 |
CI 77891
Cosmetic Colorant
|
|
|
| 2 |
Bentonite
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Suspending Agent -Nonsurfactant
|
|




