# Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Solutions Clarifying Mask for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Caution · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the Netherlands.

Brand: [Dr. Dennis Gross](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/dr-dennis-gross)
Category: [Face masks](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/face-masks)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for dry sensitive skin; the cleansing masks alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for dry or flaky skin due to Willow Bark Extract and Retinol, which can potentially lead to dryness and irritation, thus posing risks of worsening existing sensitivity.
- The presence of sulfur and kaolin, while excellent for pore cleansing by absorbing excess oil and impurities, can be drying and are not counteracted by sufficient emollient and humectant ingredients, making it unsuitable for dry skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Superior

## Key ingredients

Colloidal Sulfur, Retinol, Licorice Root Extract, Zinc Oxide, Willow Bark Extract

## What the research says

- Azelaic acid was probably less effective than benzoyl peroxide in acne treatment response, while showing little or no difference compared to tretinoin, and adverse events were mild and transient across evaluated topical treatments. ([Journal of Evidence-based Medicine, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33034949/))
- Topical application of precipitated sulphur 2-8% petrolatum achieved a 95% clinical and ectoparasitological cure rate in 40 ambulatory scabies patients without relevant adverse effects. ([Revista de Investigacion Clinica; Organo Del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15776866/))
- Topical 10% benzoyl peroxide and 2%-5% sulfur cream achieved "good" to "excellent" results with no undesirable side effects in 113 consecutive patients with acne. ([Canadian Medical Association Journal, 1966](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4223133/))
- Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity. ([Journal of Controlled Release, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/))
- Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism. ([Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26273313/))
- Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25381913/))
- Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide. ([Advanced Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39783908/))
- Topical 0.5% hyaluronic-ZnO nanogel applied twice daily reduced inflammatory-lesion counts by 58% at week four in human subjects compared to baseline without causing erythema. ([Biomedicines, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007718/))
- Nels cream achieved a similar reduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts compared to 5% benzoyl peroxide in acne vulgaris patients, but caused significantly fewer side-effects such as peeling and dryness. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10671963/))
- Topically applied coated and uncoated zinc oxide nanoparticles under flexing and massage are retained in the stratum corneum with no significant penetration into the viable epidermis and no cellular toxicity in human skin. ([Nanomedicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27102240/))
- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- Bioactive lipid nanocarriers co-loaded with willow bark or ivy leaf extracts and UV-filters provided pronounced UVA photoprotection up to an SPF-equivalent value of 13 and a maximum in vivo skin hydration effect of 97% when prepared with pomegranate oil. ([Nanomaterials, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35889587/))
- A topical serum containing 0.5% salicin applied twice daily reduced visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and tactile roughness, in 30 female subjects over 12 weeks compared to baseline. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883292/))

## What reviewers say

Based on limited data, users with acne-prone and oily skin report that this sulfur-based mask effectively calms redness, reduces cystic flare-ups, and minimizes pores without over-drying the skin. While many appreciate its versatility as both an overnight spot treatment and a mattifying primer under makeup, some users experienced pilling or difficulty with the thick texture.

- Liked: Reduces acne (often mentioned)
- Liked: Versatile application (often mentioned)
- Liked: Minimizes pores (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Non-drying formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Texture and pilling (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Adverse reactions (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Application difficulty (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleansing mask PM once a week as part of your weekly routine, and increase to twice a week if your dry skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the cleansing mask after cleansing and enzyme powder, but before your hydrating toner, serum, and moisturizer.
- Smooth an even layer of the cleansing mask over your face while gently avoiding any unnecessary rubbing.
- Apply the cleansing mask to clean and dry skin to ensure better comfort for your sensitive skin type.
- Always avoid the eye area and do a patch test before using the cleansing mask for the first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6089f210022bdd96805c3bf12c9a44a3.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Mask for dry sensitive skin?

This mask may dry out and irritate dry sensitive skin because it contains sulfur, clay, willow bark extract, and retinol, which absorb oil and exfoliate without providing enough moisture and softening ingredients. A product for this skin needs rich hydrating and nourishing components that lock in moisture and support the skin barrier without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### Which ingredients make this mask a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?

Colloidal sulfur, kaolin, willow bark extract, and retinol make this mask a poor fit because they absorb oil and exfoliate, which can easily dry out and irritate sensitive skin. A cleansing mask for dry sensitive skin needs rich hydrating and nourishing ingredients that provide deep moisture and protect the skin barrier without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### What does Sulfur do for dry sensitive skin?

Sulfur is generally not an ideal choice for dry sensitive skin because it can be drying and irritating. Skin of this type needs gentle, hydrating ingredients and calming agents to maintain comfort and protect the skin barrier.

### What does Retinol do for dry sensitive skin?

Retinol is often too strong for dry sensitive skin because it may cause scaling and stinging, so a product of this type needs gentle soothing ingredients and extra moisture to keep the skin calm and smooth.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Toxicology Letters, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14615068/)

### Where does this mask go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This mask is a poor match for dry sensitive skin because its deep cleansing and exfoliating ingredients may easily dry you out and cause irritation. Skin of this type needs a nourishing mask that brings plenty of soothing and moisturizing ingredients instead.

### Can I use this mask with benzoyl peroxide, and in what order?

Using this mask with benzoyl peroxide is not recommended on dry sensitive skin, because both ingredients can be very drying and irritating. A mask for this skin needs plenty of soothing, moisture-attracting, and barrier-protecting ingredients to prevent flare-ups.

### How often should I use this mask?

This mask is a poor match for dry sensitive skin because its ingredients can easily dry you out and cause irritation. Skin of this type needs products rich in soothing, moisture-trapping ingredients and gentle, hydrating cleansers instead.

### Can this mask clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This mask is unlikely to clog pores since it contains oil-absorbing ingredients like sulfur and kaolin, but it can cause dryness and irritation on dry sensitive skin. A product for this skin needs gentle pore-clearing ingredients paired with plenty of hydrating and softening ingredients to protect against irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### Is this mask fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (farnesol). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €160.00 at Amazon
- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €10.20 at Amazon
- [Augustinus Bader The Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/augustinus-bader/the-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €474.90 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €15.00 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €17.96 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €16.75 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €11.83 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €15.00 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €17.96 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €86.59 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €48.84 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €11.83 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €15.00 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-mask-pack/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €25.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €86.59 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €48.84 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Netherlands has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Sulfur, Water, Kaolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Zinc Oxide, Bentonite, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Farnesol, Opuntia Tuna Stem Extract Flower, Willow Bark Extract, Bisabolol, Retinol, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Sodium Pca, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil Leaf Rosemary Oil Leaf, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-dennis-gross/drx-blemish-solutions-clarifying-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin