# ZO Skin Health Complexion Clearing Masque for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-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: [ZO Skin Health](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/zo-skin-health)
Category: [Face masks](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/face-masks)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other cleansing masks fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your oily, acne-prone skin as sulfur and kaolin work to decongest pores and absorb excess oil, providing general skincare benefits supportive of your concerns.
- Glycerin offers some hydration, which is beneficial for maintaining skin comfort, though additional humectant support could further enhance the formula's overall efficacy for your skin type.
- The product has a good safety profile with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/dark-spots): Low
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/mature-skin): Caution
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Sulfur, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol

## What the research says

- Topical sulfur alone or in combination demonstrates efficacy and rare mild adverse events in treating various dermatological disorders. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15303787/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- A preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol showed no delayed Type IV dermal sensitivity reactions in 200 subjects when tested as a 15% mixture in carbomer gel and in a cosmetic formulation. ([Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19514921/))
- Quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan/organic montmorillonite nanocomposite demonstrated superior moisture-adsorption and retention compared to hyaluronic acid, good UV-protection ability, negligible dermal irritation, and prominent moisture-retention efficacy on human stratum corneum when formulated into a cosmetic cream. ([Carbohydrate Polymers, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28732847/))
- 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/))
- Vectorization of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid with clay enabled its penetration into deeper skin layers and led to a significant clinical reduction in fine lines in the crow's feet area compared to placebo after 28 days. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38591218/))
- Twice-weekly use of a clay mask over 4 weeks in 75 adults with oily or combination skin improved acne-related outcomes, sebum content, skin evenness, hydration, and reduced dryness and irritation. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38009030/))
- Clay jojoba oil facial masks reduced total skin lesions by a mean of 54% after 6 weeks in 133 participants with acne-prone, lesioned skin and mild acne compared to baseline. ([Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22585103/))
- A novel water-in-oil emulsion with a lecithin-modified bentonite prevented epidermal degradation and inflammatory protein secretion induced by urban dust and cedar pollen more effectively than a conventional water-in-oil emulsion in a reconstructed human epidermis model. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31995229/))
- Bentonite nanoparticles and honey co-administration improved skin wound healing in BALB/c mice by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and increasing fibroblastosis, new epithelium thickness, granulation area, and collagen density compared to the untreated control group. ([The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35950795/))
- A novel electrospun chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/montmorillonite clay scaffold proved to be a suitable material for cell proliferation and demonstrated strong antimicrobial and scavenging efficacy for wound healing applications. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38657925/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))

## What reviewers say

Based on limited data, this product is highly effective for acne-prone and oily skin, with users frequently noting its ability to clear breakouts and act as a spot treatment. It is also praised for absorbing excess oil and pores without over-drying the skin. A moderate number of users mention a strong, lingering sulfur smell, and a low number report potential for dryness with overuse or issues with the scent lingering on towels.

- Liked: Clears acne breakouts (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective spot treatment (often mentioned)
- Liked: Doesn't over-dry (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces oil/pores (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong sulfur smell (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Lingers on towels (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Potential for dryness (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleansing mask PM as part of your weekly routine. Start 1×/week and increase carefully if your oily skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this step after your enzyme powder and before your hydrating toner. Follow the standard weekly order to keep your skin balanced.
- Spread an even layer of the cleansing mask across your face while avoiding the eye area. Let it sit for the recommended time without rubbing .
- Apply the mask on clean and dry skin for the best purifying effect on your breakouts. Clean skin allows the formula to target blemishes directly.
- Always do a patch test before your first use to check for sensitivity. Avoid combining this mask with strong acids or retinoids in the same routine .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6089f210022bdd96805c3bf12c9a44a3.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does ZO Complexion Clearing Masque work for oily acne-prone skin?

ZO Skin Health Complexion Clearing Masque works moderately well for your oily acne-prone skin, as sulfur and kaolin help decongest pores and soak up excess oil. Glycerin also helps keep your skin comfortable, while caprylyl glycol is unlikely to cause irritation. A product of this type needs effective ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and zinc oxide to target breakouts and control oil more thoroughly.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19514921/)

### Which ingredients make this mask a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Sulfur and kaolin help decongest pores and soak up extra oil, while glycerin keeps your oily acne-prone skin comfortable. Because other products fit your skin better, this type of mask needs targeted ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or zinc oxide for better oil control and clarity.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Sulfur do for oily acne-prone skin?

Sulfur is a helpful treatment for oily, acne-prone skin because it targets blemishes and excess oil with a low likelihood of irritation. This ingredient helps clear breakouts while remaining gentle on your skin.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15303787/), [Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1988](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2450900/)

### What does Kaolin Clay do for oily acne-prone skin?

Kaolin Clay helps oily and acne-prone skin by absorbing excess oil, clearing out pores, and keeping skin feeling smooth and calm. Using it regularly helps improve skin evenness and hydration while keeping dryness and irritation unlikely.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38009030/)

### Where does this mask go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleansing mask goes into the weekly routine after the enzyme powder and before the hydrating toner. To work best for oily, acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs additional humectant support to maintain skin comfort.

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

You can use this mask in your weekly routine, but apply it on a different night than your retinol to keep your oily skin calm and comfortable. This type of mask for your skin needs extra hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to provide better comfort.

### How often should I use this mask?

This cleansing mask is meant to be used once a week as part of your weekly routine. It offers moderate cleansing to absorb excess oil and decongest pores, and it is unlikely to irritate your oily skin.

### Can this mask clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This mask is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your oily, acne-prone skin, as sulfur and kaolin work to absorb excess oil and decongest pores. It has a good safety profile with no risks of irritation.

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol).

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/innisfree/super-volcanic-pore-clay-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €19.50 at Notino

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €29.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.20 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Bentonite, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylene Brassylate, Glycerin, Kaolin, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Silica, Sulfur, Talc, Tetrasodium Edta, Ultramarines
## 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/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
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- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-clearing-masque/for/oily-acne-prone-skin