🇺🇸United States

Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask for dry sensitive skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask

Caution

  • CautionDry Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • RiskySafety

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate cleansing for acne-prone skin due to the presence of sulfur in moderate concentrations for decongesting pores, but this ingredient and kaolin can be drying and are more beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin, potentially worsening your dry or flaky skin.
  • While the formulation is free of harsh ingredients and poses no risk of irritation for your dry and sensitive skin, the moderate exfoliation offered by sulfur and kaolin may exacerbate existing dryness.

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.

People Say

★4.3Overall rating based on 1.6k+ reviews

This mask is widely praised by users with oily and acne-prone skin for its unique fizzing sensation that makes the skin feel actively cleaned and decongested. While many users report softer skin and reduced blackhead visibility after use, results on deep blackhead removal vary, with some finding it more effective as a pore-softening prep step rather than a complete extraction solution. This summary is based on a very large amount of data and should definitely be taken into account.

Highlights

  • Softens and smooths skin Mostly Mentioned
    • “left my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth”
    • “face feels super clean without being stripped”
    • “texture of my skin improved immediately after rinsing”
  • Unique fizzing sensation Often Mentioned
    • “fizzing action feels like it's working deep in pores”
    • “bubbles popping on my face is a fun experience”
    • “love the tingly sensation as it activates”
  • Packaging issues Often Mentioned
    • “pump stopped working halfway through the bottle”
    • “hard to get the last bit of product out”
    • “bottle design makes it difficult to dispense”
  • Helps clear pores Sometimes Noted
    • “noticed a reduction in blackheads on my nose”
    • “pores looked visibly smaller and tighter”
    • “great for clearing out congestion in t-zone”
  • Non-drying formula Sometimes Noted
    • “didn't leave my face feeling tight or dry like other clay masks”
    • “gentle enough for my sensitive skin”
    • “hydrating despite being a clearing mask”
  • Quick and easy to use Sometimes Noted
    • “works in just 3-5 minutes which is great”
    • “easy to apply and rinse off quickly”
    • “perfect for a quick morning skin refresh”
  • Lack of deep extraction Sometimes Noted
    • “didn't clear my blackheads as much as I hoped”
    • “fun to use but didn't see a difference in my pores”
    • “blackheads were still there after multiple uses”
  • Price per value Sometimes Noted
    • “bottle didn't last very long for the price”
    • “expensive for the amount of product you get”
    • “ran out much faster than my other masks”
  • Unpleasant smell Sometimes Noted
    • “has a distinct sulfur smell that lingers”
    • “smells a bit like rotten eggs due to the sulfur”
    • “medicinal scent is quite strong”
  • Sensation discomfort Rarely Noted
    • “fizzing sensation was too ticklish and itchy for me”
    • “felt a bit irritating on my sensitive areas”
    • “couldn't wait to wash it off because of the tickle”

Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, sephora.com, dermstore.com, lovelyskin.com, influenster.com, and more

Questions and answers

Why does Lovi advise caution with the Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask for dry sensitive skin?

You should use caution because sulfur and kaolin can be drying and are meant for oily or acne-prone skin, which may worsen your dry or flaky skin. A product for dry sensitive skin needs moisturizing ingredients that provide excellent hydration and texture improvement, along with nourishing components for moisture retention and skin barrier support.

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

Sulfur and kaolin make this mask a poor fit because they are drying and are better suited for oily skin, which may worsen your dry or flaky skin. A product for dry sensitive skin needs moisturizing ingredients that provide excellent hydration and texture improvement, along with hydrating and nourishing components for optimal moisture retention and skin barrier support.

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 Kaolin Clay do for dry sensitive skin?

Kaolin clay is a poor fit for dry sensitive skin because it absorbs natural oils and can worsen dryness and irritation. A product of this type needs soothing, hydrating ingredients and a gentle formula to protect dry and delicate skin.

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 sulfur and clay ingredients are drying and better suited for oily skin. A product of this type needs soothing hydrators and gentle nourishing ingredients to keep this skin soft and comfortable.

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

This mask is unlikely to fit your dry sensitive skin because its ingredients can be too drying, and this type of skin needs gentle, nourishing masks with hydrating and barrier-restoring ingredients instead. Using it with retinol may worsen flaking and irritation, so a mask of this type should be used cautiously on separate days with plenty of moisture.

How often should I use this mask?

You should use caution with this cleansing mask on dry sensitive skin, as ingredients like sulfur and clay can dry you out and make flakiness worse. Skin of this type needs gentle nourishing masks that add moisture and support the skin barrier instead.

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

This mask is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts because it is designed to clear out pores with sulfur, but it may worsen dry or flaky skin. To care for dry skin, a product of this type needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to keep skin soft and comfortable.

Is this mask fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

Ingredients

Water, Disiloxane, Sulfur, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Kaolin, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polyacrylate-33, Hectorite, Butylene Glycol, Zingiber Officinale Oil Root, Quartz, Lecithin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil Leaf Rosemary Oil Leaf, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil Leaf, Citrus Reticulata Oil Leaf Tangerine Oil Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Oil Flower Leaf, Salvia Sclarea Oil Salvia Officinalis Oil, Spearmint Oil Leaf, Peppermint Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Oil, Abies Sibirica Oil, Rosewood Oil Wood, Citronella Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Sodium Cocoyl Threoninate, Xanthan Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Citrate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenoxyethanol

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play