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Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask for dry 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 skin; the cleansing masks alongside fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, 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 exfoliation for dry or flaky skin due to the presence of sulfur and kaolin, which can be drying and are more beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin.
  • While sulfur offers moderate cleansing for acne-prone skin by decongesting pores, the combination with kaolin may exacerbate dryness for your dry skin.

How to apply

  • Use this cleansing mask PM as part of your weekly routine, starting 1x/week and increasing slowly if needed. Always follow with a rich moisturizer to prevent dryness.
  • Apply the cleansing mask after using your cleanser and enzyme powder, but before your hydrating toner and moisturizer. This ensures the mask works effectively on your dry skin.
  • Smooth an even layer of the cleansing mask over your face while avoiding any rubbing. Let it sit for the recommended time before gently rinsing it off.
  • Apply the cleansing mask to clean, dry skin for the best comfort. Since your skin is dry, this method helps prevent any potential irritation.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin tolerates the product well.

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 skin?

Lovi advises caution because this mask uses sulfur and kaolin to clear pores, which can dry out your skin even more. A cleansing mask for dry skin needs gentle hydrating and soothing ingredients to keep the skin feeling soft and comfortable without causing dryness or irritation.

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

Sulfur and kaolin make this mask a poor fit for dry skin because they provide strong cleansing and exfoliation that may easily dry it out. A cleansing mask for dry skin needs gentle hydrating and soothing ingredients that add moisture without any risk of irritation.

What does Kaolin Clay do for dry skin?

Kaolin clay is generally not ideal for dry skin because it acts as an absorbent and can strip away natural oils. This type of skin needs soothing, moisture-locking ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or gentle plant oils to keep the surface soft and calm.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2017

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

This cleansing mask is not recommended for dry skin because its sulfur and kaolin ingredients are drying and better suited for oily skin. A product of this type for dry skin needs nourishing, hydrating ingredients and gentle components that keep the skin soft and smooth without stripping its moisture.

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

You should use caution when combining this drying mask with retinol on dry skin, as the combination may easily cause irritation and make flaking worse. A product of this type needs soothing ingredients and gentle moisturizers to keep dry skin calm and comfortable.

How often should I use this mask?

This mask is a poor match for your dry skin because its sulfur and kaolin ingredients may dry you out further. If you still choose to use it, a product of this type needs soothing and hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to keep your skin soft and comfortable.

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

This mask is unlikely to clog pores since it is designed to decongest, but it may cause extra dryness and irritation on dry skin. A product for this skin needs gentle hydrating ingredients and mild cleansers that soothe without stripping away natural moisture.

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

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