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Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask for combination skin

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

Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask

Average

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for combination skin; other cleansing masks fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. 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 benefits for your combination skin, as sulfur helps decongest pores and kaolin absorbs excess oil, though it does not specifically target oily shine. Glycerin provides basic hydration, supporting overall skin comfort.
  • The formula is generally safe for your combination skin, with no harsh ingredients identified that would cause irritation.
  • While the product offers general cleansing and soothing properties, its ingredients are not specifically formulated to address your primary concern of oily shine.

How to apply

  • Use this cleansing mask during your PM routine once a week to control oil. Start slowly 3 times a week and increase if your skin feels comfortable.
  • Apply the cleansing mask after the cleansing step and before using your hydrating toner. This ensures it works effectively on your skin.
  • Spread an even layer over your face using gentle motions. Avoid any harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
  • Apply the mask to clean and slightly damp skin for the best results. This helps the product target oily shine efficiently.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a simple patch test before your very first use.

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

How well does Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask work for combination skin?

This cleansing mask works moderately well for your combination skin, as sulfur helps decongest pores and kaolin absorbs excess oil while glycerin provides basic comfort, though it does not specifically target oily shine. To work best for this skin type, a product needs potent ingredients like salicylic acid and zinc oxide for oil control alongside hydrating agents to balance both oily and dry areas without causing irritation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which ingredients make this mask a good fit for combination skin?

Sulfur and kaolin help decongest pores and absorb excess oil, while glycerin provides basic hydration to keep your skin comfortable. Combination skin of this type needs products with ingredients like salicylic acid and zinc oxide for oil control, along with hydrating agents to care for drier areas without causing irritation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Sulfur do for combination skin?

Sulfur helps clear up breakouts and calms oily areas without irritating dry patches on combination skin. It works gently to keep skin looking clear and balanced.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1988

What does Kaolin Clay do for combination skin?

Kaolin clay helps absorb excess oil in oily areas while keeping dry patches comfortable and calm. This gentle mineral ingredient is unlikely to irritate sensitive combination skin.

Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024

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

This cleansing mask fits into a weekly routine as a special step after your cleanser and before toner and moisturizer. To better care for combination skin, a product of this type needs ingredients that target oily shine while keeping the skin comfortable.

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

You can use this mask in your routine, but avoid using it on the same nights you apply retinol to prevent excess dryness. Instead, use this cleansing mask on a separate evening, and follow up with a gentle hydrator and your regular moisturizer to keep your skin feeling soft and comfortable.

How often should I use this mask?

This cleansing mask works best as a weekly step in your routine. To better fit combination skin, a product of this type needs ingredients that target oily shine while keeping the skin balanced.

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

This cleansing mask is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on your combination skin, as it contains sulfur and kaolin which help clear out pores and absorb excess oil. However, because it does not target oily shine, combination skin needs products that specifically balance oil production while keeping dry areas comfortable.

Is this mask fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

Why other cleansing masks fit combination skin better

  • Chemical peels with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid effectively treated acne and reduced facial sebum secretion while improving skin hydration and barrier function in 25 patients.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

  • Daily treatment with a facial serum containing multiple acids reduced post-inflammatory hyperchromia lesion grade and number by 29.4% at 56 days, and decreased skin oiliness by 30.7% at 7 days in Brazilian patients with acne vulgaris.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

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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