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Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask for oily acne-prone skin

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

Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask

Average

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. 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

  • This product offers moderate benefits for your oily skin by utilizing sulfur and kaolin to absorb excess oil and cleanse pores, which is supportive for your acne concerns.
  • While it provides general cleansing and soothing effects, it lacks specialized ingredients for direct acne treatment, offering limited impact on active breakouts.
  • The formulation is safe for your oily skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients that would cause irritation.

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 .

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 the Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask work for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleansing mask works reasonably well for your oily acne-prone skin, using sulfur and kaolin to soak up excess oil and clear pores. While it gives soothing and cleansing effects, it lacks specialized ingredients for direct acne treatment and has limited impact on active breakouts. A product of this type needs salicylic acid and niacinamide or zinc oxide for this skin, along with purifying clays to manage oil and clear blemishes without irritation.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004

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

Sulfur and kaolin help soak up excess oil and cleanse pores to support your acne concerns. To work best for this skin, a mask of this type needs salicylic acid, niacinamide, or zinc oxide for direct blemish treatment and comprehensive oil control.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004

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.

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

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.

Skin Research and Technology, 2023

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

This cleansing mask goes in your weekly routine, where it helps soak up excess oil and cleanse pores. Oily acne-prone skin needs a mask of this type to also feature targeted acne-fighting actives and soothing ingredients for better results on active breakouts.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004

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

You can use this mask in your weekly routine, but it is best to avoid using it on the same night as your retinol treatment to prevent irritation. Instead, apply the mask on a separate evening, or stick to a soothing clay mask that cleans pores while adding ingredients that directly target breakouts.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004

How often should I use this mask?

You can use this mask once a week as part of your weekly routine. This cleansing mask helps soak up extra oil and clear pores with sulfur and kaolin, but to truly tackle active breakouts, oily acne-prone skin needs a product that includes targeted blemish-fighting actives.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004

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

This mask is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily skin, as it uses sulfur and kaolin to absorb excess oil and cleanse pores safely without harsh irritants. However, it offers limited impact on active breakouts because it lacks specialized ingredients for direct acne treatment, so an oily acne-prone routine needs targeted acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for better results.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004

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 oily acne-prone skin better

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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