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Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask for sensitive skin

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

Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask

Caution

  • HighNormal Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • RiskySafety

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. 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 your normal skin with sensitivity due to sulfur and kaolin, which can help decongest pores but may also cause dryness and irritation.
  • While the antimicrobial action of sulfur and kaolin is beneficial for normal skin by absorbing excess sebum, the potential for drying effects needs careful monitoring.

How to apply

  • Use this cleansing mask once a week as part of your weekly routine, starting slowly to see how your skin reacts.
  • Apply this product after cleansing and enzyme powder, and before your hydrating toner and moisturizer.
  • Smooth an even layer of the cleansing mask over your face, making sure to gently avoid rubbing.
  • Put the mask on clean and dry skin to keep your sensitive face calm and comfortable.
  • Do a patch test before your first use and avoid getting the mask too close to your eyes.

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 Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask for sensitive skin?

This product is a poor fit for sensitive skin because its sulfur and kaolin provide exfoliation and absorb excess oil, which can easily lead to dryness and irritation. A cleansing mask for sensitive skin needs soothing extracts and gentle, hydrating ingredients that calm redness instead of active exfoliants that may upset delicate skin.

Genes and Environment, 2020

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

Sulfur and kaolin make this mask a poor fit for sensitive skin because they can cause dryness and irritation. A cleansing mask for sensitive skin needs gentle exfoliants and soothing ingredients that calm redness and irritation while keeping the skin hydrated and comfortable.

Genes and Environment, 2020

What does Sulfur do for sensitive skin?

Topical sulfur helps manage various skin concerns with a low likelihood of irritation, though sensitive skin requires gentle formulations and careful monitoring. This type of skin needs soothing and protective ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide alongside treatments to prevent dryness and redness.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004

What does Kaolin Clay do for sensitive skin?

Kaolin clay is a gentle mineral powder that helps absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin. However, because fine particles may cause irritation and stress in skin cells, it requires careful use on sensitive skin.

Genes and Environment, 2020International Journal of Toxicology, 2003

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

This mask is a poor match for sensitive skin and may cause dryness and irritation, so it is best avoided. Sensitive skin needs gentle, soothing ingredients and nourishing masks that calm and protect without harsh scrub or clay steps.

Genes and Environment, 2020

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

Using this mask with retinol is a poor match for sensitive skin, as the sulfur and kaolin may cause dryness and irritation. A product of this type needs soothing and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and gentle hydrators to keep this skin calm and smooth.

How often should I use this mask?

This mask is a poor match for sensitive skin because sulfur and kaolin may cause dryness and irritation, so you need to use it with great caution and monitor your skin closely. Skin of this type needs gentle, hydrating ingredients and soothing masks to maintain comfort and protect the skin barrier.

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

This mask is unlikely to clog pores, but it contains ingredients like sulfur and kaolin that may cause dryness and irritation on sensitive skin. A product for this skin needs gentle, hydrating ingredients that calm and soothe without stripping natural moisture.

Genes and Environment, 2020

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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