MZ Skin Cleanse & Clarify Dual Action AHA Cleanser & Mask for acne-prone skin
Aha Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Lactic Acid
Lactobionic Acid
Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract
Lemon Peel Oil
High
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few cleansing masks fit it even better.
- Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. 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
- Highly suitable for your combination skin, this cleanser utilizes lactic acid and papain to effectively decongest pores and smooth texture, addressing your concerns with acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- Glycerin provides essential humectant action, balancing oiliness and hydration across different facial areas.
- The formula is safe for your acne-prone skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.
How to apply
- Use this cleansing mask during your PM weekly routine. Start 1x/week and increase if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this cleansing mask after using your pre-cleanser and cleanser , and before your hydrating toner.
- Spread an even layer of the cleansing mask over your face , avoiding any rubbing to protect your skin.
- Apply the cleansing mask to clean and dry skin to help clear up your blemishes effectively.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
People Say
★4.7Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, users consistently praise this dual-action cleanser for revealing "glass-like" radiance and smoothing skin texture without harshness. While the majority celebrate its ability to refine pores and brighten the complexion, a small minority find the non-foaming formula lacks a "deep clean" feeling or consider the high price point unjustifiable.
Highlights
Enhances radiance Mostly Mentioned
- “Achieved glass skin”
- “Instant glow”
- “Skin looks luminous”
Refines texture Often Mentioned
- “Pores got reduced”
- “Felt softer and smoother”
- “Refines skin texture”
Gentle exfoliation Sometimes Noted
- “Exfoliates without irritation”
- “Not dried out”
- “Gentle enough for daily use”
Versatile application Sometimes Noted
- “Love the cleanser/mask combo”
- “Great multi-use product”
- “Use as a peel thrice a week”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “Expensive for a cleanser”
- “Not effective for the price”
- “Way out of budget”
Lack of clean feel Rarely Noted
- “Doesn't feel clean”
- “Doesn't foam well”
- “Cleanser that doesn't clean”
Potential irritation Rarely Noted
- “Face is peeling so much”
- “Caused irritation”
Scent dislike Rarely Noted
- “Didn't care for the smell”
- “Smell is distinct”
Sources: lovi.care, spacenk.com, ipsy.com, lovelyskin.com, cultbeauty.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes MZ Skin Cleanse & Clarify Dual Action AHA Cleanser & Mask a great fit for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is a great fit because it uses lactic acid and papain to clear out pores and smooth texture while helping with breakouts. Glycerin adds balanced hydration, and the formula is safe and unlikely to cause irritation on acne-prone skin.
Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is a great fit for acne-prone skin because it uses lactic acid and papain to unclog pores and smooth texture, helping to clear blemishes and breakouts. Glycerin also helps balance oil and moisture without causing irritation, making it very safe for your skin.
Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
What does Alpha Hydroxy Acid do for acne-prone skin?
Alpha hydroxy acid helps clear acne-prone skin by gently removing dead surface cells and fighting bacteria to reduce breakouts and inflammation. It is unlikely to cause irritation when used regularly, leaving your skin looking much clearer and smoother.
What does Lactic Acid do for acne-prone skin?
Lactic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions with regular topical use. It works well to smooth and calm the skin while managing breakouts safely over time.
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2002
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is a great fit for your acne-prone skin, working well in both your morning and evening routines. It helps clear pores and smooth texture using lactic acid and papain without causing irritation.
Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser in your routine with retinol by applying the cleanser first to clean your skin, and following it with your retinol treatment once your face is dry. Using a gentle, barrier-friendly routine helps prevent irritation while managing breakouts.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2016
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can start using this cleansing mask once a week as part of your routine. If your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is a great fit for your acne-prone skin because it uses lactic acid and papain to help clear out pores and smooth your texture without causing irritation. Glycerin also helps balance oil and hydration, while lactobionic acid is unlikely to trigger breakouts.
Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and parfum).
What the research says
A fixed combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol glycospheres, and papain glycospheres in aqueous gel applied once daily for 12 weeks achieved a 41% mean reduction in GAGS score and a 40.8% mean reduction in total lesions, with 15.3% of patients experiencing mild to moderate local side effects, in 94 evaluable patients with comedonal-papular, mild to moderate acne of the face.
Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017An emulsion containing 10% lactobionic acid significantly reduces human skin surface pH without causing skin irritation or barrier impairment.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019A novel formulation of hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, ellagic acid, yeast extract, and salicylic acid demonstrated parity in improving pigmentation, skin tone, spot intensity, and spot size compared to standard prescription 4% hydroquinone and 0.025% tretinoin in 82 subjects, with superior tolerability.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.
Cutis, 2004Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020Lactobionic acid produced better skin performance with a lack of skin irritation and barrier impairment compared to glycolic acid in 77 healthy volunteers.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010Combining a 20% lactobionic acid peel with aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion increases skin hydration, improves elasticity, and decreases transepidermal water loss in 20 Caucasian females compared to lactobionic acid peel alone.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Carboxytherapy alone and combined with lactobionic acid, ferulic acid, and ascorbic acid significantly reduced vascular dark circles and combined pigmentation in the tear trough and lower eyelid of 39 Caucasian participants.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2024Topical moisturizers improved skin barrier function and surface moisture, while a postbiotic moisturizer with yeast extract uniquely supported microbiome balance and modulated biomarkers of skin barrier, structure, and inflammation in participants and ex vivo explants exposed to environmental aggressors.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023A maintenance therapy with a cosmeceutical formulation containing hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, ellagic acid, yeast extract, and salicylic acid over 20 weeks significantly improved even skin tone, spot intensity, spot size, and overall hyperpigmentation in 33 healthy subjects with moderate facial dyspigmentation.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015A methanol yeast extract increases proliferation and migration while decreasing entrance into senescence and apoptosis phases in 3T3 fibroblast cells.
Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014Topical application of a natural antioxidant compound from lemon oil called Lem1 significantly increases the antioxidative potential of the skin biosurface and inhibits free radical-mediated reactions in healthy volunteers compared to baseline.
Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research, 1999
Ingredients
Water, Decyl Glucoside, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Lactic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lemon Peel Oil, Disodium Edta, Tropaeolum Majus Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Limonene, Parfum, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Papain, Polyglucuronic Acid, Peppermint Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Lecithin, Algin
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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