🇬🇧United Kingdom

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask for oily skin

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

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

Average

  • SuperiorOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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 oily skin, as charcoal powder and kaolin provide excellent pore cleansing and oil absorption, though they do not specifically target oily shine. Myrtus Communis Leaf Water offers some soothing properties for your skin.
  • The formula is safe for your oily skin, with no harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing Myrtus Communis Leaf Water, minimizing irritation risk.
  • This mask provides general cleansing for oily skin, but its formulation is not specialized to address concerns like oily shine.

How to apply

  • Use this cleansing mask PM as part of your weekly routine, starting 1×/week and working up if tolerated.
  • Apply this cleansing mask after your cleanser and enzyme powder, and before applying your hydrating toner.
  • Smooth an even layer over your face using clean fingers, avoiding harsh rubbing.
  • Apply this cleansing mask on clean, dry skin to help control excess oil effectively.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area and always do a patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 6.5k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this mask is widely praised by users with oily and acne-prone skin for its ability to deep clean pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads. Many users report smoother, brighter, and less oily skin after use. Those with dry or sensitive skin often find it too drying or irritating.

Highlights

  • Smooths skin Often Mentioned
    • “skin felt a lot smoother”
    • “left feeling plump, soft and very clean”
    • “smooth and flawless”
    • “soft to the touch”
  • Unclogs pores Often Mentioned
    • “pores cleaned up very well”
    • “blackheads sitting right at skin level”
    • “draws out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers”
    • “stubborn blackheads on nose disappeared”
  • Difficult to remove Often Mentioned
    • “rinsing off is super messy”
    • “hard to wash off”
    • “takes ages to come off”
    • “water will turn grey and get everywhere”
  • Brightens complexion Sometimes Noted
    • “skin looked brighter”
    • “face had a very nice glow”
    • “refreshed and bright”
    • “skin looks cloudy... clears the way”
  • Reduces oil Sometimes Noted
    • “reduction in oil”
    • “mattified my skin”
    • “absorb excess oil”
    • “keeps oil at bay”
  • Drying and tight Sometimes Noted
    • “feels really, really tight”
    • “dried out my skin”
    • “skin felt very tight”
    • “left feeling tight and dry”
  • Caused irritation Rarely Noted
    • “slightly burning sensation”
    • “face freak out”
    • “uncomfortable sensation”
    • “redness in certain parts”
  • No visible results Rarely Noted
    • “hasn't really helped”
    • “didn't notice a difference”
    • “not a one-step wonder”
    • “pores looked the same”

Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, origins.com, sephora.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Origins Clear Improvement mask work for oily skin?

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask offers moderate benefits for oily skin by using charcoal and kaolin to cleanse pores and absorb oil, though it is not specialized to tackle oily shine. It is a safe option with soothing plant water that is unlikely to cause irritation. Oily skin often benefits more from products that include salicylic acid, zinc oxide, or niacinamide to control oil and clarify the complexion.

Journal of Pharmacopuncture, 2020Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023

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

Active charcoal and kaolin help clean out pores and soak up extra oil, while myrtus communis leaf water helps calm your skin. For oily skin, a mask of this type needs ingredients like salicylic acid, zinc oxide, or niacinamide to help control shine and improve skin texture.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023

What does Activated Charcoal do for oily skin?

Activated charcoal products are unlikely to improve oily skin or clear breakouts because they lack clinical evidence to support these benefits. Oily skin needs ingredients that help balance oil production and keep pores clear.

Clinics in Dermatology, 2020

What does Kaolin Clay do for oily skin?

Kaolin Clay helps oily skin by soaking up extra oil and clearing the skin while keeping it calm and comfortable. Using it twice a week can improve acne, skin evenness, and hydration while reducing dryness and irritation.

Skin Research and Technology, 2023

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

This mask goes into your weekly routine after a cleanser and enzyme powder, and before a hydrating toner and treatment. It provides good pore cleansing for oily skin, but an oily skin routine also needs products specialized to target oily shine.

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

You can use this mask in your weekly routine before applying a salicylic acid treatment, but be careful not to overdry your skin. Oily skin works best with products that combine pore cleansing with targeted oil control and soothing ingredients.

How often should I use this mask?

Use this cleansing mask once a week as part of your weekly routine. To better care for oily skin, an ideal product of this type needs ingredients that actively target and control oily shine.

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

This mask is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your oily skin because it uses clays and charcoal to deeply clean and absorb excess oil. However, a product for oily skin also needs ingredients that specifically target oily shine to give you the best results.

Is this mask fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Topical application of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid reduced acne relapses and helped maintain remission compared to a light moisturizing cream in adult females in the acne maintenance phase over 16 weeks.

    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023

  • Twice daily application of a dermocosmetic product containing Myrtus communis and Celastrol-enriched plant cell culture extracts decreased pro-pathogen C. acnes phylotype IC, increased nonpathogen phylotype IB, and improved clinical acne parameters in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris after 56 days compared to baseline.

    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023

  • Topical Myrtle solution significantly reduced inflammatory lesions and acne severity index compared to 1% clindamycin solution in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

    Journal of Pharmacopuncture, 2020

  • Soap-and-water wash and superactive charcoal paste applied topically at various times after T-2 toxin exposure effectively reduced skin lesion severity in swine compared to untreated controls.

    Fundamental and Applied Toxicology, 1989

  • Vectorization of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid with clay enabled its penetration into deeper skin layers and led to a significant clinical reduction in fine lines in the crow's feet area compared to placebo after 28 days.

    Skin Research and Technology, 2024

  • Twice-weekly use of a clay mask over 4 weeks in 75 adults with oily or combination skin improved acne-related outcomes, sebum content, skin evenness, hydration, and reduced dryness and irritation.

    Skin Research and Technology, 2023

  • Clay jojoba oil facial masks reduced total skin lesions by a mean of 54% after 6 weeks in 133 participants with acne-prone, lesioned skin and mild acne compared to baseline.

    Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012

  • Quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan/organic montmorillonite nanocomposite demonstrated superior moisture-adsorption and retention compared to hyaluronic acid, good UV-protection ability, negligible dermal irritation, and prominent moisture-retention efficacy on human stratum corneum when formulated into a cosmetic cream.

    Carbohydrate Polymers, 2017

  • A novel water-in-oil emulsion with a lecithin-modified bentonite prevented epidermal degradation and inflammatory protein secretion induced by urban dust and cedar pollen more effectively than a conventional water-in-oil emulsion in a reconstructed human epidermis model.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020

  • Bentonite nanoparticles and honey co-administration improved skin wound healing in BALB/c mice by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and increasing fibroblastosis, new epithelium thickness, granulation area, and collagen density compared to the untreated control group.

    The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 2025

  • A 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, 2017

  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001

  • Topical treatments including podophyllotoxin, sodium nitrite, myrtle leaf extract, phenol, salicylic acid with lactic acid, SB206, and VP-102 were more efficacious than control in patients with molluscum contagiosum, whereas cantharidin, potassium hydroxide, and imiquimod showed varying degrees of efficacy.

    Clinics in Dermatology, 2021

  • Pretreatment with a Myrtus communis natural extract combined with a polycaprolactone nanofibrous scaffold prevents UV-induced cellular senescence and activates a molecular program of rejuvenation in skin cell populations compared to untreated UV-exposed cells.

    Cells, 2020

  • A 25:75 aloe vera:sodium alginate hydrogel with 5 Εg/mL lemon myrtle oil demonstrated comparable physicochemical characteristics to a commercial hydrogel-based wound dressing, alongside biocompatibility with human keratinocytes and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans.

    Heliyon, 2024

Why other cleansing masks fit oily skin better

Ingredients

Water, Myrtus Communis Leaf Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Butylene Glycol, Montmorillonite, Polysorbate 20, Peg-100 Stearate, Charcoal Powder, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Peg-150 Distearate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Sorbitan Laurate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Simethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Trisodium Edta, Dehydroacetic Acid, 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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Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

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