Benefit POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore Clearing Clay Mask Review
Whilst scrolling through Benefit’s website, I was shocked to learn that all of us have around 20,000 pores present on our faces. These are tiny openings which secrete sweat and oil, an essential process which keeps our skin looking healthy and fresh. However, problems arise when excessive sebum production occurs, or dirt and dead skin cells become trapped, causing blemished and uneven skin. Whilst I have tried a myriad of skincare products, each claiming to clear and smooth acne-prone skin, I was yet to try a line solely dedicated to the unblocking of pores. Armed with this purple pot, my oily combination skin type, and a specific target area: pesky pores, I donned my comfiest pjs, made a hot cup of tea and let the mask get to work. Here’s what I thought…
The Most Important Thing About This Mask Is…
Definitely, its innovation. Whilst we have seen countless face masks that claim to do the impossible, this mask has been dermatologically tested to ensure real results. With unique technology that makes dots appear on the skin as dirt is drawn out, this product is as satisfying as it is effective. Its specific focus is on pore care, not redness, hyperpigmentation not anti-ageing, but a line just dedicated to pores. I think such devoted attention to one problem area is a steadfast goal, and one that feels distinctive from other brands that aim to cover a whole host of skin concerns. Before using the pore care collection, I feel as though I hadn’t given pores much consideration, but now I am a convert. It simply makes sense to address concerns from the root, and that is where pores come in.
What Skin Type Is It For?
This is for anyone who wants to shrink their pores, making their skin look more even, unblemished and clearer. I personally did the quiz on Benefit’s website, which helps you to decide which of the Pore Care collection will work most effectively for your skin, based on your specific concerns.
You Will Love This If…
You feel like you have stubborn clogged pores that despite your best efforts remain visible and enlarged. This mask calms and unblocks them to leave skin feeling comfortable and clearer. What I particularly love is the minimal effort involved in face masks and this one is no different. Whether you are like me and enjoy using a mask to procrastinate all actual responsibilities under the pretence of self-care, or you are on a busy schedule and need to don this whilst working from home, this mask feels comfortable and effective on the skin without leaving your face feeling taut or tight.
I would steer clear if you are someone who has particularly dry skin however, as the main aim of the mask is to draw oil out, you don’t want to end up with a flaky face! If you do have dry skin but are eager to try this out, I would recommend doing a patch test on the inside of your wrist or your neck to see how your skin reacts before applying to your face. This way if it is excessively drying, then you’ve saved yourself a whole lot of moisturiser!
Hero Ingredients:
Mineral-rich kaolin clay is the star here. With its ability to absorb sebum and prevent pores from clogging, it is unsurprising that Benefit used this ingredient to formulate their mask. The clay clears the skin of excess oil, dirt and pollution and is gentle enough not to cause redness and irritation. Whilst kaolin exfoliates even the tiniest quantities of pollutants and bacteria from your skin, bisabolol helps to ensure skin remains comfortable, reducing the risk of a tense face after using the mask.
Essential fatty acids like jojoba oil are also in this mask, which help to condition and hydrate the skin, acting as a natural emollient. Also softening the skin are plum kernel oils, which contribute to the skin’s suppleness, relieving symptoms of dry skin, redness and irritation. They are full of Omega 9 which helps to promote cell turnover, making skin appear more elastic and healthier.
Sea fennel also boosts levels of elastin and collagen in the skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firming the face. Rejuvenating and energising, this ingredient helps to add natural radiance to the skin, making you appear glowy and youthful after using. Skin texture is also aided by prickly pear flower extract, which works to make skin look smoother and unblemished.
With this host of skin-loving ingredients and the promise that this is gentle and non-comedogenic and will clear pores, I feel like Benefit is a winner.
What Does It Feel Like?
This has quite a unique feeling to it, where it is both rejuvenating and relaxing whilst also allowing you to actually tangibly feel the dirt and impurities being drawn out. As I sat in this mask, I could almost hear my pores cleaning without it burning or leaving my skin stinging afterwards. As someone who is spot-prone, this didn’t irritate my skin in the way that other masks have and still felt heavy-duty enough to do what it says on the tin.
What Does It Smell Like?
The oil has a gorgeous fresh floral scent reminiscent of a calming essential oil. It reminds me of natural cleaning products and smells similar to the rest of the Pore care collection, but has a slightly deeper scent on account of the thick clay. I would say this leans towards a more earthy and herbal aroma than the rest of the line.
How Do You Use The Product?
Apply evenly to clean, dry face & neck weekly. Leave on for 30 minutes or until dry. Dots appear as oil is drawn out of pores. Rinse. Avoid eye and mouth areas. In the event of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water.
What’s Special About The Design?
In keeping with the rest of the line, the mask is colourful and definitely not one for people who prefer sleek, minimalist designs. The mask comes in a little recyclable aluminium tub that features the same design as the Get Unblocked cleansing oil. With a purple sheen and a pop of silver this striking tub is almost a piece of home decor, and also a sneak peek as to what is inside (beautiful pore-clearing purple clay!).
Values?
- Clinically proven
- Dermatologist tested
- Gentle, non-stripping and non-drying
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Respects the skin’s PH