Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask 3.3oz (100ml)

Product Information

Harsh skincare products: Overuse of abrasive cleansers or the wrong skincare for oily skin can escalate oiliness. Intense cleansers can deprive the skin of its innate oils, provoking a surge in sebum production. This includes our exclusive—aka only available at fresh—Umbrian Clay ingredient sourced from Umbria, Italy. With an ultra-fine texture and high mineral content, this miracle ingredient helps to absorb impurities and soothe skin. I’m Umbrian Clay’s No. 1 fan. I’ve talked about it a lot. I am basically its stage mom — I just believe in it so much! Despite a consistent application of retinoid, my chin still likes to surprise me with the occasional pimple when I’m about to get my period. To use as a face mask, apply an even coat on damp skin after cleansing, leave on for three to five minutes, and rinse. Finding the right clay mask for your skin can be a little confusing, though, so we did the leg-work for you by speaking with four different skincare experts (from dermatologists to nurse practitioners and estheticians) to break down how clay masks really work. Then, we brought together 21 beauty obsessives to try out 24 different clay masks and report on their results. Through the testing process, we analyzed factors such as moisture levels, ease of application and removal, texture, comfort, feel, efficacy, and skin improvements.

For this step, we suggest the Umbrian Clay Pore-Purifying Face Mask to purify your skin without leaving it feeling parched. This triple-action face mask can immediately eliminate impurities that might clog pores and spot-treat imperfections, controlling shine and reducing the visibility of large pores in the T-zone. First and foremost, ensure the proper cleansing and frequent exfoliating of your oily skin. The act of cleansing helps remove the unwanted trio of dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin while exfoliating unclogs pores and assists in the removal of dead skin cells.It has a somewhat strong peppermint scent. (We think it adds to the overall experience, but several online reviewers find it to be overwhelming.) Meanwhile, Aguilar adds, “regardless of skin type, it’s best to space out your masking in the beginning to see if your skin agrees with more frequent use of clay masks.” She also advises testing out a new mask on a smaller area of skin rather than the full face. “By testing the mask first, you can decide whether it’s suitable for your skin.” This clay mask utilizes real-life hardened volcanic lava from South Korea’s Jeju Island to unclog your pores (how cool is that?). Together with lactic acid, these two ingredients absorb excess oils and restore your complexion to smooth brilliance. “There’s an immediate improvement in my pore size and the mask helps remove dry and dead skin. It also speeds along the healing process of residual scabbing from previous breakouts,” shares our tester. Expect a cooling sensation and slight tightening, but not to the point of tingling or burning. The formula feels creamy, yet light, and spreads easily across the entire face for an overall brightening effect. This mask has a rich, dark hue. Be careful not to stain your towels during application and rinsing. At first I didn’t believe Fresh’s Umbrian Clay would work for me as a spot treatment. (Masks don’t tend to work as spot treatments for me, no matter how long I leave them on, I think because I’m cursed.) It did not work in one go. But I tried using it three nights in a row and I am happy to announce it did shorten the lifespan of a breakout I was enduring. And I only forgot I was wearing it and walked my dog with it on my face two out of the three times. I’m sorry to have doubted you, Umbrian Clay.

At fresh, we are committed to caring for the skin of the earth just as we do our own. As a brand inspired by nature, we are on a continuous journey to advance responsible ingredient sourcing. Your T-zone comprises the forehead, nose, and chin, and it's this part of your face that's especially prone to excessive oil production and can thus be a hotspot for spots. Grasping the distinct characteristics of your T-zone empowers you to customise your skincare regimen and cultivate a radiant, well-balanced complexion. The most widespread reasons for excess oil production in this area are: Though the mask will feel dry in about 9 minutes, the brand recommends keeping it on for 15 to 20 (on the longer end of products we tested). Don't get me wrong, I'm all for embracing skin texture, but my pores seem exceptionally large, so I've dedicated many years to finding the best products to lessen their appearance. (Despite what you might have read, pores can't actually shrink—they can just appear to.) And I can safely say the best product out there is a great, hard-working clay mask. Though, she notes that removing the mask was a bit of a hassle. “It required a lot of tugging to fully rinse off and took over five minutes to remove,” she says. For a more seamless removal process, we recommend using a sponge to gently scrub the mask off.

Mario Badescu is famous for their pore-clearing, acne-reducing products that aren’t overly aggressive and safe for sensitive skin. We love this Collagen Mask because it's actually formulated for dry skin and works to clarify while also pumping the skin full of hydrating nourishment that ultimately evens texture and smooths fine lines. What it is: A mineral-rich clay mask and face wash for all skin types that cleanses and minimizes pores and shine—without over-drying or clogging pores. It's worth noting that, if used on the wrong skin type (for example, dry or irritated skin) then a clay mask can be drying and exacerbate problems—so finding the right formula is key. "Look for masks that contain sulphur, which not only deep cleans but also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties," says Kerr. If you're skin is oily in some areas but dry in others, just use your clay mask where it's needed (typically the t-zone). What are the best clay masks for large pores?

Armed with the understanding of what prompts an oily T-zone, let's delve into some effective tactics to manage oil control for your face and skin type. To use as a face mask, apply an even coat on damp skin after cleansing, leave on for 3-5 minutes, and rinse. A close friend of our founders—Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg—suffered from acne for years. While in Italy, she discovered a pure clay in an herbal store, and after a few weeks of daily use, the results were miraculous. Her skin was clarified and so began our founders’ search to find this skin-transforming clay. Inspired by the rejuvenating powers of a Scandinavian cold plunge, this turquoise OleHenriksen mask actually creates a cooling effect through a blend of active botanicals and clarifying acids. “There is a tingly, minty, and cooling sensation with this mask, but it doesn’t sting or burn — it feels comfortable and refreshing,” says our tester. And as someone with sensitive skin, she was pleased to find that the product isn’t irritating and doesn’t leave her with any redness. “My skin is smoother than before, and my enlarged pores are also visibly reduced,” she says. My skin feels more moisturized than before and hydrated enough that I don’t have to apply a cream after,” our tester adds. Though, be warned, the formula dries very hard and can be tough to remove. We recommend applying this mask 20 minutes before entering the shower for the easiest rinse off.We traced the origins of this seemingly miraculous clay to the small Italian town of Nocera Umbra, the sole source, and learned that it is rich in minerals that help to purify and balance the skin. It has been the basis of therapeutic treatments for centuries.” Specifically formulated for melanated skin tones, but recommended for use by all skin tones and types, the smooth consistency and easy application set this product apart. Easy to spread with two fingers, our tester notes that it goes on seamlessly, but does produce a light tingling sensation that isn’t too strong — which might not feel great for those with especially sensitive skin.

This clay mask boasts a blend of powerfully detoxifying active ingredients (activated charcoal powder and bentonite clay) with nourishing restorative ingredients (shea butter and argan oil) for an overall balancing effect. “The formula is perfect to balance your skin without stripping moisture or being too harsh,” explains our tester. Need a skin detox? This 3-in-1 face mask can be used to instantly remove impurities that could clog pores as well as a daily deep cleanser or to spot treat imperfections. The life-changing ingredient is centuries-old Umbrian clay, exclusive to fresh, that balances and clarifies without over-drying. This mask can be a little bit messy to apply with fingertips. It’d benefit from an applicator tool.Clay masks are a trusty old friend — they’ve been around forever and utilize fairly simple ingredients to extract impurities and restore skin to its smooth, soft radiance. Though clay masks work best for people with oily-prone skin, all skin types can use them in moderation to achieve a glowing, clear complexion.