COSRX

COSRX Poreless Clarifying Charcoal Mask Pink

Name: COSRX - Poreless Clarifying Charcoal Mask Pink
Brand: COSRX

Efficacy37/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Betaine + 7 more

Works

What the product description says

“An added salicylic acid improves skin clarity and strengthens the moisture barrier.”

Source: Cosrx

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, glycerin.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.4–2.9%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.95–1.15%

MannitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.15–0.25%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.2%

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.1–0.2%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~1.4–1.7%

Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Polyglyceryl-10 stearateEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.15%

Exfoliation

Salicylic acid

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Additional ingredient of salicylic acid provides gentle exfoliation.”

Source: Yesstyle

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.1–0.15%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Gardenia florida fruit extract

Medium risk

We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Gardenia florida fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating.High~0.25–0.5%est.

Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.1–0.15%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.7–1.1%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.55–0.85%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishesMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Polyglyceryl-10 stearateHelps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes3/5~0.3–0.6%est.

Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistency3/5~0.2–0.4%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Beauty Rx Maximum 15% Exfoliating Cream

Higher efficacy · 93/10086% match

$75.00

Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Hydrating Mask

Higher efficacy · 100/10084% match

$37.03

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Silica~7–8.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Propanediol~3.9–4.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Kaolin~3.1–3.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MattifyingAnti-blemish

A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color

More about Kaolin

Glycerin~2.4–2.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Diatomaceous earth~2–2.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Diatomaceous earth

1,2-hexanediol~0.7–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Butylene glycol~1.4–1.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Camellia sinensis seed extract~1.1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Camellia sinensis seed extract

Betaine~0.95–1.15%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

Carbomer~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Tromethamine~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.55–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Titanium dioxide~0.7–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Cellulose~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Can be used to help absorb oil as well as add volume and imporve texture of products.

More about Cellulose

Charcoal powder~0.65–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Benefits for the skin are not clear

More about Charcoal powder

Calamine~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Calamine

Cellulose gum~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum

Xanthan gum~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Silica dimethyl silylate~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica dimethyl silylate

Disodium edta~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Ethylcellulose~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ethylcellulose

Gardenia florida fruit extract~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating.

More about Gardenia florida fruit extract

Dextrin~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin

Lauric acid~0.3–0.6%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

CleansingAntibacterialAnti-blemish

Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes

More about Lauric acid

Zea mays starch~0.2–0.4%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Mattifying

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Zea mays starch

Aluminum hydroxide~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Is used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)

More about Aluminum hydroxide

Mannitol~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol

Hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Polyglyceryl-10 stearate~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-10 stearate

Salicylic acid~0.1–0.15%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Silica, Propanediol, Kaolin, Glycerin, Diatomaceous earth, 1,2-hexanediol, Butylene glycol, Camellia sinensis seed extract, Betaine, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Titanium dioxide, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Cellulose, Charcoal powder, Calamine, Cellulose gum, Xanthan gum, Silica dimethyl silylate, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylcellulose, Gardenia florida fruit extract, Dextrin, Lauric acid, Zea mays starch, Aluminum hydroxide, Mannitol, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 stearate, Salicylic acid

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	COSRXPoreless Clarifying Charcoal Mask PinkYOUR PRODUCT	Beauty RxMaximum 15% Exfoliating Cream	Drunk ElephantF-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Hydrating Mask	Peter Thomas RothEven Smoother™ Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Pore Purifier with Salicylic Acid for Oil Control
Match	—	86%	84%	84%
Price	$15.20	$75.00+$59.80	$37.03+$21.83	$41.65+$26.45
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 9	4 of 9	5 of 9
Key difference	—	Glycolic Acid	Niacinamide	—
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"COSRX - Poreless Clarifying Charcoal Mask Pink" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.10% - 0.20%, mannitol 0.15% - 0.30%, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.10% - 0.20%, hyaluronic acid 0.15% - 0.25%, glycerin 2.40% - 2.90% and betaine 0.95% - 1.15%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.