Paula's choice Pore Clarifying Charcoal Gel Mask
Works for
MoisturizingGlycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate + 3 moreWorks
“Refreshing gel formula balances hydration”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, butylene glycol.
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).
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Boerhavia diffusa root extract + 1 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy11 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Tapioca starch~8.6–10.5%
Glycerin~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinDecyl glucoside~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideSodium lauroyl sarcosinate~3.4–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent
More about Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateButylene glycol~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolCocamidopropyl betaine~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineAmmonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerBentonite~1.4–1.7%
Kaolin~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 KaolinCharcoal powder~1.1–1.4%
Boerhavia diffusa root extract~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals
More about Boerhavia diffusa root extractBisabolol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololEpilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain antioxidants
More about Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extractLactic acid~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidXanthan gum~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIsopropyl titanium triisostearate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Isopropyl titanium triisostearateC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateIron oxides~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.2%
Hexylene glycol~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolIngredient list view
Water, Tapioca starch, Glycerin, Decyl glucoside, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Butylene glycol, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Bentonite, Kaolin, Charcoal powder, Boerhavia diffusa root extract, Bisabolol, Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Lactic acid, Xanthan gum, Isopropyl titanium triisostearate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Iron oxides, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol
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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.
| Paula's choicePore Clarifying Charcoal Gel MaskYOUR PRODUCT | MarinneMilk Peel Sleeping Mask | PÜRDowntown Detox Detoxifying Black Lemon Mask | Earth TherapeuticsCalming Pink Clay Facial Sheet Mask | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 48% | 43% | 43% |
| Price | — | $18.00 | — | $9.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Sodium Pca | Panthenol | Madecassoside |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | High | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: BIHAKU JOSHI White MaskM-61 PowerSpot Mask
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Use of boerhavia diffusa extract for skin reliefpatents.google.com
- 4Plant-Derived Immunomodulatorssciencedirect.com
- 5
- 6
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