My chin was a constellation of clogged pores. Shiny, stubborn, rude.
The promise of a 10-minute fix from a $13 tube was too tempting to ignore.
It’s a clay mask infused with 2% salicylic acid from The Ordinary. Claims to decongest and exfoliate. For $13, I was skeptical.
Texture
Thick, smooth grey clay—spreads like spackle.
Scent
Vaguely chemical, but fades fast.
Dry Time
Tightens down in 7 minutes flat.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
Salicylic Acid is the star—it dives into pores to dissolve gunk. Charcoal and clay are the backup, soaking up oil.
- Salicylic Acid 2%: Oil-soluble BHA exfoliant
- Australian Kaolin Clay: Absorbs impurities
- Charcoal Powder: Draws out debris
- Bentonite: The tightening agent
First use: that satisfying tingle. Then a borderline uncomfortable tightness. Washed off to instantly smoother skin—but my nose looked…pore-less? Weird.
By week three, the shine on my T-zone was legitimately halved. The surprise? It did nothing for deep, hormonal chin cysts. Zero. A surface-level operator.
Blackheads and surface oil? Demolished. Texture? Way smoother. Inflammatory acne or large pores? Don’t expect miracles.
It’s a brilliant, affordable traffic cop for oil and grit. But it’s not a cure-all. Manage expectations.