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Is it good for sensitive skin?
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Origins Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores

What it is:A mask with activated charcoal to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers.What it is formulated to do:When environmental toxins, dirt, and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, and skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew gets to the bottom of skin's overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petrochemicals- Phthalates- GMOs- Triclosan What else you need to know:Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers. White China clay absorbs environmental toxins, and lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that stuff down there, skin breathes a sigh of relief. Best for all skin types.
Questions & Answers:
32 Questions
 | 
113 Answers
Overall Rating:
4.446 out of 5
4.4
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Product Details

Questions & Answers for Origins Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores

Question
Expiration?
I just came across a bottle that I purchased about 8-9 months ago. It's still about half full....would it be okay to use? Would the ingredients still be active? Bacteria?
asked 1 year ago
dacialynn
(Seattle)
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
Hands down, buy the charcoal mask. I have used Bliss products before, and they do the trick, but this mask from Origins is absolutely wonderful.
answered 6 months ago
Anonymous
(Lakeside, OR)
answer 2
I've had my current bottle for over 8 months as well. As far as I know, this particular product does not have an expiration date. Also, since it is a bottle and you are squeezing the product into your hand, instead of a product where you have to stick your fingers into a tub to applt the product, there shouldn't be any type of cross contamination.
answered 8 months ago
flmissy
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
Question
does this product dry my skin?
I 've had acne skin for soooo long, but i've been finding that clay masks seem to be the best solution for my skin, gels or thinks that treat pimples seem to just irritate my skin more does this product dry out your face? I have very sensitive skin
asked 1 year, 7 months ago
sweetgirl111
(motreal, canada)
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
7 answers
Answers
answer 1
my skin felt younger after i used it. i even forgot to put on moisturizer after b/c i was too busy admiring how smooth my skin was. :P didn't dry me out at all and my jaw line gets really dry in the winter
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
puhf
(New York, NY)
answer 2
My skin isn't sensitive at all, so I don't know if this will be problem for you or not. But I don't find it drying at all. It's very refreshing. It really cleans out your pores and gets your skin into shape.
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
george88110
(Racine,WI)
answer 3
I have very oily skin and have never known this product to dry my face out. If you have sensitive skin, I would suggest only using it once or twice a week. I don't think it's good to use deep cleaning products like this any more than that. It's also very important to use an oil-free moisturizer when you have oily or acne prone skin. That will help with any drying you may experience from certain products.
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
glamgyrlnc
(Wilmington, NC)
answer 4
This is not bad like the other clay masks out there, it is china white clay. So it is a lot more gentler. After anything that treats your skin from oil, bacteria, or acne, they do dry your skin out. So any treatments like so, use a good hydrating moisturizer or serum.
answered 1 year, 5 months ago
phayanaga
(Honolulu, HI)
answer 5
I didn't feel really dry after using it. With a clay mask you will get alot more oil absorbed so it is normal I think to feel a little dry. I always apply my moisturizer right after I use it.
answered 1 year, 5 months ago
hobartbride
(Colorado Springs, CO)
answer 6
I do find that this product drys out my skin and my sister has the same problem with it and she has acne pron skin. What works for her is using a nice oil free serum in the evening to help with dry patches and using a thin oil free sunscreen during the day. But over all the mask has been help a bit, but not an kind of marical as of yet.
answered 1 year, 6 months ago
gabby88
(Brooklyn, NY)
answer 7
I don't recommend it for very sensitive skin. I have norm/combo and it tingles. My guess is it might irritate yours.
answered 1 year, 6 months ago
socal05
(Buena Park, CA)
Question
How long does the bottle last?
I was just wondering how many masks you can generally get out of this package? Rough estimates are fine, I just want to know if you get more like 5 uses or 20. Thanks!
asked 6 months ago
burk0282
(Minneapolis, MN)
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
7 answers
Answers
answer 1
I apply the mask every Sunday and it lasted me approx. 5-6 months. I spread a thin layer over the T zone, where the larger pores are located.
Great stuff.
answered 1 month ago
rosser
(Austin, Texas)
answer 2
You should get many more than 5....I'm sure it depends on how often the product is used & how much you apply at each use. It comes in a nice size plastic bottle so it should last a while.
answered 4 months, 1 week ago
1sungirl
answer 3
I've used mind 3 times already and it still looks like I haven't even used it!
answered 4 months, 1 week ago
LauraKFP23
answer 4
I'm thinking 25-35. There's quite a bit of product, and you don't have to use a ton every time.
answered 4 months, 1 week ago
AnnehyphenMarie
(Greensboro, NC)
answer 5
Like 30! Awesome bang for your buck!
answered 5 months, 3 weeks ago
coolcitychick
(nyc. ny)
answer 6
I would say appx 20 masks. I have used this 4 times and not even 1/4 through the bottle as of yet.
answered 6 months ago
jess3r
(Calgary, AB)
answer 7
I would say that it lasts for about 7-10 times. And I use a lot each time because I make sure that I can't see any white skin through the mask.
answered 6 months ago
Anonymous
(Des Moines, Iowa)
Question
no diff
how long should i wait to see an improvement? coz i bought this a month back and ive used it every other week only.. should i use it more frequent to see the difference?? or should i just return it?
i have extremely dry skin with a T-zone and huge pores
asked 1 year, 3 months ago
meghna
(Towson, MD)
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
Def need to use it at least once a week to see any change in your face. It is not strong and doesn't strip good things out of skin so you wouldn't hurt your skin by using it more frequently.
answered 8 months ago
worthystyle
(Richmond, VA)
answer 2
This mask isn't as drying as most, but since you have dry skin with a problem T-zone, I would suggest only using it on your T-zone. There's no need to risk over-drying your skin on areas of your face that aren't too much of an issue. Also, this mask won't be able to do much for your pores if you use it only every other week. Your pores would clog back up given too much time. I suggest trying 1-2 times a week on your T-zone ONLY. Hope this helps!
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
danielp9595
(Raleigh, NC)
answer 3
I use the product 1-2x a week. Try to use it at least once a week and see if you notice a difference. It's the first pore minimizer I've actually liked.
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
tashi830
(Princeton, NJ)
answer 4
I think you should be using it it once a week to see any kind of results
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
Anonymous
(Casper, WY)
answer 5
I use it 3 times a week and it helps clear my t-zone! (my main problem with my skin.) I also have large pores and this seems to do the job.
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
aliinicole
(Lakewood, WA)
answer 6
Because of your dry skin, I would not use it more than once a week. I think if you look closely at your pores before using and then right after using - you will see the difference. Be sure to let it completely dry and start to tug at your skin before washing off.
answered 1 year, 3 months ago
retire4me
(Red Bluff, Calif.)
Question
how to use it?
so i just bought it after everyone raving about it. but how do i use it?
asked 1 year, 2 months ago
Anonymous
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
*Make sure you are laying a warm rag over your clean skin for about a minute to open pores before smoothing on the mask.
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
chrisy221
(Houston, Texas)
answer 2
This face mask works just like any other. First you have to cleanse your face to remove any surface dirt and grime (which would lessen the efficacy of the mask if left behind), and then apply the mask evenly on the parts of your face where you need it. Don't apply it to parts of your face where there aren't any issues. I usually wait 15-20 minutes for it to dry (it usually says to leave it on for 10 but there's no harm in a few more minutes since this is a natural product). Then when it's dry and you feel like you've waited long enough, just wash it off. It's not a peel so you have to actually rinse it off with water. It works much better if you wash it off with a washcloth or towel. Hope this helps!
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
danielp9595
(Raleigh, NC)
answer 3
I use this at night, after I have cleansed my face. I apply a little over a quarter size amount to a slightly moist face (face should be completely covered), leave on for 10 minutes, or until dry. This will tighten as it dries. Then, rinse of the product and look at your refreshed skin!
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
beautylovingmom
(Bishop, Ca.)
answer 4
remove make up, wash face, dry face and apply, avoiding the eye and lip area. Wait for it to dry, preferably do not speak because the clay will crack. Wait for it to dry and rinse off with warm water. Final rinse, cold water to close pores.
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
prettyflower
(Antioch, ca)
answer 5
Use after cleansing skin. Use a warm face cloth over skin to open pores, apply mask on t- zone area if you have combination skin or if oily than all over face. Wait 10-15 minutes to dry then rinse off with warm water. Apply toner and facial treatments( serums, moisturizers). I would use this mask at night to unwind and relax.
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
beautyicon
(Vancouver,Canada)
answer 6
1)remove all make up
2) splash your face with warm water (to open pores)
2) pat face dry
3) smooth on a layer all over your face, stay clear of your eyes and lips. You want to coat your skin till the black evenly coats and covers your skin tone- don't go too thick,
4) sit back, relax till the mask has dried ( around 7-10 min) avoid moving your face, just sit still.
5) look in the mirror, if most of it is dry you can now wash it off with warm water and finish up with a splash of cool water to close up the pores
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
amyfromdc
Question
do you rinse with cool or warm water?
I use a facial steamer to open my pores before applying the product and find it can really suck the dirt out. Just not sure if rinsing with warm water to keep the pores open or with cold water to shrink the pores?
asked 7 months ago
ellacen
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I like to use warm water to wash off the mask, then worry about minimizing the pores afterwards.
answered 2 months, 2 weeks ago
StephanieChan
(Edmonton, AB)
answer 2
I found a secret...start with warm water and finish with cool. Keep some bottled water near by and make a final rinse with the bottled water. My skin was a little red so I figured the water running through pipes might not be as clean as my skin needed. I
All I can say is my skin says it all!
answered 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Magickalme
(Redondo Beach, CA)
answer 3
I rinse with warm water until all the mask is off, then with cold water.
answered 6 months ago
2ellen
answer 4
I use lukewarm water
answered 6 months ago
ararara
(Washington, DC)
answer 5
I use warm water while rinsing it off, then once my face is clean I splash it with cold water to close my pores.
answered 6 months ago
leftwicketthree
(Joliet, Illinois)
answer 6
Well first off you need to wash your face first with warm water before you use it, as that will help open up your pores. Then, apply the product, and afterwards when you wash it off, wash it off with warm water, then use cold water to help close your pores.
answered 7 months ago
italiangoddess
(Atlanta, GA)
Question
How long to see results?
I have the most stubborn blackheads. I've tried other masks (peel and rinse), Biore strips and exfoliants and it seems like nothing works. I don't want to get my hopes up with this. How many uses before I notice a difference? I don't want to give up on it too soon either.
asked 4 months ago
mariesap
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I know that the hotter I can stand the wash cloth on my face prior to application (to open my pores) the better it works.
answered 1 month, 4 weeks ago
mickpurr
(Montgomery, AL)
answer 2
Have you really not seen results from this mask yet? I'm sorry, that stinks.
Try placing a warm, damp face towel over your face for about 5 minutes before applying this mask, that will help open your pores.
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
Olivvy
(Seattle, WA)
answer 3
i have oily skin and a lot of black heads and with this i saw a difference after the first use ... it is mode effective if you put a small towel in really hot water and then on your face ... it will open your pores more and the product will go deeper
answered 2 months, 2 weeks ago
bjilka
(Montreal, Qc, Canada)
answer 4
I have the same issue and I also have very visible pores. I actually returned this product because it did clean my pores, but blackheads and large pores remained visible.
answered 3 months, 3 weeks ago
nory
(White Plains, NY)
answer 5
I used this mask to draw out the gunk from my pores, which only took one time. Any deep seated black heads left I was able to use the loop tool to easily push it out.
answered 4 months ago
ccatss
(Toronto, ON)
answer 6
I have huge pores and awful blackheads. This cleaned it all in one go. But the very next day it all looked awful again. In short, the product definitely works, my skin just happens to suck.
answered 4 months ago
inpaperclouds
(Seattle, WA)
Question
Is this product teen friendly?
I'm 15 so, Is this product safe for me to use without like, drying or aging my skin?
asked 1 year, 3 months ago
jessicabeauty
(Cnada)
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
5 answers
Answers
answer 1
I'm 16 and I use this product occasionally since I have three different masks that I use, but I have never experienced any drying with this product that was abnormal for a face mask, and I don't think it's possible for a mask to age your skin. Your skin WILL be a little dry afterwards, but if you rinse it off completely, or use a cleanser again to get it all off, and then use a moisturizer, the dryness shouldn't be a problem. Hope this helps!
answered 1 year, 1 month ago
danielp9595
(Raleigh, NC)
answer 2
Hi, im 22, so not a teen but it has not 'aged' my skin, just make sure to moisturize after words
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
amyfromdc
answer 3
Of course. This won't damage your skin at all, it will help with your hormonal acne which occurs around that age! Hope this helps :)
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
Katiebella0x
(Boston, MA)
answer 4
Yes, just be sure to moisturize very well after!
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
ashmack12
(Tampa, FL)
answer 5
i'm 17 and this mask hasn't had that affect on me. it's really natural and works really well. it WILL dry your skin out though, if you use it more than once a week. once a week is enough to help though, for me at least. hope this helps!
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
rhcp219
(New York, NY)
Question
Is this mask supposed to clear zits too?
I just used the mask for the very first time but wasn't sure whether it could help clear zits also. And if it does, does it work the very first time you use the mask?
asked 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Caroline02
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
5 answers
Answers
answer 1
I guess its not 'supposed to' but I've used it on pimples...I left it overnight and when I woke up, the zit was more or less gone other than a little pink spot. Not just that, but it didn't dry out my skin, which happens quite easily for me. Now, I'm not saying you'll get the same results - everyone's different, obviously - but it definitely worked very well for me. I'm a 19 year old woman and I have normal-mild combination skin. Hope this helped!
answered 3 months, 2 weeks ago
misslauraline
answer 2
It helped dry mine out and about 3-4 days later they were gone.
answered 3 months, 3 weeks ago
HILARYG
(Washington, DC)
answer 3
Yes this mask helps push out the junk in pimples right away. Good buy for acne prone skin.
answered 4 months, 3 weeks ago
pharmtec
(Phoenix, AZ)
answer 4
This really depends on the zit and your skin type. Personally I have never used any product that cleared up a bad zit immediately upon application and I love masks, owe many and use them daily. If you need to clear up a spot on the fly try benzoyl peroxide. It dries up zits like nothing i've ever used. Try to find a product with a high percentage, keep it on all day, sleep with a thick application of it on too. Beware it does bleach fabrics.

Masks are a wonderful tool to pamper yourself with and have a multitude of functions and results. It's more about maintenance than instant gratification.

Best of luck!
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
PCilloniz
(Portland, OR)
answer 5
for me i use this more as a preventative rather than to calm down existing blemishes. i use the murad sulfur mask thing if i already have a blemish and want it to go down.
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
sniffybunny
Question
Anyone experience deep cystic acne after using this mask for a few weeks?
I've used the mask about once a week for a month. My skin is oily, prone to breakouts and I have large pores. I love the way my skin feels after I use it but I have gotten 2 massive deep cystic pimples on my chin after use. I know breakouts are expected when you first start with the masque but this seems out of hand. haven't gotten pimples like this since high school! I even contemplated going to the derm for a cortisone shot. Has this been part of the "purging process" for anyone else?
asked 3 months, 3 weeks ago
DollPartsGirl
(New York)
on Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores
5 answers
Answers
answer 1
I have noticed some of the same results of using this product and I just related it to the "purging process" as well...I am not sure if that is a correct assumption or not.
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
BradleyB
(Georgia)
answer 2
Thanks everyone! I think you're right that I had the cysts beginning under the skin before I started using the masque. I've been under a lot of stress between work and planning my wedding and my face is totally showing it! I think the acne on my chin is hormonal vs the rest of my face which I think the masque is helping keep clear. I'm going to start using an acne masque on my chin instead, while I keep using origins on the rest of my face where I have seen good results. Now I just gotta find a masque with active ingredients to fight acne for my chin : )
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
DollPartsGirl
(New York)
answer 3
Hi,

To be honest, I have acne prone skin and I have finally gotten it under control (before using the mask). The mask however, did nothing in regards to causing or bringing back any acne. Remember, this is not a mask for acne. I think the acne you're experiencing had already been there and perhaps the mask is just trying to clear out the gunk from within but I highly doubt that. Try it out for longer and see if the spots heal or disappear. If they get worse, just return the product! :)
answered 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Lorielle
(Toronto)
answer 4
I havent but I have only used it for the last 2 weeks. Sounds like our skin type is similar.
answered 2 months, 2 weeks ago
ashmarte84
(Bronx, NY)
answer 5
I would be very careful of what you use on your skin, period. See a dermatologist. It sounds like you have the type of acne I had when I was younger.

There are so many things that can irritate your sensitive skin, and above all, don't pop or drain them. That pushes on the wall of your pores and cause those scars that never go away. There is hope but see a dr. Then return to Origins. This really is a great line.

And look for a dr who has recommendations online or somewhere. Good luck honey!
answered 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Magickalme
(Redondo Beach, CA)
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