Unlike the majority of people who like to use clay masks, I've always been a fan of using a clay mask that is rather gentle and non-stripping even on those days when my skin used to be more active. Perhaps that might be one of the main reasons why I tend to purchase a clay or detox mask first to see if the brand is compatible with my style of skincare, especially when I'm new to the products. I won't deny it, because I got into African Botanics not just simply because it's a natural skincare brand, but primarily due to their Marula + Plant Stem Cells Mineral Cleansing Mask (aka a detoxifying clay mask). Over the past few years, I've splurging with African Botanics Mineral Cleansing Mask, and it has been working very well on my skin.
Scent
I wouldn't say that the scent is anything pleasant or overpowering as I can see that some may be put off by the scent if one is used to the typical floral or essential oil scents. However, I don't mind it, because I personally find it neutral since I think that it's neither pleasant nor bad. It doesn't have any artificial scent added, so I just take it as the way it is.
Full Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Kaolin (White Clay), Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil**, Adansoania Digitata (Baobab) Oil**, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Cetyl Alcohol, Myrothamnus Flabellifolius (Resurrection Plant) Extract, Asparlathus Linearis (Rooibos) Extract, Smithsonite Extract, Hematite Extract, Rhododendron Ferrugineum (Alpine Rose) Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Rosa Damacena (Rose) Essential Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Roseum (Rose Geranium) Essential Oil, Citrus Clementina (Clementine) Peel Oil, Isomalt, Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocoperhol Acetate (Vitamin E), Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Iron Oxides, Citral*, Citronellol*, Eugenol*, Geraniol*, Limonene*, Linalool, *Methyl Eugenol*, Neral* May Contain ± [Ci 77499] *Constituents Of 100% Natural Essential Oils Used. **Certified Organic Ingredients.
Consistency
I really love the texture of African Botanics Mineral Cleansing Mask, because it has a very delicious looking bouncy souffle type creamy consistency. It's actually quite fun to scoop out as I just like to feel, so I tend to use more than I need to. Oopsie >_<
It spreads very easily without any drying or chalky feel to skin. And it already gives skin a glowing look upon application, which I find quite intriguing.
While waiting for the mask to dried, there isn't any uncomfortable dehydrating feeling that you commonly get from clay masks on the market.
Having said that, there is some tightness that your skin can feel when the time approaches to get the mask rinsed off, but I wouldn't say that it's anywhere major. To me, it works as a timer that makes me check time, which has been good for me since I like to do other activities while the mask is on. This is for those who leave it on for 15 minutes, but if you prefer to rinse off after 5 to 10 min, then it's unlikely that you will get any of the discomfort that I've mentioned above.
Benefits
DECONGESTING AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CLAY MASK
The ultimate detoxifying treatment mask that tones, nourishes and refreshes fatigued skin.
Specifically designed to fight redness, inflammation, acne and skin congestion with advanced highly targeted anti-aging actives that deliver much needed oxygen, nutrients and minerals rich in iron, zinc, copper and magnesium to skin cells while boosting circulation and stimulating cellular renewal. The antioxidant and omega-rich fusion of glow-inducing Marula, Baobab and African Bush Plants moisturize, strengthen, brighten, firm and refine the skin.
Enhanced with the latest plant stem cell technology, Phytocell Alp Rose, this luxurious mask deeply rejuvenates while addressing facial blemishes, breakouts, discoloration and oxidative stress.
Reduces pore size and detoxifies the skin without stripping. Restores a healthy glow without drying or leaving your skin feeling taut. Hematite and Zincite detoxify and cleanse, help restore skin’s density to regain its firmness, protect cell DNA, plump and stimulate cellular turnover. A soothing blend of Rose, Rose Geranium and Clementine increase cellular renewal, re-balance, revive and deeply hydrate parched skin.
100% Vegan. Gluten-free.
Formulated without silicones, mineral oils, parabens, allergens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, PEGs and SLSs.
Application
After cleansing/exfoliating, apply a thin layer to dry skin using fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Relax and allow the mask to work for 5-15 min while enjoying the intoxication aroma of Damask Rose, Rose Geranium and Clementine. Add warm water and lightly massage using a circular motion to gently exfoliate. Indulge 2 - 3 times a week depending on your skin’s needs.
Verdict
African Botanics Mineral Cleansing Mask is safe to use a few times a week due to its non-stripping formula. I normally use it once a week, and twice when I'm on my cycle. I like to emulsify the mask with my wet finger tips first before taking it off, then I use a warm towel to remove the mask. Personally, I found this method works better to get a deeper cleansed result, but you can always just rinse off with warm water if you want a more gentle and glowing effect with reduced waiting time.
Speaking of which, upon mask removal, there is a subtle glow to skin and skin also feels somewhat nourished too. It isn't anything dramatic, but it will work well especially for those with dry/sensitive skin because of its gentle hydrating formula. There isn't any oily or greasy feeling afterwards, so African Botanics Mineral Cleansing Mask is great for all seasons in any climate.
In terms of diminishing breakouts, it's very difficult to say as the nature of breakouts isn't something that you can expect one product to do the whole job of. However, it does seem to help healing the spots if a proper treatment follows the mask. Nevertheless, I still regard African Botanics Mineral Cleansing Mask as one of the best clay masks worth trying amongst natural skincare products.
Where to buy
- Nordstrom (Free shipping & samples)
Recommendations
- Kahina Giving Beauty Prickly Pear Seed Oil (Dry/ Sensitive/ Eczema Skin)
- Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask (Gentle detoxifying mask)
- May Lindstrom The Youth Dew Hydrating Facial Serum & The Blue Cocoon Beauty Balm Concentrate
- Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask
- Omorovicza Ultramoor Mud Mask
