Clinique All About Clean Charcoal Mask + Scrub – 100ml

Activated charcoal works through adsorption — a physical process in which molecules are attracted to and held on the charcoal's surface rather than being chemically broken down or dissolved. The activation process creates an extremely porous structure with a vast surface area, giving activated charcoal an exceptional capacity to attract and hold impurities, sebum, and the contents of congested pores. When applied to the skin as a mask and left for several minutes, the charcoal draws these substances out of the pore openings through this adsorptive mechanism. It is a physical rather than chemical cleansing action, which makes it effective at pore purification without the potential irritation of acid-based treatments.

Both, for the most comprehensive result — and the combination approach is one of this product's most convenient features. Apply it as a mask first for five to ten minutes to allow the charcoal to draw out pore congestion, then add a little water and massage in circular motions before rinsing to activate the physical exfoliation simultaneously. This single combined use delivers pore purification and surface renewal in one treatment session — more efficient than using a mask and a separate scrub on different days.

Once or twice weekly is the appropriate frequency for this type of intensive treatment. More frequent use over-exfoliates the skin — removing surface cells faster than the skin's natural renewal cycle replaces them, disrupting the moisture barrier and causing the redness, sensitivity, and paradoxical increased oiliness that over-exfoliated skin displays. Consistent once-weekly use provides progressive improvement in pore clarity and skin smoothness without these risks.

Pore size is primarily determined by genetics and cannot be permanently changed by any topical product. What this product can do is make pores appear smaller by keeping them clean and free of the sebum and dead cell congestion that stretches the pore opening and makes it more visually prominent. Consistently clean pores appear smaller than congested ones — regular use of this mask and scrub is one of the most effective topical approaches to minimising the visible appearance of enlarged pores.

Yes, with some consideration. The deep-cleansing charcoal action is beneficial for acne-prone skin by removing the excess sebum and congestion that contribute to breakout formation. However, active, inflamed spots should not be scrubbed — avoid applying physical pressure over inflamed lesions during the scrubbing step. If you have predominantly non-inflammatory acne (blackheads, whiteheads) and congestion, this product is a useful weekly complement to your routine. For inflammatory or cystic acne, please consult our pharmacy team or your GP for appropriate clinical management.

With care. Both charcoal mask and physical scrub steps can be drying and mildly irritating for dry or very sensitive skin. Use no more than once weekly, follow immediately with a nourishing moisturiser, and monitor your skin's response after the first few uses. If significant redness, dryness, or irritation occurs, reduce frequency or discontinue use. For very sensitive or barrier-compromised skin, a gentle acid-based exfoliant (such as a PHA toner) may be a better-tolerated alternative to physical scrubbing — consult our pharmacy team for guidance.

After rinsing thoroughly and patting dry, apply your regular toner or treatment water first if you use one, followed by serum and moisturiser. Because the mask and scrub has removed surface congestion and freshened the skin surface, the products applied immediately after will absorb more efficiently than usual — making this an ideal step to perform before applying a more intensive serum or treatment product. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF the following morning if performing this treatment in the evening.