Battle of the Warming Clay Masks

Warming clay masks have a very real, competitive edge when it comes to deep cleaning the skin. The pores expand slightly when heat is applied so it's easier to get debris out of pores. Plus, heat makes it easier for beneficial, active ingredients to do their job as well. As with any clay mask, however, the effect on actual "pore size" is minimal and temporary. Though clean pores look smaller and are much less noticeable.

The chemicals that actually cause these masks to heat, like zeolite, are fairly standard across beauty lines. The clay base, bentonite and koalin, are likewise pretty standard for every clay mask. So why do some masks cost only a few dollars - while others cost almost $30? Is there really a difference in performance?

Let's put it to the test!

In this corner we have CVS's premier all-natural line, Be.fine's Warming Clay Mask, weighing in at 5 oz. for $15.99. It's labeled as a "natural facial detox" rich in enzymes, humectants and natural ingredients like pomegranate, cardamom, and arnica. It also claims to have allergen-free fragrance, but since they have plant extracts in the formula, there will still be a risk of allergic reaction. This, and all of their formulas are paraben free and use vegetarian proteins - no animal products and no animal testing.

Be.fine's mask went on very smooth and rich feeling, with a distinct camphor smell. This does have oil in it, so very oily skin types may not feel enough of an "astringent" quality to it, but combination skin types will enjoy the moisturizing benefit.

Results: The left half of my face, where I applied this mask, felt smooth and clean when the mask was rinsed. But, that side of my face was also quite a bit more flushed - and remained flushed for more than an hour. It wasn't uncomfortable, but I was glad to be using it at night, when I wouldn't have to try to apply make up to cover the redness.

In the other corner, we have Lancome's Pure Focus Self-Heating Mask with Marine Extracts, weighing in at 3.4 oz. for $27. Unlike the Be.Fine mask, this formula is oil free. Lancome touts zinc gluconate as the key ingredient to keeping control of excess sebum, plus salicylic acid to unclog pores.

Applied on the right side of my face, the Pure Focus mask also went on very smoothly. Unlike the camphor smell of the Be.Fine's mask, this product (and most of Lancome's products) had a distinct and somewhat strong, slightly perfume-y fragrance. Though it wasn't unpleasant, it may be too strong for some people.

Results: This mask definitely had a stronger tightening effect and dried "harder" than Be.fine's mask. It also left my face flushed for awhile - though only about 20 minutes or so. The effect on my skin was definitely matte almost to the point of being uncomfortably dry. Pure Focus Mask is most definitely for oilier skin types.

The real test came a couple of hours later when I checked out my skin in the mirror. After my skin had re-established its own equilibrium and I was no longer flushed, I could tell no difference between the two sides of my face in terms of clarity, pore size or color. However, the Be.fine side was still comfortably hydrated while the right (Lancome Pure Focus Mask) side was taut and dry - even in my very oily patches on my forehead and chin.

I'm not usually one to dive right into the all-natural ingredients bandwagon, but I did find that Be.fine's mask was better balanced for my complexion. I got all of the benefits of a deep cleaning heated mask with none of the overly-drying downside. Though over the long term, salicylic acid does a great job of keeping pores clear, that particular active ingredient is better off in a product that stays on the skin.

Given the price difference and the performance, I highly recommend checking out Be.fine's Warming Clay Mask if you have combination skin. I'm looking forward to trying more of this line from CVS! As the marketing materials say, "it looks good enough to eat!"