Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub
Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub is a dual-action treatment designed to detoxify and refine skin texture in just five minutes. This multitasking formula combines the deep-cleaning power of natural bamboo charcoal and kaolin clay to draw out impurities, urban pollutants, and excess sebum from deep within the pores. As a physical scrub, it utilizes silica beads to gently exfoliate, removing dead surface cells for a smoother, more radiant complexion. The formula features Magnesium Aluminum Silicate and Butylene Glycol to provide a creamy, spreadable texture that remains comfortable on the skin without feeling overly stripping as it dries. Ideal for those living in congested urban environments, it aims to combat 'city skin' by neutralizing environmental stressors. However, while the kaolin clay base is excellent for immediate oil control, the inclusion of specific marine-derived extracts requires a closer look for those with reactive or breakout-prone skin. It offers a refreshing sensation upon application and leaves the skin feeling significantly softer, more matte, and deeply purified.
Our Analysis
Our analysis of the Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub reveals a moderate comedogenic risk level. While the primary ingredients like Kaolin and Charcoal are excellent for managing congestion, we flagged Algae Extract, which carries a high comedogenic rating of 5/5. Algae extracts are often rich in iodides, which can irritate the pore lining and trigger inflammatory acne or micro-comedones in susceptible individuals. Despite its purifying claims, users with persistent acne should proceed with caution. The inclusion of silica provides physical exfoliation, which can further irritate existing pustules if applied with too much pressure.
Skin Type Recommendations
This product is best suited for oily and combination skin looking for deep detoxification and surface smoothing. It is not recommended for acne-prone or highly sensitive skin due to the presence of pore-clogging algae extract. Dry skin types may find the kaolin clay base too dehydrating for regular use.
Flagged Ingredients
Rich in iodides which irritate the pore lining, triggering inflammation and micro-comedones.
Want Deeper Analysis?
Run our MACR (Multi-Axis Comedogenic Risk) analysis to get a comprehensive 5-axis risk assessment. This AI-powered analysis evaluates ingredients for Plugging Risk, Barrier Damage, Fungal Acne Risk, Oxidation Risk, and real-world User Reports — giving you personalized scores for your skin type.
