The Clean Sheet
85
Kiehl'srinse off

Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

Excellent

Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

Pore cleansing + oil control

Fragrance FreeNo ParabensNo DyesINCI VerifiedDual Clay FormulaOily / Combination SkinAll Skin TypesCeteareth-20 (PEG Emulsifier)
18
Safe
1
Note
0
Caution
₹2,500–₹3,000Analysed 20 May 2026
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Key Actives
Kaolin
Mineral clay that absorbs sebum, draws out impurities, and provides mild physical exfoliation
Bentonite
Swelling clay that absorbs excess oil, has antimicrobial properties, and deep-cleanses pores
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Soothing and anti-inflammatory, mitigating the dryness typical of clay masks
Avena Sativa Flour (Oat)
Delivers avenanthramides with anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning properties
Allantoin
Anti-irritant and soothing, buffering clay irritation
Expert Summary

Kiehl's cleanest product by score. A kaolin and bentonite clay mask that is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free, with no dyes and no essential oils. Kaolin and Bentonite at positions 2 and 3 confirm high active clay concentrations, as these are the product's core function. Glycerin at position 4 prevents the classic problem of clay masks over-drying the skin. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Avena Sativa Flour (Oat) provide soothing and skin conditioning. Allantoin adds anti-irritant activity. This is a well-formulated, clean clay mask with appropriate ingredients at appropriate positions.

Score Breakdown
85/100 points
Safety & ToxicityExcellent

This is one of the cleanest formulas in the Kiehl's range: fragrance-free, paraben-free, no dyes, no essential oils. Kaolin and Bentonite are inert mineral clays with no systemic safety concerns. Ceteareth-20 is a PEG-derived emulsifier — a single PEG compound at low concern, though trace ethylene oxide potential is a general industry-wide issue with PEG derivatives. Being a rinse-off product also helps: limited skin contact time significantly reduces systemic absorption of any ingredients.

Formulation Quality & EfficacyStrong

The two clays appear at INCI positions 2 and 3, confirming they are the dominant active ingredients — which is exactly what you want in a clay mask. Kaolin absorbs sebum and provides mild physical exfoliation. Bentonite swells in water to draw out impurities and has antimicrobial properties. Glycerin appears early enough in the formula to counteract the drying effect that clay masks can cause. Aloe Barbadensis, Colloidal Oat (Avena Sativa Flour), and Allantoin add further soothing and anti-inflammatory support. The formula is doing what it says at the right ingredient positions.

Ingredient Disclosure & TransparencyStrong

Full INCI is published and the clay types are clearly identified. The 'Rare Earth' branding refers to Amazonian White Clay — another name for Kaolin — which is not misleading, though it is a marketing flourish. No ingredient concentrations are disclosed, which is standard practice across the market.

Ethics & SustainabilityFair

Kiehl's is owned by L'Oréal, which sells in mainland China where animal testing can be required by regulation. No PETA certification. Standard packaging.

🇮🇳
India Skin Context

Oiliness, enlarged pores, and clogged pores are among the most common skin complaints in India due to heat and humidity. A clay mask 1-2x weekly is a well-evidenced approach. This is among the cleanest clay masks at the premium price point and a good Kiehl's recommendation for Indian consumers.

Full Ingredient List
Safe Note Caution
IngredientNoteStatus
Water
Solvent baseSafe
Kaolin
White clay mineral used for oil absorption and pore cleansing; at position 2 confirms high concentrationSafe
Bentonite
Swelling clay for deep oil absorption and antimicrobial action; high concentration confirmed at position 3Safe
Propanediol
Plant-derived humectant and solventSafe
Glycerin
Humectant that prevents excessive drying from claySafe
CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)
Mineral pigment, inert and white in colour. Not a photocatalytic concern at cosmetic use concentrationsSafe
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Emollient that provides skin conditioning and prevents over-strippingSafe
Cetearyl Alcohol
Fatty alcohol used as emulsifier and thickener; non-dryingSafe
Zea Mays Starch (Corn Starch)
Oil-absorbing powder that adds mattifying textureSafe
Ceteareth-20
PEG-derived emulsifier; standard use with trace ethylene oxide potential, an industry-wide issueNote
Xanthan Gum
Natural polysaccharide thickenerSafe
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Soothing and anti-inflammatory, buffering the clay's astringencySafe
Avena Sativa Flour
Colloidal oat with anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning propertiesSafe
Allantoin
Anti-irritant and soothingSafe
Tocopherol
Vitamin E, an antioxidantSafe
Lecithin
Phospholipid emulsifier that is skin-compatible and barrier-supportiveSafe
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSafe
Caprylyl Glycol
Humectant and co-preservativeSafe
Ethylhexylglycerin
Co-preservative and skin conditioningSafe

Ingredients listed in INCI order as declared on product packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high → low).

About this scorecard

Clean Sheet Scores are generated by analysing every ingredient against India, EU, US & Korean safety regulations. No brand sponsorship. No affiliate relationships. Independent science-backed analysis only.

The Clean Sheet does not use fear-based ingredient labels. We assess products through a structured evidence hierarchy:

  • What global regulations say
  • What toxicology says
  • What the formula concentration shows
  • What the product format changes
  • What the intended user needs
  • What testing evidence proves
  • What the brand is claiming
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