Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
ExcellentRare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Pore cleansing + oil control

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…

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Ingredient | Note | Status |
|---|---|---|
Water | Solvent base | Safe |
Kaolin | White clay mineral used for oil absorption and pore cleansing; at position 2 confirms high concentration | Safe |
Bentonite | Swelling clay for deep oil absorption and antimicrobial action; high concentration confirmed at position 3 | Safe |
Propanediol | Plant-derived humectant and solvent | Safe |
Glycerin | Humectant that prevents excessive drying from clay | Safe |
CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide) | Mineral pigment, inert and white in colour. Not a photocatalytic concern at cosmetic use concentrations | Safe |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Emollient that provides skin conditioning and prevents over-stripping | Safe |
Cetearyl Alcohol | Fatty alcohol used as emulsifier and thickener; non-drying | Safe |
Zea Mays Starch (Corn Starch) | Oil-absorbing powder that adds mattifying texture | Safe |
Ceteareth-20 | PEG-derived emulsifier; standard use with trace ethylene oxide potential, an industry-wide issue | Note |
Xanthan Gum | Natural polysaccharide thickener | Safe |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | Soothing and anti-inflammatory, buffering the clay's astringency | Safe |
Avena Sativa Flour | Colloidal oat with anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning properties | Safe |
Allantoin | Anti-irritant and soothing | Safe |
Tocopherol | Vitamin E, an antioxidant | Safe |
Lecithin | Phospholipid emulsifier that is skin-compatible and barrier-supportive | Safe |
Phenoxyethanol | Preservative | Safe |
Caprylyl Glycol | Humectant and co-preservative | Safe |
Ethylhexylglycerin | Co-preservative and skin conditioning | Safe |
Ingredients listed in INCI order as declared on product packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high → low).
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