Benefit CosmeticsmaskMask step

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Kaolin Clay Mask

This mask uses kaolin clay to draw out impurities and oil, helping to visibly shrink pores. It's designed to be effective without leaving skin feeling tight or stripped, thanks to added botanical oils.

Sephora price

$22.00 - $39.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.5 / 5

About 888 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Good for: PoresGood for: Uneven TextureMineral-Rich Kaolin Clay: Visibly clarifies pores.Sea Fennel Extract: Mops up excess surface oil.Jojoba Seed and Plum Kernel Oils: Supply essential fatty acids (like omega-9) and soften skin.Pores

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.5 / 5 overall fit

A gentle but effective clay mask that clarifies pores without over-drying, making it a good weekly treatment for most skin types.

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Kaolin Clay Mask

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

View Sephora

What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A smooth, creamy clay mask that visibly clears pores and feels gentle and comfortable on skin.

NormalDryCombinationand OilyPores

Apply evenly to a clean, dry face and neck weekly.

Leave on for 30 minutes or until dry.

Dots appear as oil is drawn out of pores.

Rinse.

Beauty tip: Smooth on The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Primer (sold separately) before makeup for smoother-than-smooth skin!

Precautions: Avoid eye and mouth areas. In the event of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water.

Recycling Instructions: FSC-certified outer packaging and aluminum jar and lid are recyclable in many areas. Please check your local recycling guidelines.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A solid weekly treatment for anyone concerned with pore appearance and oiliness. It’s a good option when you want a targeted pore-clearing step without the harshness of some other clay masks.

Visible Pore Reduction

Many reviewers are impressed by how much smaller their pores appear after using this mask, noting a smoother skin texture overall.

Comfortable Wear

Users appreciate that the mask dries down without cracking or feeling uncomfortably tight, and that it rinses off easily.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Oily and combination skin
  • Those concerned with visible pores
  • People seeking a gentle weekly deep clean

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You have very dry, dehydrated skin and prefer hydrating masks
  • You are looking for an overnight treatment

Routine Fit

How to fit this into your routine

Use this mask once a week after cleansing. Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Leave on for up to 30 minutes, or until it dries. Rinse thoroughly with water. Follow with your usual serum and moisturizer.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

  • Effectively clears pores
  • Gentle formula, non-drying
  • Pleasant texture and scent
  • Visibly reduces pore appearance

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • Results are temporary and require consistent use
  • May not be potent enough for severe acne concerns

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Weekly Treatment

This mask is best used as a weekly deep-cleansing treatment to help manage oil and pore congestion. It can be used in the morning or evening.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.5/ 5 overall

A gentle but effective clay mask that clarifies pores without over-drying, making it a good weekly treatment for most skin types.

Pore Clarifying

4.6 / 5

Users consistently report visible pore improvement and a reduction in blackheads after using this mask.

Gentle Formula

4.4 / 5

Despite being a clay mask, many find it non-stripping and comfortable to wear, even on drier or sensitive skin.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Aqua (Water)

Badness

0.0 / 10

The primary ingredient, acting as a base for the formula.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Absorbent

Kaolin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A soft white clay that absorbs excess oil and impurities from the skin, helping to clarify pores.

Usually helps with

Oiliness, pore clarity

Watch for

Can be drying if overused or left on too long

Absorbent

Silica

Badness

2.0 / 10

A mineral that can absorb moisture and oil, contributing to a matte finish and helping to manage shine.

Usually helps with

Oil control, mattifying

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Humectant

Butylene Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A humectant that helps to draw moisture into the skin and can also act as a solvent.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Humectant

Pentylene Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A humectant that helps to hydrate the skin and can also have preservative properties.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Colorant

CI 77007 (Ultramarines)

Badness

0.0 / 10

A blue pigment used for color in cosmetics.

Usually helps with

Color

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate

Badness

3.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients. Some individuals may be sensitive to PEGs.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

Potential for sensitivity in some individuals

Thickener

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer

Badness

0.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

0.0 / 10

A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that acts as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin.

Usually helps with

Softening skin

Watch for

None

Colorant

CI 77499 (Iron Oxides)

Badness

0.0 / 10

A black pigment used for color in cosmetics.

Usually helps with

Color

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the formula from degradation.

Usually helps with

Formula stability

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Lecithin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A natural phospholipid that helps to emulsify ingredients and can also have skin-conditioning properties.

Usually helps with

Emulsification, skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Opacifier

Mica

Badness

0.0 / 10

A mineral that adds shimmer and opacity to cosmetic products.

Usually helps with

Texture, appearance

Watch for

None

Preservative

Chlorphenesin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. It can be a skin irritant for some.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Potential for skin irritation

Soothing Agent

Bisabolol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A component of chamomile oil known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Usually helps with

Calming skin

Watch for

None

Colorant

CI 77491 (Iron Oxides)

Badness

0.0 / 10

A red pigment used for color in cosmetics.

Usually helps with

Color

Watch for

None

Emollient

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Badness

0.0 / 10

Vegetable oil that has been hydrogenated to create a more stable, solid fat. It softens and smooths the skin.

Usually helps with

Emollience

Watch for

None

Botanical Extract

Opuntia Coccinellifera Flower Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

An extract from the prickly pear cactus flower, known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

Usually helps with

Hydration, antioxidant

Watch for

None

Colorant

CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)

Badness

0.0 / 10

A white pigment used for color and as a physical sunscreen agent.

Usually helps with

Color, opacity

Watch for

None

Chelating Agent

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and performance of the formula by binding to metal ions.

Usually helps with

Formula stability

Watch for

None

Emollient

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil

Badness

0.0 / 10

A liquid wax that closely resembles human sebum, it moisturizes and conditions the skin without clogging pores.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing, balancing

Watch for

None

Emollient

Prunus Domestica Seed Oil

Badness

0.0 / 10

Plum kernel oil, rich in fatty acids, which helps to soften and condition the skin.

Usually helps with

Softening skin

Watch for

None

Fragrance

Parfum (Fragrance)

Badness

5.0 / 10

Adds a scent to the product. Fragrance ingredients can be a common source of skin irritation and allergies.

Usually helps with

Scent

Watch for

Potential for irritation and allergies

pH Adjuster

Disodium Phosphate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Usually helps with

pH balance

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Potassium Hydroxide

Badness

1.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product. In high concentrations, it can be irritating.

Usually helps with

pH balance

Watch for

None

Thickener

Xanthan Gum

Badness

0.0 / 10

A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Botanical Extract

Crithmum Maritimum Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Sea fennel extract, known for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant, skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Humectant

1,2-Hexanediol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the product.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

None

Humectant

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A humectant that helps to condition the skin and can also act as a preservative booster.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

0.0 / 10

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Colorant

CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide)

Badness

0.0 / 10

A blue pigment used for color in cosmetics.

Usually helps with

Color

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Sodium Phosphate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Usually helps with

pH balance

Watch for

None

Skin-Conditioning Agent

Sphingolipids

Badness

0.0 / 10

Lipids naturally found in the skin barrier, helping to maintain moisture and support skin health.

Usually helps with

Skin barrier support

Watch for

None

Skin-Conditioning Agent

Sphingomonas Ferment Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fermented extract that can help to improve skin hydration and texture.

Usually helps with

Hydration, texture improvement

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Tocopheryl Acetate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A stable form of Vitamin E, providing antioxidant benefits to protect the skin.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust the pH of the product. Can also provide mild exfoliation at higher concentrations.

Usually helps with

pH balance, mild exfoliation

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the formula from degradation.

Usually helps with

Formula stability

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Sodium Citrate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Usually helps with

pH balance

Watch for

None

Compare before you buy

The next pages that make this product more useful

A good product page should push you into the next decision, not trap you inside one product page forever. These are the cleaner next clicks.

FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this mask suitable for all skin types?

Yes, it's formulated for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin. It's particularly beneficial for those concerned with pores and oiliness, while the added oils help to prevent over-drying.

How often should I use this mask?

It's recommended to use this mask weekly as a deep-cleansing treatment. Using it more often might lead to dryness for some skin types.

What does it mean when dots appear on the mask?

The appearance of dots indicates that oil is being drawn out from your pores as the mask works.