Review of Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

First of all, I would like to clarify that there are no products that will actually shrink pore size permanently. Once a pore is enlarged, it can only get bigger. That being said, there are products that can minimize the appearance of pores and prevent them from getting larger by keeping them clean and happy.

It is a good idea to use a clay-based mask 1~2 times per week to draw out gunk from pores, especially if you are oily-skinned.

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask claims that the active Charcoal draws out 100~200 times it's weight in impurities, It also claims that China White Clay draws out environmental toxins, but I wouldn't count on that -- even if it does, the amount would be pretty insignificant.

I spread this all over my face after my shower, when my pores are still open from the steam, and leave it on for 20~30 minutes, and remove with warm water.

Ingredients: (I have bolded the important ones)

Water
Myrtus Communis Leaf Water - astringent (reduces irritation and constricts pores)
Kaolin - clay; absorbs oil
Bentonite - clay; absorbs oil
Butylene Glycol - solvent and moisturizer
Montmorillonite - clay; absorbs oil
Polysorbate 20 - surfactant; emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate - surfactant
Charcoal powder - High surface area allows for high absorption; activated charcoal is given through oral ingestion to treat poisonings and drug overdoses, but not too sure how much this helps if applied externally.
Xanthan Gum - thickner
Lecithin - moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier with antioxidant effect
PEG 150 Distearate - surfactant and emulsifier
Propylene glycol stearate - emollient and emulsifier
Sorbitan laurate - emulsifier
Glycerin - solvent and moisturizer
Propylene glycol laurate - emollient and emulsifier
Simethicone - emollient
Caprylyl Glycol - moisturizer and emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin - moisturizer
Hexylene Glycol - solvent
Trisodium EDTA - chelating agent and preservative
Dehydroacetic Acid - preservative
Phenoxyethanol - preservative

Pros:

• Not as drying as other clay masks
• Helps to calm down skin congestion and pimples
• Helps to "loosen" and bring black and white heads to surface
• Sanitary tube packaging
• inexpensive
• fragrance-free

Cons:

• Scared my boyfriend when I had this on
• Stings slightly upon application, so may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin
• May not remove all blackheads (depends on how congested and deep your blackheads are)
• Can be messy when removing mask