MediCube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask Versus APRILSKIN Triple Acids Oil-Absorbing Clay Mask
Updated on July 31, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe wash off masks. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA, exfoliants and PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
MediCube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask 51 ingredients
APRILSKIN Triple Acids Oil-Absorbing Clay Mask 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
MediCube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask 51 ingredients
APRILSKIN Triple Acids Oil-Absorbing Clay Mask 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
AbsorbentMethylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Orange Roughy Oil
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Rugosa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
Humectant
Primula Veris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Pinaster Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMaranta Arundinacea Root Extract
SmoothingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingEel Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Safflower Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Coffee Bean Extract
Antioxidant
Panax Japonicus Root Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Smilax China Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Indicum Extract
Antioxidant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Lauryl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCellulose
AbsorbentGlucose
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Canadian Colloidal Clay
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMontmorillonite
AbsorbentIllite
Abrasive
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningLimonene
Perfuming
CI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantGuaiazulene
Antimicrobial
Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Orange Roughy Oil, Rosa Rugosa Flower Extract, Honey Extract, Primula Veris Flower Extract, Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract, Maranta Arundinacea Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Eel Extract, Hydrolyzed Safflower Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Coffee Bean Extract, Panax Japonicus Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Smilax China Bark Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Lauryl Phosphate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose, Glucose, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Canadian Colloidal Clay, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Montmorillonite, Illite, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Copper Tripeptide-1, Xanthan Gum, Caffeine, Limonene, CI 77510, Guaiazulene
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Propanediol
SolventBentonite
AbsorbentGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Charcoal Powder
Abrasive
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentNiacinamide
Smoothing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlgin
Masking
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Water
MaskingIndigofera Tinctoria Extract
MaskingIllite
Abrasive
Dextrin
AbsorbentHemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMontmorillonite
AbsorbentMyosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Extensin
Skin ConditioningWater, Kaolin, Propanediol, Bentonite, Gluconolactone, Silica, Charcoal Powder, 1,2-Hexanediol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Niacinamide, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Algin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Mandelic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Water, Indigofera Tinctoria Extract, Illite, Dextrin, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Montmorillonite, Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Extensin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinBentonite is an aluminium phyllosilicate clay with great absorbent properties. The name 'bentonite' comes from the area where the largest source is found: Fort Benton, Wyoming.
As a clay, bentonite is often used to absorb excess oil and provide exfoliation. It has also been shown to have some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show bentonite was effective at calming dermatitis from poison ivy and in diaper dermatitis of infants. Bentonite has also been shown to act as a barrier against toxic compounds on your skin.
Sunscreens containing bentonite display higher water resistance and stay on the skin for much longer. The sunscreens containing bentonite also show higher potency and UV light absorbtion.
Bentonite is naturally created from volcanic ash and several natural weathering/hydrothermal processes.
A common usage of bentonite is removing excess protein from white wines. Bentonite contains a property of being able to absorb large amounts of protein from aqueous solutions.
Phyllosilicate clay has a structure formed by sheets.
Learn more about Bentonite1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidMontmorillonite is a clay (aluminomagnesium silicate) with strong absorption properties. It has a similar pH to skin.
This clay is named after Montmorillon in France.
Learn about other types of clay, such as Kaolin, Bentonite, or Fuller's Earth.
Learn more about MontmorilloniteIllite is an exfoliant.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
MediCube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask 51 ingredients
APRILSKIN Triple Acids Oil-Absorbing Clay Mask 32 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
MediCube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask 51 ingredients
It actually works well for oily/combined skin. The effect is visible even after a single use. I use it two times per week, once for entire face and once for T-zone. But it’s rather a strong thing, might be too aggressive for people with sensitive skin
This broke me out so bad . 0/10
APRILSKIN Triple Acids Oil-Absorbing Clay Mask 32 ingredients
Excess oil begone!
A clay mask and gentle exfoliator in one. I only use it on my nose and chin now, as it is a bit drying. Also, don’t leave it on too long (no more then 10 min) because it is also an exfoliator. My skin feels very clean and my pores look great after using this. I took off one star only because it's a bit drying and I can't use it all over my face. I think it would work best for Show more
