Paula's Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask Versus Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask
Updated on June 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free wash off masks. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Paula's Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask 33 ingredients
Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask 38 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask 33 ingredients
Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
AbsorbentTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetyl Esters
Emollient
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentGlycerin
Humectant
Illite
Abrasive
Tapioca Starch
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Copper PCA
HumectantLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Chloride
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid 0.5%, Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Esters, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Glycerin, Illite, Tapioca Starch, Zea Mays Starch, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Zinc PCA, Copper PCA, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Oryza Sativa Starch
AbsorbentBentonite
AbsorbentCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentMontmorillonite
AbsorbentIllite
Abrasive
Calcite
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Salix Purpurea Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Indocyanine Green
UV AbsorberAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Triticum Aestivum Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Charcoal Powder
Abrasive
Sodium Citrate
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Quartz
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Kaolin, Stearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Oryza Sativa Starch, Bentonite, Cetyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Montmorillonite, Illite, Calcite, Salicylic Acid, Salix Purpurea Bark Extract, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Allantoin, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Indocyanine Green, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Triticum Aestivum Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Charcoal Powder, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Quartz, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Maltodextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic 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 AcidWater. 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 BentoniteMagnesium Aluminum Silicate is a type of silica. It comes from naturally occuring minerals such as silicate ores and clay.
Magnesium aluminum silicate is used for enhancing texture and as an absorbent. Due to its large molecular size, it is unable to be absorbed into the skin.
Like other types of silica, this ingredient can be used to thicken a product. As an absorbent, it may be used to absorb extra water or help prevent clumping.
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Magnesium Aluminum SilicateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinIllite is an exfoliant.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitratePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask 33 ingredients
Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask 33 ingredients
Youth To The People Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask 38 ingredients
Not impressed.. yet.
I’m not impressed. I’ve used it three times, the latter two during a significant breakout, and it didn’t move the needle at all. The thing that saved my face the most was the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant. Immediately after using those two products I saw a difference overnight. This mask, didn’t impact my skin in any way.
I’ll continue Show more
