The INKEY List Kaolin Clay Mask Versus Paula's Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask
Updated on June 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free wash off masks. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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, 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
The INKEY List Kaolin Clay Mask 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask 33 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The INKEY List Kaolin Clay Mask 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask 33 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentSodium Stearate
CleansingSodium Magnesium Silicate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Dimethyl Sulfone
Solvent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sea Water Extract
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLonicera Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
Emollient
Geranium Maculatum Extract
TonicTaraxacum Officinale Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentSpirulina Maxima Extract
SmoothingPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Water, Kaolin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Decyl Glucoside, Cellulose Gum, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Carbomer, Tocopherol, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Sea Water Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Lonicera Japonica Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
Absorbent
Titanium 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 Conditioning
Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Epilobium 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
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinKaolin 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 KaolinMagnesium 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 SilicatePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
The INKEY List Kaolin Clay Mask 38 ingredients
Paula's Choice Clear Purifying Clay Mask 33 ingredients
Reviews
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