the klog Sweet Potato BHA Clay Mask Versus MediCube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Updated on August 12, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe wash off masks. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA, exfoliants, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E
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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
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 klog Sweet Potato BHA Clay Mask 36 ingredients
MediCube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask 51 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 klog Sweet Potato BHA Clay Mask 36 ingredients
MediCube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask 51 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Bentonite
Absorbent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
CI 77891
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentStearic Acid
Cleansing
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Silica
Abrasive
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Arachidic Acid
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lauric Acid
Cleansing
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Kaolin, Butylene Glycol, Bentonite, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, CI 77891, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Palmitic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Stearic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Dimethicone, Myristic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arachidic Acid, Tocopherol, Lauric Acid, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, CI 77492
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
Absorbent
Methylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus 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 Conditioning
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting
Eel 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
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Fructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Fructose
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
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 Conditioning
Limonene
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
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-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
Bentonite 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 BentoniteButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Kaolin 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 SilicateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
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 this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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
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When to use
the klog Sweet Potato BHA Clay Mask 36 ingredients
MediCube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask 51 ingredients
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