When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. When the press release for Fenty Skin’s Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Detox Face Mask ($32) mask landed in my inbox, it caught my attention instantly, and not just because I’m a sucker for a clever play on words (though that was a selling point).
No, what was most appealing about this new product was how it was marketed — as a detoxifying formula that would unclog pores and minimize breakouts without drying out the skin. A face mask that would, theoretically, clear my acne and brighten my complexion, all without leaving my skin desert-dry? Say less. I decided to put Rihanna’s new skin launch to the test and, to my surprise, the product had my skin shining bright like a diamond in under a week.
A name like Cookies N Clean might have you thinking it’s filled with ingredients that speak to your sweet tooth, but neither chocolate nor sugar were used in the making of this sweet formula. Instead, the whipped mask is packed with skin-loving extracts and minerals, including Kaolin Clay, charcoal, and salicylic acid (BHA). Board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt.
Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Jeannette Graf told Insider that Kaolin Clay is a gentle, silica-rich, white mineral that can “prevent acne, manage dry skin, and balance out the excess oil on the skin. ” It’s great for all skin types, including sensitive complexions.
The small black beads dotting the mask’s white base are charcoal. Graf points out that charcoal is especially beneficial for those with combination to oily skin, and those who struggle with acne. “It is a natural absorbent and works to remove excess oils and toxins from the skin, gently exfoliate, and unclog pores,” Graf says.
The inclusion of salicylic acid (BHA) is also particularly beneficial for blemishes, specifically blackheads. Graf describes the acid as an “anti-inflammatory agent” used to deeply exfoliate, unclog, and visibly minimize pores. It also works to smooth your complexion and balance your skin tone.
The directions specify that the mask should only be used three times a week max, and on non-consecutive days, so I masked up on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, each time cleansing as usual (using The Outset’s Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser ) beforehand. The packaging specifies that the mask can be applied to wet or dry skin. For experimentation’s sake, I tried both methods.
Following the directions, I also made sure to dissolve all of the charcoal beads during the application before starting the timer and watching the mask transform from white to light grey before my eyes. On day one, I was battling some hormonal acne and redness. I applied the mask to my towel-dried face post-cleanse and my skin was incredibly soft — and not at all dry — to the touch upon rinsing.
When I woke up the next morning, my redness had gone, my acne was visibly smaller, and the rest of my complexion was clear and glowing. On day two, I applied the mask to a damp face. The only noticeable difference between the wet and dry applications worth mentioning was how easily the charcoal beads dissolved.
I experienced similar results; the pimples from the start of the week were specks on my forehead by Wednesday morning. I felt so good in my skin that I went about my day makeup-free. On my final day of masking, a new blemish took up residence on my forehead.
Unfortunately, I failed to perform my regular skincare routine before hitting peak sleepiness, so I only wore the mask for 10 minutes before bed. Fortunately, it proved sufficient. I woke up Friday morning with an almost completely clear face.
For anyone who deals with acne, irritation, or is just sick of face masks that yield results but dry out their skin in the process, I cannot recommend Fenty Skin’s Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Detox Face Mask enough. It’s not a hydrating formula, but it doesn’t dry out your skin. It does what it promises; minimizes blemishes and brightens your complexion.
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From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/guides/beauty/fenty-cookies-n-clean-face-mask-review
