Description
What it is
The Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is one of innisfree’s best-known products. It uses volcanic ash from Jeju Island, the brand’s home region, which innisfree processes into what it calls volcanic clusters, combined with kaolin and bentonite clays. The goal is to soak up excess sebum and leave skin looking clearer and more refined.
The current version also carries lactic acid, an AHA, plus fine walnut shell powder for a light polishing effect as you rinse. The brand describes it as a cooling mask thanks to a cooling agent in the formula, and lists it as vegan, cruelty-free and free of fragrance and mineral oil. innisfree’s US site lists the jar at 80 g; older and Asian-market versions sold as Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X come in 100 mL with a slightly different list.
Key ingredients
- Volcanic ash (Jeju volcanic clusters): the hero ingredient, used to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities from the skin surface
- Kaolin and bentonite: two classic clays that help mattify skin and lift away debris
- Lactic acid and lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer: AHA ingredients that help loosen dead surface cells for smoother-looking skin
- Juglans regia (walnut) shell powder: a fine physical exfoliant that adds gentle polishing when you massage the mask off
- Menthoxypropanediol: a cooling agent that gives the mask its fresh feel
- Glycerin and trehalose: humectants that keep the clay from feeling too tight
Product details
| Brand | innisfree (Amorepacific group), South Korea |
|---|---|
| Line | Volcanic |
| Size | 80 g (US listing); 100 mL in the older 2X version |
| Format | Grey wash-off clay mask in a jar |
| Main concerns | Excess oil, visible pores, congestion, rough texture |
| Skin types | Oily and combination skin; normal skin on the T-zone only |
| When to use | One to two times a week, after cleansing |
| Fragrance | Formulated without fragrance, according to the brand |
| Amazon ASIN | B0CQZ3W88P |
How to use
- Cleanse and pat skin dry.
- Spread an even layer over the whole face or only on oily areas such as the T-zone.
- Leave on for about 10 minutes, or until the mask dries.
- Wet your fingertips and massage in small circles as you rinse with lukewarm water.
- Follow with toner, serum and moisturizer.
Multi-masking works well with this product: apply it only to your nose, forehead and chin, and use a hydrating mask on drier cheeks at the same time.
Who it suits
It is made for oily and combination skin that gets shiny by midday and for anyone who wants a weekly pore-care step. Pair it with a hydrating layer afterward, such as the Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum, so skin does not feel stripped.
Who should be careful
Dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin may find clay plus AHA and a scrub-like powder too much; limit use to the T-zone or skip it. Do not use it on broken, sunburned or freshly peeled skin, or on the same night as strong exfoliating acids or retinoids. The walnut shell powder is nut-derived, so anyone with a tree nut allergy should avoid it. AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, so wear sunscreen in the days after.
Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24 to 48 hours before using it on the face.
Full ingredient list
Water / Aqua / Eau, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Silica, Glycerin, Trehalose, Volcanic Ash, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Bentonite, Kaolin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, PVP, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Xanthan Gum, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Sorbitan Stearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Polyacrylate-13, Polysorbate 20, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Metaphosphate, Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Menthoxypropanediol, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyquaternium-10, Lecithin, Tocopherol.
This is the list innisfree publishes for the current Original version on its US site. It contains no fragrance and no drying alcohol (cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol). It does contain walnut shell powder, a tree nut derivative, and corn starch.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I use the Innisfree volcanic clay mask?
The brand recommends one to two times a week. Oily skin can stay at twice a week; combination skin often does better once a week or on the T-zone only.
Should I let the clay mask dry completely?
innisfree’s directions say about 10 minutes or until dry. If your skin feels tight or irritated, rinse it a little earlier.
Does it help with blackheads?
It is designed to absorb oil and clear surface buildup, which can make pores and blackheads look less noticeable, but it will not remove deep blackheads on its own.
What is the difference between the 2X and the current version?
The 2X version was a 100 mL jar sold widely in Asia and online. The current US version is 80 g and highlights lactic acid as an AHA. Ingredient lists differ slightly between the two.
Learn more
See how masks fit into a weekly routine in our Korean skincare routine for beginners, or compare other Korean favourites in our best Korean skincare products in Canada guide.
Ingredient lists can change between batches and markets. Always check the box you receive. This page is an independent guide; melaxin.ca does not sell products directly.
