As someone always on the lookout for effective clarifying treatments, I’ve tried my fair share of clay masks and exfoliating products (Recently I reviewed Sand & Sky Oil Control Mask – Clearing Face Mask for Oily Skin).
When I came across the Collistar Attivi Puri Salicylic Acid + Zinc Clay Mask, I was intrigued – a clay mask formulated with salicylic acid, zinc PCA and niacinamide sounded promising for oily or combination skin, large-pores and blackheads. Many masks tend to focus just on clay or charcoal, but this blend of active ingredients suggested deeper pore cleansing and sebum control, so I decided to give it a try.
What does it do and how to use it?
In particular, the dual aim of detoxifying pores and regulating sebum made Collistar Attivi Puri Salicylic Acid + Zinc Clay Mask stand out as a potential “one-step” mask: cleanse, decongest and mattify. In addition, its description as suitable for all skin types – even ones prone to sensitivity like mine – gave me hope that it could deliver results without over-drying.
What are key ingredients?
• Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) well-known for its pore-penetrating, exfoliating and anti-blemish action. In this mask, it helps to unclog pores by dissolving dead skin cells and excess sebum that tend to cause blackheads, whiteheads or breakouts.
• Zinc PCA
Zinc PCA regulates sebum production, helping to keep oiliness under control – a major plus for oily or combination skin. A well-regulated sebum flow often means fewer shine spots, less congested pores, and a more balanced complexion.
• Niacinamide
This ingredient supports reduction in the appearance of enlarged pores and helps refine skin texture. Beyond pore-minimizing benefits, niacinamide is known to enhance skin tone uniformity and improve skin barrier function.
• Kaolin Clay Base (and Clay Mask Texture)
The clay base helps absorb excess oil, draw out impurities and deeply cleanse the skin. Clay masks are long-loved for their detoxifying and mattifying effect, ideal for skin struggling with shine, congestion or enlarged pores. In this mask, the “soft, creamy” clay texture spreads easily and doesn’t harden too aggressively – which can make it more comfortable than harsher clay masks.
What is the effect?
Collistar Attivi Puri Salicylic Acid + Zinc Clay Mask has a soft, creamy texture. The mask comes in green color, with no fragrance. It’s simple to apply in a thin, even layer on a clean face. The recommended use is twice a week, leaving on for just 10 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly. This is exactly how I use it! What I like is that it easily and quickly washes away, with no much effort – compared to MARY & MAY’s Rose Hyaluronic Hydra Wash-Off Pack.
After rinsing the mask off, my skin immediately felt cleaner and fresher. The usual “post-mask tightness” was minimal, and I liked that the mask didn’t strip the skin completely dry – a common issue with clay masks, especially if left until fully dried.
With regular use, I noticed a visible reduction in shine, especially along my T-zone. My pores appeared slightly less prominent, and the skin texture felt smoother. I also observed a more matte, balanced complexion without that “flat” or overly dry finish.
I also noticed that blackheads and congestion remained reduced, and new breakouts on oily areas were less frequent. I like the skin mattifying effects it provides. Sebum production seemed more regulated with less oily shine, and my skin looked clearer and more matte. For me, the mask became a reliable step in my weekly acne-prone skincare, especially during acne breakouts. Most importantly, Collistar Attivi Puri Salicylic Acid + Zinc Clay Mask causes no irritation to my sensitive skin.
Pros – What the Mask Does Well
- Deep purification of pores and sebum control. The combination of salicylic acid and zinc PCA helps balance oil production and prevents clogged pores. It can be used in skincare routines for teenagers.
- Reduced appearance of pores and smoother texture. Thanks to niacinamide and the gentle exfoliation from salicylic acid, skin felt refined and more even.
- Matte finish without over-drying. The creamy clay texture doesn’t harden aggressively, avoiding the “stripped skin” feel common in many clay masks.
- Suitable for a range of skin types, including oily, combination, and even sensitive (with caution). Individual skin reactions vary so a patch test is needed.
- Easy and quick to use. 10-minute treatment, 1 – 2 times per week, is manageable for skincare routines for beginners – not a time burden.
Cons & What to Watch Out For
- Potential dryness or sensitivity if overused. As with any clay mask, using it more than twice a week, leaving it too long or using alongside other strong exfoliants could over-strip skin. Some dermatology-style advice suggests that overuse of clay masks may compromise the skin barrier.
- Not ideal for very dry skin (unless followed by a rich moisturizer). The sebum-absorbing and exfoliating actives are particularly helpful for oily or combination skin, but for dry skin they could risk dryness or tightness.
- Patch testing is advisable. Because of salicylic acid, some people may react with redness or irritation, especially if they have reactive or sensitive skin.
- Results vary depending on skin baseline. If your skin is already balanced and not particularly oily or pore-prone, the benefits (pore tightening, oil control) may be subtle and less dramatic.
Overall, I believe the Collistar Attivi Puri Salicylic Acid + Zinc Clay Mask lives up to its claims – with regular use, it genuinely helped refine skin texture, reduce shine, and keep pores clearer. For me, it strikes the right balance between effective exfoliation and oil control, without leaving my skin feeling dry. As it contains Zinc, it can be added to a basic skincare routine for acne-prone skin. The mask will not help to get rid of acne completely, but will help to improve the skin condition.
If you have oily or combination skin and are prone to congestion or breakouts, I think this mask is a solid weekly treatment. It won’t replace daily cleansing or spot treatment for active acne, but as a regular detox-and-balance step, it does its job well. I especially recommend it as part of a broader skincare routine: cleanse → mask (1–2×/week) → gentle moisturizer → SPF (daytime).
That said, I’d advise anyone with normal to dry skin to patch-test first – and if skin responds well, follow up with hydration to maintain a healthy moisture barrier.
EverGlow Bliss 
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