Introduction
Some By Mi may not command the global spotlight the way certain K-beauty giants do yet it has quietly built a cult following on the strength of formulas that balance fun concepts with respectable science. I have to admit the brand’s playful approach to product names tickles me; “Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask” sounds like something a Saturday morning superhero would slap on before saving the city.
Name aside the company promises a multitasking wash-off mask that lifts debris from congested pores, reins in excess oil and tempers irritation through a cocktail of matcha, cica and gentle clays. It is marketed as suitable for all skin types with the goal of leaving skin clearer, smoother and less reactive.
I put those claims to the test over a full two weeks of regular use, logging every application and watching closely for changes so you can decide if this green wonder is worth your hard-earned money.
What is Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask?
This product sits in the wash-off mask category, meaning it is applied to clean, dry skin, left to dry for a set time then rinsed away. Wash-off masks serve as short, intensive treatments rather than leave-on moisturizers. They are popular for providing a focused dose of actives while limiting prolonged exposure that could irritate sensitive skin.
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask relies on a blend of absorbent clays and antioxidant-rich matcha extract. The clays work like tiny magnets that draw out excess oil, dead skin cells and lingering grime from pores. Matcha contributes polyphenols that help fend off free radicals generated by daily environmental stress. Supporting ingredients like cica and centella asiatica bring soothing properties aimed at calming redness that often accompanies congested or oily complexions.
Because the formula is designed to reset the surface quickly then wash away, it targets those who want a cleaner look and feel without committing to stronger exfoliating acids or scrubs. The brand recommends using it once or twice a week so it slots easily into most routines without crowding out other staples.
Did it work?
In the name of very serious skincare science I benched my usual wash off mask for three whole days before introducing Super Matcha, figuring a 14 day window was long enough to give it a fair shake without throwing my skin into chaos. I followed the brand’s instructions to the letter, applying a medium layer every fourth night for a total of four sessions, always on freshly cleansed skin and letting it sit a strict 15 minutes before reuniting it with lukewarm water.
The first application felt pleasantly cooling and I noticed the rinse off left my T zone looking less reflective than usual. My cheeks, which lean dry, escaped that tight post clay sensation and required only my regular toner to feel balanced again. Overnight there was no surprise purging or redness, a relief because clay formulas sometimes annoy the capillaries around my nose.
Session two delivered similar instant gratification: a smoother forehead and pores that looked a hair smaller under bathroom lighting. By the fourth use I could concede a mild yet visible improvement in congestion on my chin where stubborn sebaceous filaments like to camp out. Blackheads on my nose, however, proved more tenacious. They looked lighter right after rinsing but were back to their usual shade within 48 hours, suggesting the mask dislodges surface gunk without fully evicting the deeper tenants.
Oil control was respectable though not miraculous. I still needed blotting papers by mid afternoon but one sheet did the trick instead of two. On the plus side there was zero flaking or irritation even when I layered my usual retinol the night after masking, so the calming claims check out.
After two weeks my verdict is that Super Matcha performs as a quick reset rather than a long term pore minimiser. It lives up to its promise of leaving skin feeling refreshed, smooth and slightly clearer, yet the effects plateau quickly and do not compound with continued use. I enjoyed the spa like ritual and would happily recommend it to friends seeking an occasional detox, but I will not be carving out permanent shelf space for it. Still, it is a pleasant option to borrow when my complexion needs a brief pick me up.
Super matcha pore clean clay mask’s main ingredients explained
The backbone of this formula is a trio of absorbent clays: kaolin, bentonite and magnesium aluminum silicate. They sit on the skin like ultra fine sponges, soaking up sebum and loosening the debris that exaggerates the look of pores. Because clays are inert minerals they rarely cause irritation or clogging, making them friendly to most skin types including acne-prone complexions.
Next comes the star antioxidant blend. Matcha (Camellia sinensis leaf and leaf water) delivers catechins that help neutralise free radicals generated by UV and pollution. Unlike some green tea derivatives that are processed into shadowy extracts, matcha is simply powdered whole leaf so you get the full spectrum of polyphenols.
Centella asiatica extract, along with its isolated compounds asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid, steps in to calm redness and support barrier recovery. This cica quartet is particularly useful if your skin flushes easily or you are combining the mask with retinoids or exfoliating acids on alternate nights.
Capryloyl salicylic acid (often called LHA) offers a gentle, oil-soluble exfoliation. It is structurally related to salicylic acid but has a larger molecule that stays closer to the surface, nibbling away at dead cells without the sting that traditional BHAs can cause. However any salicylate derivative is generally placed in the caution column for pregnancy so always obtain medical approval before use if you are expecting or nursing.
Supporting extracts like houttuynia cordata, tea tree water and cypress leaf add an extra antibacterial nudge while allantoin and allantoin-rich rosa rugosa soothe. Quartz and silica give the mask its faintly gritty dry-down which helps lift residue during the rinse-off stage yet feels far less abrasive than a scrub.
The formula is free of animal-derived ingredients so it will sit comfortably in a vegan or vegetarian routine. None of the listed components carry a high comedogenic rating (that index grades how likely an ingredient is to clog pores) though very sensitive users should still patch test because even low-risk ingredients can trigger individual reactions.
Worth noting: fragrance sits midway down the INCI list. The scent is light and dissipates quickly but if you are highly fragrance-averse keep it in mind. Otherwise the ingredient roster reads like a thoughtful blend of oil-management staples and barrier-friendly botanicals which explains the mask’s ability to detox without leaving skin uncomfortably tight.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick rundown after four sessions on combination skin.
What works well:
- Cools on contact and rinses away clean leaving skin instantly softer and a touch brighter
- Soothing mix of cica and gentle clays caused no redness and layered comfortably with retinol the next night
What to consider:
- Effect on blackheads is fleeting so pores look clearer only for a day or two
- Oilier skin types may need something stronger for long term sebum control
- Includes added fragrance which those with sensitivities may wish to patch test first
My final thoughts
Finding a wash-off mask that strikes a balance between meaningful pore care and skin comfort is not always straightforward. After four rounds with Some By Mi’s Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask I can say it sits comfortably in the middle ground. On my combination skin it delivered a reliably fresher look, toned down shine and never veered into irritation, yet it stopped short of delivering a major overhaul of stubborn blackheads or long-term oil regulation. I have worked through plenty of similar formulas over the years, so I feel confident the test window was fair. Overall I land at a solid 7/10. I would suggest it to friends who want a gentle mid-week detox or need a soothing option that will not interfere with actives the following night. If you are chasing dramatic pore shrinkage or a lasting matte finish you might reach for something stronger.
Speaking of options, a few alternatives deserve mention. Deascal’s Pink Clay Glow Mask is an excellent all-rounder that exfoliates, clears pores, brightens and refreshes without fuss and its price-to-performance ratio is hard to beat. Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Pore-Purifying Face Mask remains my benchmark for deeper congestion thanks to its mineral-rich clay that never leaves skin parched. Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask offers impressive sebum control for those steamy summer days while still rinsing clean in one go. Finally The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque brings gentle chemical exfoliation to the party, making it a smart pick when you want a BHA boost alongside classic clay absorption. I have rotated all of these through my own routine and each brings a slightly different strength to the table.
Before you dive in a quick word of caution (forgive me for sounding like an over-protective parent). Patch test any new mask behind the ear or along the jaw for a couple of evenings, especially if your skin is reactive. Remember that the glow and clarity you see after rinsing are temporary wins that need consistent upkeep, so keep expectations realistic and enjoy the ritual.