Introduction
Freeman is one of those dependable high street names your bathroom shelf has probably hosted at least once, yet it still manages to fly under the radar of anyone who sticks strictly to luxury labels. The brand has long built its reputation on affordable, playful formulas that punch above their price tag, and I will admit I have a soft spot for its no-nonsense approach to skin care.
The latest to join the lineup, Exotic Blends Soothing Korean Cica Clay Mask, arrives with a title as elaborate as a K-drama plot twist. Freeman promises a calming cocktail of Korean cica to soothe temperamental complexions while clay gets to work on clarity and hydration, all without the usual parade of parabens and silicones. In theory it sounds like the ultimate peace treaty for stressed skin.
To see whether the claims hold water I cleared my schedule and my pores, using the mask consistently for two weeks. The goal was simple: figure out if this multitasking green paste is worth trading in your coffee money for a fortnight.
What is Exotic Blends Soothing Korean Cica Clay Mask?
This formula sits in the wash-off mask category, meaning it is designed to be applied, left to dry for about 15 minutes then removed with water. Wash-off masks are popular for delivering quick but concentrated treatment sessions without the leave-on residue that can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
The focus here is twofold. First, kaolin and bentonite clays aim to draw out excess oil and surface debris, a classic strategy for keeping pores clearer. Second, the mask includes centella asiatica extract, often shortened to cica, a botanical reputed for calming redness and supporting the skin barrier. Freeman positions the blend as suitable for most skin types, including those prone to dryness or sensitivity, and points to a formula free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates and mineral oils. It is also labelled vegan and cruelty free.
In short, this product is meant to offer a weekly reset for skin that feels congested or reactive, combining the oil-absorbing qualities of clay with a soothing plant extract so users can address both clarity and comfort in one step.
Did it work?
In the name of very serious dermatological research I benched my usual wash off mask for three days before diving into this one, a sacrifice that made me feel like a scientist in a rom com. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to judge results so I stuck to the recommended twice weekly schedule, slathering the pale green paste across my face and neck then zoning out for 15 minutes while it dried.
The first application was surprisingly gentle. I braced for that telltale tight, itchy sensation some clay formulas deliver but only felt a mild cooling tingle from the peppermint oil. Rinsing off left my skin looking a touch brighter around the nose and chin with zero redness. Nice but not earth shaking.
By the third session the short term perks became predictable: pores appeared a bit more refined after each rinse and my forehead stopped producing late afternoon shine. What startled me was how comfortable my cheeks felt. Clay products often leave that area parched on my combination skin yet here it stayed calm and decently hydrated.
Week two revealed the bigger picture. Small whiteheads that had been threatening along my jaw never fully formed, suggesting the kaolin and bentonite were doing their job keeping congestion in check. Redness around an old acne mark faded a smidge faster than usual which I credit to the centella. Still, the mask did not deliver a dramatic glow or long lasting hydration. By morning my skin looked pretty much back to baseline though definitely not irritated.
So did it make good on its claims? Mostly. It soothed without stripping, moderated oil in my T zone and offered a mild brightening effect. Would I slot it into my permanent rotation? Probably not since the results, while pleasant, did not outperform my current favorites. That said I would happily reach for it after a hot day in the city when my skin is feeling cranky because sometimes a quick calming reset is all you need.
Main ingredients explained
The first thing you notice on the INCI list is the clay duo of kaolin and bentonite. Both are naturally mineral rich and excel at soaking up excess sebum while gently lifting debris from pores. Because they sit on the skin rather than penetrate deeply they tend to be non-irritating, making them a safer bet for combination or sensitive faces that still need an occasional deep clean.
Next come the classic humectants: glycerin and sorbitol. These small molecules pull water into the upper layers of the epidermis so the clays never cross the line into parch-city. The formula supports them with sodium lactate and a whisper of lactic acid, the latter offering the bonus of very mild exfoliation for smoother texture over time.
The headline act is centella asiatica extract, better known as cica. Rich in asiaticosides and madecassoside, it has documented abilities to calm redness, speed up barrier repair and defend against environmental stress. That soothing profile is one reason the mask leaves cheeks comfortable instead of tight after rinsing.
Supporting players include titanium dioxide for the signature pale green opacity, magnesium aluminum silicate to stabilize the texture and polysorbate 20 to keep the oily and watery bits in harmony. Preservatives phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin guard against microbial growth while peppermint oil and anise fruit extract lend a herbal scent. Peppermint can tingle pleasantly but may provoke sensitivity in reactive skin so patch testing is wise.
Those scanning for pore-clogging culprits will note glyceryl stearate and PEG-100 stearate carry a moderate comedogenic rating. “Comedogenic” simply means an ingredient has the potential to block pores and trigger breakouts in skins already prone to congestion. The concentration here is low but acne-prone users should monitor how their skin responds.
The recipe is proudly vegan and free of animal derivatives which makes it suitable for vegetarians too. As for pregnancy use the mask avoids high-risk actives yet it does contain essential oils and a gentle alpha hydroxy acid. Out of caution anyone expecting or nursing should run the ingredient list past a healthcare professional before adding it to a routine.
Worth noting: the color comes from chromium oxide greens rather than artificial dyes and the formula skips parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates and mineral oil. In short it is a relatively clean blend balancing absorbent clays with barrier-friendly hydrators and a calming botanical twist.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here are the standouts and the watchouts from my two week trial:
What works well:
- Calms visible redness within minutes and leaves skin feeling balanced rather than tight
- Soaks up excess oil on the T zone which keeps shine at bay for a few hours post rinse
- Washes off cleanly with no stubborn residue so it fits easily into an evening routine
What to consider:
- The soothing and mattifying effects are short term and largely gone by the next morning
- The cooling tingle from peppermint oil may not suit very sensitive or fragrance-averse skin
- Those chasing a noticeable glow or deep hydration may feel the payoff is too subtle
My final thoughts
After a fortnight of face hugging this pastel green paste I can say I like it more than I love it. Exotic Blends Soothing Korean Cica Clay Mask lands a respectable 7/10 because it genuinely dials down redness, reins in midday shine and never leaves my cheeks begging for moisturizer. If you are hunting for a no fuss wash off mask that settles cranky skin without the drying drama of harsher clays, this is a safe bet. If you crave transformational radiance or long term oil control you will probably view it as a pleasant pit stop rather than a destination.
I would recommend it to friends who have combination or mildly sensitive skin that flares up in summer, to gym goers needing a quick reset after sweating or to anyone new to clay masks who fears a tight Sahara finish. I would steer chronic glow chasers, fragrance avoiders and serious dehydration sufferers toward richer or more exfoliating formulas.
For readers weighing their options I have road tested a mountain of masks and a few alternatives consistently impress. Deascal’s Pink Clay Glow Mask is an excellent all rounder that exfoliates, clarifies and brightens in one go and its price to performance ratio is tough to beat. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque goes deeper on purification without overwhelming the barrier. Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask offers a satisfying cooling sensation plus micro particles for a gentle scrub down. The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque blends BHA with clay for those who need extra help with blackheads. Any of these would serve as worthy substitutes depending on your specific goals.
Before you dive in a quick PSA: patch test along the jaw or behind the ear first (sorry for sounding like an over protective parent) and remember that any clarity or calm you gain will fade if you abandon regular use. Consistency, as always, is the real secret sauce.