Introduction
Formula 10.0.6 may not dominate billboards like the industry heavyweights but skincare enthusiasts have long kept it on their radar for affordable formulas that punch above their price tag. The brand has a knack for giving its products playful names and Pores Be Pure Skin-Clarifying Mud Mask is no exception. You could almost imagine it tipping its hat while promising to police every renegade blackhead.
According to Formula 10.0.6 this berry boosted clay concoction dives straight into congested pores. Strawberry and rosemary are tasked with sweeping away debris while yarrow steps in to refine and soothe. A mild tingle upon application is apparently part of the show. Use it up to three times a week they say and watch your complexion breathe easier.
Intrigued by these claims I committed to a full two-week trial, rotating the mask into my nighttime routine to see whether it lives up to its pore purifying promises and whether it warrants a spot in your skincare budget.
What is Pores Be Pure Skin-Clarifying Mud Mask?
Pores Be Pure sits in the wash-off mask category, meaning you smooth it over clean skin, let the formula dry for a short spell and then rinse it away. Wash-off masks act like a concentrated pit stop for the complexion, delivering active ingredients in a thicker format than a regular cleanser but without the commitment of an overnight treatment. They are handy when skin feels congested or dull and you want a quick reset without leaving residue on the pillow.
This particular mask combines two clays, kaolin and bentonite, to draw out excess oil while a trio of botanical extracts steps in for added support. Strawberry fruit extract is included for its gentle exfoliating and antioxidant potential, rosemary leaf extract brings purported antibacterial benefits and yarrow extract is aimed at calming the inevitable post-purge irritation. A small percentage of salicylic acid makes a cameo to help dislodge debris inside pores, and the brand flags a mild tingle as a normal part of the experience.
Formula 10.0.6 recommends using the mask one to three times weekly, leaving it on for up to fifteen minutes and avoiding the eye area. In short, it is a clay-heavy, berry-scented rinse-off treatment designed to give pores a periodic deep clean rather than serve as a daily staple.
Did it work?
In the spirit of hard hitting skincare journalism I benched my usual clay mask for three full days before the first application, which felt extremely scientific given that the rest of my routine remained unchanged. Fourteen days seemed like a fair window to spot meaningful changes so I slotted Pores Be Pure in every third evening, clocking five sessions in total.
Session one delivered the advertised tingle within seconds, a warm prickle that never crossed into sting territory. The mask dried to that familiar matte shell and rinsed away cleanly leaving my face pleasantly smooth yet not alarmingly tight. By the next morning my t zone looked a touch less shiny though stubborn blackheads on my nose were still holding court.
By the third use, around day eight, I noticed small wins: fewer fresh whiteheads along my chin and a slight reduction in the redness that usually circles my nostrils. The clay clearly soaked up excess oil during the 15 minute dry down but the effect was temporary. By late afternoon my combination skin resumed its usual glimmer so any oil control points were short lived.
Heading into the final stretch I was hoping for a dramatic pore purge but results plateaued. The strawberry rosemary scent kept things pleasant and my skin stayed free of irritation, yet blackheads remained mostly unchanged and a couple of dry patches appeared along my jawline. A dab of lightweight moisturizer fixed the flakiness but confirmed that the formula leans a bit drying for frequent use.
So did it live up to its clarifying claims? Partly. My complexion felt fresher after each rinse, surface texture looked smoother and occasional breakouts calmed faster, but deeper congestion stayed put and the oil balancing perks wore off quickly. I will probably finish the tube when I need a quick pre event polish, yet it will not earn a permanent spot in my already crowded mask roster. Still, if you want an affordable pick me up that leaves skin feeling instantly cleaner this berry scented mud has its moments.
Main ingredients explained
Two classic clays power this formula: kaolin sits at the top of the list and acts like a gentle vacuum, soaking up surface oil without yanking every drop of moisture, while bentonite brings stronger absorption muscle for that squeaky clean finish. Right after the clays you will find a trio of fatty alcohols and emulsifiers (stearic acid, cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol). They thicken the mask and keep it feeling creamy though they rank as moderately comedogenic, meaning they can clog pores in some skin types prone to breakouts.
The headline “berry boosters” arrive midway through the deck. Strawberry fruit extract lends a touch of natural alpha hydroxy acids and antioxidants, rosemary leaf extract offers light antibacterial support and a fresh herbal aroma, and yarrow extract is often used for its soothing properties. None of these botanicals appear at concentrations high enough to count as actives but together they give the mask its pleasant spa vibe.
Salicylic acid sits lower in the list yet still deserves attention. Even at a small percentage this beta hydroxy acid can wiggle into oily pores to loosen debris and help calm inflamed spots. That said salicylic acid falls into the group of ingredients doctors commonly restrict during pregnancy so anyone expecting or trying to conceive should check with their physician before use.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) offers antioxidant support while glycerin sneaks in humectant moisture to cushion the drying effect of clay. Caprylic/capric triglyceride delivers a light occlusive layer to reduce post rinse tightness.
On the preservation front the formula uses phenoxyethanol plus methylparaben and propylparaben. These are widely studied preservatives that keep microbial growth in check though some consumers prefer to avoid parabens. There is also added fragrance and a Red 7 Lake dye, both potential irritants for very sensitive or rosacea prone skin.
No animal derived ingredients appear on the INCI list so the mask is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Those watching for pore clogging triggers should note the fatty alcohols mentioned earlier and test patch first. (Comedogenic simply means an ingredient has the potential to block pores which can lead to blackheads or pimples.)
Overall this is a fairly straightforward clay mask: absorbent minerals do the heavy lifting, a light dose of salicylic acid chases residue inside pores and botanical extracts make the experience feel more indulgent. The presence of fragrance, colorant and salicylic acid means extra caution for sensitive, pregnant or fragrance averse users, otherwise the ingredient lineup is solid for the price.
What I liked/didn’t like
After five rounds of testing a few clear strengths and caveats surfaced.
What works well:
- Leaves skin feeling noticeably smoother and looking a touch brighter right after rinsing
- Berry-herbal fragrance makes the short masking window feel spa-like without lingering
- Affordable price point for a formula that combines two clays, salicylic acid and antioxidants
What to consider:
- Oil control fades by midday so results are best viewed as quick, not lasting
- Regular use can accentuate dry patches on combination or sensitive skin
- Includes fatty alcohols that may not suit those highly prone to clogged pores
My final thoughts
After five rounds in the trenches I would slot Pores Be Pure firmly in the respectable middle of the clay mask hierarchy. It smooths, briefly mattifies and adds a quick hit of freshness that feels rewarding after a long day, but it stops short of delivering the kind of deep pore purge that leaves you marvelling in the mirror. On my combination skin the pros just outpaced the cons which is why the mask lands a 7/10. I would recommend it to a friend who wants an affordable once-or-twice-a-week clarifier, is not battling persistent blackheads and does not mind a bit of post-rinse tightness that calls for moisturiser. If your primary goal is heavy-duty oil control or tackling deeply set congestion then you will likely find yourself craving something stronger.
This mask should suit teens and twenty-somethings still experimenting with easy clay formulas, or anyone who prefers fragrance in their skincare and enjoys that fleeting tingle. Drier or mature skin types, as well as noses loaded with stubborn blackheads, might walk away underwhelmed. I felt I gave it a fair shake given my fairly crowded history with wash-off masks and while it will earn a place in my “quick reset” pile it will not dethrone my long-term favourites.
Speaking of favourites, there are some excellent alternatives if you want to broaden the search. Deascal’s Pink Clay Glow Mask is my one-and-done pick for all skin types; it exfoliates, brightens and calms in a single sitting and its performance punches well above its price. Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask has been a go-to whenever my t zone feels like an oil slick yet somehow still avoids overdrying the cheeks, while Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask gives a gentle AHA kick alongside the clay for those chasing radiance. Finally The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is a solid budget option that leans harder into chemical exfoliation when breakouts are bubbling. I have rotated through each of these more than once and can vouch for their individual strengths.
Before you slather anything on, remember the basics: patch test first, especially if you have reactive skin, and ease in gradually if you plan on pairing a clay mask with other actives. Results from any wash-off treatment are, by nature, temporary so consistency is key. Sorry to sound like an over-protective parent but your face will thank you later.