Introduction
Peace Out has earned a reputation for turning skincare woes into something a little more fun, thanks to its emoji-stamped acne patches and no-nonsense formulas that genuinely pull their weight. Even so, its latest launch might have slipped under the radar if you have been loyal to sheet masks and liquid exfoliants. Enter the cheerfully named Pore Perfecting Stick, a product that promises to literally “stick it” to congestion while smoothing, mattifying and generally keeping oil in check.
The brand highlights a dual-exfoliation formula that cleanses, nourishes and, according to its own one-week consumer study, wows nearly everyone who tries it. Impressive numbers aside, I wanted to know how that optimism translates to real skin, real pores and real life. So I spent two full weeks putting the stick through its paces, using it both as a quick scrub and as a ten-minute mask, to see whether it deserves a spot in your routine or just a polite pass.
What is Pore Perfecting Stick?
At its core this is a wash-off mask that doubles as a physical and chemical exfoliant. In other words you apply it to areas prone to congestion, let the blend of scrubbing particles and acids do their work, then rinse everything away. Wash-off masks are popular because they deliver active ingredients in a short contact time which limits the risk of irritation while still giving that freshly polished feel once removed.
The formula combines mild silica for surface buffing with a trio of alpha hydroxy acids plus salicylic acid to reach inside pores and dissolve buildup. Kaolin helps mop up excess oil while humectants like glycerin aim to keep the skin from feeling stripped. The brand positions it as a twice-weekly maintenance step or a ten-minute intensive treatment when texture looks particularly rough.
Peace Out also markets the stick as suitable for most skin types citing its gentle profile and the absence of reported irritation in a small one-week study. The headline promise: fewer visible blackheads, less shine and a smoother canvas after consistent use.
Did it work?
In the spirit of very scientific research, I benched my usual wash-off mask for a few days before starting this trial so Pore Perfecting Stick could have the stage all to itself. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to see meaningful changes, especially since the directions call for just two or three uses a week.
For the first pass I massaged it across the classic T-zone, waited the suggested minute, then rinsed. Right away my skin felt smoother and noticeably less slick, the kind of instant payoff that makes you think wow, this is working. No redness, no sting, just a faintly tight feeling that disappeared once moisturizer went on. The next morning my forehead looked a touch clearer, but stubborn dots on my nose were still on show.
By the third application I tried the ten-minute mask method. The acids seemed to dig a little deeper because tiny whiteheads that had been brewing came to the surface and cleared within a day. I kept up this rhythm every other night and by the end of week one my cheeks looked more refined and midday shine was downgraded to a low glow. Still, blackheads along the sides of my nose were only marginally lighter and pores were not quite the airbrushed vision the study stats had me picturing.
Week two brought a small hiccup: a patch of flakiness on the bridge of my nose. Nothing major, but enough to remind me this is an exfoliant and not a gentle gel cleanser. I dialed back to a quick scrub instead of the full mask and the dryness calmed down. At that point the overall results plateaued. My skin remained smoother, makeup sat better and breakouts stayed away, but the dramatic pore vanishing act never fully materialized.
So did it make good on its claims? Partly. It definitely tamped down oil, kept texture in check and delivered a nice just-had-a-facial glow, yet it stopped short of erasing blackheads or shrinking pores to near invisibility. I enjoyed using it and would happily recommend it to someone battling mild congestion, but I will be sticking with my current routine rather than giving this a permanent slot on the shelf.
Pore perfecting stick’s main ingredients explained
First up is hydrated silica, the ultra fine mineral that gives the formula its gentle physical grit. Unlike sharp walnut shells or apricot kernels it buffs away dead cells without risking micro tears, leaving skin immediately smoother. Partnering with it is kaolin, a soft clay prized for its oil absorbing talent. Kaolin soaks up sebum sitting at the mouth of pores which helps the acids penetrate more evenly and gives that instant matte finish the brand promises.
The chemical side of the exfoliation equation is handled by a trio of alpha hydroxy acids. Lactic acid tops the list at a mild concentration for surface smoothing and extra hydration, mandelic acid brings a slightly larger molecular size that works more slowly so it is less irritating and glycolic acid sneaks in for deeper polish. Together they loosen the glue between dead cells making it easier for debris to rinse away. Salicylic acid, the lone beta hydroxy acid, is oil soluble so it can dive inside pores and break up clogs before they turn into blackheads or whiteheads.
Niacinamide plays supporting actor status here. At around the two percent mark it calms redness, strengthens the moisture barrier and has a long game brightening effect, handy after regular exfoliation. The formula also leans on a cocktail of fruit extracts from mango, papaya and pineapple which supply natural enzymes and a dose of antioxidants. Fomes officinalis mushroom extract, often included for its pore tightening feel, rounds out the complexion refining team.
Humectants propanediol and glycerin counterbalance the acids by pulling water into the skin so you get the polished look without the stripped afterfeel. Phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin act as preservatives while polylysine gives extra antimicrobial backup. None of the listed ingredients come from animals so the product is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
On the comedogenic front most components score low, but sodium stearate can clock in at a moderate rating for a small percentage of users. A comedogenic ingredient is one that has been shown to clog pores in certain studies or anecdotal reports, so if you are extremely breakout prone keep an eye on how your skin responds.
Because the stick contains salicylic acid and multiple AHAs it falls into the caution zone for pregnancy or nursing. While these acids are rinse off and generally regarded as low risk many dermatologists recommend avoiding leave on beta hydroxy acids during pregnancy so check with your doctor before diving in.
One final note: the pH appears to sit in the sweet spot for acid activity which means you can expect reliable exfoliation without the formula tipping too harsh. Just remember to follow with sunscreen in the daytime since freshly exfoliated skin is more sun sensitive.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of testing here is the straightforward rundown.
What works well:
- Instantly leaves skin smoother and less shiny after each rinse
- Offers both physical and chemical exfoliation without noticeable stinging or redness for most skin types
- Flexible use as a quick polish or a ten minute mask makes it easy to slot into an existing routine
What to consider:
- Pore size and blackheads may improve, but results stop short of a dramatic transformation
- Can trigger mild dryness or flaking if used too often or left on too long
- Costs more per use than many standard clay or AHA masks
My final thoughts
Pore Perfecting Stick lands squarely in the “good but not game changing” category for me. It earned a solid 7/10 because the oil control and quick smoothness are genuinely satisfying, yet its blackhead-busting promise left me wanting more. After two weeks of alternating between speedy scrub sessions and the full ten-minute mask, I can confidently say it outperforms a basic clay mask and is kinder than many acid peels, but it will not single-handedly rewrite a congested skin story. If you have combination or mildly oily skin that flares up around the nose and chin, this is a worthwhile tool. If your concerns run deeper or you expect vanishing-point pores, you will likely see incremental rather than dramatic change.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, with caveats. I would happily point a colleague battling occasional T-zone shine toward it, though I would nudge anyone with sensitive or very dry skin to start slowly. Likewise, seasoned exfoliant users who already keep a rotation of acids and retinoids may find the payoff too subtle to justify the price tag.
For those who want the same category of results but are curious about alternatives I have also tried, Pink Clay Glow Mask by Deascal is an excellent one-and-done option that sweeps away dullness, clears pores and perks up tone at a very friendly price point. If your skin leans oilier, Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque by Kiehl’s offers a reliable deep clean without excessive tightness. Instant Detox Mask by Caudalie gives a pleasant tingling lift when skin looks particularly sluggish while Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask by Innisfree packs a surprising punch for stubborn congestion yet rinses off without residue. All four have earned repeat use in my routine and cover a range of budgets and skin moods.
Before you dive in, remember a few realities: any exfoliating mask demands sunscreen diligence the next day, results fade if you do not keep up regular use and skin can behave unpredictably with new actives. Please patch test first (apologies for sounding like an over-protective parent) and listen to your skin’s feedback. Consistency plus moderation will always beat a single heroic swipe.