Introduction
Ilso might not yet be the first name that pops into every skincare enthusiast’s mind, but it deserves a place on the radar thanks to its quietly consistent lineup of gentle yet efficacy-focused formulas. The Korean brand markets itself as a master of balancing science and sensorial comfort, and that reputation alone had me curious.
Enter Clean Up Mud Cream, a product whose no-nonsense name almost sounds like a friendly command rather than a mask. Ilso promises that this wash-off treatment will sweep away excess oil and dead cells with a hefty dose of kaolin and Amazon white clay while keeping skin quenched through hyaluronic acid, ceramide NP and a cactus stem extract. A touch of centella and sea fennel is said to cool and calm so even reactive complexions can enjoy a deep cleanse.
Claims this confident invite aside, I devoted two full weeks of regular use to see whether Clean Up Mud Cream could truly strike that tricky balance between pore-purifying power and post-rinse softness, and of course whether it merits a spot in your routine and your budget.
What is Clean Up Mud Cream?
Clean Up Mud Cream sits in the wash-off mask category, meaning it is a treatment you spread over freshly cleansed skin, let it get to work for several minutes then rinse away completely. Unlike a leave-on product, a wash-off mask offers a short burst of targeted action without staying on the skin long term, making it useful for people who want a deeper cleanse than a regular face wash can provide.
The formula relies on a high concentration of kaolin and Amazon white clay, two mineral powders that can bind to oil, debris and spent surface cells so they lift away more thoroughly when you rinse. Because clay alone can leave skin feeling tight, Ilso pairs it with hydrators such as hyaluronic acid, ceramide NP and opuntia cactus stem extract. These attract and hold water so the post-mask finish is less dry or squeaky.
To reduce the risk of irritation the cream also contains centella asiatica and crithmum maritimum extracts, ingredients often used for their calming and mild cooling properties. The brand positions the mask as suitable for all skin types, with a special nod to anyone concerned about visible pores or excess sebum.
Usage is straightforward: cleanse first, optionally soften pores with brief steam, spread an even layer while avoiding the eye and lip area, wait the instructed time then rinse with lukewarm water. The product is meant to be an occasional step rather than a daily staple, functioning as a reset when skin feels congested.
Did it work?
In the spirit of rigorous skincare science I pressed pause on my usual wash-off mask for three full days before starting this trial, which felt oddly heroic for someone whose idea of research usually involves scrolling ingredient lists at midnight. Fourteen days strikes me as a fair window to judge a formula so I slotted Clean Up Mud Cream into my evening routine every third night, for a total of five sessions.
The first application impressed more than I expected. The cream spread smoothly and set without that brittle, chalky shell some clay masks create. I left it on for the suggested ten minutes, then rinsed. My skin emerged a tad pink but noticeably smoother, with the stubborn sheen across my T-zone toned down by at least half. More important, there was no tightness once my serum went on which signaled that the hydrators were pulling their weight.
By the second and third uses I noticed the mask’s mild cooling kick in almost as soon as it touched my cheeks. The sensation lasted the whole wait time and was genuinely soothing after a humid commute. Pore visibility around my nose reduced a little further, though not so dramatically that I wanted to frame a before-and-after photo. What impressed me more was how even my skin tone looked the next morning; it had that freshly buffed glow without any flaking at the corners of my mouth, a common casualty with stronger clay formulas.
The final two sessions told a slightly different story. While the mask still left my face clean and comfortable, the visible gains plateaued. Sebum control held steady for about a day but by late afternoon the familiar shine crept back. I also discovered that if I pushed the wear time past twelve minutes my dehydrated patches along the jaw felt scratchy despite the ceramide cushioning. Keeping to the recommended window solved that but it highlighted that the product is more gentle maintenance than miracle worker.
So did it live up to its claims? For the most part yes: it clears surface gunk, offers a temporary pore-tightening effect and avoids the desert-dry aftermath typical of clay masks. Still, the benefits never crossed into transformative territory for my combination skin. I enjoyed the calming chill and the easy rinse-off but the results were not quite compelling enough to replace my existing favorite. If you are looking for a dependable mid-strength reset and appreciate a hydrating clay hybrid this is worth a test drive, even if I will not be giving it permanent residency on my own shelf.
Clean up mud cream’s main ingredients explained
The backbone of this formula is a generous 250,000 ppm blend of kaolin and Amazon white clay. Both clays are prized for their fine particle size and high absorbency which translate into that satisfying post rinse matte feel. They act like microscopic sponges binding oil, dead cells and grime so everything washes away in one go. Because clays can sometimes over strip, Ilso padded the texture with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and caprylic/capric triglyceride. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid pull water into the upper layers of skin while the triglyceride, a lightweight ester of coconut oil, leaves behind a thin emollient veil. A quick heads-up for acne prone readers: caprylic/capric triglyceride carries a moderate comedogenic rating, meaning it can contribute to clogged pores if your skin is already very reactive to fatty ingredients.
Ceramide NP joins the hydration party to support the lipid barrier which is the waxy matrix that keeps moisture in and irritants out. When paired with the cactus stem extract (opuntia ficus-indica) the result is a bounce-back softness that survived several air-conditioned workdays during testing. Centella asiatica and sea fennel (crithmum maritimum callus culture filtrate) add a mild cooling and redness-reducing effect thanks to madecassoside and chlorogenic acids respectively. I appreciated that these soothing agents sit fairly high on the list so you are not just getting marketing pixie dust.
The rest of the roster is a tidy collection of plant extracts like fig, pear and strawberry that bring small doses of antioxidants, plus 1,2-hexanediol and ethylhexylglycerin which double as humectants and gentle preservatives. There is no added fragrance or essential oil which lowers the risk of sensitisation for reactive skin. I also did not spot any animal-derived components so the formula appears suitable for vegans and vegetarians, though certification is not explicitly stated by the brand.
Pregnancy concerns are minimal here because there are no retinoids, salicylic acid or high-level exfoliating agents, but as always anyone pregnant or nursing should clear any new topical with a healthcare professional. Lastly if you keep an eye on pH the mask sits around 6, comfortably skin-friendly and unlikely to disrupt barrier function when used as directed.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick rundown after five rounds of masking:
What works well:
- Spreads evenly then rinses off cleanly so there is no need for cloths or extra rubbing
- Leaves skin visibly smoother with a softer matte finish that lasts through the workday
- Maintains hydration thanks to the hyaluronic acid and ceramide blend so skin feels calm not stripped
What to consider:
- Sebum control tapers off by the next day which may not satisfy very oily skin
- Results level out after a few uses making it feel more like maintenance than a major upgrade
- Includes caprylic/capric triglyceride which may not suit those who clog easily
My final thoughts
After five rounds I can comfortably place Clean Up Mud Cream in the respectable middle tier of the clay mask universe. It delivers that freshly polished look without sacrificing moisture, which is more than many competitors manage, but the effects level off quickly and oil control is strictly a next day affair. If you are combination or normal and want a dependable reset for dull or congested days this hits the mark. Those with very oily skin or anyone chasing dramatic pore shrinkage may find the formula polite rather than persuasive.
On my personal leaderboard it earns a solid 7/10. I would recommend it to a friend who values a gentle clay option and does not expect miracles in a single swipe. For power users already loyal to stronger formulas it might feel like a pleasant cameo rather than a permanent cast member.
If you are curious yet wondering what else is worth your time, a few alternatives I have used and rate highly are:
Pink Clay Glow Mask by Deascal, an excellent allrounder that exfoliates, clears pores, brightens and generally gives skin a full reset at a friendly price; Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque by Kiehl’s which offers a firmer grip on oil without stripping; Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask by Innisfree for a quick but thorough shine shutdown; and Salicylic Acid 2% Masque by The Ordinary when you want a budget friendly blend of clay and chemical exfoliation.
Before you slather anything on remember the basics: patch test first, keep expectations realistic and understand that any glow is rented not owned so regular use is key. Sorry to sound like an over protective parent but your face will thank you.