Introduction
May Lindstrom might still be a whisper to some but in skincare circles the brand is whispered with the sort of reverence usually reserved for haute cuisine chefs. Small batch production, uncompromising ingredient sourcing and a touch of mystique have earned it a loyal following that swears by its sensorial rituals and skin transforming formulas.
Enter The Problem Solver Mask, a name that sounds equal parts superhero and therapist. According to the brand it is a jet-black blend of raw cacao, bamboo charcoal, mineral-rich clays, salts and an exotic spice rack intent on brightening, calming and fortifying every complexion it touches. Promised benefits range from fading stubborn spots to coaxing collagen and keeping breakouts in check, all delivered through a powder-to-mousse that warms on contact then detoxifies with gusto.
I devoted two full weeks to ritualistic mixing, application and rinse-off sessions to see if this ambitious concoction lives up to its billing and, more importantly, if it deserves a spot in your routine or simply in the realm of beautiful promises.
What is the Problem Solver Mask?
The Problem Solver is a wash-off mask, which means you apply it, let it sit then rinse it away rather than leaving it on overnight. Wash-off masks are handy when you want a concentrated treatment that works in a short window and does not interfere with the rest of your routine. They deliver actives quickly, can be tailored to your schedule and avoid the risk of prolonged contact that sometimes irritates skin.
This particular formula arrives as a dry powder that you mix with water until it turns into a mousse. Once activated it aims to brighten skin, reduce visible inflammation, soften hyperpigmentation and curb breakouts. The mask leans on mineral clays and charcoal to absorb excess oil, cacao and vitamins A C and E to supply antioxidants plus a suite of spices said to stimulate circulation. The brand positions it as suitable for all skin types including sensitive, with usage recommended one to three times a week and a wear time of roughly half an hour.
In short The Problem Solver is a short-contact, rinse-off treatment designed to deliver an exfoliating detox while feeding the skin a nutrient hit, all within the familiar rhythm of a weekly masking session.
Did it work?
In the interest of scientific rigor I shelved my usual wash-off mask for a few days before starting this trial, a very serious act of skincare self sacrifice if I do say so myself. Fourteen days felt like a fair stretch to judge whether this cacao charcoal cocktail could truly behave as the overachiever it claims to be.
I mixed roughly three quarters of a tablespoon of powder with the same amount of water every third evening, whisked until airy then spread the mousse over clean skin. The first thing I noticed was the warmth: not a tingle so much as a low simmer that settled after a minute. During the initial treatment my skin felt slightly taut as the mask dried but rinsed off without a fight once rehydrated in the shower. Post wash my face looked a touch pink yet surprisingly calm within ten minutes, with pores temporarily smaller and an unmistakable smoothness that reminded me of a gentle acid peel.
By the fourth application (end of week one) the novelty of mixing had worn off but the glow stuck around. I woke up to clearer tone and one inflamed hormonal spot at my jaw had flattened overnight. Still, the mask is no quick fix for pigmentation; two stubborn sun freckles on my cheek remained identical in hue though the borders looked a hair softer.
Into week two I stayed consistent and added an extra mid week session just to see if frequency would amp results. Oiliness along my T zone definitely dialed down and the tiny whiteheads that usually pepper my chin stayed at bay. On the flip side the warmth increased with each use and bordered on prickly by day 12, prompting me to mist my face midway through the dry time for relief. No lasting irritation showed up, yet I would not call the experience relaxing for sensitive complexions.
When the fortnight wrapped my skin felt balanced and smoother with fewer active breakouts and a subtle brightness that friends described as “well rested”. However hyperpigmentation shifts were minimal and the mask did not outperform the gentler enzyme formula I normally reach for. I can appreciate the earthy ritual and can see it shining as an occasional deep clean for oil prone skin but I will not be making it a staple in my own rotation. If you crave a spicy detox once a week it delivers on clarity and texture so it may still earn a place in someone else’s cabinet.
The Problem Solver Mask’s main ingredients explained
The first thing to catch the eye is raw cacao powder, a source of polyphenol antioxidants plus magnesium and zinc that help calm inflammation while giving the mask its deep chocolate aroma. Because it is cacao without added butter the comedogenic risk is low, though anyone highly prone to congestion should patch test.
Next up are three clays: Moroccan lava, red kaolin and fuller’s earth. Together they work like tiny magnets pulling sebum and pollutants from pores and lightly exfoliating as they dry. None of these clays are comedogenic so they will not block pores; in fact they are often used to prevent that very issue.
Activated bamboo charcoal boosts the detox angle by adsorbing (yes with a d) impurities within its porous structure. It is inert, non irritating and gives the mask its jet black colour.
The spice blend is where things heat up. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, turmeric and cayenne stimulate microcirculation which explains the warmth and post mask flush. They also bring antibacterial properties that help keep breakouts in check. Still spices can be sensitising so sensitive skin should keep an eye on reaction time and frequency.
Sea salt and red alaea clay contribute minerals that support barrier function while marshmallow root powder lends soothing polysaccharides. Vitamin C in its pure L ascorbic acid form offers a brightening kick though the short contact time means results build gradually.
Worth noting: the formula is completely plant based and free of animal derivatives so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No heavy oils appear in the INCI list and the clays counter any potential pore clogging from the small amount of spice oleoresins making the overall comedogenic risk low. (Comedogenic simply means likely to clog pores and trigger blackheads or pimples.)
Pregnancy wise the inclusion of potent spices and essential oil constituents like cinnamal and eugenol means expectant or nursing parents should consult their doctor before use. When in doubt skip or patch test until professional guidance is given.
Finally because the formula is water free it needs no traditional preservatives which can be a plus for those avoiding phenoxyethanol or parabens. Just keep moisture out of the powder to prevent microbial growth and the ingredients will stay potent to the last scoop.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick rundown after two weeks of masking sessions.
What works well:
- Leaves skin feeling notably smoother and clearer after each use, almost like a gentle acid polish without the sting
- Helps keep oil levels in check and visibly calms emerging breakouts within a day or two
- Powder form stays fresh between uses and lets you adjust thickness to suit your mood or skin needs
What to consider:
- Spice induced warmth can edge into prickly territory for sensitive skin, especially with frequent use
- Requires a bit of effort to mix and rinse, which may not suit those after a quick-hit treatment
- Brightening and spot fading build very slowly, so anyone focused on stubborn pigmentation may want to pair it with a dedicated serum
My final thoughts
After fourteen days of diligent slather-rinse-repeat, The Problem Solver Mask earns a solid 7/10 from me. It excels at immediate smoothness and oil management, puts a noticeable dent in emerging breakouts and offers a ritualistic thrill for anyone who enjoys a little at-home spa drama. Where it falls short is speed: pigmentation shifts are gradual and the warming spice medley can feel like too much of a good thing if your skin runs reactive. I have worked through more clay and charcoal formulas than I care to count, so I feel confident saying I gave this one a fair shake.
Who will love it? Combination and oily complexions hunting for a weekly deep clean that also plays at being a circulation booster. Who might pass? Highly sensitive or rosacea-prone skin and anyone whose primary goal is aggressive spot fading. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, with the caveat that they appreciate a little heat and do not mind a slow burn on brightening claims.
If you like the concept but want options, I have enjoyed several worthy alternatives. Pink Clay Glow Mask by Deascal is an excellent allrounder that exfoliates, clarifies and brightens in one tidy step and its price tag is refreshingly grounded. Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask gives a quick pore purge without the spice tingle, Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask offers budget-friendly sebum control that rivals higher-end picks and NIOD’s Flavanone Mud pushes detox into high-tech territory for those who crave something a bit geekier. All four have seen real estate on my bathroom shelf and each brings its own spin on the classic clay treatment.
Before you dive in, remember a couple of basics: patch test first (sorry for sounding like an over-protective parent) and keep expectations realistic. Any brightness or clarity you gain will stick around only with consistent use and an otherwise sensible routine. Happy masking and may your glow be ever in your favor.