Introduction
iS Clinical has quietly built a reputation for blending clinical level actives with spa like sensorial touches, so skincare die hards will nod knowingly at the name while casual shoppers might still be catching up. Count me among the curious fans who trust the brand to turn lab data into bathroom shelf staples.
Now we have Tri-Active Masque, a title that sounds like it should come with a cape. The brand says this botanical enzyme, salicylic acid and eco friendly scrub hybrid is designed to polish away dullness, refine pores and leave skin noticeably softer and brighter, all while a hint of Brazilian blood orange makes the experience feel a bit less medicinal.
I spent a full two weeks applying the masque exactly as directed, timing those five minute sessions, monitoring any warming tingle and tracking changes in texture, clarity and overall glow to decide if it is worthy of your hard earned money.
What is Tri-Active Masque?
Tri-Active Masque sits in the wash-off mask category, meaning it is designed to be applied, left in place for a few minutes and then rinsed away. Wash-off masks are handy when you want a short, concentrated treatment that will not linger on the skin. They deliver actives in a quick burst and are less likely to interfere with whatever products you apply afterward.
This particular formula combines three main modes of exfoliation. First are botanical enzymes from papaya and pineapple that nibble away at dead surface cells. Next comes 1 percent salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant that can work inside pores. Lastly there are biodegradable cellulose particles that give a mild physical scrub. The idea is to smooth skin texture from multiple angles while Brazilian blood orange oil supplies an antioxidant boost and a citrus scent.
The brand positions the masque for most skin types including normal, dry, oily or combination and calls it suitable for concerns like dullness, rough patches, fine lines and blemishes. Application is once a week: massage a thin layer onto damp skin, let it sit for up to five minutes while a gentle warmth develops then rinse with cool water. The whole routine is quick, mess-free and sets the stage for the rest of your skincare regimen.
Did it work?
In the spirit of being wildly scientific I benched my usual wash off mask for three full days before starting Tri-Active and told my bathroom shelf to cope without me. Fourteen days feels like a fair testing window so I slotted the masque in every seventh night exactly as the directions describe, stopwatch in hand.
First application: a light citrus hit, gentle scrub then that faint warming prickle that lets you know the enzymes are clocked in. After the five minute rinse my skin felt glazed-smooth and looked a touch pink, the kind of post facial flush that fades within an hour. Pores on my cheeks seemed tighter, though I know those optical blurs can be fleeting.
The next morning the surface was still baby soft but my drier cheek area felt slightly parched, nothing a midweight moisturizer could not solve. No stinging, no surprise breakouts, so I kept the weekly cadence.
By the second session the tingle dialed down, suggesting the barrier had adjusted. A hormonal blemish on my chin flattened faster than usual and overall tone looked brighter, yet congestion around my nose refused to budge. I did notice makeup glided on more evenly for about two days after each use.
At the end of week two texture was undeniably smoother and light bounced off my forehead more evenly. Fine lines near the mouth seemed softened right after rinsing but the effect did not hold past 24 hours. I also needed a richer night cream to offset a creeping tightness, a tradeoff I rarely get from my usual chemical exfoliant.
So did it live up to the pitch? It polished and brightened, gave a temporary pore blur and helped keep lone blemishes calmer but it stopped short of a full complexion reset. I like it, I just do not love it enough to claim permanent sink-side real estate. If I want a quick glow before an event I will gladly borrow its five minute magic.
Main ingredients explained
The headline act is 1% salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that is oil soluble so it slips inside pores, spins out congestion and helps tame the odd blemish. Because this masque is rinsed after five minutes the acid works fast without hanging around to overstrip but skin that is already using other exfoliants might feel the pinch.
Right alongside are papain and bromelain, plant enzymes sourced from papaya and pineapple. Think of them as tiny Pac-Men nibbling away the glue that holds dead cells in place. They are gentler than many fruit acid blends so even sensitive types usually tolerate them provided the rest of the routine stays calm.
The physical polish comes from biodegradable cellulose microbeads. They are smooth, rounded and far kinder than old school crushed walnut shells so you get a soft buff with minimal risk of micro-tears. Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate handles oil modestly while glycerin keeps water locked in so you do not step out of the rinse feeling sandblasted.
Copper PCA is a nice extra for anyone fighting midday shine since it can help regulate sebum, plus it offers a minor antioxidant assist. Panthenyl triacetate, a stabilized form of vitamin B5, soothes and supports barrier recovery after all that exfoliating. The preservative system relies on 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol, both low irritant choices.
Brazilian blood orange oil supplies the spa-like scent along with a dash of antioxidant limonene. Essential oils can provoke sensitivity in some users and may increase photosensitivity, though the short contact time and rinse off nature of the masque keep the risk low.
Good news for plant-based shoppers: every ingredient is synthetic or plant derived so the formula is vegan and vegetarian friendly. None of the listed components are known to be comedogenic (meaning they are unlikely to clog pores) although individual reactions always vary. As for pregnancy, topical salicylic acid at or below 2% is generally considered safe yet many dermatologists still advise expecting parents to skip it or get medical clearance first, so err on the side of caution and check with your doctor.
There is no added fragrance beyond the natural orange oil, no dyes and no plastic microbeads. All told the ingredient list balances efficacy with skin comfort, though pairing the masque with a replenishing moisturizer afterwards is a wise move.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the straightforward pros and cons roundup after two weeks of use.
What works well:
- Delivers an immediate silky finish and subtle glow that shows up in minutes
- Triple exfoliation approach (enzymes, salicylic acid, cellulose beads) covers most texture concerns without obvious irritation
- Quick five minute routine fits easily between cleanser and moisturizer, making it a convenient pre event pick me up
What to consider:
- Smoother texture and pore blurring tend to fade within a day or two so consistent use is needed
- May leave drier zones feeling tight unless followed with a richer moisturizer
- Sits at a higher price tier compared with many once a week masks
My final thoughts
Tri-Active Masque does what a solid weekly polish should do: sweep away the dulling debris, lend a quick flash of brightness and remind you why a rinse-off treatment can feel like a mini facial without the spa appointment. After two rounds of testing I can say it holds its own among the enzyme-acid hybrids I have tried, even if its “dramatic transformation” promise is really a well-executed yet temporary tune-up. Skin that is normal to combination or prone to the occasional breakout will get the most mileage from that salicylic enzyme trio. Very dry or sensitised complexions might find the post-rinse tightness less charming and would be better served by a gentler, moisture-forward mask.
Would I hand it to a friend? Yes, but with qualifiers: pair it with a nourishing cream, stick to the once-a-week script and do not expect your pores to stay fairy-tale tiny forever. On my personal scoreboard it lands a respectable 7/10 which is high enough to earn a place in my “pre-event quick fix” drawer but not quite the stuff of legends.
If you love the concept yet want options, I have happily rotated through a few other standouts. Deascal’s Pink Clay Glow Mask is an excellent all-rounder that gently exfoliates, decongests and brightens at a friendlier price point while working for every skin type I have tested it on. Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask delivers a satisfying vacuum-clean effect on clogged T-zones without stripping the rest of the face. Those seeking a budget conscious but still effective pore smoother should look at Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask which gives similar polishing results with a little cooling kick.
Before you dive into any of these, remember the usual cautions: patch test first, especially if you are already juggling actives, and keep sunscreen in steady rotation. Results fade if you drop the routine so plan on consistent use. Sorry to sound like an over-protective parent but your barrier will thank you.