In the world of clay masks, finding a truly effective yet comfortable product is no easy feat, especially if you have dry skin like me. The POREfessional Deep Retreat by Benefit It was created with this very promise: to deeply purify pores without compromising skin comfort. After testing it several times, I can tell you how it actually works on the skin, clearly distinguishing the results declared by the brand da the ones I have personally encountered.
Benefit The POREfessional Deep Retreat: Texture, Sensuality, and First Impressions
The mask has a creamy, compact texture, based on kaolin clay, yet is surprisingly easy to apply. It's not the typical clay that feels tight right away: once applied to the face, it feels comfortable and even, without creating that immediate feeling of stiffness that often troubles those with dry or sensitive skin.
While it's on, something unusual happens: small, darker dots begin to appear on the surface. This isn't an optical illusion, but a visual cue from the mask's purifying action, which brings impurities and excess sebum to the surface. It's an almost satisfying detail, making the treatment visually intuitive.
And for even more evident results I recommend you also take a look at the Benefit The POREfessional Degunker Pore-Cleansing Face Mask.
ALSO READ: Benefit The POREfessional Foundation: Review and Swatches
The key ingredients and why they work
The formulation is designed to be effective but balanced:
- Kaolin clay: absorbs impurities and sebum, helping to unclog pores without being aggressive.
- Sea fennel extract: helps to rebalance excess sebum and improve the appearance of skin texture.
- Bisabololo: provides comfort and helps keep skin calmer during application.
- Jojoba oils and plum: they counteract the drying effect typical of clays, leaving the skin soft.
- Opuntia Extract: known for its smoothing and softening properties.
- Sphingolipids and ferments: support the skin barrier and help maintain hydration.
This combination explains why the mask is effective even on non-oily skin. However, its optimal use remains within a skincare for combination skin or fat.
AQUA (WATER), KAOLIN, SILICA, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES), PEG-40 SORBITAN PEROLEATE, SODIUM ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, LECITHIN, MICA, CHLORPHENESIN, BISABOLOL, CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES), HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT, CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, PRUNUS DOMESTICA SEED OIL, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, CITRIC ACID, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, SODIUM CITRATE.
The results declared by the brand
According to self-assessment tests reported by Benefit, after the first use, skin appears visibly purified, less shiny, and healthier-looking. With continued use over time, skin is described as brighter, more even-toned, smoother, and with an overall more cared-for appearance.
AFTER FIRST USE:
-92% say skin and pores appear visibly purified*
-96% say their skin is no longer shiny or oily*
-96% say their skin appears healthier*
AFTER 1 MONTH OF USE:
-96% say skin appears brighter**
-93% say their skin appears healthier, more even and uniform**
-99% say skin appears smoother and softer**
*self-assessment by 112 participants after 1 use of the product
**self-assessment by 112 participants after 1 month of using the product
My personal results (dry skin)
I have a dry skin, who usually doesn't like clay masks. This is precisely why I use The POREfessional Deep Retreat. only occasionally, as a detox treatment, when I feel my skin is duller or less uniform.
The thing that struck me most is that does not dry the skin, not even leaving it on until completely dry (although I usually always prefer to remove it when it is still soft). After rinsing, the skin does not "tighten", does not sting and does not require an immediate rush to the ultra-nourishing cream. On the contrary, the sensation is that of a skin cleaner, smoother and visibly more uniform, with a refined grain.
Pores appear tidier and less noticeable, especially in the central area of the face, and the complexion appears fresher and more compact. It's a mask I use when I want to give my skin a purifying burst, without giving up the comfort which is fundamental for me.
How to use and practical advice
I apply it to a dry face, avoiding the eye and lip area, and leave it on until it begins to dry, then remove it. Rinsing is easy and doesn't require vigorous rubbing. After the treatment, I always apply a hydrating serum and a nourishing cream to complete the ritual.
I don't use it weekly as suggested for combination or oily skin, but One-off, adapting it to the needs of my dry skin.
Packaging and attention to sustainability
The aluminum jar, like the cap and outer packaging, is completely recyclable. The FSC® Recycled certified cardboard is a detail I really appreciate, as it combines aesthetics, functionality, and environmental awareness.
I find this jar format very convenient as it allows me to take all the product until the end without waste.
Final houghts
The POREfessional Deep Retreat It's a well-designed clay mask: it purifies, refines skin texture, and leaves the face visibly smoother, without sacrificing comfort. It's also particularly useful for those with dry skin and, like me, looking for a detox product to use occasionally, without the fear of feeling tight.
A clever, effective, and surprisingly gentle mask that demonstrates how clay can be suitable even for those who usually avoid it.
Where to buy
BUY HERE: SEphora
Price €40,50 – Size 75 ml
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