This product's printed ingredient list changed on our last re-scrape — added: aloe barbadensis (aloevera) leaf extract, angustifolia (lavender) flower oil, aqua, avena sativa (oat) kernel oil — removed: or retinol. See all recent reformulations →
Based on its listed ingredients, Polish Up Exfoliating Brightening Clay Face Mask can feed fungal acne — details in the flags below.
Below is every ingredient in Polish Up Exfoliating Brightening Clay Face Mask explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Rosehip seed oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in essential fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid), carotenoids, and trace tretinoin-like compounds. It is used to soften skin, support the barrier, and is studied for improving the appearance of scars and photoaged skin.
Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E commonly used in skincare as an antioxidant and emollient. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin and helps protect against oxidative stress while supporting the skin barrier.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
Skin dryness or tightness | Common | Due to oil-absorbing action, especially with frequent use on dry skin. |
Mild irritation or redness | Uncommon | Typically transient, more likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Possible from the clay itself or other formulation components. |
Respiratory irritation from inhaled powder | Rare | Relevant when handling loose dry powder rather than finished products. |
Exacerbation of eczema or barrier disruption | Rare | Over-drying can worsen compromised skin barriers. |
Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
Comedogenicity (pore-clogging) | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores or breakouts in acne-prone or oily skin, though shea is generally low on the comedogenic scale. |
Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Occasional mild irritation, often related to impurities in unrefined products or individual sensitivity. |
Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| Kaolin Clay Absorbent/cleansing clay | Kaolin is a naturally occurring soft white clay (hydrated aluminum silicate) used in skincare to absorb excess oil and impurities and to provide mild cleansing and mattifying effects. It is generally considered gentle and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. |
| French Pink Clay Absorbent/cleansing clay | French Pink Clay is a mild kaolin-based clay (a blend of red and white clays) used in masks and cleansers to gently absorb excess oil and impurities. It is suited to sensitive and normal skin types due to its low abrasiveness. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Musa Sapientum (Banana) Pulp Extract Formulation / support | |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables. It is widely used in skincare to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while forming an occlusive barrier that reduces water loss. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| Mangifera Indica (Mango) Pulp Extract Skin-conditioning / antioxidant emollient | Mangifera Indica (Mango) Pulp Extract is derived from mango fruit pulp and is used in skincare for its conditioning, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties, owing to its content of vitamins (A, C, E), polyphenols, and carotenoids. It is typically incorporated to soften skin and provide free-radical protection rather than as a primary therapeutic agent. |
| Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil Key active Emollient / antioxidant oil | Rosehip seed oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in essential fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid), carotenoids, and trace tretinoin-like compounds. It is used to soften skin, support the barrier, and is studied for improving the appearance of scars and photoaged skin. |
| Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil is a lipid extracted from oat kernels, used in skincare as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that helps soften skin and support the skin barrier. It contains fatty acids, antioxidants and other lipophilic compounds with soothing properties. |
| C15-19 Alkane Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | C15-19 Alkane is a lightweight, plant-derived (often sugarcane-based) liquid hydrocarbon used as a silicone alternative emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulations. It provides slip, spreadability, and a smooth, non-greasy skin feel without adding active treatment benefits. |
| Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate Formulation / support | |
| Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Sweet almond oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in oleic and linoleic acids that softens skin, reduces transepidermal water loss, and serves as a base or carrier oil in cosmetic formulations. It is valued for its skin-conditioning and occlusive properties rather than any specific therapeutic action. |
| Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Stem Extract Formulation / support | |
| Aloe Barbadensis (Aloevera) Leaf Extract Soothing/humectant | Aloe vera leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its hydrating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used to calm irritated or sun-exposed skin. It contains polysaccharides, vitamins, and enzymes that support moisture retention and barrier comfort. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) Key active Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E commonly used in skincare as an antioxidant and emollient. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin and helps protect against oxidative stress while supporting the skin barrier. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil Fragrance/essential oil | Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil is a volatile essential oil cold-pressed from sweet orange peel, used in skincare primarily as a natural fragrance and masking agent. It is rich in d-limonene and contributes citrus scent rather than a measurable therapeutic skin benefit. |
| Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil Formulation / support | |
| If contact occurs Formulation / support | |
| lower arm Formulation / support | |
| Nandanvan Road Unknown / not a recognized skincare ingredient | "Nandanvan Road" is not a known dermatological or cosmetic-chemistry ingredient; it appears to be a place name (a road/locality) rather than a topical compound. No function, mechanism, or formulation role can be attributed to it. |
| Chandanidih Unverified ingredient | "Chandanidih" is not a recognized skincare or cosmetic-chemistry ingredient and does not appear in dermatological literature, ingredient databases (INCI), or peer-reviewed research; it may be a misspelling, a regional or proprietary name, or a non-cosmetic term (notably a place name in India). No reliable data on its function, efficacy, or safety profile is available. |
| Raipur Unknown/not a recognized skincare ingredient | "Raipur" is not an established dermatological or cosmetic-chemistry ingredient; it is the name of a city in India and has no recognized function in skincare formulations. No verified data exists describing it as an active or base ingredient. |
| Chhattisgarh N/A — not a skincare ingredient | Chhattisgarh is a state in central India, not a dermatology or cosmetic-chemistry ingredient. There is no documented skincare function, formulation role, or research-reported side effect profile for it as an ingredient. |
| India Not a skincare ingredient | "India" is a country name, not a recognized cosmetic or dermatological ingredient. It does not appear in standard ingredient nomenclature such as INCI, and has no defined skincare function. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.