#BPOTD: A buttery-soft charcoal mask that clears pores—without over-drying

Beauty editors have no shortage of skin-care and makeup goodies that come across our desks. So when we become obsessed with something, it says a lot. In our new “Beauty Product of the Day” series (#BPOTD, for short), we wax poetic about the items that are truly game changers for hair, skin, and nails.

Women search the world (and beauty label) over for ingredients that help them deal with the gunk in their pores. To this point, the star-player has been charcoal, which is frequently described as a debris “magnet.”

The problem with the buzzy, detoxifying ingredient, however, is that it can be drying and sweep away your skin’s natural oils along with pore-clogging debris. Well, behold a charcoal mask that actually nourishes without leaving your complexion parched: One Love Organics Love + Charcoal Masque.

I’m not surprised, considering the brand One Love Organics is keen on concocting gentle, all-natural skin-care essentials that provide some much-needed TLC. This detoxifying mask holds up the brand’s reputation—I apply the creamy product all over my skin and, by the buttery texture, am a bit taken aback that it’s a charcoal mask (one that smells very good, BTW).

Besides activated charcoal to purify, it has hydrating aloe vera as the first ingredient (also why it doesn’t suck all the moisture out of your face); fortifying Alpine rose, which is where the scent comes from; Cupuacu butter, an anti-inflammatory moisturizer sourced from the Amazon; and rose clay that dries excess oil.

So rather than developing a chalky texture, this mask feels creamy. Once it dries (all charcoal-clay masks do), it doesn’t feel unbearable or like my skin’s being stretched at all corners. It’s definitely gentle, and, after I rinse it off, my skin looks fresh—a clean slate. Until I need to detox it again, that is.

Other beloved #BPOTD products include this shampoo that provides a good hair day every day, and a serum-highlighter hybrid that delivers a serious glow.