Honest Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask 2023 Review

This post is a review about the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask.

We all have heard the countless benefits matcha provides but is it really worth the hype?

I was very curious to know if it was so I purchased the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask. 

After all, the matcha is the star ingredient in this mask. 

Keep reading if you're curious to know whether this mask really does matcha justice or not!

About The Body Shop

The Body Shop is a 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free company founded in 1976 in England that specializes in cosmetics, skin care and perfume.

The company thrived so it expanded rapidly and by the 1980s it was one of the most well-known brands.

The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask

The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask is a 100% vegan, silicone-free, mineral oil-free and paraffin-free mask.

It's the perfect mask for removing pollution, deeply purifying the skin and protecting against pollution adhesion from everyday to weekly impurities, grime and pollution.

The formula contains matcha green tea and dandelion extract to remove pollutants and impurities and natural exfoliating loofah particles to gently exfoliate the skin.

First Impression

The Body Shop focuses on sustainable packaging which is why the packaging of their products is SO simple and I love that they are constantly looking for new ways to reduce their environmental impact.

As of right now, more than 68% of their packaging can be recycled and all of their products will be fully recyclable by 2025.

The packaging of this mask has changed but it still remains very simple, all black; nothing really special.

The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask is a green pastel mask that comes in a cylindrical shaped container with 2.5 FL OZ which is great for the price because it comes with a lot of product.

I recommend these reusable silicone skin care spatulas to prevent contaminating the product with bacteria, dirt and impurities.

Right after opening the mask, I could smell the subtle matcha mixed with a strong mint scent which was very pleasing.

It has a soft creamy consistency which makes it easy to spread evenly over the face.

The mask has circular shaped loofah particles to gently exfoliate the skin.

The Benefits

The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask, unlike clay masks, is a non-drying and non-stripping mask. 

It has a creamy and fluffy consistency that feels very soothing on the skin.

The mask has a combination of amazing ingredients:

Kaolin

• Cleanses and exfoliates gently.
• Prevents clogged pores and acne by absorbing excess sebum, dirt and impurities.
• Tones, restores and soothes the skin.
  

Propanediol

• Enhances ingredients absorption.
• Locks moisture in and softens the skin.

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

• It has antioxidants properties.
• Improves exfoliation which prevents pores from getting clogged. 
• Moisturizes the skin.

Glycerin

• Cleanses without over-drying the skin. 
• It's oil-free and non-comedogenic so it reduces acne by preventing clogged pores.
• Increases skin hydration and retains moisture.

Luffa Cylindrica Fruit

• It has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

• Rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E.
• Protects against dryness skin.
• Accelerates wound healing.

Glyceryl Stearate

• Mimics the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
• Creates a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss and retain hydration.

PEG-100 Stearate

• Strengthens the skin's barrier to prevent loss of moisture loss and increase hydration.

Caprylyl Glycol

• Retains water in the skin.

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Seed Powder

• Exfoliates the skin.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder

• Prevents, soothes and reduces inflammation under the skin.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

• It has antioxidant properties
• Reduces UV damage on the skin. 
• Protects the skin against free radical damage.
  

Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Rhizome/Root Extract

• Hydrates, softens and soothes the skin.
  

Citric Acid

• Exfoliates the skin to unclog the pores.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Brightens and smooths the skin.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

• It has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hydrates and nourishes the skin. 
• Prevents skin aging.
  

The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask is very easy to apply and remove.

It has circular shaped loofah particles to gently exfoliate without causing irritation or skin tears.

My Experience With The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask

As someone who has oily skin, I have very large congested pores which cause breakouts and a dull complexion, so I was really excited to try this mask.

Unlike clay masks, the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask is very lightweight and it doesn't give off a feeling of tightness.

It doesn't draw out oils from your face like clay masks do, instead, it cleanses the skin without stripping it. 

Right after applying the mask, I immediately felt a tingling cooling yet refreshing effect which helped calm my skin.

As the mask dried, my skin had absorbed most of the mask leaving a very thin green layer with the loofah particles being  prominent. 

The mask is very easy to wash off and the loofah particles are very gently against the skin. 

After using the mask, my pores appeared smaller and my skin looked toned, refreshed and bright without feeling dry and stripped. 

It deep cleansed and purified my skin by getting rid of all the impurities without stripping away all the natural oils from my skin. 

The Disadvantages

Matcha is supposed to be the star ingredient in this mask, unfortunately, despite the product's name the matcha is only present in very small amount; the green tea extract is almost at the end of the ingredients list.

Just like all skin care products the mask contains some ingredients that you should be aware of because they might be of concern.

Depending on the type of alcohol used, it can be beneficial or harmful.

The mask contains cetearyl alcohol which has been labeled safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel.

However, a 1989 report showed that cetearyl alcohol has some clogging activity.

It also contains Phenoxyethanol which has been approved for use in cosmetic by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, Phenoxyethanol has only been deemed safe in concentrations of under 1% by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel.

Another ingredient that can be found in this mask is Polysorbate 60 which has been deemed safe is safe to use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. However, the presence of ethylene oxide is a concern.

It also contains Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate which may cause skin irritation and Sodium Hydroxide which  in high concentrations is a significant skin sensitizer.

Another ingredient it contains is ethylhexylglycerin which  according to the Derm Review is a mild skin and eye irritant.

Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate are ingredients found in the mask which may increase the risk of allergies and inflammation.

In addition to this, there's Menthol and Limonene which are skin sensitizers and CI 19140 and CI 42090 which cause allergies and are thought to be carcinogens.

Last but not least, it has Fragrance which manufacturers are not obliged to list on product labels.  As a result, the term “fragrance” is used on the label to hide all the toxic ingredients.

This mask is not recommended for sensitive skin types because of its strong tingling effect and the fact that it contains sensitizing and allergenic ingredients.

Why Should You Use The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask?

You should use the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask because it deeply purifies, gently exfoliates and removes and protects the skin against pollution.

When Should You Use The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask?

You should use the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask when your skin is congested and dull; it can be used either AM or PM.

IMPORTANT 

• Use this mask no more than 2 to 3 times per week.

How Should You Use The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask?

Start your skin care routine by cleansing your skin to remove dirt and grime.

With a skin care spatula, apply an even layer of the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask, avoiding the eyes and lips, and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.

In circular motions, rinse it off with warm water to gently exfoliate.

TIP

• Use 2-3 times per week for best results.

Precautions Before Using The Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask

Precautions to take into consideration before using the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask are:

• Avoid using it on sensitive skin around the eyes, mouth and scars.
• Use it no more than 2 to 3 times per week.

Final Thoughts

I LOVE the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask! It's a deep cleansing mask that I use whenever my skin feels congested, dull, irritated and inflamed.

This mask is suitable for all skin types except sensitive skin;   it has a strong tingling effect and contains sensitizing and allergenic ingredients.

It comes in a 2.5 FL OZ cylindrical shaped container which is great for the price because it comes with lot of product. 

The mask easy to apply and remove because of its creamy and fluffy consistency.

Matcha is supposed to be the star ingredient of this mask, unfortunately, it's only present in very small amount. 

I researched but couldn't find if such a small amount of matcha had any impact on the skin, however, the mask does purify, remove and protect the skin from pollution. 

I recommend the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask if you're looking for a creamy and fluffy clay mask that deeply cleanses and purifies without stripping the skin! 

Have you tried this face mask? Let me know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions