Product Rating:   (40 reviews)
The Skin Balancing Carbon Mask is the best! I just can't get enough of it and would definitely recommend it to everyone.
—Parveen


I just wanted to write a rave about the Skin Balancing Carbon Mask. I have used masks before, but they have always dried out my skin and left it feeling tight. Not this mask! It is absolutely awesome. I can't believe I haven't tried it before now. It has really helped my skin and now I am addicted; I use it every single night! Thank you, Paula, for making such a wonderful product!
—Karen L.


I LOVE the Skin Balancing Carbon Mask. It's the first mask I've ever used where I feel as if it has really made a difference. When I use it, my skin is noticeably softer and less oily for the rest of the day. And I never feel that my skin is tight or dry. What a wonderful product! I believe I am becoming addicted to using it!
—Karrin T.

Awesome mask
Best mask I have ever used! I have oily skin and yet I am not into mask so much. This is because I found most of them don't necessarily help my oily skin. Most make my skin feel too tight after masking and eventually my skin make more oil. Not this mask. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I used it. My skin look and feel smooth. Way to go, Paula!
—Eny

Skin Balancing Carbon Mask
The Skin Balancing Carbon Mask soothes sore, inflamed acne better than any other product I've tried and even prevents future breakouts. I love this stuff!
—Amanda

A treat for my skin!
I love how soft this makes my skin feel! It seems to soothe my skin as well because there is never a trace of blotchiness or redness afterwards. I use this before big events because of how soft and even it makes my skin look. No complaints!
—Sarah

Carbon Mask
This mask for oily skin is fab. My t-zone is oily and I just put it on that area. I find that my makeup lasts even longer as the mask soak up all of the oil and leaves my skin more normalised. Thanks Paula.
—Shelley Kerr

Awesome Product!
After using this mask, my skin feels soft and looks smoother. I can't recommend it enough!
—Sara

Simply Amazing
Simply amazing. This stuff doesn't dry you out and does just what it says - balances your skin. Ever since using it I've seen improvement. I use it every few days and I'm gonna be 100% clear soon I just know it :)
—Faizan

Skin Balancing Carbon Mask
This mask stings upon application. The third ingredient in this mask, bentonite, is listed on page 21 of your 7th edition Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me as an "irritating ingredient to avoid". It is disheartening to find a known irritant in your products. :( Please reevaluate this formulation. Bentonite is a drying clay that can be irritating to those with dry or sensitive skin. It is used in Skin Balancing Carbon Mask for its excellent oil-absorbing properties. Bentonite is typically well-tolerated by those with oily to very oily skin. Please feel free to return this product to us for a refund or exchange.
—Harmony Paulsen

Ick...
I have to say that I use and LOVE most of Paula's products, but this mask makes my skin burn and break out like crazy afterwards! Perhaps I am allergic to something in it. I wish there was another mask offered to normal to slightly oily skin!
—Kate

Burns!
I usually love Pauls'a products and use her line religiously. This makes my face burn like crazy. I have tried using over 6 dozen times now over the past year and I finally give up. I have to rinse it off after just 10 seconds it burns so bad.
—Jaclyn

85029
I've been using this in conjunction with the 2% BHA liquid and I see and feel a dramatic difference in my skin; my stubborn blackheads are gone, and I really feel that this mask pulls out the oil and the bacteria that sits in there with it. All this without stinging or that tight feeling after.
—Alison Voita

I wish I could use this product !
For me this was not of the best experiences. I had an immediate burning sensation. I thought maybe give it a chance and it might go away. Boy was I WRONG. Within a couple minutes I had wash it off, I must be allergic to something in the product. I get a bit concerned when it comes to extracts in products. Thank god for the samples. It's too bad because I haven't had any trouble with any of the other products I have purchased.
—Melanie C

Good & Bad...
I have to preface this review with the statement that I use and LOVE most Paula's Choice products. I had to settle on a rating of 3 because although this mask works fairly well and makes my blackheads look much better, it DOES cause a definite burning sensation! It is disappointing on the back of the bottle it claims that it will cool without irritation!
—Lisa

Not up to Paula's standards
Paula, your reviews and advice make my skin look so amazing that I was absolutely shocked at how bad this was! For someone who discusses the research on skin irritation and how "cooling sensations" are a sign of skin irritation, I can't understand why you would provide a product that does exactly that. Everything else you recommend for sensitive skin helps keep my skin looking great, but this product is a terrible thumbs down. Paula, please fix this product, because I really want to love it! Customer Care: We regret that our product was not what you may have expected. Our Customer Service will be more than happy to assist you in finding another product that will work better for you. Please note that Paula's Choice also has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy within 60 days of purchase.
—Adam

Wonderful
I ordered a few samples of this mask when I bought my usual BHA lotion. At first my face turned very red and burned... I have very sensitive skin... but then it calmed down and I was able to wait the 15 minutes. When I rinsed my skin glowed, but wasn't red and irritated... just soft. I use this mask twice a week and love it!
—Jamie

I do not have sensitive skin, but this stuff burns
I don't have sensitive skin. I have never had a bad reaction to any skin care product...until this one. This mask had a very uncomfortable burning sensation. I'll never try this product again! Customer Care: Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
—Tee

Amy
This product is okay. I don't love it or hate it. If I feel like haveing a "spa night" I will put it on for a little extra pampering. I think it is as good a mud mask as any. I suspect it makes me break out a little afterwards- it may be a coincidence, nothing awful, but I don't feel the need to use this product very often.
—Amy

Love this!
I have combination/oily skin, and I've been using masks for years. This mask, unlike nearly every other I've used, doesn't have fragrance, doesn't burn my face, doesn't dry it out, and doesn't make it break out. When I wash it off my skin is softer, the oil is sopped up, blemishes are less inflamed, and any red areas are calmer. Best mask ever!
—Dani

Very uncomfortable
This mask was very uncomfortable. There was an odd cooling/burning sensation that was unbearable. I did not return it in the 60-day timeframe simply because of the costs to do so. But I probably should have. Customer Care: We regret that our product was not what you may have expected. Our Customer Service will be more than happy to assist you in finding another product that will work better for you.
—Beth

disappointing
I have tried many of Paula's products. Most of them have been good but this is not one of them. It made me break out the first time i used it, and the second, and the third. I have stopped using it since. Customer Care: We regret that our product was not what you may have expected. Our Customer Service will be more than happy to assist you in finding another product that will work better for you. Please note that Paula's Choice also has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy within 60 days of purchase.
—Charlene

Superb Mask For Oily Skin
This mask is a superb product (if you are not allergic to the clay in it, which I am not). I have skin that tends towards greasiness and blackheads; this mask eliminates all my extra oil for the rest of the day and helps to clear out my blackheads. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and clean and "perfect'. I'm glad that the clay ingredient doesn't irritate my skin - I notice I have zero problems with all the highest concentrations of BHA/AHA exfoliants, etc., so if you have "tough" skin and lots of blackheads/oil, this mask will likely be wonderful for you.
—Kaci

Stilling looking for a mask
I found this mask uncomfortable to use. It would almost burn and did not feel properly formulated. I have very oily skin, and not sensitive. Maybe I should return it. Customer Care: We regret that our product was not what you may have expected. Our Customer Service will be more than happy to assist you in finding another product that will work better for you. Please note that Paula's Choice also has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy within 60 days of purchase.
—Mary Roadman

so so mask..
It's an ok product - I only put it on my T-zone - it's a bit too harsh for me tho - it stings my skin.. Customer Care: Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
—Sung Jang

Eh...
The mask was...just there. I have combination skin/sensitive skin and this product did not do anything for it. It did not irritate, yet did not offer any improvement either. Customer Care: We regret that our product was not what you may have expected. Our Customer Service will be more than happy to assist you in finding another product that will work better for you. Please note that Paula's Choice also has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy within 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
—Alessandra

Try a sample size!
This mask does wonders for redness in my skin, and it is, for me, the best product to calm minor breakouts. (The Skin Recovery mask, by contrast, makes a great moisturizer.) Paula's skin care line is truly one of the best.
—Deb

impressive
i received this as a sample and tried it ten minutes ago. it was a bit tingly/uncomfortable upon application, but that faded away. after 10-15 min, i washed off the product as per instruction, and noticed my skin had less discoloration and was oil free (yay!). definitely not bad :)
—jordan

Worst experience
If there was an option to give this product a 0 star then I would do that. I have been thinking about using something from paula's choice line for days. Recently when there was a free shipping offer I decided to try this mask. For what ever reason I thought this will be the ultimate mask for me. Thank god I was smart enough to order samples at first. The moment I put the mask on it felt like my face is on fire and I have been using chemical (spa and at home) peels, at home micro-dermabrasion for years, nothing ever made me feel this way. I am 33, have mildly oily skin, use spf 30+ sunscreen whether inside or out and I dont break out ever. At first I thought that the burning sensation will subside but those 12/15 minutes was almost painful. After I washed of my face it kept burning for minutes. I will never buy or recommend this product to anyone. Customer Care: We regret that our product was not what you may have expected. Our Customer Service will be more than happy to assist you in finding another product that will work better for you. Please note that Paula's Choice also has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy within 60 days of purchase.
—Nadia

Skin Balancing System!
I just got the entire skin balancing system yesterday. In one day - ONE DAY - my skin is less red, I have no flakes or dryness, and my skin seems less oily. In ONE DAY. I'm a believer. Paula, thank you for all that you do. I can't wait to see what my skin looks like in a month. THANK YOU!!!!
—Sharon J.

I love Paula's Choice, but not this one.
I've been using Paula's Choice for 2 years now with wonderful results, and I got this Carbon Mask as a sample. I burned/cooled my skin horribly. Never had that with a mask before. I could hardly bear to leave it on. Please please change this product!! Customer Care: We regret that our product was not what you may have expected. Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
—Jennifer

I've never seen my face so red
Like reviewers below, the second I put on this mask my face screamed in protest. This is the most painful mask I've ever used! Did nothing good and left my already sensitive skin tomato red. Never again! Customer Care Response: Thank you for the feedback. Because each person is different and can respond differently to ingredients, we cannot be sure what your skin is reacting to. We would like to credit you for the item without you having to send it back to our office. If you would please contact our service team with your full name and mailing address, we will make sure a credit is applied promptly.
—Cristina

Love It
This is the first product I have tried from Paula's Choice. I have a very sensitive skin and was a bit concerned reading the reviews that many people got burned. So, I ordered a sample. Luckily, I did not experience any burning irritants. Just within the first try, I get such a great feeling on my skin. It's the feeling that you don't get from other masks. Your skin gets soften, not oily but also not dry... it's just great! I love it.
—Love It

Amazing Results After One Use
Tried just a sample of this mask and wore it overnight. I was surprised at the noticable reduction in lines in the morning but shocked when the effect lasted 3 weeks!
—Margo

Sensitive skin
I have sensitive oily skin. Based on a review I read, I only bought a sample. Something in that Skin Balancing Carbon Mask really burned my skin. I had to wash off the product right away. Love many of Paula's other products and will continue to use them. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this product. Please contact customer care via Live Chat,Phone or Email for return assistance.
—Nicole

this mask works for me
I've read some review were some people have had problems with this product. I guess it depend on your skin..I really love this mask , It doesn't dry out my skin like other mask.I do it once or twice a week and have had no problem.
—Denise H.

It burned!!
It burned. It was not a nice felling at all! And it left my skin red. I'm thankful I only got a sample. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. Please know that we will share your experience with Paula. In the meantime please contact Customer Service via phone, Live Chat or email for further product assistance.
—Hannah

Great mask
At first, this mask burned too, but then it faded. Afterward, my skin was soft, non-oily, and not dry. Thank you Paula
—Denise

Not good
I'm with the other unhappy reviewers on this product's poor performance. I have normal skin, which occasionally gets a little oily. At those times, I like a good mask (typically clay) to dry up the excess oil. I trust your product line, so I tried this. BIG mistake. This product burns and stings like the devil. Maybe someone with very thick, oily skin could use this without irritation, but not a normal woman. It does nothing to dry up excess oil, either, so far as I can see. As Paula herself often says, if a product is tingling or burning on the skin- you probably shouldn't be using it! Please, please, please replace this product with a clay mask or something equivalent for normal-to-oily skin. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. We will forward your comments along to our Product Development Team. Please contact Customer Service for further return or exchange assistance.
—Liz

Stings, but Works
It does sting immediately. It just does. BUT if you can tolerate it for just a few seconds, that sensation goes away. I keep it AWAY from the eye area, as the skin close to the eye is extra sensitive. I find it helped my acne, redness and inflamed areas, tremendously. I'm a first-timer with Paula's products and I'm VERY pleased overall.
—Tracy

What makes this product unique?
Skin Balancing Carbon Mask strikes a balance between oil-absorbing properties and hydration, which allows this mask to absorb excess oil without drying the skin or making it feel tight. It also doesn't include the irritating, skin-damaging ingredients such as menthol, peppermint, or alcohol. The clay and carbon components have a mild disinfecting action on the skin, which is helpful for blemishes and can help dislodge blackheads, while the soothing blend of anti-inflammatory agents reduce redness and irritation. The product rinses away completely leaving skin remarkably soft and beautifully smooth.

This product is 100% fragrance-free.

Who is this product for?
Skin Balancing Carbon Mask is recommended for those with normal to oily/combination skin. It is suitable for acne-prone skin, too.

How should this product be used?
Use on cleansed skin. Apply a thin layer all over the face or just on oily areas and let dry for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with tepid to warm water. Avoid applying the Skin Balancing Carbon Mask to lips and eyelids. If desired, this mask may also be applied on the neck.

Those with oily to very oily skin can use this mask several times per week, while those with normal to slightly oily skin can use it less frequently (once or twice per week, for example).

What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?

Created by world renowned skin care expert and author Paula Begoun

Proven effective based on hundreds of published scientific studies

Targeted systems for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and more

Fragrance-free, color-free, free of harmful skin irritants, and never tested on animals

100% customer satisfaction guaranteed

Unequalled customer service

Water, Glycerin (water-binding/slip agent), Bentonite (white clay/absorbent), Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (mineral-based absorbent) Decyl Oleate (emollient) Sorbitan Stearate (emulsifier), Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Stearate (thickeners), Sea Whip Extract (anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent), Silt (Sea Mud) (absorbent), Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract (antioxidant/anti-irritant), Carbon Black (charcoal/absorbent), Salix Alba (Willow Bark) Extract (anti-inflammatory), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben (all preservatives).

Directions: Use on cleansed skin. Apply a thin layer all over the face and (if needed) neck and let dry for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with tepid to warm water. Follow with the appropriate Paula's Choice exfoliant, Blemish Fighting Solution, moisturizer, and/or specialty product. May be used as often as needed. Those with oily to very oily skin can use this mask several times per week, while those with normal to slightly oily skin can use it less frequently (once or twice per week, for example).

I thought Paula didn't like clay masks or, at best, finds them unnecessary skin-care products. Did she change her mind?
Paula is not a big fan of most masks and she doesn't believe facial masks are an essential step in a person's skin-care routine. However, for women who want to incorporate them into their routines Paula developed masks that meet her standard of excellence.