Does Mario Badescu Silver Powder really unclog pores?

Doffy90 says…Can this product really unplug pores? Not sure which ingredient would attribute this, the calcium carbonate maybe? Turns out it contains kaolin, which I guess “sucks” out the blackheads.

The Beauty Brains respond:

Let’s take a look at the product’s ingredients and claims.

Mario Badescu Silver Powder ingredients

It’s a simple formula containing only Calcium Carbonate, Kaolin, and Zinc Oxide. And here’s what the product claims:

“For excessive, stubborn blackheads, this oil absorbent powder will help to unclog congested pores. Prevents blackheads and promotes a healthier complexion. You will see a remarkable difference after one application.”

One other interesting point from the product’s label:  The product is just named “Silver Powder” which is NOT a clear statement of identify. http://www.mariobadescu.com/silver-powder

According to cosmetic labeling laws (Title 21 of the CFR), a cosmetic must  have “An appropriately descriptive name or, when the nature of the cosmetic is obvious, a fanciful name understood by the public to identify such cosmetic.”  I would argue that the name “Silver Powder” is inadequately descriptive since it gives you no idea what so ever of what the intended use of the product is.

Does it work?

If the calcium carbonate is untreated, it can absorb large amounts of oil. Kaolin, a type of clay, can have low, medium, or high oil absorbing properties depending on the type. So, yeah, I’ll accept that this product will absorb excess oil out of your pores. And, since oil is ONE contributing factor to acne, this product could in theory help to prevent black heads. I don’t see any reason, however, that it “unclog” pores of dead skin cells and bacteria.

The Beauty Brains bottom line

This product won’t “suck out” a blackhead after it’s formed but it might help reduce the chances of a blackhead forming in the first place.