I unashamedly bought this in the winter sale at a discount – US$ 20 for 3 masks or US$ 7/mask. It retails at US$ 12/mask. This is a DIY rubber mask – its not literally made of rubber (because that’d be worrying), it is a semi-setting gel, that uses a gel format to deliver mainly Vitamin C.
Never heard of this brand…
This is not a Made in Iceland brand: it is an American brand inspired by an American visiting Iceland. Its Made in South Korea, using “pollution-free Icelandic Glacial Water with 6 essential minerals”
I sincerely hope that this product contains more of Iceland, then just glacial water, as otherwise the carbon footprint of delivering and using Icelandic water to South Korea, a country where I believe there is also water, is unconscionable..
What am I testing?
The Arctic Hydration Rubberizing Mask with Vitamin C is today’s test subject. Instructions are to leave it on for 20-25 minutes. I have never used an at-home rubber mask and I didn’t really know what to expect. Plus at US$ 7 per mask, I set my expectations suitably low.
Results?
Without doubt, there is a serious amount of skin brightening going on. I used the mask on my lips and as you can see, they are lighter!! Initially, my skin was just hydrated, but after 2 hours my skin felt quite dry and tight. I didn’t have this experience with Glamglow’s mudcleanser mask. Here are my pros and cons of the product.
Would I buy this again?
At US$ 12 or US$7 its a mask that absolutely delivers ONLY skin brightening. It is a bargain at that price. But this mask does cause “face ache,” which I assume is due to the physical weight of the mask and its prolonged cooling effect. Also, despite the bunch of hydrating ingredients in the mask, I felt as if it left my skin dry.
I tried to like this mask but honestly, I prefer Glamglow’s mudcleanser mask (despite its stench).
For the avoidance of doubt, I won’t buy this again at any price.
P.S. Noteworthy ingredients are:
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: this is a Vitamin C derivative, that is delivering the brightening effect. The Korean Food and Drug Authority list it as a whitening ingredient. Read more HERE.
Moisturising ingredients include Glycerin, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Jojoba Seed Oil and Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil.
Mild exfoliating agents include Citric Acid and Gluconolactone. The latter can also be used by folks with sensitive skin, so I am pleased to see it here.
Other noteworthy ingredients are Wintered Red Algae Complex and Arctic Cloudberry Seed Oil. You can read about these HERE.