Product Description
A refreshing dual-use treatment that feels like a cool drink for your skin, this Bamboo Gel Mask from 23.5°N contains Taiwanese bamboo extracts and Asian ingredients to hydrate parched, dehydrated skin. No SLS, SLES, artificial coloring, fragrance, alcohol, and parabens. No animal ingredients. Cruelty free.
Hoping to incorporate more rinse-off masks in my skincare regime, I purchased 23.5°N Bamboo Ultra Hydrating Gel Mask during SASA's closing down sale last year.
Founded in 2009, 23.5°N is a natural skin care brand that utilises active ingredients extracted from local agricultural produce such as native rice, pineapple, barley and bamboo.
Inspired by the natural beauty of lush tropical regions, 23.5°N Natural Skincare boasts plant-based active ingredients directly sourced from sustainable, pesticide-free farms in Taiwan. The unique “Farm to Face” philosophy promises that the plants are harvested fresh until they reach formulation lab. Using simple, addictive-free and lightweight formulas, 23.5°N Natural Skincare offers a functional range of clean products that suit different skin types and needs.
The brand name, 23.5°N stemmed from the fact that Taiwan sits in the northern tropics at the 23.5°N latitude. Pretty interesting, eh? You can read more from their website.
Packaging, Scent and Texture
23.5°N Bamboo Ultra Hydrating Gel Mask comes in a sturdy frosted tub with 100ml contents. It has a freshness seal which you peel off to reveal the jelly mask goodness. A small spatula is included for easy access to the contents. The fresh scent is subtle and not overpowering.
How To Use :
- For special care ( as an intensive treatment ), apply a generous layer to cleansed face, leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water after 2 minutes massage.
- For basic care ( as an overnight sleeping mask ), apply a pea-size amount to face daily without rinsing off.
Tip: apply as a quick skin treatment before makeup on occasion days for smoother application!
Performance and Ingredients
Instantly hydrates with rich aqua element and provides a natural hydration boost for thirsty and dry skin, 23.5°N Bamboo Ultra Hydrating Gel Mask also helps to refresh hydration for dehydrated, oily skin, encourage skin's retention of water and strengthen skin barrier.
The jelly gel-like texture has a cooling sensation which is comforting and calming on dehydrated skin days. It is gentle, soothing and mild. Even though it can be used as either a rinse-off mask or overnight mask, I only use it as a rinse-off mask as I don't really use overnight masks unless I am overseas. ( I don't like to layer too many products at night and I don't sleep in an air-conditioned room. )
After 15 minutes of masking, the gel mask dries down to a sticky finishing and its time to cleanse off. This is a jelly-like mask so slightly more water is required to rinse them off cleanly, alternatively you can use a muslin cloth or some cotton pads to clean up before rinsing with water.
It helps to calm and soothe dry flaky scaly skin as well as minimize redness. Skin is so soft and smooth immediately after masking. However, the hydration level is not as strong as I would like as there was a subtle lingering parched sensation on dehydrated skin. Daily masking over several days may be more beneficial to hydrate dehydrated and parched skin.
Another solution is to use a thicker layer of gel mask or add an additional layer after 10 minutes. I prefer the latter although its more troublesome. Skin is sufficiently hydrated and there is no parched sensation.
What attracts me the most is its short ingredient list, 10 to be exact. I really adore products with short ingredient lists as it minimizes any possible irritants. However, the Period After Opening ( PAO ) is 6 months which at first glance, was pretty short so I was surprised that I was able to use up the mask in less than 2 months with twice weekly usage so 6 months for most is definitely achievable.
The main ingredient, Bamboo, was sourced from Taiwan, and a combination of hydrating agents like cucumber extract and royal jelly help to quickly deliver and replenish hydration to the skin.
Phyllostachis Bambusoides Extract : Also known as Bamboo Shoot Extract, this is naturally farmed from Zhushan Township in Nantou County, Taiwan where it contains 70% natural silica, an organic compound that is essential for the body and works to keep skin looking healthy, supple and radiant. It is also rich in many essential compounds, like amino acids and flavonoids, which are packed with antioxidants that protect skin from oxidative stress.
Cucumis Sativus Extract : Also known as Cucumber Extract, this is a super food for skin as cucumber juice is composed largely of proteins, lipids, Vitamin C, and a variety of minerals, and possesses moisturizing and emollient properties. It also has an astringent effect, and can soothe and relieve puffy skin.
Royal Jelly : Contains natural vitamins and minerals that may support wound healing and other inflammatory skin conditions, it is known to have an antibacterial effect, which can keep wounds clean and free from infection.
Hyaluronic Acid : Enhances moisture content of skin, helping outer layers of skin look more hydrated and radiant. It is able to hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. Hyaluronic Acid penetrates the skin and binds water to skin cells, infusing all layers of the skin with valuable, rejuvenating moisture.
You can check the breakdown of ingredients on Skincarisma.
Aqua, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cucumis Sativus Extract, Carbomer, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Royal Jelly Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin
Where To Shop : Shopee
Conclusion
To conclude, 23.5°N Bamboo Ultra Hydrating Gel Mask with its lightweight jelly-gel formula and a short ingredient list would be a good fit for most skin types including sensitive skin as it reduces any possible irritants.
The cooling and refreshing mask can help to calm irritated skin, soothe redness and if used over several days can hydrate dehydrated skin. Skin is left feeling super soft and smooth.
However, I won't use this as an instant hydrating mask as its too mild for that but it helps to maintain the hydration levels on optimal skin days.
You can also try Isntree Real Rose Calming Mask for a slightly better experience although the ingredient list is much longer.
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