A single-use alginate modelling mask, the rubberising treatment used in Korean facial salons, supplied as a powder in a mixing cup. The Calming Herb version is formulated for reactive, flushed or over-stimulated skin.

Algin, extracted from brown seaweed, gels on contact with water and cures into a flexible rubber sheet over roughly fifteen minutes. As it sets it forms an occlusive seal that traps moisture and body heat underneath, driving the herbal extracts into the upper layers rather than letting them evaporate. The curing sheet also cools noticeably, which is what produces the immediate reduction in flushing. Because it peels off in one piece, it lifts surface debris without abrasion.

The botanicals are the classic Korean soothing set: Artemisia (mugwort), green tea, Centella asiatica, Houttuynia cordata and licorice root, with allantoin and aloe for comfort and kaolin to give the set mask body.

Key ingredients

• Algin (sodium alginate) — a seaweed polysaccharide that gels with water and cures into the peel-off rubber sheet; the delivery system for everything else.
• Artemisia (mugwort) extract — the traditional Korean botanical for angry, reactive skin, used to reduce visible redness.
• Centella asiatica — supplies madecassoside and asiaticoside, well studied for calming and supporting skin repair.
• Houttuynia cordata and green tea — calming, antioxidant extracts widely used for sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
• Allantoin and kaolin — allantoin softens and reduces tightness; kaolin gives the mask body.

How to use

1. Cleanse thoroughly and, if you wish, apply a serum first; the mask will drive it in.
2. Add roughly seven to eight spoonfuls of cold water to the powder, a ratio of about 1:0.8 powder to water.
3. Mix quickly and firmly until smooth. You have around 30 seconds before it begins to set.
4. Apply thickly and evenly over forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, avoiding eyes, lips and eyebrows.
5. Leave 15 to 20 minutes, until firm and rubbery, then peel off from the bottom edge upwards in one piece.
6. Wipe away any residue and follow with toner and moisturiser.

Recommended frequency

• Sensitive or flushed skin — once or twice a week.
• Normal to combination skin — once a week, or as a reset after sun exposure or a long flight.
• Timeline — the calming and plumping effect is immediate and visible on peeling, but short-term, lasting a day or two.

Best suited to

Best for sensitive, reactive, flushed or dehydrated skin, and for anyone wanting a salon-style treatment at home. Anyone with a known seaweed or iodine sensitivity should avoid alginate masks.

Specifications

• Format — single-use alginate peel-off modelling mask powder in a cup, with spatula
• Volume — 28g, one full-face application
• Key actives — algin, Artemisia (mugwort), Centella asiatica, green tea, Houttuynia cordata, licorice root, allantoin, kaolin
• Texture — fine powder mixing to a thick paste, curing to a cool flexible rubber sheet
• Origin — made in Korea

Good to know

Use cold water, not warm; warm water accelerates the set and you will run out of time to apply it evenly. Do not pour leftover mixture down the sink, as alginate sets in pipes; let it cure and bin it. Single use only; store the sealed cup somewhere dry. Patch test if you have known plant or seaweed allergies, and avoid on broken, weeping or actively infected skin.