Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask | Review

Exfoliating has a long history and comes with great benefits. Skincare has also adopted exfoliation as part of brightening and healing various skin concerns. In this modern era, there are various types of exfoliation including physical, chemical, peeling, etc. Physical exfoliation has been a well-known method to clear the skin, and in recent years, articles mentioned that physical exfoliation can damage the skin. To a certain extent, I would agree especially those harsh beads that could harm the epidermis layer of the skin. Recently, I discovered a clay mask that is gentle yet promising in removing impurities from the skin. The Isntree Real Mugwort clay mask has been a groundbreaking discovery for me after all those years of searching for the perfect acne-healing clay mask. 

The Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask comes in a green plastic tube. I find this type of packaging to be very clean and hygienic as you get to squeeze out the amount that you need each time. The clay mask is in a dull green colour with speckles of tiny milled leaves. 

The clay mask feels soft yet has a slightly bumpy texture if that makes any sense. It has this herbal aroma to it that can be a love or hate for some people. I personally do not mind herbal scents on skincare products, but if you are, you might be mildly intimidated by the scent. However, I think as you use it over time, the scent will diminish or you'll become immune to the scent. 

Isntree clay mask is affordable and budget-friendly for a 100 ml tube. A tube can last me more than 6 months as I only use it once a week. It's important to note that a clay mask can be used a maximum of twice a week as it can be harsh and dry for the skin. As a person with combination skin, one-time usage each week is sufficient. 

 

Ingredients list: Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Bentonite, Artemisia Princeps (Mugwort) Extract, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Illite, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Montmorillonite, Calcite, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Powder, Canadian Colloidal Clay, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Methylpropanediol, Algin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Ethylhexylglycerin

Here's the breakdown of the key ingredients: 

6 clays (highlighted in yellow) are used in the making of the clay mask that targets controlling excess sebum and removing impurities. 

Kaolin, Illite, and Montmorillonite are classified under French Green Clay. 

French Green Clay functions as pore tightening and removes waste/oil absorption from the skin. 

As the ISNTREE website says, they're rich in minerals and trace elements which enhance skin renewal without skin irritation. 

Green clay (Illite) is also known to increase circulation as the blood pulls toward the skin's surface, giving the tingling sensation. 

Kaolin is a gentle exfoliator, great for dry sensitive skin.  

Bentonite penetrates quickly into the skin to remove impurities including bacteria and fungus. Bentonite is a well-known ingredient spotted in face masks for acne conditions. It's super absorbing and hence works well on oily skin types to absorb excessive sebum. It has a great chemical reaction when mixed with water, making the molecules charged to attract impurities from the surface. Expect a tightening, acne healing, and absorbing effect on the skin. 

Calcite is rich in minerals yet with minimal irritation. Safe for all skin types.

Canadian Colloidal Clay comes in fine particles of the anionic glacial deposit that removes sebum, dead skin cells, and waste in pores that are irremovable by facial washing. 

Mugwort leaf powder is a fine and gentle particle that gently removes dead skin cells and nourishes a clear complexion.  Mugwort extract is great for soothing redness, especially on acne and sensitive skin. 

How I apply the clay mask: 

• After good cleanses in my nighttime routine, I apply this clay mask on a dry, clean face. 
• I leave it on for 10-15 mins max. 
• Gentle use warm water to massage my skin, while making the dried clay wet. 
• Once cleansed, I move on to toner and the rest of the routine steps. 

I highly recommend this clay mask to those who gravitate toward a gentle physical exfoliator, instead of a chemical exfoliator. I still couldn't get hold of the best chemical exfoliator for acne, but as a physical exfoliator, the Isntree Real Mugwort clay mask has been my favourite for cleansing and soothing my acne-prone skin. 

All photos by Prisc

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