Could This Cult Mask Save Winter Skin?

As part of a winter skincare switch up where I move away from the stronger actives my skin seems to cope with in summer to gentler ones, I’ve found there’s one mask I’ve been leaning on more than any other at night-time; my Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (from £20.50 for 30 ml, Cult Beauty).

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

And although its cult status and the addition of silicone and alcohol made me slightly skeptical about this when I first bought it a few months ago, this fruity gel mask has really come into its own for my skin.

Despite the fact that I find its texture does feel silicone-y thanks to the addition of simethicone (its fifth ingredient), my main concern was that it might congest my skin (which silicones shouldn’t necessarily do but seems to sometimes with me), has proved unfounded. Instead this mask has instead so far delivered on its claims to leave my skin glowy and hydrated.

And despite the addition of alcohol, it also strangely seems to be less irritating and more moisturising than some of the acid toners, moisturisers and masks I own that don’t contain alcohol.

On the Skin

Instead, an array of AHAs-including glycolic and lactic acids- gently slough away dead skin cells. And for winter exfoliation I think it’s the lactic acid (one of the gentlest AHAs) here, which seems to slough away dead skin cells without seeming to disrupt my skin’s moisture barrier.

To boost skin health, this mask also benefits from some powerful antioxidants in the form of watermelon, pomegranate, banana and pumpkin fruit extracts to help tackle oxidative stress and support the skin’s natural regenerative process at night.

Finally, licorice root extract (one of my favourite ingredients) also makes an appearance, to help even out skin tone.

I’ve included the full list of ingredients at the bottom of this post.

The Takeaway

Overall, as well as the skincare benefits, my sun-deprived senses can’t get enough of the watermelon scent here (which never fails to deliver summer vibes).

However, those sensitive to fruity scents may want to take a quick sniff before purchasing as it’s pretty noticeable.

Great for: A dewy glow.

Not-so-great for: Those who don’t like silicone, alcohol or fragrance.

The full list of ingredients:

Aqua, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract, Simethicone, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Silica, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Betaine, Beta-Glucan, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Parfum.