Ahava

Ahava Brightening & Hydrating Facial Treatment Mask

Name: Ahava - Brightening & Hydrating Facial Treatment Mask
Brand: Ahava

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Glycerin + 13 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Brightening & Hydrating Facial Treatment Mask”

Source: Ulta

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: squalene, ethylhexyl palmitate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.2–2.7%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.3–5.2%

SqualeneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~3.1–3.8%

Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~1.4–1.7%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.25–0.45%

Dunaliella salina extractKey activeEffect: MediumA green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.2%

Caprylyl methiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin~1.1–1.3%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.45–0.65%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.35–0.65%

Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.15–0.25%

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.55–0.8%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.35%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.2–0.35%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Allantoin

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.35%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Lactic acid

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.2–2.7%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Lactic acid

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Squalene, Dunaliella salina extract

May help

This product contains antioxidants (squalene) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

SqualeneKey activeEffect: MediumAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~3.1–3.8%

Dunaliella salina extractEffect: LowA green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Parfum, Citral + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.65%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~1.8–2.2%est.

Isostearyl isostearateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product texture. It can be comedogenicMedium~1.5–1.9%est.

PvpHelps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skinMedium~0.7–1%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.2–0.35%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Maris salUsed to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentrationMedium~0.05%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Isostearyl isostearateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product texture. It can be comedogenic3/5~1.5–1.9%est.

Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~1.4–1.7%est.

SqualeneAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast2/5~3.1–3.8%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Thank You Farmer True Water Deep Cotton Mask 1pc

Cheaper93% match

$5.00

sesekira White Strawberry Moisturizing Face Mask

Cheaper91% match

$8.50

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.3–5.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Propanediol~3.9–4.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Squalene~3.1–3.8%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast

More about Squalene

Niacinamide~2.2–2.7%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.8–2.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Isostearyl isostearate~1.5–1.9%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product texture. It can be comedogenic

More about Isostearyl isostearate

Ethylhexyl palmitate~1.4–1.7%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate

Caprylyl methicone~1.1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone

Silica~1.2–1.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Pvp~0.7–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skin

More about Pvp

Phenoxyethanol~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extract

Peg-12 dimethicone/ppg-20 crosspolymer~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-12 dimethicone/ppg-20 crosspolymer

Propylene glycol~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Caprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

1,2-hexanediol~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Sodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Tin oxide~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide

Titanium dioxide~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide

Chromium oxide greens~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Chromium oxide greens

Mica~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica

Saccharide isomerate~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate

Hydrolyzed yeast protein~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrolyzed yeast protein

Biosaccharide gum-1~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1

Parfum~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Citral~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral

Limonene~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Linalool~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ci 77510~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77510

Allantoin~0.2–0.35%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Sea silt~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sea silt

Maris aqua~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Sea water. Helps dissolve other ingredients in a product

More about Maris aqua

Lactic acid~0.2–0.35%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Dunaliella salina extract~0.1–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dunaliella salina extract

Hydrogenated polydecene~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated polydecene

Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract

Tetrahydropiperine~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Tetrahydropiperine

Maris sal~0.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Exfoliation

Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration

More about Maris sal

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Squalene, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Isostearyl isostearate, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Caprylyl methicone, Silica, Pvp, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Peg-12 dimethicone/ppg-20 crosspolymer, Propylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium hyaluronate, Tin oxide, Titanium dioxide, Chromium oxide greens, Mica, Saccharide isomerate, Hydrolyzed yeast protein, Biosaccharide gum-1, Parfum, Citral, Limonene, Linalool, Ci 77510, Allantoin, Sea silt, Maris aqua, Lactic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dunaliella salina extract, Hydrogenated polydecene, Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract, Tetrahydropiperine, Maris sal

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Ulta1.7 oz

$32.00

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/5 15:08 GMT

$42.00

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	AhavaBrightening & Hydrating Facial Treatment MaskYOUR PRODUCT	Thank You FarmerTrue Water Deep Cotton Mask 1pc	Lancer SkincareNourish Rehydration Mask	sesekiraWhite Strawberry Moisturizing Face Mask
Match	—	93%	91%	91%
Price	$32.00	$5.00−$27.00	$113.06+$81.06	$8.50−$23.50
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 8	5 of 8	5 of 8
Key difference	—	Adenosine	Hexapeptide-48 Hcl	—
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Squalene and its potential clinical useseuropepmc.org
3
Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Squalene and Related Compounds: Potential Uses in Cosmetic Dermatology mdpi.com
4
Enhanced comedo formation in rabbit ear skin by squalene and oleic acid peroxidesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
5
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
10
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
13
Safety Assessment of Tin(IV) Oxide as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
14
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
15
Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
17
Dunaliella salina alga extract inhibits the production of interleukin-6, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species by regulating nuclear factor-κB/Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription in virus-infected RAW264.7 cellssciencedirect.com
18
Biochemical composition and bioactivity screening of various extracts from Dunaliella salina, a green microalgancbi.nlm.nih.gov
19
Safety Assessment of Polyene Group as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

AhavaBrightening & Hydrating Facial Treatment Mask

Buy at Ulta$32.00 $42.00as of 11/5 15:08 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Ulta$32.00 $42.00as of 11/5 15:08 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.