Anua

Anua Birch Moisture Mask

Name: Anua - Birch Moisture Mask
Brand: Anua

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Phytosphingosine, Ceramide np + 20 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Vegan and cruelty-free, this refreshing watery gel mask uses birch sap from Korea's Gangwon-do, patented ingredient Aquaxyl and ten types of hyaluronic acid to boost skin moisture.”

Source: Yesstyle

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: anhydroxylitol, arginine.

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: arginine, caprylyl glycol.

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

PhytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.35–0.65%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.3–0.6%

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~3.2–3.9%

DiglycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~2.4–3%

Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~1.7–2.1%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.4–1.8%

Sodium acetylated hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid~0.95–1.2%

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.7–1.05%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.6–0.85%

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.8%

TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%

AnhydroxylitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function~0.25–0.45%

XylitylglucosideKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.25–0.5%

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.2–0.4%

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~0.2–0.4%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~4.3–5.2%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.35%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.45–0.65%

Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.4–0.6%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.3–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 6 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–0.8%est.

CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 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

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.4–0.6%est.

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Abib Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask Aqua Fit

Closest match50% match

$22.77

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Dipropylene glycol~7.1–8.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Butylene glycol~4.3–5.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Glycerin~3.2–3.9%

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

Diglycerin~2.4–3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Diglycerin

Betula platyphylla japonica juice~2–2.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Betula platyphylla japonica juice

Beta-glucan~1.7–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan

Sodium hyaluronate~1.4–1.8%

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

Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate~1.3–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate

Sodium acetylated hyaluronate~0.95–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid

More about Sodium acetylated hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.7–1.05%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid~0.6–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.5–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate

Potassium hyaluronate~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Potassium hyaluronate

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.45–0.65%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Trehalose~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose

Allantoin~0.3–0.6%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces rednessAnti-blemishReduces irritationExfoliation

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

More about Allantoin

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.4–0.6%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Phytosphingosine~0.35–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemish

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine

Ceramide np~0.3–0.6%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

Glucose~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Xylitol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitol

Xylitylglucoside~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitylglucoside

Anhydroxylitol~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function

More about Anhydroxylitol

Arginine~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Caffeine~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine

Biosaccharide gum-1~0.2–0.4%

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

Carbomer~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Sodium phytate~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate

Ingredient list view

Water, Dipropylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Betula platyphylla japonica juice, Beta-glucan, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Potassium hyaluronate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Trehalose, Allantoin, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide np, Glucose, Xylitol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Arginine, Caffeine, Biosaccharide gum-1, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium phytate

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Yesstyle

$5.02

Buy

Affiliate links

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
	AnuaBirch Moisture MaskYOUR PRODUCT	AbibMild Acidic pH Sheet Mask Aqua Fit	MEDIHEALD.N.A Hydrating Protein Sheet Mask	KlairsRich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask
Match	—	50%	48%	48%
Price	$5.02	$22.77+$17.75	—	$3.00−$2.02
Shared key ingredients	—	11 of 20	10 of 20	6 of 20
Key difference	—	Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester	Copper Tripeptide-1	Ceramide Ap
Irritancy	Low	Medium	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: MISSHA Super Aqua Ampoule Mask SUNGBOON EDITOR Deep Collagen Viral Glass Skin Korean Skincare Power Boosting Facial Mask for Firming and Restoration

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

"Anua - Birch Moisture Mask" is effective for: Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

Ceramides (ceramide np 0.30% - 0.60% and phytosphingosine 0.35% - 0.65%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
Humectants (biosaccharide gum-1 0.20% - 0.40%, arginine 0.20% - 0.40%, anhydroxylitol 0.25% - 0.45%, xylitylglucoside 0.25% - 0.45%, trehalose 0.45% - 0.65%, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer 0.50% - 0.80%, hyaluronic acid 0.60% - 0.85%, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.70% - 1.05%, sodium acetylated hyaluronate 0.95% - 1.20%, sodium hyaluronate 1.40% - 1.80%, diglycerin 2.40% - 3.00% and glycerin 3.20% - 3.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 5.10$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Anti-Wrinkle Therapy: Significant New Findings in the Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatment of Skin Wrinkles with Beta-Glucanonlinelibrary.wiley.com
4
Skin Health Promotion Effects of Natural Beta-Glucan Derived from Cereals and Microorganisms: A Reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
5
Anticancer properties of low molecular weight oat beta-glucan – An in vitro studysciencedirect.com
6
A critical review on production and industrial applications 2 of beta-glucanssciencedirect.com
7
Improving skin function with CM-glucan, a biological response modifier from yeastonlinelibrary.wiley.com
8
Preparation, characterization, and biological properties of β-glucansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Characterization of a new beta(1-3)-glucan branching activity of Aspergillus fumigatusncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
12
Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid: Enhanced Bioavailability and Biological Studieshindawi.com
13
Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
15
Ameliorating effect of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate on an IL-4- and IL-13-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin-equivalent modelresearchgate.net
16
Final report on the safety assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Potassium Glycyrrhetinate, Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glyceryl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhetinyl Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium Glycyrrhizate, Trisodium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Glycyrrhizate, and Potassium Glycyrrhizinate.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
18
Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systemsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
19
Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
20
Topical Glucose Induces Claudin-1 and Filaggrin Expression in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis and in Keratinocyte Culture, Exerting Anti-inflammatory Effects by Repairing Skin Barrier Functionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
21
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov

AnuaBirch Moisture Mask

Buy at Yesstyle$5.02 Amazon

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

Buy at Yesstyle$5.02 Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.