Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask

Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask

Efficacy25/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Evens skin tone
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Bifida ferment lysate + 2 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Pack of six sheet masks targets dull and hyperpigmented skin, turning it even-toned and glowing.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product contains ingredients (glycyrrhiza glabra root extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.2–0.35%
Bifida ferment lysateEffect: Low, below effective doseConsists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect~0.2–0.35%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.2–0.35%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.4%
Anti-blemish
Allantoin, Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Reduces freckles and blemishes while adjusts skin balance at the same time.”
Source: Lila Beauty

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

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~0.35–0.6%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.4%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Panthenol, Glycerin + 20 more
Works well
What the product description says
“With ascorbic acid & allantoin, it revitalize dull, tired skin & hydrate for radiant & glowing complexion.”
Source: Soko Glam

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: arginine, 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: arginine, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.2–0.4%
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~4.9–6%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2.4–2.9%
Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~1.4–1.7%
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~0.65–0.95%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.3–0.55%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%
Cocos nucifera fruit extractKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.2–0.35%
Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrateKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%
Lactobacillus ferment lysateKey activeEffect: MediumA "broth" with parts of dead cells of lactobacteria. Might be helpful supporting diverse microbiome in skin, but evidence is lacking~0.2–0.4%
Avena sativa meal extractKey activeEffect: HighA type of oatmeal extract. Helps restore skin barrier and has antioxidant properties~0.15–0.3%
Honey extractKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%
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~0.9–1.1%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.25–0.45%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.4%
Oryza sativa extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.4%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.6%
Butyrospermum parkii butter extractUnder-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~0.2–0.4%
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~0.2–0.35%
Bifida ferment lysateUnder-dosedConsists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect~0.2–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Zingiber officinale root extract, Citrus grandis seed extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
Coptis japonica root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Citrus grandis seed extract—High~0.15–0.3%est.
Perilla ocymoides leaf extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Contains a number of volatile compounds and could be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.25%est.
MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~3.1–3.7%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~2.4–2.9%est.
Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.9–2.3%est.
Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~1.4–1.7%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~1.1–1.4%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Schisandra chinensis fruit extractA berry extract that might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.2–0.4%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Honey extractHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
Cocos nucifera fruit extractAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.2–0.35%est.
Butyrospermum parkii butter extractA 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 radicals3/5~0.2–0.4%est.

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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~4.9–6%
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
Dipropylene glycol~4–4.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol
Methylpropanediol~3.1–3.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.4–2.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Polysorbate 60~1.9–2.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60
Sorbitan stearate~1.6–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbitan stearate
Olea europaea fruit oil~1.4–1.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil
Hexylene glycol~1.1–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Butylene glycol~0.9–1.1%
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
Arginine~0.65–0.95%
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
Carbomer~0.55–0.8%
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
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Allantoin~0.35–0.6%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-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
Trehalose~0.4–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Trehalose
Sorbitan isostearate~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate
Peg-20 hydrogenated castor oil~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-20 hydrogenated castor oil
1,2-hexanediol~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Sucrose cocoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sucrose cocoate
Squalane~0.3–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Lactobacillus ferment lysate~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A "broth" with parts of dead cells of lactobacteria. Might be helpful supporting diverse microbiome in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Lactobacillus ferment lysate
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessEvens skin toneAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-blemish

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.2–0.35%
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
Bifida ferment lysate~0.2–0.35%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect

More about Bifida ferment lysate
Zingiber officinale root extract~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract
Schisandra chinensis fruit extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A berry extract that might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Schisandra chinensis fruit extract
Coptis japonica root extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Coptis japonica root extract
Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate
Citrus grandis seed extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Panthenol~0.2–0.4%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Oryza sativa extract~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Oryza sativa extract
Acorus calamus root extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Avena sativa meal extract~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of oatmeal extract. Helps restore skin barrier and has antioxidant properties

More about Avena sativa meal extract
Milk protein extract~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Glyceryl caprylate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%
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
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Honey extract~0.15–0.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Honey extract
Cocos nucifera fruit extract~0.2–0.35%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera fruit extract
Butyrospermum parkii butter extract~0.2–0.4%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

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 extract
Perilla ocymoides leaf extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Contains a number of volatile compounds and could be irritating

More about Perilla ocymoides leaf extract
Parfum~0.1–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Methylpropanediol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan stearate, Olea europaea fruit oil, Hexylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Arginine, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Allantoin, Trehalose, Sorbitan isostearate, Peg-20 hydrogenated castor oil, 1,2-hexanediol, Sucrose cocoate, Squalane, Lactobacillus ferment lysate, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Bifida ferment lysate, Zingiber officinale root extract, Schisandra chinensis fruit extract, Coptis japonica root extract, Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate, Citrus grandis seed extract, Disodium edta, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Oryza sativa extract, Acorus calamus root extract, Avena sativa meal extract, Milk protein extract, Glyceryl caprylate, Sodium hyaluronate, Caprylyl glycol, Honey extract, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter extract, Perilla ocymoides leaf extract, Parfum

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Yesstyle
$4.90 Out of stock
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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
Dr. AltheaNatural Brightening Velvet MaskYOUR PRODUCTMEDIHEALD.N.A Hydrating Protein Sheet MaskTONYMOLYMaster Lab Real Mask Sheet 1pcKoCostarHydrogel Melt Mask Rice Fit
Match—66%63%62%
Price———$15.99
Shared key ingredients—8 of 146 of 146 of 14
Key difference—Copper Tripeptide-1Ceramide NpNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium High 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 16 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
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  5. 5
  6. 6
Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask
Dr. AltheaNatural Brightening Velvet Mask

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.