Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask

Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask

Efficacy0/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Exfoliation
Lactic acid ~0.2–0.4%, below the ~2% it needs + 1 more
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“Exfoliating Mask”
From product name

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

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)~0.2–0.4%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.05–0.1%
Evens skin tone
Lactic acid ~0.2–0.4%, below the ~2% it needs + 1 more
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“As lactic acid and fruit enzymes help to slough away dead skin cells, kaolin clay and volcanic ash get to work drawing impurities from the complexion for a brighter, more even tone.Blended with galactoarabinan to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation, this mask helps to achieve a clearer, more refined complexion with a natural-looking radiant glow.”
Source: SpaceNK

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

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)~0.2–0.4%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.05–0.1%
Anti-aging
Lactic acid ~0.2–0.4%, below the ~2% it needs + 1 more
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“As lactic acid and fruit enzymes help to slough away dead skin cells, kaolin clay and volcanic ash get to work drawing impurities from the complexion for a brighter, more even tone.Blended with galactoarabinan to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation, this mask helps to achieve a clearer, more refined complexion with a natural-looking radiant glow.”
Source: SpaceNK

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

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)~0.2–0.4%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.05–0.1%
Moisturizing
Side benefit · Glycerin, Saccharum officinarum extract + 5 more
Works

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": galactoarabinan, glycerin.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

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~2.1–2.6%
Saccharum officinarum extractKey activeEffect: HighSugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2%
GalactoarabinanKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.65%
LactoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.4%
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)~0.2–0.4%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.05–0.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~1.2–1.5%est.
Citrus limon fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.65–0.95%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
Citrus grandis seed oil—High~0.15–0.25%est.
Acer saccharum extractA plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compoundsMedium~0.9–1.1%est.
Tapioca starchUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.5–0.8%est.
GalactoarabinanHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~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~0.2–0.4%est.
Triethyl citrateUsed as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritationMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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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
Kaolin~6.4–7.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingAnti-blemish

A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color

More about Kaolin
Clay~4.7–5.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Can absorb oil. There is no research confirming other benefits for the skin

More about Clay
Pumice~3.3–4.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Milled volcanic rock. Used as an abrasive for physical exfoliation

More about Pumice
Volcanic rock~2.5–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Volcanic rock
Glycerin~2.1–2.6%
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
Saccharum officinarum extract~1.7–2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharum officinarum extract
Vaccinium myrtillus seed extract~1.4–1.8%
Formula
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~1.2–1.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract
Acer saccharum extract~0.9–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compounds

More about Acer saccharum extract
Citrus limon fruit extract~0.65–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus limon fruit extract
Manihot esculenta
Not recognized
Tapioca starch~0.5–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Tapioca starch
Mica~0.55–0.85%
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
Titanium dioxide~0.6–0.9%
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
Iron
Not recognized
Potassium oxide~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Galactoarabinan~0.35–0.65%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Galactoarabinan
Lactose~0.3–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Lactose
Bromelain~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Bromelain
Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.4%
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
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Lactic acid~0.2–0.4%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-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
Cellulose gum~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum
Triethyl citrate~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritation

More about Triethyl citrate
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Citrus grandis seed oil~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Gluconolactone~0.05–0.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Ingredient list view

Water, Kaolin, Clay, Pumice, Volcanic rock, Glycerin, Saccharum officinarum extract, Vaccinium myrtillus seed extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Acer saccharum extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Unknown, Tapioca starch, Mica, Titanium dioxide, Unknown, Potassium oxide, Galactoarabinan, Lactose, Bromelain, Sodium hyaluronate, Xanthan gum, Lactic acid, Cellulose gum, Triethyl citrate, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus grandis seed oil, Gluconolactone, Sodium benzoate

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SpaceNK US
$75.00
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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
Joanna VargasExfoliating MaskYOUR PRODUCTCliniqueEven Better Brighter Moisture MaskcelimaxSkin Repair Bee Tox Therapy MaskPerricone MDCold Plasma Plus+ The Intensive Gel Mask
Match—37%37%37%
Price$75.00$56.38−$18.62$4.60−$70.40$37.99−$37.01
Shared key ingredients—3 of 63 of 63 of 6
Key difference—Ascorbyl GlucosideSalicylic AcidCopper Tripeptide-1
Irritancy High Medium High Medium
Drying alcohol—— Contains drying alcohol —
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More alternatives: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur MaskLAGOM White Kaolin Mud Mask

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Product summary

"Joanna Vargas - Exfoliating Mask" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.25% - 0.40%, galactoarabinan 0.35% - 0.65% and glycerin 2.10% - 2.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 75.00$ in the United States, for 131.30CA$ in Canada and for 60.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.

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Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask
Joanna VargasExfoliating Mask

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.