Patchology Bubbly Hydrogel Mask

Patchology Bubbly Hydrogel Mask

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Evens skin tone
Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Resveratrol + 2 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“This ultra-luxe bubbly hydrogel mask is formulated with antioxidants Resveratrol (from grapes!) and Orange Extract to help protect from environmental stressors—which can lead to early signs of aging—and Niacinamide to brighten dull undereyes.”
Source: Bluemercury

This product contains ingredients (resveratrol) 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.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan 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~0.7–1.05%
ResveratrolEffect: LowHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~0.25–0.45%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.3–0.5%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.25–0.45%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Centella asiatica extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 4 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (resveratrol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract, centella asiatica extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~1.8–2.2%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan 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~0.7–1.05%
ResveratrolKey activeEffect: HighHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~0.25–0.45%
Paeonia suffruticosa root extractEffect: Low~2.3–2.8%
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.5–0.75%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.25–0.45%
Anti-aging
Side benefit the brand mentions · Centella asiatica extract, Resveratrol + 3 more
May help
What the product description says
“and Orange Extract to help protect from environmental stressors—which can lead to early signs of aging—and Niacinamide to brighten dull undereyes.”
Source: Bluemercury

This product contains centella asiatica extract, resveratrol. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~1.8–2.2%
ResveratrolKey activeEffect: MediumHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~0.25–0.45%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan 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~0.7–1.05%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.3–0.5%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.25–0.45%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Glycerin, Centella asiatica extract + 10 more
Works
What the product description says
“Bubbly Hydrogel Mask”
From product name

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: betaine, 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: chondrus crispus extract, glyceryl caprylate.

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%
Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~1.8–2.2%
Chondrus crispus powderKey activeEffect: MediumA powder from red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.6–0.9%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.35–0.6%
Chondrus crispus extractKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.35–0.65%
SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.25–0.45%
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~3–3.7%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan 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~0.7–1.05%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.55–0.8%
AlginEffect: LowUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%
Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.3–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Gardenia florida fruit extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Paeonia suffruticosa root extract—High~2.3–2.8%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~1.4–1.8%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~1.2–1.4%est.
Gardenia florida fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating.High~0.95–1.15%est.
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.5–0.75%est.
Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~1.8–2.2%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.75–1.1%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Ceratonia siliqua gumUsed to stabilize product formulations and create thicker consistencyMedium~0.5–0.7%est.
ResveratrolHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin toneMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%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
Chondrus crispus powderA powder from red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.6–0.9%est.
Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.35–0.65%est.
AlginUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.25–0.45%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~4.1–5%
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~3–3.7%
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
Paeonia suffruticosa root extract~2.3–2.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation
More about Paeonia suffruticosa root extract
Centella asiatica extract~1.8–2.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Reduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract
1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~1.4–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~1.2–1.4%
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
Gardenia florida fruit extract~0.95–1.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating.

More about Gardenia florida fruit extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.7–1.05%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

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
Morus nigra fruit extract~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract
Glyceryl caprylate~0.55–0.8%
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
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Chondrus crispus powder~0.6–0.9%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A powder from red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus powder
Ceratonia siliqua gum~0.5–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulations and create thicker consistency

More about Ceratonia siliqua gum
Betaine~0.35–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Chondrus crispus extract~0.35–0.65%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus extract
Potassium chloride~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Niacinamide~0.3–0.5%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

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
Sucrose~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose
Cellulose gum~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum
Algin~0.25–0.45%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Algin
Dextrin~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin
Resveratrol~0.25–0.45%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone

More about Resveratrol
Ascorbic acid~0.25–0.45%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid
Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Polysorbate 20~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Maltodextrin~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Acacia senegal gum~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum
Peat water~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Peat water
Citric acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Parfum~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Limonene~0.05–0.15%
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~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Paeonia suffruticosa root extract, Centella asiatica extract, 1,2-hexanediol, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Gardenia florida fruit extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Morus nigra fruit extract, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Glyceryl caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chondrus crispus powder, Ceratonia siliqua gum, Betaine, Chondrus crispus extract, Potassium chloride, Niacinamide, Sucrose, Cellulose gum, Algin, Dextrin, Resveratrol, Ascorbic acid, Disodium edta, Polysorbate 20, Maltodextrin, Acacia senegal gum, Peat water, Citric acid, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Potassium sorbate, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/7 12:17 GMT
$10.00
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Bluemercury
$12.00
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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
PatchologyBubbly Hydrogel MaskYOUR PRODUCTMZ SkinHydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment MaskVT CosmeticsPDRN Hydrogel Mask SetBIODANCEHydro Cera-nol Real Deep Mask
Match—98%98%95%
Price$12.00$66.81+$54.81$18.43+$6.43$4.78−$7.22
Shared key ingredients—6 of 86 of 85 of 8
Key difference—Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5AdenosineAdenosine
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"Patchology - Bubbly Hydrogel Mask" could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this product it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.25% - 0.45%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
  • Humectants (sucrose 0.25% - 0.45%, betaine 0.35% - 0.60% and glycerin 4.90% - 6.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Patchology" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails for 10.00$ in the United States and for 58.06A$ in Australia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

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  6. 6

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.