Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask Review [In-Depth]
Stick around for this Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask Review, cause it's a goodie!
If you have oily skin and need something a clay mask that's more soothing and calming for redness as well, this is it. I notice visibly reduced red bumps on my forehead and my skin just felt immediately more refreshed and calmer after using this. More details below!
Quick facts:
INCIDecoder ingredient checker: https://incidecoder.com/products/isntree-real-mugwort-clay-mask
Formulated without: Artificial fragrance, essential oils, parabens, phenoxyethanol, denatured alcohol
Potential irritants: Contains Stearic Acid which INCIDecoder notes has a 2-3 Comedogenicity, meaning it may clog pores leading to potential irritation/breakouts. However Stearic acid is a common multi-tasker fatty acid that claims to make your skin feel nice and smooth (emollient), it helps to stabilize water and oil mixes. All other ingredients are meant to soothe skin (even sensitive). Even though on their website it says 'skin irritation test completed' it's always better to patch test prior to application!
Texture: Thick but emollient clay mask consistency with bits of organic leafy materials throughout (texture image further down this post)
Scent: Can smell the mugwort in the clay mask which contains a similar herbal smell to sage and mint as mugwort derives from the sage family. (Some people love the smell while others do not enjoy it as much).
Packaging: The mask comes in a 100ml squeeze tube that easily dispenses product. Very sanitary
Price Comparisons June 2022
$16.90 USD on YesStyle
$24 on SokoGlam
Not available on StyleVana
Pros: This mask is intended for oily skin and does reduce shine/greasiness right after use, I notice visibly reduced red bumps on my forehead and my skin just feels more refreshed, cleansed and calm.
I actually really enjoy the earthy, herbal scent of this mask and the texture is really easy to apply. The packaging makes it so much more sanitary compared to a clay mask jar.
Cons: I'm not a huge fan of physical exfoliants and there are bits of the mugwort leaf and red bean powder in here. I don't find that it irritates my skin though but just something to keep in mind if you have thinner/sensitive skin.
What does the mugwort clay mask do?
The Isntree brand website notes that the Isntree Mugwort Clay Mask is supposed to cleanse the pores with 6 kinds of clays (Kaolin, Bentonite, Ilite, Montmorillonite, Calcite and Canadian Colloidal Clay). It also contains Ganghwa Medicinal Mugwort Extract and botanical extracts to also replenish skin with moisture and soothe irritation for a fresh and translucent skin finish.
The clay mask also exfoliates skin with Mugwort Leaf Powder and Red Bean Powder (you can really feel the leaf powder bits in the mask).
Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask ingredients
We will be breaking down some of the key points below, but you can also read our in-depth guide on how to read skincare ingredient labels to see if the formulation would be right for you.
Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Bentonite, Artemisia Princeps Extract, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Illite, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Montmorillonite, Calcite, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Powder, Canadian Colloidal Clay, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Methylpropanediol, Algin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Ethylhexylglycerin isntree.com
What I love about this formulation is that the Kaolin, Bentonite clays, as well as the Artemisia Extract (Mugwort) is right up there at the top, meaning they're in high concentrations and you're getting really good value with this mask.
Other ingredients that they didn't mention in their marketing also stood out to me as really good skin soothing additions: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Willow Bark Extract, Oat Kernel Extract.
My only small gripe is that if you don't like physical exfoliants, there is mugwort and red bean powder in here and you can definitely feel the grains when you apply the mask and when you rinse off. If you have very thin, sensitive skin, this may not be for you.
How do you use the Isntree mugwort clay mask?
- After cleansing your skin, apply an even layer to your face avoiding the eyes and mouth (I prefer a slightly thicker layer as this mask dries down rather quickly and I like to keep this on for about 15-20 minutes max). Any longer and I can feel this starting to tug at my skin.
- When ready to wash off, massage your face with warm water, let it "marinate" a little and soften before washing off. No need for a second cleanse, just tone and moisturize as normal after.
*As clay masks can be a little drying, I sometimes just use this in my T zone or where needed, and apply a hydrating mask on the other areas of my face (YES, MULTI-MASKING :D)!
Is mugwort mask good for acne?
I was unable to find research data for the use of mugwort on acne. However, for the kind of mugwort that's used in the Isntree clay mask formulation, Artemisia princeps, studies have proven its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Skin care products containing Artemisia princeps extract (APE) are known to improve dry skin symptoms in atopic dermatitis. Because of its abilities to help reduce redness, inflammation and help soothe dry irritated skin, I can see this working better for those with only occasional pimples.
Summing up this Isntree Mugwort Clay Mask review
This immediately became one of my favorite clay masks of all time. I'll be regularly using this up every other week for my t-zone and can see this being a great staple for those of you who also have combo/oily skin!
I purchased mine from YesStyle, but I've also seen it on Amazon, SokoGlam and iHerb. Let me know down below if you decide to try it!
*This post contains affiliate links so I do earn a tiny commission if you choose to purchase, but please know I wouldn't recommend anything I don't truly love and stand by!