Sharing is caring!

A clean, glycolic acid mask is a must for me! Beautycounter’s AHA mask checks all the boxes!

Beautycounter AHA mask

In the world of clean beauty, there have been many underperforming products in my opinion. I have spent countless dollars on products that promised to perform and solve all of your issues when in reality I think I just paid for some overpriced product that will be the next “play beauty” item for my kids.

I have to tell you though, I have found a top performer and you need to add this product to your skincare routine. This post is all about my review of Beautycounter AHA  Reflect Effect facial mask

*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.  This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company.  I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly.  If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product. 

 Beautycounter New Reflect Effect AHA smoothing Facial mask

I have been using Beautycounter products for over 6 years now, and there is rarely a product I am not impressed with. When they came out with an AHA mask made with glycolic acid, phytic acid, and the stems of real bamboo particles, I had to give it a try!

I am not really a mask person, to be honest. That dried-on-concrete feeling you get with most masks as if it is sucking every cell dry in your face? Not for me. I was really tired of dull skin so I definitely wanted to give this a try!

What I was intrigued about was that this facial mask is both a chemical exfoliator and a physical exfoliator. Using glycolic and phytic acid this mask effectively removes buildup and dead skin leaving a brighter and more even complexion by reducing dry flaky skin.

What is AHA?

Alpha hydroxy acids are a type of chemical exfoliator derived from sugar cane, milk, or fruit that give effective results by peeling away dead skin cells and dry skin and turning over an ultra-soft complexion.

Beautiful sustainable packaging in the Beautycounter AHA Reflect Effect mask

What makes this AHA mask so special?

If you are new to Beautycounter, you are in for a treat! Beautycounter is a clean beauty brand that bans over 2800 questionable and possibly harmful ingredients that are found in most conventional skin care. They source all of their ingredients with a higher standard of safety and quality in mind. This mask is certified “Cruelty Free” and “Vegan”

What does the AHA smoothing mask do?

The mask does three main things for your skin:

1. Creates a smoother and brighter surface by using 10% AHA and 10% phytic acid and gentle physical exfoliation. Think of an amazing gentile sugar scrub you use for your body but for your face
2. Creates a brighter complexion with cell turnover from the chemical exfoliation aspect of the AHA
3. Promotes hydration using a sugar-based ingredient that has moisture-binding properties so your skin stays hydrated and increases hydration at the same time

A familiar product with better ingredients

If you grew up in the early 2000s like I did, you know of and used that amazing apricot scrub you could get at the local drugstore that had those awesome beads and smelled amazing. Come to find out, unfortunately, those beads that were supposed to wake up our “tired teenage skin”, and improve and tone our skin texture are actually made out of plastic beads.

Rubbing plastic beads all over our skin is not ideal for our bodies and for the planet. Luckily though, Beautycounter had our needs in mind when they made this mask using real bamboo particles for the physical exfoliator. No plastic is needed here!

The bouncy gel formula with the bamboo stem particles

What is an AHA mask?

As stated above, AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid which is a group of acids that occurs naturally in fruits, sugar cane, and milk. The primary role of AHA products is to exfoliate or loosen the top layers of the skin. AHA increases cell turnover by rejuvenating the skin and breaking down the substance that keeps skin cells glued together.

Why should we exfoliate?

Our skin cells are always regenerating, but as we age that process slows down a bit and can cause old dead skin cells to get clogged. Exfoliation helps to renew that cell turnover by ridding the skin of dead unwanted skin cells. Exfoliation helps prevent acne and dull looking skin.

What are the ingredients in the Beautycounter AHA mask?

• Glycolic acid- glycolic acid actually comes from sugarcane! It is odorless and colorless in its pure form. It is the smallest AHA molecule and is the most effective at removing dead skin cells and helping cell turnover.
• Phytic Acid is a natural substance found in plants. It is one of the most gentle exfoliants with amazing antioxidants and skin-brightening effects. It is safe to use daily and safe for all skin types.
• Hydration-boosting Saccharide Isomerate: is a humectant(something that retains and preserves moisture) and is also a sugar-based complex. This is used in the mask as an ultra-hydrating sugar-based moisturizer and can also help the skin provide a barrier against environmental pollutants.
• Bamboo particles- derived from the stems of bamboo these are used instead of plastic beads. These play a crucial role as the all-natural gentle physical exfoliator.

What are the results of the Beautycounter AHA mask?

I was so surprised with my immediate results after the first time using this AHA mask. I had a brighter complexion, my skin was smoother and my skin texture felt amazing. The best part was I didn’t have a dry face as I normally do using any mask.

I have been putting this mask into my skincare routine about twice a week and my skin has seen some great changes. My tired skin as a mama of 4 now has a more even and brighter complexion. My skin feels smoother and the appearance of pores is smaller. I have larger-than-life nose pores and they have shrunk in appearance drastically.

How do you use an AHA face mask?

This mask is super simple to use!

• Apply the mask evenly over clean dry skin with fingers. 
• You could even go above and beyond and apply it with the Reflect Effect  3-in-1 facial tool for a mess-free application.
• Next, you could then use the bristle side to help break down the product and exfoliate.
• Next, use the massage side to work in post-mask skin care.
• Leave it on for 10 or more minutes
• Rinse off using circular motions with warm water 
• Pat dry 
• Enjoy smooth and brighter skin after immediate use
• Finally, you can then continue with your AM or PM skincare routine.

Now, go make yourself a hot tea while you wait. You will notice as the mask begins to dry the bamboo particles begin to show up on your skin doing their job of exfoliation.

Reflect Effect mask with bamboo particles doing their job!

If you really want to amp up your results with exfoliation, make sure to check out the Reflect Effect overnight resurfacing peel and the Reflect Effect Bamboobuff exfoliating polish. The resurfacing peel was the original product from Beautycounter that first got me hooked. It is an AHA/BHA serum you can use every other night that you leave on your face overnight and in the morning your skin looks renewed and fresh. The bamboo polish is just an extra little exfoliation boost you can add to any skincare wash. Using alumina and bamboo powder it gives just that gentle exfoliation needed if you aren’t using the mask or peel. 

Per the Beautycounter Website:

After immediate use:

• 97% said it thoroughly exfoliates skin
• 90% said skin looks less dull and tired
• 90% said leaves skin baby soft

*Based on a 31-subject consumer perception study immediately after use.

After 1 week of use*

• 97% said skin looks smoother
• 90% said skin looks radiant and luminous
• 87% said pores look minimized**Based on a 31-subject consumer perception study after one week of use, twice weekly.

**Based on a 31-subject consumer perception study after one week of use, twice weekly.

After removing the mask after 10 min!

Are there any precautions?

Avoid eye contact, only use one product per time. Make sure to use sunscreen if using products during the day as AHA products can make skin more sensitive to sun exposure.

The Beautycounter Reflect Effect trifecta

Final thoughts on Beautycounter AHA Reflect Effect mask

I really love this product and the reflect effect line. It gives such great skin care results in so little time. I also love the beautiful, sustainable packaging it comes in as it can be recycled using the company How2Recycle. Check it out here. Have you tried the Reflect Effect mask? Share your thoughts below!

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/glycolic-acid-for-skin

https://www.glamour.com/story/glycolic-acid-what-does-it-do