Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, ceramides, vitamin E, collagen extract, adenosine, butylene glycol | Who it’s for: all skin types, including sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Brightening: Kojic Acid Turmeric Night Wrapping Mask
Why it’s worth it: For skin that shines brighter than Halley’s Comet, apply the Kojic Acid Turmeric Night Wrapping Mask. This intensive cocktail of radiance enhancers includes kojic acid, turmeric extract, and retinol to defy dullness overnight and make skin feel smoother than butter. Though it contains an intensive active ingredient, it doesn’t have a tingly sensation like other active-powered skin-care products, thanks to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties paired with hydrating, calming collagen extract. Peel it off the next morning, or wash it away with warm water to reveal an impeccably bouncy, bright complexion.
Tester feedback: “Personally, this is my hands-down favorite overnight mask, ever,” says commerce writer Jennifer Hussein. “It’s one of the few retinol-infused products that doesn’t make my sensitive skin freak out—in fact, its cooling gel texture makes my redness-prone skin feel comforted and calm. That being said, everyone’s skin is different, and this formula does contain an active ingredient, so try patch-testing before slathering it all over your face. A fair warning that this mask is runny straight out of the bottle, so spills may be inevitable (at least for me), but its ultra-glowy results are well worth the messy application. As long as you apply a thick layer at night, it’s incredibly easy to remove in the morning and comes off in one big peel, minus a few tiny spots.”
Key ingredients: kojic acid, retinol, turmeric extract, collagen extract | Who it’s for: dull skin, acne-prone skin, those with dark spots and hyperpigmentation | Fragrance-free: yes
Best During Daytime: Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Gel Mask
Why it’s worth it: If you have a day-of event with no time for a beauty power nap, try one of Medicube’s daytime-friendly options, like the Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Gel Mask. You’ll still need to dedicate around three to four hours (or whenever it becomes clear). Considering how comfortably this gel mask fits, the time will fly by, and it’s perfect to wear while getting tasks around the home done. A powerhouse team of kojic acid, niacinamide, and turmeric extract brightens, evens tone, diminishes the look of discoloration, and leaves your skin feeling baby-smooth and bouncier than Jell-O. Unlike the peel-off version of this formula, it doesn’t contain retinol or harsh actives, so sensitive skin, do not fear.
