I’ve never really jumped on the sheet mask bandwagon… until now.
Don’t get me wrong. I like a pampering treat just like any other girl but… I’m just not comfortable with the idea of creating all that waste.
Like, why would you use a sheet mask that hangs around on the planet long after you’re dead when a rinse off mask hydrates your skin just as well? If only someone came up with a sheet mask that were easy to recycle. *sighs*
Wait! That’s just what The Body Shop did. Youth Concentrate Sheet Mask is made with a cellulose fibre derived from renewably sourced wood pulp that’s 100% biodegradable in compost. (In case you’re wondering, it takes the sheet mask 42 days to disintegrate).
How cool is that?! Now that’s a sheet mask I don’t have to feel guilty about using. Question now is, is the essence just as good as the sheet? Let’s find out:
What’s In The Body Shop Youth Concentrate Sheet Mask?
HYALURONIC ACID TO HYDRATE SKIN
Let’s face it: the #1 reason you use a sheet mask is for moisture, moisture, moisture.
Moisture is a job for Hyaluronic Acid. This moisture magnet attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water!
All that extra moisture is a blessing for your skin. Moisture plumps up fine lines and wrinkles so they look smaller; makes skin softer to the touch; and it gives the complexion a dewy glow.
FYI, Hyaluronic Acid isn’t the only moisture magnet in The Body Shop Youth Concentrate Sheet Mask. Glycerin does the same thing – but on a smaller scale.
Related: Why You Should Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type
STEM CELLS TO SLOW DOWN AGING
Stem cells are mother cells. They have the potential to become any type of cell in that organism. They can then reproduce more of those cells.
Human stem cells, for example, can turn into healthy skin and – one day, as technology develops, may even be able to rejuvenate it. An apple stem cell can turn into an apple leaf or the branch of an apple tree.
But there’s absolutely no way that a plant stem cell can ever turn into healthy skin and rejuvenate it. That’s science fiction (the bad kind).
Does that mean that plant stem cells are useless in skincare? Nope.
Good because The Body Shop Youth Concentrate Sheet Mask contains 3 types of plant stem cells: Edelweiss from the Italian Alps, Sea Holly & Criste Marine From The Brittany Coast.
Guess what they do? They’re antioxidants: they fight off free radicals before they give you wrinkles and dark spots. Not as good as turning into human skin, but I’ll take it.
Related: The Truth About Stem Cells In Skincare: How They Really Work
ALCOHOL TO ENHANCE PENETRATION
Alcohol is another misunderstood ingredient in skincare. Word on the street is that it’s super drying and irritating.
It’s true – if you use it alone. Think of all those astringent toners with water, alcohol and little else. They’re bad news for skin.
But when done right? It’s a totally different matter. The latest research shows that alcohol isn’t all that drying and irritating – especially when formulated with moisturising ingredients.
The extra moisture The Body Shop Youth Concentrate Sheet Mask adds to the skin is able to counteract the side effects of alcohol for most people. Only if your skin is uber sensitive or very dry, it may cause problems for you.
FYI, if you’re wondering why using alcohol in the first place, here’s the deal: alcohol helps active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin and thins out textures so they’re more pleasant to use.
Related: What Does Alcohol-Free Really Mean?
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Texture
A refreshing, lightweight essence.
Fragrance
Subtle, a little perfumey.
How To Use It
A couple of nights a week, after cleansing. Leave on for 15 minutes.
Performance & Personal Opinion
For me, the best thing about The Body Shop Youth Concentrate Sheet Mask is the sheet itself. It’s 100% biodegradable, sturdy and adheres to the skin well.
I’ve tried some sheet masks in the past that forced me to lie down or they’d slip off my face. I’m happy to say that didn’t happen here.
The sheet stays put even though it’s drenched in refreshing essence. I keep it on for 15 minutes, then massage the little essence residue into my skin and get on with the rest of my skincare routine.
Afterwards, my skin is super soft to the touch. I can see the essence has plumped up my fine lines a little – they look that little bit smaller. Plus, my skin is now glowing!
I’ll admit it: I’m too lazy to use it twice a week as The Body Shop suggests. If you’re more committed to your skin than I am, go ahead and do that.
But it’s a wonderful treat before a special occasion like an anniversary dinner or a friend’s wedding. It gives your skin an instant pick me up that makes it look brighter and healthier.
Totally guilt-free. 🙂
Who Is This For?
Anyone can use it, but it’s more suitable for dehydrated skin.
Who Is This NOT For?
If your skin is very sensitive, the fragrance may irritate it.
Packaging
White and green. Makes you think of purity and nature.
Does The Body Shop Youth Concentrate Sheet Mask Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable sheet mask*. | True. |
| Leaves skin feeling fresher, smoother, looking bouncier and healthier. | True. |
Price & Availability
£5.00 at The Body Shop
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a hydrating sheet mask, this is a good option to consider.
Dupes & Alternatives
I don’t know of any dupes for this product.
Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Propanediol, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Adenosine, Linalool, Chritmum Maritimum Extract, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Citronellol, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract/Mallow Flower Extract, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Limonene, Eryngium Maritimum Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Xanthan Gum
thank you so much for the info on alcohol, I agree too alcohol is ok when formulated with other ingredients to hydrate. Noone is applying pure 100% alcohol to their skin.
Jeff, that’s true, no one would ever use 100% pure alcohol. Yet it’s incredible how many people judge an ingredient by how good or bad it is at a 100% concentration. Skincare is more complicated than that.
This mask is amazing! There is so much extra liquid once you pull out the mask from the wrapper that i poured it into a small clean container with lid and used this for a week after! Also the sheet after use works great on dry elbows and heels before composting. It really goes far.
Is this body shop mask safe to be use by pregnant?
Bheng, it depends on how you feel. High concentrations of salicylic acid are a no-no during pregnancy. This mask contains a minuscule amount that won’t cause any problems, but some people prefer to avoid it completely anyway.