If you struggle with congestion but have super-sensitive skin like I do, you know how hard it can be to find products that clear up your skin without irritating it further. That's why I have a not-so-secret K-beauty obsession. K-beauty is all about nourishing the skin barrier and gentle (yet highly effective) exfoliating actives. They've worked wonders for my barrier-damaged, acne-prone skin, and one TikTok find really stood out recently.
You also may have seen Aprilskin's Calendula Peel Off Mask while scrolling through your feed because it's low-key everywhere. Users report that it's unmatched in the amount of gunk it removes from your face after just one use, and it gives you a nice glow. Naturally, being the curious beauty editor that I am, I decided to try it. If I'm honest, I try to be a bit more skeptical now when it comes viral skincare products. I can't even begin to tell you how many I've tried that have ended up underwhelming. But because this one has such a gentle formula, I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it. Spoiler alert: It didn't disappoint.
If you're a fellow sensitive-skin girlie who needs more gentle exfoliating masks in your arsenal, keep reading. I'm sharing all my thoughts on this one below.
(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
My skin while trying the Aprilskin Calendula Peel Off Mask.
APRILSKIN
Calendula Flower-Infused Facial Peel Off Mask
Aprilskin already has a few cult-favorite products under its belt, including the Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Cleansing Balm ($20), which I've used and loved. The formula for this peel-off mask is designed to clear out congestion and excess gunk on the skin without stinging or burning. It features calendula flower (known for its soothing and antioxidant properties), niacinamide, BHA, and PHA to exfoliate. It also contains one of my favorite skin-healing ingredients, beta-glucan.
I was most worried about this mask making my skin dehydrated or the exfoliants being too strong, but it's so gentle that I didn't even feel a slight tingle. I was concerned that meant it wouldn't be effective, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. I applied the mask in a thin layer and let it sit for 25 minutes. Honestly, it wasn't easy to peel off—I later realized that other users recommended applying a thicker layer to get it to easily peel off. I ended up just rinsing it off with warm water.
I'd recently gotten a mini chemical peel and Hydrafacial, so I had some old congestion resurface recently and was hoping this mask would help clear some of that up. While I didn't notice any gunk coming out on the mask immediately after use, the next day after applying it, my congestion was definitely reduced and some spots were a bit less red. It also gave my skin some unexpected extra radiance both immediately after use and well into the next morning. Granted, it wasn't the mask alone—a good vitamin C–rich skincare routine will add some extra radiance, but this definitely gave a "glass-skin" effect that K-beauty is known for giving. You can see in the photo below.
This is also an excellent option for those who need a "low and slow" approach when it comes to exfoliation. I learned this technique from NYC's "acne whisper" Sofie Pavitt, who suggests using super-gentle acids or lower concentrations if your skin is sensitized and acne-prone so you don't cause more breakouts or irritation. This mask has a lower percentage of BHA and PHA exfoliants in it, so it's way less likely to irritate. Everyone's skin is different, but I can tell you that even my super-sensitive skin wasn't irritated by this mask.
Overall, I think it's a great addition to your routine a few times a week if you have sensitive skin. This really helped with some congestion bumps on my cheeks after just one use. With time, I think it'll work even better and will help boost my daily skincare routine.
(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
My skin after trying the Aprilskin Calendula Peel Off Mask.
More K-Beauty Products I Love for Sensitive Skin
Beauty of Joseon
Relief Sun
This lightweight, creamy sunscreen feels nothing like a sunscreen and everything like a luxury moisturizer. It is (and probably always will be) my favorite K-beauty sunscreen of all time.
Abib
Hydration Gel Water Tube
My aesthetician Varuni Palacios recently got me into this brand, and now I don't know what I was doing before trying it. This gel-cream moisturizer is great for sensitive skin, it's lightweight, and it doesn't cause any new breakouts for me.
Abib
Gummy Sheet Mask 10 Sheets Heartleaf
I haven't gotten my hands on these ultra-soothing masks just yet, but Palacios says they're the best for sensitive, acne-prone skin, so I'm dying to try them.
BIODANCE
Refreshing Sea Kelp Real Deep Mask
These hydrating sheet masks from Biodance became a quick favorite for me. They tighten your pores, give you that "glass skin" look, hydrate, and keep my skin from getting overly oily.
COSRX
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
This essence is so healing for barrier-damaged skin. It also plumps and hydrates like no other.
VT COSMETICS
Cica Reedle Shot 100
This innovative Korean product produces similar results to a Cellstory treatment. Cellstory is a liquid micro-needling treatment that uses spicules to regenerate the skin and smooth texture. Palacios says it works wonders, and the Shot 100 is great for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Refreshing and lightly exfoliating, this bean essence from Mixsoon gives you such a radiant glow.
This is one of my favorite Korean moisturizers from clean brand Purito. Its formulas are all acne-safe, and this one in particular is so calming for any redness or breakouts.
TIRTIR
Milk Skin Rice Toner
K-beauty essences and toners are so good. This one has a milky consistency and leaves my skin feeling so soft and hydrated.
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