Jello-O for Your Face? The New Hydrogel Masks Revolutionizing Skincare

By: Alison Rock

Photos by Alison Rock and Anna Lonborg

Re:luz Hyaluronic Acid line. Photo captured by Alison Rock.

I’m not suggesting that you put Jell-O on your face but, I do want to introduce you to Re:luz products, including a new line of face masks that are made from Hydrogel, a revolutionary ingredient in K-beauty. When you open the package the mask is like a really thin, very delicate translucent sheet of gelatin. It’s so very different from anything else that I’ve ever tried.

While many people get irritated skin from paper and woven fabric masks, this new form shouldn’t cause skin irritation.  In addition, Re:luz manufactures their masks without synthetic preservatives to minimize adverse effects on sensitive skin and the company works to sterilize the ingredients, eliminating dangerous pathogens. Re:luz embraces innovative technology that allows for the manipulation of the molecule, reducing its size so the active ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin than products made from standard methods. 

Photo by Anna Lonborg

So, what does that mean to you and why is it innovative? Simply put, many products on the market are soaked in chemicals and compounds that claim to have all kinds of skin benefits. For example, hyaluronic acid is known to increase one’s natural collagen production to help decrease fine lines and wrinkles. But if a molecule is too large, it may sit on the skin’s surface instead of getting absorbed into the dermis, the middle layer of skin, where collagen is produced.

Re:luz has developed 4 innovative masks to address a variety of skin concerns. They have figured out how to reduce the hyaluronic acid molecule to one hundredth its original size so the Hyaluronic Acid Sheet’s active ingredients can penetrate as deep as possible maximizing the product’s benefits and brightening the skin. They also make a Glow Luminous sheet to calm irritated skin, A Vital Energy Sheet to improve skin texture, and a Hydrogel Lifting Band to address the chin and jawline.

Photo by Anna Lonborg

This concept is very intriguing to me, so I decided to give it a try. I started with a clean face and applied the Hyaluronic Acid Sheet. It’s a wild experience, again, not like any other face mask I’ve ever used. It’s a very thin gel sheet mask. There is a bit of a learning curve with application as I tore the first one, I applied. That didn’t affect its performance as you can just smooth it down on the skin, but I got better the second time I tried the mask. The mask’s consistency is that of a thin sheet of jelly, but it’s not sticky, it’s smooth and silky. It comes in two pieces, one for the top half of your face and another for the bottom. After using it my skin was really soft. I have super dry skin and my face felt a bit tight, so I was compelled to moisturize but my skin felt extremely soft and smooth.  

photo by Anna Lonborg

photo by Anna Lonborg

Since my skin tends to be dry and needs to be moisturized, I decided to try Re:luz’s Deep Section Hyaluronic Acid skin trio, consisting of a toner, serum, and cream. All the products I tried have absolutely no scent. The key ingredient in the Deep Section Hyaluronic Acid Toner and Serum is derived from Centella Asiatica known for its anti-inflammatory/antioxidant/anti-aging properties. The serum has a very gel-like feel. Not sticky, just a spongy gel-type texture. It absorbed well and I was able to apply the cream quickly after. The Deep Section Hyaluronic Acid Cream is made with five ceramides that are designed to protect, prevent, and provide the moisture skin needs to be radiant and elastic. It was pillowy soft and creamy. My skin felt moisturized, but it wasn’t greasy. After moisturizing, it was easy to apply my foundation on top of it.

Photo by Anna Lonborg

Currently, you can purchase Re:luz products directly from their website here in Korea. The mask packs run about 35,000 won for 5 masks. The Deep Section Hyaluronic Acid skin trio retails for 105,000, but they quite often run promotions on their website. Make sure to shop sales as I have seen the trio on sale for 40,000 won. Since this product is new and unique it’s being used in Korea in many dermatology clinics and esthetic care shops. You may even see people on your next flight wearing the mask in the air; as that practice is going viral. It’s designed to be worn for 20 or 30 minutes but, in reality, it lasts much longer so some beauty advocates are using it to stay moisturized and protected from dry airplane air. Give it a try as I guarantee it won’t be like any other face mask you’ve tried before.