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| Aqueous Extracts of Laminaria Digitata (Kelp) and Carica Papaya (Papaya), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Papain, Bromelian, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed (Pumpkin), Zingiber Zerumbet (Awapuhi Ginger) (Awaphui), Vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia), Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract (Pineapple), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexl Glycerin, Chlorophyll, Botanical Fragrance |
I'm a big believer that if something can be accomplished naturally, then that is the route I'm going to take. With all of the harsh chemicals marketed for use in skincare these days, it is refreshing to find a predominately natural product that is also affordable. The Alba Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask has been a wonderful addition to my skincare routine. Having sensitive skin, I have to be very cautious about the products I apply, how often I apply them, for what length of time, and how vigorous of a product it is. A few months ago, probably due to stress and lack of time to go and get a proper facial, I noticed my skin was becoming extremely congested (Congested meaning, my pores were noticeably clogged) despite my routine exfoliating so I decided to try using an enzyme mask and came across this one.
Upon reviewing the ingredient list, I was stoked to see that Kelp and Papaya were the first two! You may or may not know that the order in which ingredients are listed determines what the product contains most of. Meaning, if papaya and kelp were the last ingredients listed, the product would only contain trace amounts of these. Obviously, the product is kelp and papaya based- both excellent in skincare! Kelp contains roughly 20 minerals that are beneficial to the human body when consumed or absorbed through the skin, aiding in circulation and nourishment of the skin. The naturally occurring enzymes found in papaya create a mild yet effective form of exfoliation for the skin. Enzymes are able to seep down deeper into the pores than a scrub exfoliant but aren't as harsh as using a chemical peel making it ideal for all skin types. Those with acneic or oily skin types will especially benefit from this product but it is gentle enough for those like me with sensitive skin. The directions say to leave on for 5 minutes and remove but I tend to leave it on longer as it is so lightweight that I become side tracked and forget I have it on. I wouldn't say that there is any real benefit to leaving it on longer but it doesn't hurt either. I generally use this mask once a week and still use my regular means of exfoliation as well.
Because the Alba Papaya mask is composed of primarily natural ingredients, it is best to apply with a clean spatula to avoid contamination. Unfortunately the mask does not come with a spatula but anything clean you can find to scoop it out of the container will work. As shown in the below picture, the mask is a green gel consistency and you will find that it has a pleasant odor as well.
I rated this mask a 9 instead of a 10, solely because it does not come with a sanitary means of removing it from the container but otherwise I am in love with this product and would highly recommend it to everyone who wants a natural and gentle means of keeping pores clean and keeping skin looking fresh.
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