CLAY+essence
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack
mask,  The Silk Crystal,  wash off

The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack

the claim

The The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack claims to tighten and lift pores to remove impurities in just 30 minutes for flawless skin.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack
 

the science

The peel comprises 88% Fibroin, a fibrous silk protein that promotes a rigid structure and tensile strength. These properties together with self-contraction, make it very capable of drawing out impurities from pores, effective against blackheads, whiteheads and dead skin cells, even downy facial hair.
 
Helping to create the peeling film is Polyvinyl Alcohol, an ingredient regularly found in such masks because of its film forming properties. According to Paula Begoun of Paula’s Choice Skincare:

This type of alcohol may pose a risk of aggravating skin unless combined with other ingredients that offset this potential, such as glycerin, emollients, or other skin-repairing ingredients.

There is certainly Glycerin as well as Trehalose and Sodium Hyaluronate included to boost skin moisture.
 
Well represented is Aloe Vera Leaf Juice which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants helping it to deliver moisturisation and soothing effects. The results, excellent anti-ageing properties due to the neutralisation of free radicals while deep penetration can trigger enzymes to stimulate collagen production. As an effective humectant, aloe juice increases water retention while antimicrobial properties protect against bacteria.
 
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract is a strong antioxidant as well as being a great natural cleanser, able to draw out excess oil, dirt and impurities from skin pores. Protection against free radicals may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
 
Fruit extracts improve antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of the product. Showing potential to also brighten and even skin tone is Grapefruit. Orange, Tea Tree and Lavender Oils ensure a nourishing and hydrating treatment for problem skin. They can also help to regulate sebum production and fight acne.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Mask
 

the ingredients

Fibroin (88%), Water, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cellulose Gum, Carboxymethyl Chitin, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Mask IngredientsThe Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Mask Omissions
 

the packaging

This mask is presented in an opaque plastic tube with screw top lid. The opening is narrow and aluminum sealed for freshness when new.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Presentation
 

the analysis

Satisfactory assessments are returned by both the CosDNA and EWG resources, rating the The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack a low hazard product.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

This product should be used weekly as a peel or wash off mask.
 
Peel off: Apply a thick layer onto skin, wait until completely dry around 30 minutes) and formed a thin film on the skin. Peel off from the edge of the film then cleanse with lukewarm water.
 
Wash off: Apply a thick layer onto skin, leave it on for 20-30 minutes then wash off with lukewarm water.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Mask Application
 

the scent

The The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack has a very light scent.
 

the cost

A 50ml tube of the The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack sells for AUD$47.00. Don’t forget to enter the code clayandessence at checkout for a 10% total order discount.
 

the availability

The Silk Crystal products are available at Korean skincare boutiques. I received mine from Glow Picks.
 

the expiry

The silk pack appears to have a 2 year shelf life and must be used within 12 months of opening.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Mask Expiry
 

the performance

For details of The Silk Crystal technology, please browse my first review from the brand of the Total Lifting Mask.
 
This 2-Way Pack is aptly named due to its ability to be used in two different ways – as a peel or as a wash off mask. It is presented in a sleek white opaque tube with chrome lid and narrow opening for controlled dispensing. The product itself is gel like in texture and cloudy in appearance as shown. As a peel, it reminds me of the Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask. It has a very mild scent derived from its composition which is subtle and non-irritating.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Mask Texture
As blocked pores are something I often deal with, I preferred to use this as a peel rather than a wash off mask. It seems to have a greater ability to pull out impurities when peeled off rather than rinsed. To create a film, you really need generous coverage, otherwise, it is difficult to lift off the skin. This happened to me the first time I applied but thankfully, it was easy enough to revert to option 2 and wash it off. A warning, it hurts if you try to peel it off skin with hair on it, so make sure to apply it away from the hair line and eyebrows.
 
The gel is viscous but spreads nicely so it’s quite satisfying to layer it on thick. I do get a tingling sensation around the more sensitive parts on my face which fades after a minute. I’m curious to understand which ingredient might be responsible for that as reading through the list, there doesn’t seem to be anything that is a known irritant to my skin. Anyway, this doesn’t last long so is not a major concern. Once on, the face looks glossy and the texture is tacky. It doesn’t slide around, rather, a tightening sensation which represents the film formation commences within around 15-20 minutes of wear. This will vary depending on the application thickness.
 
By around the 30 minute mark, it’s quite tight such that the face is fairly fixed. However, at no point during the drying process is it uncomfortable. At this stage, it is fully dry and ready for removal. I roll the outer edge over until there is enough exposed to cling to, then gently pull towards the centre of the face. The pulling is quite intense but again, not painful. You can really see and feel the lifting as the film drags across the skin. I can’t pull it off in one piece, it usually takes a few attempts to get it clean off. The peel retains the gloss when removed and is still quite strong.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Mask Peel
Impurities aren’t easily visible on the film in regular light. However, holding it up to natural light, I discovered a lot of gunk as shown in the image below. Note, my skin was clean prior to applying the mask as I had just performed a double cleanse. The impurities shown can therefore be attributed to deep pore extraction which regular cleansing is unable to shift. Hence, the mask reaches deeper to clear our blocked pores which results in skin that visibly looks fresher, brighter, clearer and healthier. It feels incredibly smooth too.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Impurities
 

the conclusion

The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack is one of those products that you feel working from the moment you spread it over your face. The pulling effect upon removal of the film may be too harsh for those with very sensitive skin. However, they may choose to use it as a wash off product which offers a far gentler removal. People suffering blocked pores will be delighted with this pack’s clarifying capability and results.
 
You can purchase this pack at Glow Picks. Don’t forget to enter the code clayandessence at checkout for a 10% total order discount.
 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Mask
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Elegant, hygienic packaging Essential oils may sensitize
Safe CosDNA/EWG confirmed formula
Excellent pore cleansing
Leaves skin bright and fresh
Can use as peel or wash off for a more gentle approach
Suitable for all skin types

 
The Silk Crystal 2-Way Silk Pack Mask
 

the references

Fineco website
Fibroin Wikipedia
Polyvinyl Alcohol Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice RG-Cell Cosmeceuticals
Ginkgo Biloba, the New Anti-Aging Herb Annemarie Skin Care
Lavender and skin safety Truth In Aging
10 Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil for Skin and Recipes for Each Laura Sumner

 


 

the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
This product was provided to me free of charge by Glow Picks for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by Glow Picks, The Silk Crystal, any of its representatives or any other third party.
 


 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shares