CLAY+essence
Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack
Pyunkang Yul,  sheet

Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack

the claim

The Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack is made from bamboo fibre and is said to soothe sensitive skin with Tea Tree, Centella Asiatica and Honeysuckle Flower extracts and strengthen the skin barrier with Ceramide NP. A slightly acidic essence ensures a pH index compatible with healthy skin.
 
Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack
 

the science

Bamboo Water is packed with amino acids and flavonoids and also provides antioxidant protection against UV radiation. It helps to reinforce the moisture barrier, and in doing so, reduces bacteria penetrating to additionally improve acne and recover damaged skin. This function is supported by soothing star, Centella Asiatica Extract, traditionally used in Asian medicine for its healing ability. A diverse ingredient, it offers anti-inflammatory benefits to ease irritation and acne while restorative behaviour stimulates new cell growth, builds collagen and improves circulation. Honeysuckle also contributes anti-inflammatory effects as well as helping even skin tone.
 
Due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties, Tea Tree Extract has been typically used in low concentrations to treat conditions such as acne and skin infections. A study from the University of Minnesota found Tea Tree Oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide at treating acne but without the negative side effects of redness and peeling. Its ability to remove excess oils from skin by pushing out stale sebum deep within pores can deter blackheads and acne from forming. Furthermore, natural astringent properties are also said to diminish the appearance of large pores.
 
There’s a strong focus on both soothing and hydration in the formula. Both Squalane and Macadamia Nut Oil are stable fats that have composition similar to human sebum, allowing for easy absorption without greasy residue. High in fatty acids, they’re great for dry and mature skin types, helping to keep the skin moisturised by preventing transepidermal water loss. Moisture gatherers include five molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid to ensure optimum delivery of hydration through an ability to bind to water and fill the spaces between connective skin fibres to achieve a plumping effect. Vitamin B5, Panthenol is able to reach into the lower layers for deep cell absorption and hence effective moisturisation.
 
Helping to restore the skin’s protective barrier is Ceramide NP. As we age, naturally occurring ceramides in skin cells become less effective at achieving hydration, giving way to dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. Reinforcing this supply fortifies the skin’s natural barrier resulting in increased hydration for more smooth and youthful looking skin.
 
Pyunkang Yul Calming Sheet Mask
 

the ingredients

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Squalane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Arginine, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA
 
Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack Ingredients
 

the analysis

Running the ingredient list through the CosDNA tool confirms an all green, gentle product.
 
Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack CosDNA Analysis
 

the packaging

The Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack comes in a solid cardboard box, each individual sheet enclosed in an air tight transparent pouch.
 

the application

Place the sheet mask on a freshly cleansed face and leave on for 10-20 minutes. Remove and gently pat to let the skin absorb any remaining essence.
 

the scent

The Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack is free of added fragrance and has no natural scent either.
 

the cost

A 10 pack of the Pyunkang Yul Calming Sheet Masks has a recommended retail price of USD$25.00.
 

the availability

The Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack is available on Korean skincare online retail stores such as Style Korean and Yes Style.
 

the performance

These sheet masks look like most other sheet masks. They’re packaged in a plastic air tight pouch filled with 25ml of essence. One thing that differentiates them from most others on the market is that the pouch is transparent which doesn’t add to their efficacy, but contributes coolness! I simply love the packaging. In terms of functionality, they stand out because they’re made from bamboo and the essence is an absolute winner. Yes, spoiler alert… I love these sheets and that’s a big statement coming from me since this category of skincare doesn’t usually excite me. I rarely sheet mask, preferring wash offs.
 
The bamboo fibre is a wonderful material for a sheet mask. It’s thicker and stronger than a standard cotton and really holds onto the essence and distributes all its benefits evenly throughout the recommended wear time and beyond. Personally, I like to apply the mask to my face then layer the remaining essence from the pouch over the top so it’s fully saturated. It holds it well without dripping and ensures the mask remains wet for extended time. I can easily wear it for twice the recommended wear time before it starts to feel dry. (Of course, this might vary with environment, dependent on the temperature and humidity).
 
The fit is great for me. The sheet covers my entire face well, the eye and nose holes perfectly placed. There isn’t any overhang around the face perimeter other than under the chin, so larger faces may find it a slightly small on the sides. The adherence is equally good. The sheet feels almost tight (but always comfortable), like it’s clinging to your skin. The only part that fails to fully adhere throughout is the strip between nose and mouth, primarily because the thin surface area is prone to faster drying which in turn effects it’s ability to attach. The lower chin flap also needs readjustment as it dries.
 
So… moving on from the impressive packaging, material, fit and adherence, let’s talk essence. The essence is clear like water and viscous like a serum. It’s not sticky or tacky and has an uncanny ability to stay cool for the entire wear time be it 20 or 40 minutes. My face is actually cold after removing the sheet. This is brilliant for those suffering inflammation or redness. There is little essence of the 25ml that remains on the skin surface upon removal. The liquid seems to transfer from the bamboo fibre to the skin effortlessly, patting only required with shorter wear time. Those with sensitive skin will really appreciate the all green rating from CosDNA, every ingredient rated 1-2 confirming formula safety. It has no essential oils, no fragrance, no colour, no harmful preservatives or additives.
 
As to the results, I notice my skin lighten, any redness or blotchiness smoothed out. This sheet mask gives my face very clear brightness and evenness, you could argue, it achieves glass skin. It’s a wonderful soothing and calming experience, in the process also ensuring effective hydration confirmed by plumpness and a fresh complexion. I don’t usually delay the remainder of my routine (serum, cream, oil) following masking but I did so for the purpose of assessing the masks hydration. Three hours later, my skin continues to feel soft and hydrated. The level of hydration it achieves is sufficiently deep and lasting to quench my skin’s thirst for hours afterwards, even without an occlusive sealant. It’s truly impressive.
 
Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack
 

the conclusion

What more can I conclude other than this sheet mask convincingly achieves its objectives. It will suit all skin types too. Gentle, safe and extremely effective, it soothes, calms, evens tone and hydrates. For something this efficacious, it’s also very well priced at USD$2.50 per sheet. For someone not particularly enthused over sheet masks in general, it’s really sparked excitement and made me reassess their value in a balanced routine. LOVE this pack and highly recommend it.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Safe CosDNA approved formula Only available online for Australians
Bamboo fibre is an excellent sheet material
Retains good fit and adherence
Effectively hydrates and plumps the skin
Excellent soothing and calming properties
Suitable for all skin types
Well priced

 

the references

The Tea Tree Skin “Miracle” – The 7 Benefits of Tea Tree Oil Body Ecology
Tea Tree Oil Paula’s Choice Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary
Sodium Hyaluronate Truth In Aging
Centella asiatica: The miracle ingredient your skin needs Oh Lolly
Panthenol Truth In Aging
Honeysuckle Flower Extract Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
This New Skincare Ingredient Is 10 Times More Hydrating Than Hyaluronic Acid Amerley Ollennu
Benefits of Macadamia Nut Oil in Skin care Samantha Miller

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
This product was provided to me free of charge by Style Korean for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by Pyunkang Yul, Style Korean, product suppliers, representatives or any other third party.
 


 

2 Comments

  • Zoe

    Awesome! Can’t wait to try this 🙂
    Thank you for all your helpful reviews, really give us the needed confidence in the products.

    2 questions:

    1. Before or after this sheet mask, do you apply any other skincare in your routine?
    2. How often would you recommend using this mask for best results

    • denise

      Hi Zoe, and thanks for your lovely feedback.

      To your questions. Firstly I generally cleanse and tone before sheet masks – I use them at essence step before serum. They give skin a good boost of hydration which makes skin more receptive to the more powerful actives that serum step provides so as a result, the rest of the routine is more effective.

      Secondly, I find this mask is gentle enough to use daily. Again, treat it like an essence in your routine.

      Hope that helps 🙂
      Denise

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