What is a jelly mask?
A jelly mask is a powder that you mix with water and smooth onto your face. In 15 to 20 minutes it sets into a cool, soft, rubbery layer, and then it peels away in one piece. You'll also see it called a modelling mask, a rubber mask or an alginate mask.
How it sets
The key ingredient is sodium alginate, a gel that comes from brown seaweed. On its own it's a powder. Add water and it starts to thicken, and in a few minutes it forms a flexible jelly that holds its shape. That's why it comes off whole instead of washing off. There's more on the chemistry in sodium alginate in skincare.
What does a jelly mask do?
Mostly, it changes how your skin feels for a while. While it sets, it covers your skin completely and holds water and the formula's other ingredients against it, so skin usually feels softer and more comfortable when you peel. That feeling is temporary, like the one you get from a good moisturiser, and a mask can't change your skin for good. We look at what the evidence does and doesn't show in do face masks actually work?
What makes it different
- The cool feel. It's noticeably cool as it sets, which feels great on hot, tired skin.
- The peel. Lifting it off in one piece is oddly satisfying, and it's the bit most people remember from a salon facial.
- The seal. Because it covers the skin completely, it holds the ingredients underneath against your skin while it sets.
How do you use one?
Stir 3 level tablespoons of powder into 2 tablespoons of cool water, smooth it on thickly, lie back for 15 to 20 minutes, then peel it off from the jaw upward. The full routine is in how to use a jelly mask.
How long do you leave it on?
15 to 20 minutes, until it has set and no longer feels tacky. Peel it too early and it tears. Leaving it on much longer doesn't add anything, and the edges can start to dry out. Times for other kinds of mask are in how long to leave a face mask on.
Is it the same as a clay mask?
No. A clay mask dries hard on your skin and you wash it off. A jelly mask stays soft and flexible, and you peel it. Clay is the usual pick for taking up oil, and jelly is the one for a cool feel and a clean peel. Clay vs peel-off compares the two properly.
Jelly, modelling, hydrogel, sheet: which is which?
- Modelling, rubber and alginate masks are usually the same thing as a jelly mask under another name. The names are explained in modelling mask vs hydro jelly mask.
- A hydrogel mask is a different product: a ready-made gel sheet from a sachet, with no mixing.
- A sheet mask is a fabric sheet soaked in serum. It's quicker and needs no bowl, but each one is single use. See jelly mask vs sheet mask.
- A film peel-off mask comes as a gel in a tube and dries into a thin, sticky film. A jelly mask sets soft instead, so it lifts away rather than tugging as it comes off.
Who should wait, or go carefully
- If your skin is broken, sunburnt or freshly waxed, wait until it has settled. See masks and sunburn.
- If your skin reacts easily, patch test first and read the full ingredient list. Jelly masks for sensitive skin has more.
- If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor first, particularly before using Hyaluronic Acid, which contains retinol.
What's in ours
Every Omorfia formula sets with alginate, a gel from seaweed. The key ingredients across the range, and the formulas that have them:
| Ingredient | What it does | In |
|---|---|---|
| Diatomaceous earth Mineral powder | Gives the powder body and helps it set into a firm layer that peels off in one piece. | Rose, Tea Tree |
| Corn starch Plant starch | Gives the mask its body so it spreads in an even, thick layer. | Hyaluronic Acid, Rose |
| Sodium alginate (algin) Gel from brown seaweed | Turns the powder into a cool jelly that sets and peels off in one piece. | Hyaluronic Acid, Rose, Tea Tree |
| Calcium sulfate Mineral | Works with the alginate to set the jelly. | Rose, Tea Tree |
| Tetrasodium pyrophosphate Setting control | Slows the set a little, so you have time to smooth it on. | Rose, Tea Tree |
| Glucose Sugar | Helps the powder mix in smoothly. | Tea Tree |
| Maltodextrin From starch | Helps the powder mix in smoothly. | Rose |
| Silica Mineral powder | Soaks up oil at the surface, for a fresh, matte feel. | Tea Tree |
| Magnesium oxide Mineral | Part of what sets the jelly. | Tea Tree |
| Niacinamide Vitamin B3 | Supports the skin barrier and helps tone look more even. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Hyaluronic acid Humectant | Holds water at the surface for a plumper, hydrated look. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Sodium hyaluronate A form of hyaluronic acid | Holds water at the surface for a plumper, hydrated look. | Rose |
| Collagen extract Skin conditioner | Forms a light film that makes skin feel smoother. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Allantoin Skin conditioner | Soothes and leaves skin feeling soft. | Hyaluronic Acid, Rose |
| Rose Rosa rugosa flower and petals | Part of the botanical blend, with a soft rose character. | Rose, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Tea tree leaf extract Botanical extract | Gives the fresh, clean tea tree character. | Tea Tree |
| Kojic acid From fermented rice | Helps the look of uneven tone and dark spots. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Arbutin From bearberry leaf | Helps tone look more even. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Glutathione Antioxidant | Helps skin look brighter and fresher. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside) Antioxidant | Helps skin look brighter. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Vitamin E Antioxidant | Conditions skin and helps protect it from dryness. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Retinol Vitamin A | Helps skin look smoother. It can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen the next day. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Acetyl hexapeptide-8 Peptide | Helps skin feel smoother. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Fullerenes Antioxidant | Helps skin look fresher. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose Thickener from plant cellulose | Gives a smooth, creamy mix. | Rose |
| Chamomile and lavender Dried flower powders | Part of the botanical blend. | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Fragrance Parfum or aroma | Gives the jelly its scent. | Rose, Tea Tree |
| Colour CI 17200 (pink), CI 19140 and CI 42090 (green) | Gives the powder its colour. | Rose, Tea Tree |
Patch test first. Hyaluronic Acid contains retinol, kojic acid and arbutin, so wear sunscreen the day after using it, and don't use it on the same day as other retinoids or exfoliating acids. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor first.
One jar makes about 8 masks. If you're not sure where to start, Hyaluronic Acid is our best seller, and choosing a formula matches one to how your skin feels.
Questions
Is a jelly mask the same as a modelling mask?
Usually, yes. Modelling mask, rubber mask, alginate mask and jelly mask normally all mean a powder you mix with water that sets and peels off in one piece. The names aren't standardised, so check the format and the ingredient list.
Does a jelly mask hurt to peel off?
It shouldn't. It sets into a soft, rubbery layer rather than a sticky film, so it lifts away without pulling at your skin. It does grip hair, so keep it off your eyebrows and hairline.
Can you reuse a jelly mask?
No. Once mixed, it sets within minutes and can't be softened again, and a peeled mask has been on your skin. Mix one mask at a time, and put the used one in the bin, not down the drain.
How often can you use a jelly mask?
One to three times a week suits most people. If your skin feels tight or looks flushed afterwards, leave a few more days between masks.