TikTok's Not Lying—This Incredibly Viral Peel-Off Mask Did, in Fact, Give Me an Unreal Glow

Aprilskin already has a few cult-favorite products under its belt, including the Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Cleansing Balm ($20), which I've used and loved. The formula for this peel-off mask is designed to clear out congestion and excess gunk on the skin without stinging or burning. It features calendula flower (known for its soothing and antioxidant properties), niacinamide, BHA, and PHA to exfoliate. It also contains one of my favorite skin-healing ingredients, beta-glucan.

I was most worried about this mask making my skin dehydrated or the exfoliants being too strong, but it's so gentle that I didn't even feel a slight tingle. I was concerned that meant it wouldn't be effective, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. I applied the mask in a thin layer and let it sit for 25 minutes. Honestly, it wasn't easy to peel off—I later realized that other users recommended applying a thicker layer to get it to easily peel off. I ended up just rinsing it off with warm water.

I'd recently gotten a mini chemical peel and Hydrafacial, so I had some old congestion resurface recently and was hoping this mask would help clear some of that up. While I didn't notice any gunk coming out on the mask immediately after use, the next day after applying it, my congestion was definitely reduced and some spots were a bit less red. It also gave my skin some unexpected extra radiance both immediately after use and well into the next morning. Granted, it wasn't the mask alone—a good vitamin C–rich skincare routine will add some extra radiance, but this definitely gave a "glass-skin" effect that K-beauty is known for giving. You can see in the photo below.

This is also an excellent option for those who need a "low and slow" approach when it comes to exfoliation. I learned this technique from NYC's "acne whisper" Sofie Pavitt, who suggests using super-gentle acids or lower concentrations if your skin is sensitized and acne-prone so you don't cause more breakouts or irritation. This mask has a lower percentage of BHA and PHA exfoliants in it, so it's way less likely to irritate. Everyone's skin is different, but I can tell you that even my super-sensitive skin wasn't irritated by this mask.

Overall, I think it's a great addition to your routine a few times a week if you have sensitive skin. This really helped with some congestion bumps on my cheeks after just one use. With time, I think it'll work even better and will help boost my daily skincare routine.