We Review Vichy's Mineral Masks

Most beauty brands have that one product or ingredient that sets them apart from others. For French skin care brand Vichy, that distinct feature is without a doubt their exclusive mineral-rich volcanic water dubbed Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water. There’s water in the name, but it’s got a host of other antioxidant and mineral goodies in there too—15 to be exact—that are known for their soothing, protective, and hydrating benefits for the skin. Among them? Minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, silicone and copper, which are picked up as rainwater infiltrates through magmatic volcanic rock in French volcanoes. This special mineralizing water is at the heart of all Vichy formulations…including the recently-launched Vichy Mineral Face Masks! Vichy sent over three Mineral Face Masks for the Skincare.com team to review, and we’re sharing our thoughts with you below. Keep reading to discover the benefits of the Vichy Quenching Mineral Face Mask, Vichy Double Glow Peel Face Mask, and Vichy Mineral Pore Purifying Clay Mask.

Vichy Quenching Mineral Face Mask Review

Quenching Mineral Face Mask is Vichy’s first mineral hydrating face mask and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s formula is enriched with Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water, glycerin, and soothing vitamin B3 to help boost hydration for dry and uncomfortable skin. The mask can help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier function to better protect against external aggressors—think: air pollution, smog, etc. The gel-like texture of the mask offers an immediate sensation of coolness, making it perfect for use on a hot day or when skin feels particularly flushed. When rinsed off, my skin felt noticeably more hydrated and soothed. I’ll likely store it in the fridge for an extra burst of coolness!

Recommended for: Dry to normal skin.
To use: Gently apply the face mask to skin and let it sit for five minutes. Once five minutes are up, massage any excess mask into skin with your fingertips. You can also opt to wipe away any excess with a cotton pad. No rinsing is required! The mask can be used one to three times per week. 

Vichy Quenching Mineral Face Mask, $20

Vichy Double Glow Peel Face Mask Review

Vichy's Double Glow Peel Mask is formulated to brighten dull skin through a double-peel action. First, the chemical action of alpha-hydroxy fruit acids helps remove dead skin cells from skin’s surface. Second, the mechanical action of volcanic rock—crushed into ultra-fine powder—helps to gently physically exfoliate skin. Like all of Vichy’s products, the mask is formulated with the brand’s mineralizing thermal water to help soothe skin and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, in addition to vitamin CG. What I love most about this mask is that it exfoliates skin without any aggressive rubbing and tugging (or tearing, for that matter). The inclusion of the mineralizing water really makes this mask a great option for all skin types looking for a little bit of mineral-rich exfoliation. 

Recommended for: All skin types.
To use: Apply the peel mask on your face, being extra careful to avoid the eye area. Let it sit for five minutes to allow the AHAs to get to work. Once five minutes are up, gently massage the skin with circular movement to exfoliate. Rinse off with warm water. The mask can be used one to two times per week.

Vichy Double Glow Peel Face Mask Review, $20

Vichy Mineral Pore Purifying Clay Mask Review 

Clay masks may be a dime a dozen, but formulas that live up to the hype are hard to come by. Enter: Vichy Mineral Pore Purifying Clay Mask. The formula combines two ultra-fine white clays—kaolin and bentonite—that act like a magnet to draw out excess sebum and impurities from the skin. The result? Pores that appear purified and skin that feels silky soft! Aloe vera extracts and Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water also make a cameo to help hydrate, soothe, and strengthen skin against environmental aggressors. I have a love-hate relationship with clay masks. I love the way they suck the filth off my skin, but many of the formulas I’ve tried have also left my skin dry and flaky post-use. But not this one. I left it on for five minutes and my skin did not flake one bit after I rinsed it off. It left my skin feeling fresh, soft and smooth with a matte finish after just one application. The odor was also slightly floral, which I appreciated since it was hanging out so close to my nose.

Recommended for: All skin types, especially those with concerns like excess shine and/or enlarged pores.
To use: Apply the face mask on skin and let it sit for five minutes. Be careful not to let the clay mask dry fully. When it does, the skin underneath is more susceptible to drying out as well. Five minutes is all it takes for the mask to work. Once five minutes are up, rinse off with lukewarm water paying close attention to the hairline, where bits of the clay mask can go unnoticed. The mask can be used one to two times per week.

Vichy Mineral Pore Purifying Clay Mask, $20

Depending on your skin’s needs, you can opt to use any of these masks alone or as part of a multi-masking skin care routine. For instance, if you’re prone to a shiny T-Zone that’s congested but have cheeks that are perpetually dry, apply the Mineral Pore Purifying Clay Mask onto your nose, forehead, and chin, while applying the Quenching Mineral Face Mask onto your cheeks for some added hydration. Make sure to follow up all applications of these masks with your favorite moisturizer and SPF!