Mugwort is a magic word, one of the most buzzed ingredients in the skincare galaxy. AXIS-Y Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack makes plenty of use of this plant, rather unknown in the West until a couple of years ago. At least for what concerns health and skincare, I mean.
Many people put their hopes in the ‘hands’ of plants, wishing to get rid of acne and impurities once and for all.
Mugwort is not a magic wand but it can do something for your skin, let’s see what AXIS-Y Mugwort wash off face mask did with me…
AXIS-Y Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack: product and packaging
The Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack ($20), from AXIS-Y 611 Advanced Formula skincare line, makes a relaxing treat in the midst or end of the week. This face mask comes in a plastic green jar with 100ml of product, kept securely and fresh with a protective lid. The package includes a spatula for a less messy and more hygienic application.
Formula
The key ingredient in this wash-off face mask is mugwort extract, scientifically known as Artemisia Princeps. There’s a good 61% of it. This purifying mask with bentonite and kaolin clays also contains other botanical extracts such as extracts of kelp, Asiatic lotus leaf, artichoke leaf and heartleaf – seen in the Cera-Heart face cream – and adzuki beans.
This mask has a triple action: cleansing and exfoliating the skin from build-ups and dead skin cells. Keeping the skin hydrated and protecting the tissue from ageing. It aims to clearer and brighter skin.
Texture & scent
This clay mask has a dense muddy texture with some grains: these bits are azuki beans, added to exfoliate the skin. This mask has a greyish sage green colour and an aromatic herbal fragrance that reminds me of menthol.
How to use:
AXIS-Y Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack can be used 2 to 3 times a week depending on your necessities. It has to be applied on clean, dry skin and let it dry for 15 minutes. The mask will dry up like any clay mask. At this point, wet your face, massage in circular motions to scrub your face thanks to the azuki beans.
PROS:
- it’s suitable for all skin types (gentle on dry and sensitive areas);
- free from parabens, harsh chemicals, artificial colouring and fragrances;
- cruelty-free and vegan-friendly;
- purifies the skin; doesn’t dehydrate the skin;
- acts as a gentle physical exfoliator;
- makes the skin more even;
- feels fresh on the skin and refreshes after removal.
CON:
- needs time to become fluid enough to allow the exfoliation;
- exfoliation with the adzuki beans is rather a massage.
Why mugwort?
Artemisia Princeps, best known as Mugwort, has been used in Korean and Japanese medicine for centuries particularly to soothe pain, stimulate blood circulation and relax (hot bath and moxibustion). It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for acne treatment.
The AXIS-Y Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack isn’t my first encounter with mugwort but it was my first clay mask with mugwort. I’m used to applying a face mask at least once per week. If my skin feels particularly impure, I save a day for another mask; in this case, I opt for a clay mask.
The formula feels very gentle, yet effective. It doesn’t just absorb extra sebum and wash off impurities but exfoliates without drying my skin. This means I can apply this mugwort mask also on my cheeks without compromising the suppleness achieved during the week with the Cera-Heart cream and my other skincare picks. The Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack releases instant freshness I can smell and feel, so much that I can notice an icy, pinching sensation on my cheeks sometimes.
To fully enjoy the exfoliation with the azuki beans; after 15 minutes, I have to wet and liquefy the mask again and keep massaging until I feel the bean bits rubbing gently on my skin. In this final step, I need more time to work the product again. This way of use makes this wash-off mask very relaxing and the results don’t take too long to be noticeable. I find a smoother, clearer and fresher skin that doesn’t feel dry. After the mask, I continue with the Daily Purifying Treatment Toner, a serum of my choice, and the Cera-Heart My Type Duo cream from the same line.
I believe there’s always a pinch of truth in ancient wisdom and remedies. Although mugwort isn’t a magic herb, it seems to doubles up its powers when combined with clay as in this mask. There’s no need to do patchwork on your face with multi-masking, AXIS-Y Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack works well on both dry and oily areas
It’s time to get a bit dirty to feel cleaner but… use the spatula!
Valentina Chirico aka Valens
More about AXIS-Y and the latest news: AXIS-Y AXIS-Y on Instagram SkinLibrary, Korean skincare in UK
Sponsored, paid
READ DISCLOSURE
