A lot of people can’t tolerate products with pure L-Ascorbic Acid. A wash-off product with that form of powerful Vitamin C might be great then? Hip up-and-coming skincare brand has released a wash-off mask that I simply had to test: my PSA Light Up mask review.
The Brand
PSA is the sister brand of super expensive Singaporean brand Allies of Skin (AoS) and stands for Purposeful Skincare by Allies. (I’ll also review the AoS products I bought in the future.)
It was founded in 2020, as Nicholas Travis, founder and CEO of both brands tells it:
“I had the idea for PSA when I was in Malaysia and Thailand, (…). I soon realised that the cost of one Allies of Skin product, which is around $120 for a cream, is equivalent to 1/4 of a sales associate’s monthly salary. (…) (Then) I saw an opportunity to create a range of products that were not only efficacious but fun, easy-to-use, and wallet-friendly. More importantly, they should give you the freedom to customise your routine based on where you are on your skincare journey.”
PSA
What it is
This rinse-off mask supercharged with an A-Team of brightening agents such as 11% L-Ascorbic Acid, 2% Vitamin E, and Grapeseed Oil will rev up your skin’s radiance in minutes. (…)
PSA
Here to give you skin as bright as your future, the LIGHT UP Vitamin C & E Flash Brightening Mask works to reduce dullness, replenish moisture, and leave you with all-around radiant skin. (…)
Together, the hard-working ingredients even your skin tone, tackle blemish marks and give your skin the ultimate glow up. (…)
Recommended for: All skin types — especially dehydrated and tired with loss of volume.
No pH.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) is an awesome ingredient in skincare: collagen boosting (-> less wrinkles), brightening, and as an antioxidant, protecting you from free radicals that damage your skin (think pollution, UV-damage). The thing is that a lot of people have problems with Vitamin C, and one of the problems is the low pH that most Vitamin C products have to guarantee their potency. It can be intensely irritating. If you can tolerate it, it’s one of the gold standards of skincare. If you’re looking for derivates (ascorbyl…), because they’re gentler, here’s the bad news: they mostly work as antioxidants.
Recently, though, studies from brand Skinceuticals have shown that wash-off products with Vitamin C can work as well – Vitamin C will be able to penetrate skin after 10mins and do all the cool stuff mentioned above. Vitamin C also works accumulative – it can be “stored” in skin, so there’s no need to use it everyday.
- More: antioxidants 101
PSA Light Up mask review: Ingredients
This is an oil-based product, so there’s no pH to take into consideration. Glycerin and Sunflower Seed Wax make the mask super thick and rather oily. There’re also some antioxidants, but I’m a bit doubtful about their prolonged effect in a wash-off product. (Same goes for Hyaluronic Acid.)
Application
Here’s my pro tip for application: DO NOT apply the Vitamin C mask with wet or damp hands. The pump is extremely hard to move, due to the waxy texture of the mask. (Did the tube shoot out of my hands the first time I tried?! Maybe?)
I use three to four pumps, apply them to my face and THEN wet my fingers to spread the orange goo and activate the Vitamin C. After 5 to 10 minutes, I rinse it off with lots of water. I use it right after cleansing about every other day in the AM and ALWAYS follow with an SPF.
In an Instagram Live, Nicholas Travis said that he actually uses both The Most and Panacea Serums underneath, applies Light Up and leaves it on for up to two hours to achieve the “glazed donut” skin look.
I’m a bit doubtful – first, washing off both serums afterwards seems wasteful to me, and then it’s not a finish I’d like to achieve. Because, there’s no doubt that this will give you an awesome glow – but then, it’ll also turn you into human flypaper, that is, VERY sticky.
Effect
Vitamin C does take time to work. About 6 weeks, actually, to see any effect on your fine lines and hyperpigmentation issues. I can’t say I’ve seen a difference now in the four weeks that I’m using Light Up intermittently – but then, I’ve just used up my Beyer & Soehne Vitamin C serum. I’ll give it that: Light Up gives me a nice, healthy looking complexion after using it.
Comparison
I’m usually using “heavy hitter” Vitamin C products that not everyone can tolerate, because my skin loves and copes really well with L-Ascorbic Acid. My favourite products are Beyer’s Booster, and The Ordinary’s L-Ascorbic Acid powder. Light Up is much gentler – but gentler doesn’t have to mean less effective. If you want to try a gentle L-Ascorbic Acid product, this could be the one for you. Do take the time of use into consideration – it’ll prolong your morning routine by five to ten minutes.
PSA Light Up mask review: Worth it?
This mask is an L-Ascorbic Acid product for people who usually don’t get along with regular L-Ascorbic Acid serums and treatments. Light Up is gentle and wash-off product which makes it more palatable for sensitive skin. I like it for a quick pick-me-up in the morning when I’m feeling blah – it gives me the nice feeling of doing something special for my skin.
Price & Availability
I ordered at the AOS/PSA website, and was very pleased with the quick shipping (the warehouse for Europe is in the Netherlands). Niche-Beauty, Beautylish, Asos and Boots also carry the brand. 50ml/1.7fl.oz. are $35/38€.
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
2 Comments