Green, creamy and visually similar to mint choc chip ice cream. Today, we test out the yummy-looking AXIS-Y Mugwort Pore Clarifying Washoff Pack that’s been making b-i-g viral rounds on TikTok.
In our review, we investigate what’s so great about this Korean wash-off mask. Is it just another trendy product or a real skin saviour? A beauty shelf yay or a nay? We find out!
Axis-Y caught our attention when it became an overnight sensation on TikTok simply from digital word of mouth. At the time of writing, the brand has organically reached a mamothian 87.3M views on TikTok despite having only just 13K followers and the brand is rapidly becoming a hot favourite amongst K-Beauty influencers.
Browsing through their brand hashtag #AXISY, we saw grids of video reviews from K-Beauty TikTokkers, showing off their mugwort mask and its clarifying benefits, and commending how great it is for acne and oily skin.
But is AXIS-Y really as effective as the hype?
Luxurious.
A yummy puree of clays, mugwort extract and botanical ingredients
Not gonna lie. The creamy sage green mud mask looked absolutely yummy as we watched video after video of TikTokkers smoothing it over their skin. And after some digging, here’s why…
In each 100ml tub of mugwort mask is a fine list of VEGAN ingredients that have clarifying, anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties. There’s bentonite and kaolin clays, and botanical extracts like kelp, lotus leaf, artichoke leaf, heartleaf and azuki beans.
And most importantly, soothing Korean mugwort extract. A rich 61% content of it, in fact. This mask is plump with all the good stuff.
It’s a COVID-19 Skin Aid product
Your favourite oppa has a backstory.
So does this mugwort mask...진짜~~
This is the first time we’ve heard of a beauty product with a backstory, moreso one inspired by COVID-19. As the tale goes, AXIS-Y’s mugwort mask was formulated to provide the community with a skincare product that fights COVID-19 skin troubles (like maskne) but also provides a moment of self-pampering against the pandemic’s gloom.
Their story below…
Such a thoughtful, community-oriented product…
Is this community-oriented approach the reason AXIS-Y is so virally popular, we wondered? Community engagement seems to be how the brand markets itself, going as far as to host novelty events like 5.5 Skincare Community Day to appreciate beauty bloggers, reviewers and educators and Seoul Mates, a giveaway that flies the winner to South Korea to experience a day in the beauty mecca.
But then again, when it comes to beauty and skincare, novelty doesn’t necessarily translate to effectiveness. It’s results that speak…
Time to test how well the mask works!
According to the brand (and its TikTok reviews), the mugwort mask has three key benefits which is what we’ll be paying special attention to. These are…
- Skin clarifying effect
- Pore unclogging benefits
- Inflammation soothing properties
The method?
- First, I used the provided spatula to scoop an adequate amount onto a clean, dry face.
- Then, I applied an even layer, avoiding the immediate eye area and mouth.
- Lastly, I let the mask dry for approximately 15 minutes and then rinsed off
I used the mask 3 times a week over a period of two weeks to see how it changes my maskne and stressed skin.
Scent
The mask has a natural herby scent because of the mugwort and the lack of fragrance oils. Quite earthy. Pleasing. Like fresh uprooted vegetables.
Texture
Wet: The mask has a soft, creamy clay texture that’s nicely moist and not dry at all. Dryness is a pet peeve when it comes to clay masks, personally. The mask has a smooth “firmness” that helps it spread over the face like butter but WITHOUT any dripping. Blessed joy! The azuki beans are mushy and non-abrasive when exfoliating with :3 10/10 sensory experience when applying.
Dry: This mask dries like any normal clay mask but don’t leave it on longer than 15 minutes or it might make your skin feel tight. For me, a comfortable timing was 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to wash off when the azuki beans start falling off.
What happened next?
- Blackheads loosened and pores unclogged!
The mask easily purges oil and dirt from my skin and blackheads loosened from the pore all thanks to the clays. I noticed, however, this only affects blackheads that were set closer to the skin’s surface. A few deep set ones around my lip and cheek have yet to budge but the small ones on my nose have disappeared noticeably after about two and a half weeks of using the mask.
Pro Tip: For a more thorough blackhead removal, rub your nose with a towel after washing off the mask. This helps the loosened blackheads fall off easier.
- Inflammation and irritation soothed!
I was shooketh! The mugwort mask has an incredible soothing effect on inflamed skin thanks to the presence of its many anti-inflammatory ingredients especially the high 61% Korean mugwort extract. The soothing effects are noticeable at first application which feels like a cool minty-fresh relief on the skin. However, it’s only after the third application (2 weeks) that I noticed a drastic reduction in my skin’s redness.
Pro Tip: Chill the mask in the fridge for an extra, extra refreshing self-care session.
- Acne treated and medicated!
Yo, you guys! This mask is an excellent acne treatment plaster. After about 2 weeks of using the mask, I noticed my most acne-prone gradually healing and becoming less inflamed. I believe it’s because the mask’s ingredients combo well with the clays removing impurities while the botanical extracts soothe and nourish the skin barrier to combat acne.
Pro Tip: While the mask treats acne wonderfully, it doesn’t actually prevent it. However! I found that the mask works very well as a spot treatment for individual pimples though please do a test patch first to check if your skin can handle the mask.
The verdict?
More than just a novelty and viral trend!
The AXIS-Y mugwort mask is a worthy skincare product in its own right. Formulated from a select list of beneficial ingredients, it does a fantastic job at clarifying and nourishing skin, reducing inflammation and treating acne all. There’s a clear improvement in skin health from just a few applications which earns this mask two thumbs up from us and a place on the beauty shelf for life.
Other products from the AXIS-Y range
- Quinoa One Step Balanced Gel Cleanser – a gel cleanser that clears make-up and dirt in one step;
- Daily Purifying Treatment Toner – a daily exfoliating toner;
- Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule – an artichoke ampoule that heals damaged, irritated skin barriers
- Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum – a Niacinamide based serum that corrects dark spots and brightens skin
- Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen – a Mugwort sunscreen that protects and heals skin at the same time
- AXIS-Y Cera-Heart My Type Duo Cream – a “U Zone” and “T Zone” cream that customises itself to your skin
- Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam – a gentle foam cleanser suitable for everyday use.
For more information, visit AXIS-Y’s official website at www.axis-y.com or follows its official Instagram account @axisy_official for update.
Read also: Pore Tightening Tips & Products For Hot, Humid Weather
